S S
25. ProBernhardi
46 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
priest, had been deeply hurt by Bernhardi’s
wrong against the Church, And instead of
contending that every physician should have
acted as Bernhardi did, you blandly excused it
as an act of carelessness. You treated those
idiots in the jury-box, who, from the very first
moment they entered it, were ready to convict
Bernhardi—you treated them like the salt of
the earth; and the judge presiding at the trial,
who did everything to convict Bernhardi, you
looked upon as the embodiment of human jus¬
#tice. Even that scoundrel, Hochroitzpointner,
and Sister Ludmilla, you handled with kid
gloves, and gave the impression that you really
believed them. First a polite nod, toward your
client, and then a deep bow toward the side
of the enemy; the representative of calumny
and hypocrisy! If Bernhardi is satisfied with
that, Doctor Goldenthal, that is his business;
as for me, I do not understand that kind of a
defense.
Goldenthal: I am glad you have devoted
vour great gift to medicine, and not to the
law: fer with vour temperament—your con¬
ception of the dignity of the court—you would
have landed the most innocent of your clients
in jail.
Loswenstein: You seem to manage that
eas.ly in spite of your lack of temperament.
Goldenthal (to Bernhardi): My dear Profes¬
sor, you are lucky to call such friends your
own. But of course I shall offer no further
advice, and leave it to you—
Bernhardi: Doctor, what is the matter witk
vou?
—— —
box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 47
Pflugfelder: If anyone leaves, I go. I beg
your pardon, Bernhardi, I permitted myself to
go tco far. I cannot take anything back—not
another word, Bernhardi.
(Exit Pflugfeider.)
(The doors of the dining room are opened.
Aservant enters and whispers to Bernhardi,
who shows great embarrassment.)
Bernhardi: I beg your pardon, gentlemen; a
visitor whom I have to receive. Please dine¬-
Oscar, have the kindness —
(All enter the dining-room. Bernhardi closes
the door and pulls the portiere. Enter Priest.)
Priest: Good-evening, Professor!
Bernhardi: A visit of condolence, Yeur
Reverence?
Priest: Not exactly that, but I had a great
desire to talk to you today.
Bernhardi: I am at your disposal, Your
Reverence.
(Bernhardi offers a chair. Both seat them¬
selves.)
Priest: In spite of the unfavorable ending
of your trial, it must be clear to you that I am
guiltless of your conviction.
Bernhardi: If I should thank you for having
told the truth on the witness stand, I might
hurt your feelings.
Priest: I did not come to get your thanks,
Professer, though I did more than my duty as
a witness. You will kindly remember that I
gave expression to my belief, in my testimony,
that your behavior towards me was not
prompted by hostile feelings towards the
Catholic Church.
25. ProBernhardi
46 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
priest, had been deeply hurt by Bernhardi’s
wrong against the Church, And instead of
contending that every physician should have
acted as Bernhardi did, you blandly excused it
as an act of carelessness. You treated those
idiots in the jury-box, who, from the very first
moment they entered it, were ready to convict
Bernhardi—you treated them like the salt of
the earth; and the judge presiding at the trial,
who did everything to convict Bernhardi, you
looked upon as the embodiment of human jus¬
#tice. Even that scoundrel, Hochroitzpointner,
and Sister Ludmilla, you handled with kid
gloves, and gave the impression that you really
believed them. First a polite nod, toward your
client, and then a deep bow toward the side
of the enemy; the representative of calumny
and hypocrisy! If Bernhardi is satisfied with
that, Doctor Goldenthal, that is his business;
as for me, I do not understand that kind of a
defense.
Goldenthal: I am glad you have devoted
vour great gift to medicine, and not to the
law: fer with vour temperament—your con¬
ception of the dignity of the court—you would
have landed the most innocent of your clients
in jail.
Loswenstein: You seem to manage that
eas.ly in spite of your lack of temperament.
Goldenthal (to Bernhardi): My dear Profes¬
sor, you are lucky to call such friends your
own. But of course I shall offer no further
advice, and leave it to you—
Bernhardi: Doctor, what is the matter witk
vou?
—— —
box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 47
Pflugfelder: If anyone leaves, I go. I beg
your pardon, Bernhardi, I permitted myself to
go tco far. I cannot take anything back—not
another word, Bernhardi.
(Exit Pflugfeider.)
(The doors of the dining room are opened.
Aservant enters and whispers to Bernhardi,
who shows great embarrassment.)
Bernhardi: I beg your pardon, gentlemen; a
visitor whom I have to receive. Please dine¬-
Oscar, have the kindness —
(All enter the dining-room. Bernhardi closes
the door and pulls the portiere. Enter Priest.)
Priest: Good-evening, Professor!
Bernhardi: A visit of condolence, Yeur
Reverence?
Priest: Not exactly that, but I had a great
desire to talk to you today.
Bernhardi: I am at your disposal, Your
Reverence.
(Bernhardi offers a chair. Both seat them¬
selves.)
Priest: In spite of the unfavorable ending
of your trial, it must be clear to you that I am
guiltless of your conviction.
Bernhardi: If I should thank you for having
told the truth on the witness stand, I might
hurt your feelings.
Priest: I did not come to get your thanks,
Professer, though I did more than my duty as
a witness. You will kindly remember that I
gave expression to my belief, in my testimony,
that your behavior towards me was not
prompted by hostile feelings towards the
Catholic Church.