BEGGAR. Remember, an enlightened man of the world mustn't let himself be taken by surprise.
STRANGER. I begin to divine....
BEGGAR. The announcement's on the front page.
STRANGER. That means: she's already married again, and my children have a stepfather. Who is he?
BEGGAR. Whoever he is, don't murder him; for he's not to blame for taking in a forsaken woman.
STRANGER. My children! O God, my children!
BEGGAR. I notice you didn't foresee what's happened; but why not look ahead, if you're so old and such an enlightened man of the world.
STRANGER (beside himself). O God! My children!
BEGGAR. Enlightened men of the world don't weep! Stop it, my son. When such disasters happen men of the world... either... well, tell me....
STRANGER. Shoot themselves!