A silence.
DOCTOR. I understand and respect your feelings; but, believe me, you are not in a fit state to form any decision at this moment.
LOCHES [with an effort] Yes, yes: I will command myself. All last night I spent in profound reflection, and after rejecting the ideas I mentioned, this is the conclusion to which I have come in conjunction with my daughter: we desire to obtain a divorce as soon as possible. Consequently I have come to ask you for the certificate which will be the basis of our action.
DOCTOR. What certificate?
LOCHES. A certificate attesting the nature of the disease which this man has contracted.
DOCTOR. I regret that I am unable to furnish you with such a certificate.
LOCHES. How is that?
DOCTOR. The rule of professional secrecy is absolute.
LOCHES. It is impossible that it should be your duty to take sides with a criminal against his innocent victims.