IDA.
No, father, he never thought of himself in the matter.
COLONEL.
It does not stand out quite so nakedly as, "I must make a career for myself," or "I wish to become a famous man." The procedure is more delicate. The good friends come along and say: "Your duty to the good cause requires you to—it is a crime against your country if you do not—it is a sacrifice for you but we demand it." And so a pretty mantle is thrown around vanity, and the candidate issues forth—from pure patriotism of course! Don't teach an old soldier worldly wisdom. We, dear Adelaide, sit calmly by and laugh at such weaknesses.
ADELAIDE.
And are indulgent toward them when we have so good a heart as you.
COLONEL.
Yes, one profits by experience.
Enter CARL.