Doctor Haenle. You mystify me!
Herr Holthoff. Well, the fact is that Madame had a dream in which you played a part; she thought you had been—what is that word, my dear?
Frau Holthoff. Expatriated.
Herr Holthoff. Yes, expatriated—sent out of the country for the country's good.
Doctor Haenle. It would be a great compliment!
Herr Holthoff. Very true; you could then join our own Richard Wagner in Switzerland!
Doctor Haenle. Could I but write such songs as he does, I would relish the fate!
Frau Holthoff. But the people who sent him into exile never guessed that they were giving him the leisure to write immortal music.
Doctor Haenle. People who persecute other people never know what they do.
Herr Holthoff. It isn't so bad to be persecuted, but it is a terrible thing to persecute.