Cæsar's Wife: A Comedy in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

Violet.

It's the first thing I've ever asked you, Arthur.

Arthur.

I know. I'm only sorry that I must refuse you.

Violet.

This is the first sentence of death in Egypt since our marriage. Don't you know what it would mean to me to think I'd saved a man's life? The Khedive is waiting to sign the reprieve. It only requires a word from you. Won't you say it? I feel that the gratitude of these poor women may be like a blessing on us.

Arthur.

My dear, I think my duty is very clear. I must do it.

Violet.

It's clear because all that grief means nothing to you. What do you care if a man is hanged whom you've never even seen? I wonder if you'd find it so easy to do your duty in a matter that affected you. If it meant misery or happiness to you. It's easy to do one's duty when one doesn't care.