BORKMAN.
Since you do not believe that the tide will turn for me——
FOLDAL. How can I believe in the teeth of all reason? You would have to be legally rehabilitated——
BORKMAN.
Go on! go on!
FOLDAL. It's true I never passed my examination; but I have read enough law to know that——
BORKMAN.
[Quickly.] It is impossible, you mean?
FOLDAL.
There is no precedent for such a thing.
BORKMAN.
Exceptional men are above precedents.
FOLDAL.
The law knows nothing of such distinctions.
BORKMAN.
[Harshly and decisively.] You are no poet, Vilhelm.
FOLDAL. [Unconsciously folding his hands.] Do you say that in sober earnest?