“Perhaps he felt ill ... perhaps he is worrying about somebody who is dear to him.”
“Possibly. Perhaps too, he was still under the effects of the too long night in Yoshiwara. Freder, avoid assuming people to be good, innocent and victimized just because they suffer. He who suffers has sinned, against himself and against others.”
“You do not suffer, father?”
“No.”
“You are quite free from sin?”
“The time of sin and suffering lies behind me, Freder.”
“And if this man, now.... I have never seen such a thing ... but I believe that men resolved to end their lives go out of a room as he did....”
“Perhaps.”
“And suppose you were to hear, to-morrow, that he were dead ... that would leave you untouched...?”
“Yes.”