HUMMEL. So you asked me a while ago, and I answered you. If you could look around the corner, where the servants' entrance is, you would see a lot of poor people whom he used to help—when he was in the mood....
STUDENT. He was a kindly man, then?
HUMMEL. Yes—at times.
STUDENT. Not always?
HUMMEL. No-o.... People are like that!—Will you please move the chair a little, so that I get into the sunlight? I am always cold. You see, the blood congeals when you can't move about.... Death isn't far away from me, I know, but I have a few things to do before it comes.... Just take hold of my hand and feel how cold I am.
STUDENT. [Taking his hand] I should say so!
[He shrinks back.
HUMMEL. Don't leave me! I am tired now, and lonely, but I haven't always been like this, you know. I have an endlessly long life back of—enormously long.... I have made people unhappy, and other people have made me unhappy, and one thing has to be put against the other, but before I die, I wish to see you happy.... Our destinies have become intertwined, thanks to your father—and many other things....
STUDENT. Let go my hand! You are taking all my strength! You are freezing me! What do you want of me?
HUMMEL. Patience, and you'll see, and understand.... There comes the Young Lady now....