Page:Ivan Cankar - Hlapci.pdf/34

 Say they yelled and swung: "such is my belief, who concurs, follow." What would a mindful person do? One would turn around and go their path. Senior, if me or you behaved so disrespectfully, what would the Nation think of us? They would reply: "You are not worth of being my teacher and my example; join the drunkards and the sinners, preach to them who match you!"

Jerman. I yet do not know how to release my fury. What to point at, what to do?

Pastor. They let me know you help suspicious people do their part in some movement you declare "educational".

Jerman. Honest people!

Pastor. Eh, it is only worse when they are honest! For when such a Christ becomes an Anti-Christ...

Jerman. I have read it. . . Thus we have finished. I am thankful to you, excellencies, to Senior Pastor, for your fine words and wise teachings; though I do not blame you for sticking your fingers in others' matters. We know there are people in this world who would search for a rock in a sand desert only to stumble over it.

Pastor. You heard me talk with kindness so fitting to a Christian. . . But it also fits the latter to be precise and strict in the defense of the Nation and of the faithful.

Jerman. I came to understand the threat before you came to voice a word, before I arrived at this tribunal of sorts. Why tourner autour du pot? wordings were lengthy, the order was sharp: