Harlot. Will nobody here save me? (In the meantime the tavern-
keeper has seized her by the arm to lead her into the street.)
Don't give me into the hands of that furious mob! I wanted to
steal into the Lord's house that I might share in His grace--I
wanted to start a new life--but the monks drove me out and set
the people on me--until Father Gert came and saved me.

Marten. You can hear for yourselves. She has polluted the Lord's
temple. She wants to hide the garment of shame beneath the veil
of sanctity.

German. And there isn't enough of the veil.

Marten (approaching the woman to tear the veil from her face).
Off with the mask, and let your abomination be seen by all! (He
draws back when he catches sight of her face.)

Harlot. So it's you, Marten--you murderer!

German. Old chums!

Marten. That's a shameless lie! I never have seen her before. I
am Brother Marten, of the Dominicans, and Brother Nils here can
be my witness.

Nils (intoxicated). I can testify--that Brother Marten has never
seen this woman.

Harlot. And yet it was you, Nils, who showed me Marten's letter
of absolution when I was driven out of the convent and he was