Gustav. Good! When he woke up he had no idea what had taken place. [He takes the glass back to the table.] He had simply lost consciousness. Hasn’t that ever happened to you?

Adolf. Now and again I have attacks of dizziness. The doctor puts it down to anaemia.

Gustav.[On the right of ADOLF.] That’s just how the thing starts, mark you. Take it from me, you’re in danger of contracting epilepsy; if you aren’t on your guard, if you don’t live a careful and abstemious life, all round.

Adolf. What can I do to effect that?

Gustav. Above all, you must exercise the most complete continence.

Adolf. For how long?

Gustav. Six months at least.

Adolf. I can’t do it. It would upset all our life together.

Gustav. Then it’s all up with you.

Adolf. I can’t do it.