Quiet he needs? You think he’s laying there in the hospital quiet? Why did I tell him Jakie ain’t coming? Why didn’t I tell him a lie? DOCTOR Now, drink this. Then you must lie down for a half-hour. And then you simply must eat. You promised the Cantor you were going to attend the services, you know, and you must have some nourishment if you’re going to fast tonight and tomorrow. SARA Doctor, tell me the true. The Cantor, he’s dying? DOCTOR [_Pause_]. I think, if we keep him very quiet, he’ll come through. He has a powerful constitution. Come now, Mrs. Rabinowitz, take this. YUDELSON Yes, drink, drink. [_She obeys._] DOCTOR Now, let me help you into your room. Just lie down for a little while—[_He takes her to door._] Stay here as long as you can, Mr. Yudelson. And keep the neighbors out. YUDELSON I did that already. [_The doctor goes into_ SARA’s _room. A knock, and_ CLARENCE KAHN _enters._] CLARENCE [_He is excited_]. Mr. Yudelson! I don’t know what to do with the choir! YUDELSON What’s the matter now? CLARENCE They don’t want to sing tonight. YUDELSON They don’t want to sing? CLARENCE They say Mr. Levy doesn’t know any of the Cantor’s tunes, that his voice is inadequate, and that he’d be better off singing alone than spoiling the services with a choir. YUDELSON [_Slowly_]. They’re loafers, but they’re right.... What can I do? The members are paying a special assessment five dollars for the Day of Atonement singing.... If Levy sings, they’ll want we should give them the money back. CLARENCE Have you tried my cousin, Avram Lipski? He came from Russia last week. He lives around the corner. YUDELSON Why didn’t you speak from this before? Avram Lipski I know—at least a voice he’s got. LEVY [_Knocks and enters_]. Aha! Mr. Yudelson! You’re just the man I was wanting to see! YUDELSON [_Coldly_]. Nu, Mr. Levy—? LEVY [_Smugly_]. I must get from you official the order I should sing tonight. YUDELSON [_Brusquely_]. Oh no, I couldn’t give you yet. LEVY If you couldn’t give me, who could? YUDELSON _I_ could give you, but I couldn’t give you yet. LEVY What kind answer is this? It’s nearly dark, and you couldn’t give me official the appointment yet? CLARENCE