I know that you idolize him because he expresses so entirely your genial nature. Be stronger than yourself. Show yourself for once devoid of self-interest towards your son. FRAU GABOR. God help me, how can one get along that way! One must be a man to be able to talk that way! One must be a man to be able to blind oneself so with the dead letter! One must be a man to be so blind that one can't see what stares him in the eyes. I have conscientiously and thoughtfully managed Melchior from his first day, because I found him impressionable to his surroundings. Are we answerable for what has happened? A tile might fall off the roof upon your head to-morrow, and then comes your friend--your father, and, instead of taking care of you, tramples upon you!----I will not let my child be destroyed before my eyes. That's the reason I'm his mother.----It is inconceivable! It is not to be believed! What did he write, then, after all! Isn't it the most striking proof of his harmlessness, of his stupidity, of his childish obscurity, that he can write so!----One must possess no intuitive knowledge of mankind----one must be an out and out bureaucrat, or weak in intellect, to scent moral corruption here!----Say what you will. If you land Melchior in the House of Correction, I will get a divorce. Then let me see if I can't find help and means somewhere in the world to rescue my child from destruction. HERR GABOR. You must prepare yourself for it----if not to-day, then to-morrow. It is not easy for anyone to discount misfortune. I will stand beside you, and when your courage begins to fail will spare no trouble or effort to relieve your heart. The future seems so gray to me, so full of clouds----it only remains for you to leave me too. FRAU GABOR. I should never see him again: I should never see him again! He can't bear the vulgar. He will not be able to stand the dirt. He will break under restraint; the most frightful examples will be before his eyes!----And if I see him again----O, God, O, God, that joyous heart----his clear laughter----all, all,----his childish resolution to fight courageously for good and righteousness----oh, this morning sky, how I cherished it light and pure in his soul as my highest good----Hold me to account if the sin cries for expiation! Hold me to account! Do with me what you will! I will bear the guilt.----But keep your frightful hand off the boy. HERR GABOR. He has gone wrong! FRAU GABOR. He has not gone wrong! HERR GABOR.