JUDGE. As a monk?
THE OTHER ONE. Don't you know that The Other One turns monk when he grows old; and don't you think it is well that he does so some time? But, seriously speaking—for here everything is serious—this is my holiday attire, which I am permitted to wear only this one day of the year in order that I may remember what I have had and what I have lost.
JUDGE. [Alarmed] What day of the year is it to-day?
THE OTHER ONE. [Bending his head with a sigh] It is Christmas Eve!
JUDGE. [Approaching the OLD LADY] Think of it, it is Christmas Eve?—And you know I don't dare to ask where we are—I dare not—but let us go home, home to our children, to our own—— [He cries.
OLD LADY. Yes, let us go from here, home to ourselves, that we may start a new life in peace and harmony——
THE OTHER ONE. It is too late!
OLD LADY. Oh, dear, sweet fellow—help us, have mercy on us, forgive us!
THE OTHER ONE. It is too late!
JUDGE. [Taking the OLD LADY by the hand] I am choking with dread! Don't ask him where we are; I don't want to know! But one thing I do want to know: will there ever be an end to this?