human
Compose yourself!
gpt
Father-confessor! amid the sounds uttered by the prisoner, it occurred to the judge that the poor fellow imagined that the hour of execution had arrived.
human
Ferleitner, he said,
gpt
Mercy! he muttered in suppressed tones.
human
Mercy for me? Then--why did you condemn me?
gpt
You were there yourself, Ferleitner, and heard how the jury decided after listening to the witnesses. After that the judge must condemn; he has no choice.
human
For mercy? The king?
gpt
The advocate ventured it, replied the judge.
human
Your whole bearing proves that you were inveigled into the business. We want nothing further. You see, Ferleitner, that evil cannot be eradicated from the world with evil. To fight evil with evil only increases its power. But a large heart can pardon such a deed or purpose. Let us hope meanwhile that our king possesses one. The Chancellor is getting better. Here, just look--sign the paper.
gpt
Ah, he said,
human
and he said it softly, uncertainly,
gpt
There is naturally only a moderate chance, said the judge.
human
In some cases, where it is concerned with the whole----
gpt
It is very uncertain, then? asked Konrad.
human
But, my God! how is it to be borne? If this time is lengthened, how is it to be borne? This terrible suspense!
gpt
It can be a time of hope,
human
But how long will it last?
gpt
It may last three weeks, but it might last double that time.
human
Do you think, sir, that a man can hold out?--with the terror of death lasting for weeks?
gpt
Haven't you just a little confidence? asked the judge.
human
Haven't we all to endure uncertainty?--the judge as well as the condemned man?
gpt
But what am I to do? demanded Konrad.
human
How am I to employ myself all the dreadful time? It's being buried alive.
gpt
Unhappily it's not in my power to give you a better room, though you haven't the worst cell in the building. But perhaps you have some other desire that can be granted. Speak out frankly, Ferleitner,
human
As to the room, he said,
gpt
Then speak it, said the judge, and holding Konrad's hand firmly in his, broke out with:
human
Don't you see, it's cruel to think, to believe, that we must be the personal enemies of all whom we're obliged to condemn. You think the proceedings in court were so callous, you've no idea how we actually feel about the business. It is not only the accused who passes sleepless nights--the judge, too, knows them. We lawyers--outside our profession--have founded an association to support and encourage those we are obliged to pronounce guilty, that they may not sink down uncomforted. So, my dear Ferleitner, you may trust me that, as far as I can, I will alleviate your position.
gpt
I should like to have writing materials.
human
You want to write?
gpt
If I might ask for paper, pens, and ink, returned Konrad.
human
In former years I used to like writing down my thoughts--just as they came, I had little education.
gpt
You wish to write to your friends?
human
Oh no! If I had any, they'd be glad not to hear from me,
gpt
Or to draw up a plea of justification?
human
No.
gpt
Or an account of your life?
human
No, not that either. My life has not been good enough. Misfortune should be forgotten rather than recorded. No, I think I can write something else,
gpt
You shall have writing materials, said the judge.
human
And is there anything else? A more comfortable bed?
gpt
No, thank you. It's right enough as it is. If a hard bed was the only thing----
human
And is everything kept properly neat and clean?
gpt
If you're always waiting and thinking, 'Now, now, they're coming!' I tell you, sir, you don't sleep well,
human
Don't keep worrying yourself with ideas, Ferleitner, said the judge warningly to the man, who had again worked himself up into a state of excitement.
gpt
Not one of us knows what the next hour may bring, and yet we live on calmly. Use the time, he continued playfully,
human
I can't write a great work, answered Konrad.
gpt
And I've nothing to avenge. I deserve death. But it's this waiting for it. The torments of hell cannot be worse.
human
We've nothing to do with hell. We've merely to think of the purgatory in which we are placed. Let heaven, as they say, follow. Haven't you any business to arrange? Nothing to settle for anyone?
gpt
No one, no one!
human
That's a piece of luck that many of your comrades in misfortune would envy you. A man can settle things easily for himself alone. If it's any consolation, Ferleitner, I may tell you that we don't regard you as a scoundrel, only as a poor creature who has been led astray. Now that's enough for the present. Your modest request shall be granted at once.