ly interesting case is to be tried; and I
dare say I'll be called as a witness. Come!

STRANGER. Well, whether I sit here, or up there, is all the same to me.

PILGRIM (to the STRANGER). Who's that?

STRANGER. I don't know. He looks like an anarchist.

PILGRIM. Interesting, anyhow!

STRANGER. He's a sceptical gentleman, who's seen life.

TEMPTER. Come, children; I'll tell you stories on the way. Come. Come!

(They go out towards the background.)

Curtain.

ACT III

SCENE I

TERRACE ON THE MOUNTAIN

[A Terrace on the mountain on which the Monastery stands. On the right
a rocky cliff and a similar one on the left. In the far background a
bird's-eye view of a river landscape with towns, villages, ploughed
fields and woods; in the very far distance the sea can be seen. Down
stage an apple tree laden with fruit. Under it a long table with a chair
at the end and benches at the sides. Down stage, right, a corner of
the village town hall. A cloud seems to be hanging immediately over the
village.]

[The MAGISTRATE sits at the end of the table in the capacity of judge;
the assessors on the benches. The ACCUSED MAN is standing on the right
by the MAGISTRATE; the witnesses on the left, amongst them the TEMPTER.
Members of the public, with the PILGRIM and the STRANGER, are standing
here and there not far from the judge's seat.]

MAGISTRATE. Is the accused present?

ACCUSED MAN. Yes. Present.

MAGISTRATE. This is a very sad story, that's brought trouble and shame
on our small community. Florian Reicher, twenty-three years old, is
accused of shooting at Fritz Schlipitska's affianced wife, with the
clear intention of killing her. It's a case of premeditated murder, and
the provisions of the law are perfectly clear. Has the accused anything
to say in his defence, or can he plead mitigating circumstances?

ACCUSED MAN. No.

TEMPTER. Ho, there!

MAGISTRATE. Who are you?

TEMPTER. Counsel for the accused.

MAGISTRATE. The accused man certainly has a right to the services of
counsel, but in the present case I think the facts are so clear that the
people have reached a certain conclusion; and the murderer will hardly
be able to regain their sympathy. Isn't that so?

PEOPLE. He's condemned already!

TEMPTER. Who by?

PEOPLE. The Law and his own deed.

TEMPTER. Listen to me! As counsel for the accused I represent him and
take the accusation on myself. I ask permission to address the court.

MAGISTRATE.