PSS0
25. Pro Bernhand
22 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
Bernhardi: How? This is getting inter¬
esting. What kind of proof would you furn¬
ish?
Ebenwald: It lies in your hands. Tomor¬
row Tugendvetter’s successor is to be appoint¬
ed.
Bernhardi: Ahl
Ebenwald (coldly): Tes; there are two can¬
didates.
Bernhardi (decidedly): One who deserves
the place and one who does not. I tell you to
your face why you work for Hell, because he—
is not a Jew.
Ebenwald: Then I reply to you, that your
preference for Wenger—
Bernhardi: You forget that three years
ago I voted for you, Professor Ebenwald.
Ebenwald: I think you understand me,
Doctor, that it will be best for you to consid¬
er this matter before the meeting tomorrow.
I need not say that it is entirely confidential
between us.
Bernhardi: There is no occasion to ask for
your discretion, Professor. Tell the gentle¬
man who sent vou—
Ebenwald: Eh!
Bernhardi: That I do not lend myself to
business of that kind.
Ebenwald: I was sent by no one; but I do
not feel inclined to share the responsibility of
vour conduct towards His Reverence, I came
in your interest and that of our institution;
but you have scorned the hand of a friend,
Professor.
Bernhardi: And you leave as my enemy. I
box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 23
like it better so. It is more honest.
Ebenwald: As you choose. I have the hon¬
(Bernhardi is alone again. He walks up
and down. Takes up the paper he has written
and tears it. Servant enters and hands him a
card.)
Bernhardi: What! His Excellency him¬
self!
(Enter Flint. Tall,
slender, about fifty
years old. Face and figure of a diplomat,
very amiable.)
Bernhardi: Your Excellency! Be seated.
Flint: You are surprised to see me here?
Bernhardi: Yes, pleasantly surprised. And
I shall profit by this occasion to offer you my
congratulations unon your new dignity.
Flint: I have not come for the purpose of
accepting your congratulations. I have come
for the great work of reform—reform of med¬
ical education, of social hygiene, of general
public education, for which my position offers
me opportunity to work; I come to you, Bern¬
hardi, to ask if I may count on you for assist¬
ance?
Bernhardi: I wish you would have the
kindness to explain in what particular field
you want my assistance. Is it social hygiene
—reform of medical education—have I forgot¬
ten something?
Flint: You are just the same; but that is
why I set my special hopes on you. There
may be something between us—though I do
not really know—
Bernhardi (very seriously): The friendship
W
25. Pro Bernhand
22 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
Bernhardi: How? This is getting inter¬
esting. What kind of proof would you furn¬
ish?
Ebenwald: It lies in your hands. Tomor¬
row Tugendvetter’s successor is to be appoint¬
ed.
Bernhardi: Ahl
Ebenwald (coldly): Tes; there are two can¬
didates.
Bernhardi (decidedly): One who deserves
the place and one who does not. I tell you to
your face why you work for Hell, because he—
is not a Jew.
Ebenwald: Then I reply to you, that your
preference for Wenger—
Bernhardi: You forget that three years
ago I voted for you, Professor Ebenwald.
Ebenwald: I think you understand me,
Doctor, that it will be best for you to consid¬
er this matter before the meeting tomorrow.
I need not say that it is entirely confidential
between us.
Bernhardi: There is no occasion to ask for
your discretion, Professor. Tell the gentle¬
man who sent vou—
Ebenwald: Eh!
Bernhardi: That I do not lend myself to
business of that kind.
Ebenwald: I was sent by no one; but I do
not feel inclined to share the responsibility of
vour conduct towards His Reverence, I came
in your interest and that of our institution;
but you have scorned the hand of a friend,
Professor.
Bernhardi: And you leave as my enemy. I
box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 23
like it better so. It is more honest.
Ebenwald: As you choose. I have the hon¬
(Bernhardi is alone again. He walks up
and down. Takes up the paper he has written
and tears it. Servant enters and hands him a
card.)
Bernhardi: What! His Excellency him¬
self!
(Enter Flint. Tall,
slender, about fifty
years old. Face and figure of a diplomat,
very amiable.)
Bernhardi: Your Excellency! Be seated.
Flint: You are surprised to see me here?
Bernhardi: Yes, pleasantly surprised. And
I shall profit by this occasion to offer you my
congratulations unon your new dignity.
Flint: I have not come for the purpose of
accepting your congratulations. I have come
for the great work of reform—reform of med¬
ical education, of social hygiene, of general
public education, for which my position offers
me opportunity to work; I come to you, Bern¬
hardi, to ask if I may count on you for assist¬
ance?
Bernhardi: I wish you would have the
kindness to explain in what particular field
you want my assistance. Is it social hygiene
—reform of medical education—have I forgot¬
ten something?
Flint: You are just the same; but that is
why I set my special hopes on you. There
may be something between us—though I do
not really know—
Bernhardi (very seriously): The friendship
W