25. ProfessonBernhardi
52 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
Bernhardi: Yes, at this hour, in the pres¬
ence of one of the most liberal of his cloth. But
Chostility'—that seems too small a word for
that which separates us perhaps for all time
—it is higher, loftier, more hopeless.
Priest: I think you are right. I have
had occasion to have had similar conversa¬
tions with men of your circles, scientists, and
Penlightened'’ people; but it never seemed so
utterly impossible to reach any hind of an
understanding or agreement.
Bernhardi: And what about you, Your
Reverence? Do you feel yourself free from
all feelings of hostility towards men of my
class? Can you find no milder word for the
feeling you accuse me of?
Priest (suppressing anger, but collecting
himself with a slight smile): I know myself to
be free from it. My religion, Professor, com¬
mands me to love those who hate me.
Bernhardi (with feeling): And mine, Your
Reverence, or that which I possess in its stead,
teaches me to understand even those who do
not, or will not understand me.
Priest: I do not doubt your good-will, but
understanding has its limitations. Wherever
the human mind rules, there is error, there is
deception, That which does not deceive, that
which cannot deceive men of my kind—let me
choose a word to which even you cannot have
any objection—is the “innermost feeling.“
Bernhardi: Let us call it so, even if this
Pinnermost feeling' as you call it, flows from
different sources in my soul, I also try to trust
in it. What is there left for all of us to do?
box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 53
And if it is not so easy for us, as it is for men
of your calling, God Almighty, who created
us both, surely this incomprehensible God, has
his reasons for it.
(The priest looks at him for a long time.
Then in sudden decision, stretches out bis
hand.)
Bernhardi: (hesitatingly, smiling a little.)
Over the abyss, Your Reverence.
Priest: Do not let us look down for a mo¬
ment—
(Bernhardi takes his hand.)
Priest: Farewell, Professor!
(Exit Priest. Bernhardi stands for awhile,
lost in thought; then makes a movement as if
to shake off something, draws the portiere and
opens the door. Company at table, smoking.)
Cyprian: At last!
Adler: We have just arrived at the cigers.
Cyprian (going up to Bernhardi). What was
the matter? A patient today—so late?
Oscar: Here are some telegrams for you,
father, but won't you first have some supper?
Bernhardi (opens one and reads): Ahl that
is nice. A poor patient assures me of his
sympathy.
Cyprian: (receives the next telegram from
Bernhardi, and reads aloud).“ We assure the
noble fighter for liberty and free thought,
of our admiration. He will always find us ready
to support him.
Doctor Reiss, Walter Koeing.“
(Enter servant with card.)
Bernhardi: What next?
Oscar: (reading). A deputation from
52 PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY
Bernhardi: Yes, at this hour, in the pres¬
ence of one of the most liberal of his cloth. But
Chostility'—that seems too small a word for
that which separates us perhaps for all time
—it is higher, loftier, more hopeless.
Priest: I think you are right. I have
had occasion to have had similar conversa¬
tions with men of your circles, scientists, and
Penlightened'’ people; but it never seemed so
utterly impossible to reach any hind of an
understanding or agreement.
Bernhardi: And what about you, Your
Reverence? Do you feel yourself free from
all feelings of hostility towards men of my
class? Can you find no milder word for the
feeling you accuse me of?
Priest (suppressing anger, but collecting
himself with a slight smile): I know myself to
be free from it. My religion, Professor, com¬
mands me to love those who hate me.
Bernhardi (with feeling): And mine, Your
Reverence, or that which I possess in its stead,
teaches me to understand even those who do
not, or will not understand me.
Priest: I do not doubt your good-will, but
understanding has its limitations. Wherever
the human mind rules, there is error, there is
deception, That which does not deceive, that
which cannot deceive men of my kind—let me
choose a word to which even you cannot have
any objection—is the “innermost feeling.“
Bernhardi: Let us call it so, even if this
Pinnermost feeling' as you call it, flows from
different sources in my soul, I also try to trust
in it. What is there left for all of us to do?
box 31/8
PROFESSOR BERNHARDI: A PLAY 53
And if it is not so easy for us, as it is for men
of your calling, God Almighty, who created
us both, surely this incomprehensible God, has
his reasons for it.
(The priest looks at him for a long time.
Then in sudden decision, stretches out bis
hand.)
Bernhardi: (hesitatingly, smiling a little.)
Over the abyss, Your Reverence.
Priest: Do not let us look down for a mo¬
ment—
(Bernhardi takes his hand.)
Priest: Farewell, Professor!
(Exit Priest. Bernhardi stands for awhile,
lost in thought; then makes a movement as if
to shake off something, draws the portiere and
opens the door. Company at table, smoking.)
Cyprian: At last!
Adler: We have just arrived at the cigers.
Cyprian (going up to Bernhardi). What was
the matter? A patient today—so late?
Oscar: Here are some telegrams for you,
father, but won't you first have some supper?
Bernhardi (opens one and reads): Ahl that
is nice. A poor patient assures me of his
sympathy.
Cyprian: (receives the next telegram from
Bernhardi, and reads aloud).“ We assure the
noble fighter for liberty and free thought,
of our admiration. He will always find us ready
to support him.
Doctor Reiss, Walter Koeing.“
(Enter servant with card.)
Bernhardi: What next?
Oscar: (reading). A deputation from