The Other One monologue (Act 2) — Plays by August Strindberg, Third Series

[_With a gesture as if he were tearing his clothes_] Get up, woman! Woe is me! There is One, and One only, to whom you may pray! Get up now, or--Yes, now you believe, although I don't wear a red cloak, and don't carry sword or purse, and don't crack any jokes--but beware of taking me in jest! I am serious as sin and stern as retribution! I have not come to tempt you with gold and fame, but to chastise you with rods and scorpions--[_The clock begins to strike again; the stage turns dark_] Your time is nearly up. Therefore, put your house in order--because die you must! [_A noise as of thunder is heard_] Whose voice is speaking now? Do you think _he_ can be scared off with your rattle when he comes sweeping across your vineyard? Storm and Hail are his names; destruction nestles under his wings, and in his claws he carries punishment. Put on your caul now, and don your good conscience.