THE DAUGHTER. [Enters, her head and shoulders covered by a white veil] Do you see, I have washed the shawl! But why are you standing there? Did you get your wreath?
THE LAWYER. No, I was not held worthy.
THE DAUGHTER. Why? Because you have defended the poor, put in a good word for the wrong-doing, made the burden easier for the guilty, obtained a respite for the condemned? Woe upon men: they are not angels—but they are to be pitied!
THE LAWYER. Say nothing evil of men—for after all it is my task to voice their side.
THE DAUGHTER. [Leaning against the organ] Why do they strike their friends in the face?
THE LAWYER. They know no better.
THE DAUGHTER. Let us enlighten them. Will you try? Together with me?
THE LAWYER. They do not accept enlightenment—Oh, that our plaint might reach the gods of heaven!
THE DAUGHTER. It shall reach the throne—[Turns toward the organ] Do you know what I see in this mirror?—The world turned the right way!—Yes indeed, for naturally we see it upside down.
THE LAWYER. How did it come to be turned the wrong way?