WASNER [murmuring]. "Paucissima adulteria in tam numerosa gente.
..." [Gradually lapses into silence and then continues to play
with energy.]
FRAU LUND [with a glance towards the card table]. Why do we take
our principles so seriously. ... It's really ridiculous how our
every opinion soon turns into religious beliefs.
WASNER. The matter is dead serious.
FRAU LUND. Who will think of it to-morrow?
HAUSER [nodding towards card table]. Not they, of course. But
there are cleverer people. The so-called thinking public in
Germany must have some national problem to solve. It finds some
such, readily enough in order to play with it. Meanwhile they take
no notice that the party in power [Footnote: Men with the brass
buttons.] are lining their pockets.
FRAU LUND. Haven't they always been doing that?
HAUSER. Yes, but not with such. ease. Here and there they were
rapped over the knuckles. But nowadays they could cart away the
entire capitol.
FRAU LUND. There's not so much left to-day.
HAUSER. A couple of pieces anyhow to take along as keepsakes.
FRAU LUND. In my days I saw one reform after another on the
bargain counter; but we women remain mere spectators while ideals
come and go; we can not realize how much they mean to men.
HAUSER. My dear Frau Lund, if a real reform should effectively
rise among us some day, then you women will have to lend a helping
hand.
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