Jerman. They said it well. (Sits behind a desk in the front of the scene.) Listen up – you needn't have announced such ancient news to me. I think I may have as well heard that very comparison about packing already . . . In the morning my head became leaden; my legs were so weighty one would think I'd climbed Everest. This is a bad omen for one who was not born to be a hero, and yet has to present themselves as such, for this is how the world rotates . . .
Lojzka. Why bother, why delay, why wait for them? You recognize how unbalanced you feel today, how sick you feel! (Prepares to stand up.)
Jerman. Thus I have come and await them – I can out this to you for you share our views – thus I wait . . . For they declared they would move me far away . . . (Lojzka stands up.) No! Do not conjecture unalike I do . . . (Jerman stands up.) I do not tremble, not of fear nor of pain; what is it we name pain? It is lassitude and lassitude only . . . Odium great enough to cover my heart and all of my chest. If only I could cut it through a swift move . . . Think about it: such kindred one to the hero, who is said to have sacrificed his blood, his life standing for belief!
(The two subconsciously reach out to each other's hand; they steadily trudge leftwards.)
Lojzka. Your hands are shaky.
Worker. Take a look at the window!
Kalander. "Gypsy" faces! Hey, whoever is staring at us from over there, let them come in; they will hear a preach like never before!
Jerman. Do not be this harsh. Had the dark thought reached your mind, let it go. By the evening – when we're healthful and sole – we both shall smile.
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