But it is necessary to take my pulse, Pierre, I beg of you.
PIERRE
Smiling faintly.
It isn't necessary to do even that. As a physician, I can tell you that you are healthy, but—you are unfit for war, you are unfit for war, father! I am listening to you and I feel like crying, father.
EMIL GRELIEU
Thoughtfully.
Yes, yes. But perhaps it is not necessary to cry. Do you think, Pierre, that I should not kill? Pierre, you think, that I, Emil Grelieu, must not kill under any circumstances and at any time?
PIERRE
Softly.
I dare not touch upon your conscience, father.