It does not become a ruler to be selfish; be must in all
particulars sacrifice his personal interests and tastes for the
welfare of the people.
PEHR. Very good; but does the welfare of the people demand that I
shall be illegitimate?
VIZIER. Yes.
PEHR. Then hand me the paper! [Ameer delivers ancestral chart and a
pen.] It begins with a lie, and will probably end with theft.
[Signs.]
VIZIER. There remains a slight formality--Will it please Your
Highness to sign this paper also. [Mullah presents Renunciation
Act.]
PEHR. What now?
VIZIER. Your Highness need not trouble himself to road; it is only
a matter of form.
PEHR. Renounce my forefathers' Faith--But that outrageous!
VIZIER. Political considerations--the people's welfare--
PEHR. I must become a Mohammedan and may not drink a glass of wine?
VIZIER. There are substitutes in all politics.
PEHR. What are they?
VIZIER. Compromises, modifications--
PEHR. Circumventions, eh?
VIZIER. Will it please Your Highness to sign?
PEHR. But I shall despise myself if I begin with a low action, and
all the more will the people have the right to despise me!
VIZIER. The people demand that the ruler sacrifice all personal
considerations for their welfare.
PEHR. Their welfare, then, is to be built upon a lie and a crime?
VIZIER. [Goes toward window.] Your Highness, the people await their
chief. They are always ready to offer their sweat and blood for the
ruler, therefore they demand, also, that the ruler make his
sacrifices.
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