BERTHA. But you accepted it.

AXEL. Yes, because I couldn't decline it. But I'll never wear it.

BERTHA. Do you belong to some political party that is so
liberal-minded as to suppress individual freedom to accept
distinctions?

AXEL. No, I don't. But I belong to a circle of comrades who have
promised each other not to wear their merit on their coats.

BERTHA. But who have accepted salon medals!

AXEL. Which are not worn on their coats.

BERTHA. What do you say to this, Gaga?

WILLMER. As long as distinctions exist, one does one's self harm to
go about with the mark of infamy, and the example no one is likely
to follow. Take them away for all of me--I certainly can't get them
away from the others.

AXEL. Yes, and when my comrades who are more deserving than I do
not wear them, I would lower them by wearing the emblem.

BERTHA. But it doesn't show under your overcoat. No one will know,
and you won't brand any one.

WILLMER. Bertha is right there. You'll wear your order _under_ your
coat, not _on_ your coat.