(Vor dem Gesetz)
[A Suppliant, old and infirm. A Sentry, stern and impassive. Behind the Sentry, the suggestion of an open door.]
SUPPLIANT: I do not have much longer to live, I think.
[The Sentry looks at the Suppliant and nods. A short pause.]
SUPPLIANT: May I go in now?
SENTRY: No.
[A slightly longer pause.]
SUPPLIANT: There is... something I would like to ask you.
[The Sentry looks at the Suppliant.]
SUPPLIANT [effortfully]: In all these years I have sat here before this door, waiting to be admitted to the Law, I have never seen anyone else come here seeking entry. Why is that? Doesn't everyone strive to reach the Law?
SENTRY: This door was made for you, and you alone.
[The Suppliant looks at the Sentry, then, overcome by the revelation, dies. The Sentry bends down and, almost gently, uses two fingers to lower the Suppliant's eyelids.]
SENTRY: I will go and shut it now.