_As if seeing his vision_]
To that butcher's face directing the slaughter? To those----?

MENDEL [_Alarmed_]
Hush! Calm yourself!

DAVID [_Struggling with himself_]
Yes, I will calm myself--but how else shall I calm myself save by
forgetting all that nightmare of religions and races, save by holding
out my hands with prayer and music toward the Republic of Man and the
Kingdom of God! The Past I cannot mend--its evil outlines are stamped in
immortal rigidity. Take away the hope that I can mend the Future, and
you make me mad.

MENDEL
You are mad already--your dreams are mad--the Jew is hated here as
everywhere--you are false to your race.

DAVID
I keep faith with America. I have faith America will keep faith with us.
[_He raises his hands in religious rapture toward the flag over
the door._]
Flag of our great Republic, guardian of our homes, whose stars and----

MENDEL
Spare me that rigmarole. Go out and marry your Gentile and be happy.

DAVID
You turn me out?

MENDEL
Would you stay and break my mother's heart? You know she would mourn for
you with the rending of garments and the seven days' sitting on the
floor. Go! You have cast off the God of our fathers!

DAVID [_Thundrously_]
And the God of our children--does _He_ demand no service?
[_Quieter, coming toward his uncle and touching him
affectionately on the shoulder._]
You are right--I do need a wider world.
[_Expands his lungs._]
I must go away.

MENDEL
Go, then--I'll hide the truth--she must never suspect--lest she mourn
you as dead.

FRAU QUIXANO [_Outside, in the kitchen_]
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
[_Both men turn toward the kitchen and listen._]

KATHLEEN
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

FRAU QUIXANO AND KATHLEEN
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

MENDEL [_Bitterly_]
A merry _Purim_!
[_The kitchen door opens and remains ajar. FRAU QUIXANO rushes
in, carrying DAVID'S violin and bow. KATHLEEN looks in,
grinning._]

FRAU QUIXANO [_Hilariously_]
_Nu spiel noch! spiel!_
[_She holds the violin and bow appealingly toward DAVID._]

MENDEL [_Putting out a protesting hand_]
No, no, David--I couldn't bear it.

DAVID
But I must! You said she mustn't suspect.
[_He looks lovingly at her as he loudly utters these words, which
are unintelligible to her._]
And it may be the last time I shall ever play for her.
[_Changing to a mock merry smile as he takes the violin and bow
from her_]
_Gewiss_, Granny!