II, Theaterstücke 25, Professor Bernhardi. Komödie in fünf Akten (Ärztestück, Junggesellenstück), Seite 958


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25. Professor ernhardi box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 39

38 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
(Laughter.)
Bernhardi: You do not expect me to de¬
would be the best way of clearing up the mat¬
ter.
fend myself for not making this deal, though
it might have saved ourselves all this trouble.
Bernhardi (composedly): Gentlemen, let us
resume.
But I am willing to lay down my office as
Ebenwald: I withdraw my first motion and
President of this institution.
move for the suspension of President Bern¬
Cyprian: What is the matter with you?
Loewenstein: Never!
hardi from the Elizabethinum, until the law
Pflugfelder: Put it to a vote.
has dealt with his case.
Bernhardi: What for? Professors Eben¬
Pflugfelder: You ought to be ashamed of
wald, Filitz, Adler and Schreimann will vote
yourself, Ebenwald.
for my suspension, I would like to save Doc¬
Loewenstein: Bernhardi is the President of
tor Wenger a conflict. He might vote for me
the Elizabethinum. No one can suspend him.
out of gratitude. But to such a motive I
Filitz: He is no longer that to me.
should not like to owe the questionable honor of
Bernhardi: I wish to put a question to the
Vice-President.
being further your President.
Ebenwald: As Professor Bernhardi has
Ebenwald: Please—
just now resigned from his position as Presi¬
Bernhardi: Is it known to you that I could
dent, I shall, according to Artiele Seven of the
have prevented this indictment?
By-laws, take the chairmanship of this meet¬
Schreimann (calling out): Do not answer.
Bernhardi: If you are a man, Ebenwald,
ing.
you will answer.
Loewenstein: Infamous!
7
Filitz: The first question will be:
Ebenwald: Oh! I expected this question.
7
shall take charge of Professor Bernhardi’s
You know, gentlemen—that the Elizabethinum
has always had enemies. There are many
department?
Bernhardi: Gentlemen! Even though I am
people who do not think it right in an institu¬
no longer your President, I am still at the
tion with a Prince and a Bishop on its Advis¬
ory Board, and eighty-five per cent of its pa¬
head of my department.
Schreimann: He is suspended!
tients Catholics, that the majority of the phy¬
Bernhardi (losing his composure): No one
sicians of the staff should profess another re¬
can suspend me. I shall take a leave of ab¬
ligion. And that is why I moved for the ap¬
sence until my affair is settled, and I entrust
pointment of a Catholic, Doctor Hell, instead
my assistants, Doctor Kurt and Doctor Oscar
of Doctor Wenger. (Looking at Wenger, whio
professes Bernhardi’s religion.) I beg your
with my department.
Adler: Professor, I would be unhappy if
pardon for this.
Wenger: Perfectly correct.