WASNER [half turning to Hauser], And then there is the celebrated
passage, "Ergo septa pudicitia agunt, nullis ... spectaculorum
illecebris corruptae."

BEERMANN. I have six cards.

BOLLAND. The bottom one belongs to the Professor.

WASNER [as before, continuing]. So the wife lived surrounded by
tenderness and care ... and so forth, "Literarum secreta. ..."
Secret communications were not tolerated by either husband or
wife.

BEERMANN. Please drop that Tacitus. It's your chance to lead. ...

WASNER. I pass. ...

HOLLAND. So do I.

BOLLAND [loudly and enthusiastically]. That's the way to get at
them! Trumps! And trumps again.

WASNER [murmuring]. "Paucissima adulteria in tam numerosa gente.
..." [Gradually lapses into silence and then continues to play
with energy.]

FRAU LUND [with a glance towards the card table]. Why do we take
our principles so seriously. ... It's really ridiculous how our
every opinion soon turns into religious beliefs.