Don Lorenzo. Even sacrifice—yes. But never do wrong.
Dr. Tomás. A pretty maxim for a book on morality.
Don Lorenzo. A still better one for the conscience.
Dr. Tomás. And are there no cases in which, to prevent greater misfortunes, one may compromise with this Cato's conscience, for just a little, a very little fault, hardly as big as a grain of sand?
Don Lorenzo. Once accepted, your grain would quickly weigh as heavily as a mountain of granite.
Dr. Tomás. Now, you are up the mountains. The rostrum does not suffice.
Inés. That will do, Dr. Tomás. You mustn't say such things to papa.
Dr. Tomás. Let us sum up the matter. It is war to the knife against all evil under any form or disguise whatsoever. Not so?
Don Lorenzo. So it is.
Dr. Tomás. Then let us instantly apply your theory. But truly I had forgotten it, and it is quite a romance. Lend me your attention. Listen, ladies. [Doña Ángela and Inés approach.]