Dr Scholz.
Very well, I give way—I give way to you and your brood. You and your brood—from to-day you have won the victory!
William.
Stay, dear father—or if you go, let me go with you this time.
Dr Scholz (involuntarily stepping back between anger and terror).
Leave me alone! Good-for-nothing! (fumbling among his things) Scoundrels and loafers!—Good-for-nothings!
William (boiling over).
Father, you call us that—when it’s your doing that—Ah, Father dear, no, no, I will say nothing. Let me go with you. I will stay with you. Let me atone for all that I—(Laying his hand on his father’s arm.)
Dr Scholz (as though paralysed with fright and horror, draws back).
Let go! I tell you—The army of the oppressors shall insuredly—shall assuredly be brought to shame! Are they these people—these mighty ones and these mighty ones—are they men? A man like me, who has his faults, but still for all that is through and through—and up and down—and short and sweet.