Wehrhahn monologue (Act 1) — The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume I

Well, heavens and earth, Mrs. Fielitz! Trust in the Lord! Our trust in the Lord--that's the main thing! This isn't a killing matter.--Get a drink of brandy, Nickel! Go over and ask my wife for it. Mrs. Fielitz has got to be brought to her senses first.--Do me a favour, Mrs. Fielitz, and stop your outburst of tears. I can feel for you, when it comes to that. Quite a severe blow of fate. Have any valuables been destroyed? [_MRS. FIELITZ weeps more violently._] Mrs. Fielitz! Mrs. Fielitz! Listen to me! Please listen to what I say to you! Kindly don't lose your reason! D'you understand? Don't lose your head! You're generally a sensible woman.--Well, if you won't, you won't.--[_NICKEL, who has been gone for a moment, returns with a brandy bottle and a small glass._]--Give her the brandy; quick,--I'll address myself to you, Fielitz. I see that you're quite collected, at least. That's the way a man ought to be, you understand. In any situation--be that what it may. So, Fielitz, you give me some information! I'll put the same question to you first: Have any valuables been destroyed?