BORÍS. I mean this: the chief cause of evil—vódka—is sold by the Government; false and fraudulent religion is also fostered by the Government; and this military service which they demand of me—and which is the chief means of demoralising the people—is also demanded by the Government.
HEAD DOCTOR. Then, in your opinion, Government and the State are unnecessary.
BORÍS. That I don't know; but I know for certain that I must take no part in evil-doing.
HEAD DOCTOR. But what is to become of the world? Is not our reason given in order to enable us to look ahead.
BORÍS. It is also given in order to enable us to see that social order should not be maintained by violence, but by goodness; and that one man's refusal to participate in evil cannot be at all dangerous.
HEAD DOCTOR. Well now, allow me to examine you a bit. Will you have the goodness to lie down? [Begins touching him] You feel no pain here?
BORÍS. No.
HEAD DOCTOR. Nor here?
BORÍS. No.
HEAD DOCTOR. Take a deep breath, please. Now don't breathe. Now allow me [takes out a measure and measures forehead and nose]. Now be so good as to shut your eyes and walk.