Begriffenfeldt.
[Draws him into a corner, and whispers.]
The Absolute Reason Departed this life at eleven last night. Peer. God help me! Begriffenfeldt. Why, yes, it's extremely deplorable. And as I'm placed, you see, it is doubly unpleasant; For this institution has passed up to now For what's called a madhouse. Peer. A madhouse, ha! Begriffenfeldt. Not <g>now</g>, understand! Peer.
[Softly, pale with fear.]
Now I see what the place is! And the man is mad;—and there's none that knows it! [Tries to steal away.
Begriffenfeldt.
[Following him.]
However, I hope you don't misunderstand me?
When I said he was dead, I was talking stuff.
He's beside himself. Started clean out of his skin,—
Just like my compatriot Münchausen's fox.
Peer.
Excuse me a moment
