Robert monologue (Act 3) — Beyond the Horizon

No. I’m going to see the sun rise. It’s an augury of good fortune. (_He goes quickly to the window in the rear left, and pushing the curtains aside, stands looking out._ RUTH _springs to her feet and comes quickly to the table, left, where she remains watching_ ROBERT _in a tense, expectant attitude. As he peers out his body seems gradually to sag, to grow limp and tired. His voice is mournful as he speaks_) No sun yet. It isn’t time. All I can see is the black rim of the damned hills outlined against a creeping grayness. (_He turns around; letting the curtains fall back, stretching a hand out to the wall to support himself. His false strength of a moment has evaporated, leaving his face drawn and hollow-eyed. He makes a pitiful attempt to smile_) That’s not a very happy augury, is it? But the sun’ll come--soon. (_He sways weakly_).