PASTOR SPITTA
Oh, but I am greatly troubled, I am deeply grieved. [Sitting down on a chair he surveys the strange place in which he finds himself with considerable interest.] It is hard to say; it is extremely difficult to communicate to any one the real depth of anxiety. But forgive me a question, sir: I was in the trophy-chamber.—[He touches one of the armored dummies with his cane.] What kind of armor is this?
HASSENREUTER
These figures are to represent the cuirassiers in Schiller's
"Wallenstein."
PASTOR SPITTA
Ah, ah, my idea of Schiller was so very different! [Collecting himself.] Oh, this city of Berlin! It confuses me utterly. You see a man before you, sir, who is not only grieved, whom this Sodom of a city has not only stirred to his very depths, but who is actually broken-hearted by the deed of his son.
HASSENREUTER
A deed? What deed?
PASTOR SPITTA
Is there any need to ask? The son of an honest man desiring to become an … an … an actor!