Carlyon Sahib: A Drama in Four Acts

by Gilbert Murray

Of course he must not know!—— You say his knowledge does not make the glioma worse. No, but it makes the effects worse! It strikes the man down; it is a moral paralysis, when he knows he has a mortal disease. You say it does not bring death nearer? What do you call it if a man has no spirit left in him, no courage, no interest in life? You say it is not important——

Vera.

Please, I never said so.

Rheinhardt.

You contradict me flatly when I speak! I tell you it robs a man of all that is living in him. It makes him at once half dead.

Vera.

Would even a very strong-minded man?——

Rheinhardt.

Hut! You have been reading Steinmetz. Is a strong-minded man immortal? Will a strong-minded man stand up when I knock him with a sledging-hammer down? There is no such person as Steinmetz's strong-minded man. Take me in. [Going to the door.] Show me your notes! Most likely you were wrong from the beginning.