Young Woman:—One night my baby and I crossed the long bridge over the river. And since I had long before decided, so then approaching the middle, where the river is deep and swift, I said: “Look, baby dear, how the water is a-roaring below.” She said, “I can’t reach, mamma, the railing is so high.” I said, “Come, let me lift you, baby dear.” And when she was gazing down into the black deep, I threw her over. That’s all.
King Hunger:—Did she grip you?
Young Woman:—No.
King Hunger:—She screamed?
Young Woman:—Yes, once.
King Hunger:—What was her name?
Young Woman:—Baby dear.
King Hunger:—No, her name. How was she called?
Young Woman:—Baby dear.
King Hunger (covering his face, he speaks in sad, quivering voice):—Honorable judges, I beg you to simulate a meditative air. (The judges knit their brows, gaze on the ceiling, chew their lips. Venerable silence. Then they rise and gravely bow to Death.)