GER. I can't say that I blame him very much. [In somber thought.]
Really, you know, Prince Hagen, this can't go on. What's to be the end
of it?

HAGEN. [Laughing.] Oh, come, come, Gerald... don't bother your head with
things like that! You're a poet... you must keep your imagination free
from such dismal matters.... See, I've got a job for you. [Pointing to
books on table.] Do you notice the titles?

GER. [Has been handling the books absent-mindedly; now looks at titles.]
The Saints' Everlasting Rest. Pilgrim's Progress. The Life of St.
Ignatius.... What does that mean?

HAGEN. I'm studying up on religion. I want to know the language.

GER. I See!

HAGEN. But I don't seem to get hold of it very well. I think it's the
job for you.

GER. How do you mean?

HAGEN. I'm getting ready to introduce Morality into Nibelheim.

GER. What?

HAGEN. [Playfully.] You remember you talked to me about it a long time
ago. And now I've come to your way of thinking. Suppose I gave you a
chance to civilize the place, to teach those wretched creatures to love
beauty and virtue?

GER. It would depend upon what your motive was in inviting me.

HAGEN. My Motive? What has that to do with it? Virtue is virtue, is it
not?... No matter what I think about it?

GER. Yes.

HAGEN. And virtue is its own reward?

GER. Perhaps so.

HAGEN. Let us grant that the consequences of educating and elevating
the Nibelungs... of teaching them to love righteousness... would be that
they were deprived of all their gold, and forced to labor at getting
more for a wicked capitalist like me. Would it not still be right to
teach them?

GER. It might, perhaps.

HAGEN. Then you will try it?

GER. No... I'm afraid not.

HAGEN. Why not?

GER. [Gravely.] Well... for one thing... I have weighty reasons for
doubting the perfectibility of the Nibelungs.

HAGEN. [Gazes at him; then shakes with laughter.] Really, Gerald, that
is the one clever thing I've heard you say!

GER. [Laughing.] Thank you!

HAGEN. [Rises and looks at watch.] Your mother was coming down. Ah! Mrs.
Isman!

MRS. IS. [Enters, left.] Good afternoon, Prince Hagen.

HAGEN. And how go things?

MRS. IS. I've just had a telegram from my brother. He says that the
Archbishop of Canterbury never goes abroad, and was shocked at the
suggestion; but he thinks two million might fetch him.

HAGEN. Very well... offer it.

MRS. IS. Do you really think it's worth that?

HAGEN. My dear