Herzstuck

Heartpiece

by Heiner Müller

ONE  May I put my heart at your feet?

TWO  As long as you don't

           soil my floor.

ONE  My heart is pure.

TWO  We'll see to that.

ONE  I can't get it out.

TWO  You'd like me to help you.

ONE  If you don't mind.

TWO  It's my pleasure.

           I too can't get it out.

ONE  CRIES

TWO  I'll take it out by surgery.

          What do I have a penknife for.

          We'll get this in a minute.

          To work and not despair.

          Well, it's done.

          But this is a brick.

          Your heart is a brick.

ONE  But it beats only for you.

END