"I—I—I—as a Christian—"
It finally turns out that the young man refuses to do military service, because he is a Christian.
"Talk no nonsense! Get your measure! Doctor, be so kind as to take his measure. Is he fit for the army?"
"He is."
"Reverend father, have him sworn in."
No one is confused; no one even pays any attention to what this frightened, pitiable young man is muttering.
"They all mutter something, but we have no time: we have to receive so many recruits."
The recruit wants to say something again.
"This is against Christ's law."