[He continues to look at them with evident surprise.
STUDENT. Why do you stare at me? Do I look so terrible—It is true that I haven't slept at all, and I suppose you think I have been making a night of it....
The MILKMAID remains as before.
STUDENT. You think I have been drinking, do you? Do I smell of liquor?
The MILKMAID remains as before.
STUDENT. I haven't shaved, of course.... Oh, give me a drink of water, girl. I have earned it. [Pause] Well? Must I then tell you myself that I have spent the night dressing wounds and nursing the injured? You see, I was present when that house collapsed last night.... Now you know all about it.
The MILKMAID rinses the cup, fills it with water, and hands it to him.
STUDENT. Thanks!
The Milkmaid stands immovable.
STUDENT. [Hesitatingly] Would you do me a favour? [Pause] My eyes are inflamed, as you can see, and my hands have touched wounds and corpses. To touch my eyes with them would be dangerous.... Will you take my handkerchief, which is clean, dip it in the fresh water, and bathe my poor eyes with it?—Will you do that?—Won't you play the good Samaritan?