S S
25. DBernhandi
28 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
He was sent to me with that proposition.
Flint (walking up and down): Ebenwald is
very friendly with his cousin, who is the lead¬
er of the clerical party, and if he did not want
the indictment it would not be made. Well,
how did you deal with his proposal?
Bernhardi: Flint!!!
Flint: My dear Bernhardi, politics—
Bernhardi: What do I care for politics,
Flint. Even if you are a Minister now, you
are also a physician, a man of science, a man
of truth. What did you say a moment ago—
to consider the essential—well, what counts
here? Don't you see that the most capable
man must be put at the head of his depart¬
ment; the man who can render the best service
to humanity, to science. That, to my mind, is
the most important thing that counts in this
situation. What does it matter if we save our¬
selves from an indictment which, after all, can
be met with a proper defense.
Flint: Tell me, Bernhardi, can vou write
me a letter, a statement of the whole affair?
Then I can make a defense for you; for they
listen to me, just as the students did in the
clinic; they listen, and when they listen to a
speaker who is in earnest they cannot entirely
disagree with him.
m
Bernhardi: That is right.
Flint: This would be an opportunity to
touch on the general situation. I consider
this case a symbol of our political conditions.
Bernhardi: I suppose that is what it is.
Flint: These things always occur to me.
No matter how unimportant the case, for me,
box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 29
it is transformed into a symbol. That is how
I have come to be destined for the political ca¬
reer.
Bernhardi: Ahl Churches—versus Hospi¬
tals!
Flint: You smile—Ahl I cannot make light
of such matters.
Bernhardi: Well, my dear Flint, from all
that you have said just now I get the impres¬
sion that you are inclined to be on my side in
this affair; but I want you to consider one
thing. The party that you have to oppose, is
very strong, very obdurate; it is a question
whether you will be able to rule without it,
and if you care for your office—
Flint: No more than for you.
Bernhardi: Than the truth—that is the im¬
portant thing—as for me, do not risk anything
for me.
Flin: For you, no. I won't do that; but for
What¬
the truth, for the great cause—yes.
ever happens, I cannot think of a more beauti¬
ful death, than for a just cause; for sumeone,
who, confess—was only an hour ago—my en¬
emy.
Bernhardi: I was not vour enemy, and if I
did you a wrong, I am willing to ask your par¬
don. But let me tell you now, Flint, even if
this matter should not end favorably for you,
my conscience will not prick me. You know
where justice lies in this case, and I decline to
admire you for doing your duty.
Flint: I do not expect you to do that.
(Stretching out his hand.) Farewell! I look¬
ed for a man; I have found him. Au revoir!
25. DBernhandi
28 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
He was sent to me with that proposition.
Flint (walking up and down): Ebenwald is
very friendly with his cousin, who is the lead¬
er of the clerical party, and if he did not want
the indictment it would not be made. Well,
how did you deal with his proposal?
Bernhardi: Flint!!!
Flint: My dear Bernhardi, politics—
Bernhardi: What do I care for politics,
Flint. Even if you are a Minister now, you
are also a physician, a man of science, a man
of truth. What did you say a moment ago—
to consider the essential—well, what counts
here? Don't you see that the most capable
man must be put at the head of his depart¬
ment; the man who can render the best service
to humanity, to science. That, to my mind, is
the most important thing that counts in this
situation. What does it matter if we save our¬
selves from an indictment which, after all, can
be met with a proper defense.
Flint: Tell me, Bernhardi, can vou write
me a letter, a statement of the whole affair?
Then I can make a defense for you; for they
listen to me, just as the students did in the
clinic; they listen, and when they listen to a
speaker who is in earnest they cannot entirely
disagree with him.
m
Bernhardi: That is right.
Flint: This would be an opportunity to
touch on the general situation. I consider
this case a symbol of our political conditions.
Bernhardi: I suppose that is what it is.
Flint: These things always occur to me.
No matter how unimportant the case, for me,
box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 29
it is transformed into a symbol. That is how
I have come to be destined for the political ca¬
reer.
Bernhardi: Ahl Churches—versus Hospi¬
tals!
Flint: You smile—Ahl I cannot make light
of such matters.
Bernhardi: Well, my dear Flint, from all
that you have said just now I get the impres¬
sion that you are inclined to be on my side in
this affair; but I want you to consider one
thing. The party that you have to oppose, is
very strong, very obdurate; it is a question
whether you will be able to rule without it,
and if you care for your office—
Flint: No more than for you.
Bernhardi: Than the truth—that is the im¬
portant thing—as for me, do not risk anything
for me.
Flin: For you, no. I won't do that; but for
What¬
the truth, for the great cause—yes.
ever happens, I cannot think of a more beauti¬
ful death, than for a just cause; for sumeone,
who, confess—was only an hour ago—my en¬
emy.
Bernhardi: I was not vour enemy, and if I
did you a wrong, I am willing to ask your par¬
don. But let me tell you now, Flint, even if
this matter should not end favorably for you,
my conscience will not prick me. You know
where justice lies in this case, and I decline to
admire you for doing your duty.
Flint: I do not expect you to do that.
(Stretching out his hand.) Farewell! I look¬
ed for a man; I have found him. Au revoir!