Mårten. You can hear for yourselves. She has polluted the Lord's temple. She wants to hide the garment of shame beneath the veil of sanctity.
German. And there isn't enough of the veil.
Mårten (approaching the woman to tear the veil from her face). Off with the mask, and let your abomination be seen by all! (He draws back when he catches sight of her face.)
Harlot. So it's you, Mårten—you murderer!
German. Old chums!
Mårten. That's a shameless lie! I never have seen her before. I am Brother Mårten, of the Dominicans, and Brother Nils here can be my witness.
Nils (intoxicated). I can testify—that Brother Mårten has never seen this woman.
Harlot. And yet it was you, Nils, who showed me Mårten's letter of absolution when I was driven out of the convent and he was permitted to stay.
Nils. Yes—come to think of it!
Mårten (in a rage, pulling Nils by the sleeve). You're lying—you, too! Can't you see he is drunk?