Barwy ochronne Page #4

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To put it simply,

it enables us to survive in this world.

Yes. But conscience can be

a millstone around a neck.

Especially, if formed in other

circumstances, in different times.

I know what I'm saying is unpalatable.

That your old-fashioned conservatism

rebels against it a little.

But I'm only trying to persuade you

to get rid of that millstone.

And once you feel liberated

you can go after whay you want.

It's amazing you have found a vocation

in the pursuit of my happinees.

Forgive me.

It's because I'm bored.

Lunch!

Jakub, how are you?

You've been on holliday. That tan!

Shall we sit down?

- Is there lunch for the driver?

- Of course.

Mr Driver, you can

eat with the students.

We took the driver because we felt

the small Fiat wouldn't do.

What nonsense!

Have you swapped

the big Fiat for a small one?

We sold it because

we're building a house.

Don't be afraid. He won't bite.

I'm not so sure.

No. thank you. I never eat corpses.

Sorry to be so blunt,

but it's not my phrase.

The child's crying.

He'll develop his lungs,

as our grandmothers would say.

Go and see. He isn't my child only.

You could show an interest.

How about a litte disinfectant?

- May l?

- No, thank you.

To give you courage.

Thanks. I don't need it.

Perhaps you'll have some

questions for the Rector?

Perhaps. Who knows?

Bolesaw!

The assistant here has a question.

No. Maybe later.

Ah, later!

Did they get the same lunch as us?

Ask your pet assistant.

He'll tell you.

Now we can play spitball.

We were in Yugoslavia again.

And the weather?

Marvellous.

Like Yugoslavia.

But it was so dull.

No night clubs or anything.

My husband was working all the time.

Still, I got a tan.

You know how it is with congresses.

At best they send us

to the socialist countries.

The West's saved for Warsaw.

It's safer.

They look down

on provincial universities.

Maybe they're right.

Have a drink, Doctor!

With pleasure. How about you?

Why aren't you drinking?

I've a favour to ask of you.

Could you sing something

for the Rector?

But it's been so long since

the times of the dancings...

But I remember them.

Perhaps she's not in the mood?

- What's thet got to do with you?

- I don't fel like singing.

I remember an evening in Jadwisin.

In the fifties, I think.

You sang ravishingly!

Ancient history!

Why not have a go?

But first a drink!

It will be a treat for the Rector.

I beg you!

I suggest My Old Friend.

Ladies and gentleman, time for a song.

The artistic part has begun.

It's a tradition at table in Poland.

Especially as Mme Doctor

has eaten too much rye.

Smart little Jakub dared her to.

We tried the same trick

in class once and it worked.

Well, thank you all very much.

We've still some work to do.

The prize-giving is in an hour.

Just one more second!

I'd like to take a souvenir picture

with the Rector.

Here on the steps.

What did you want to ask?

What, sir, was the subject

of your doctoral thesis?

And our dear waitress!

Now, a big smile, please!

You to, Mr Assistant.

I see no reason not to.

Come and your give me a hand!

Look, you hold the cat.

I've made this collar with a bell.

So when he's stalking

a birdie or a mousie...

they'll hear and run away.

- Won't he mind?

- I don't know,

but he's got to wear it.

It's how it's done.

What are you doing?

I'm a bit busy.

With what?

Various things...

What's wrong?

Why are you so sad?

You can tell me.

No, it's no use and anyway...

Perhaps I can help you?

No.

How do you know?

Because it's complicated.

What's so complicated?

Ever since that man turned up,

you're so different.

And why is everybody so edgy?

And dejected? Why?

If there are problems, out with them.

Why can't they be discussed?

That's not the point. I'm simply...

I don't know how to explain.

I think you wouldn't understand!

Why not?

Because I'm not complicated?

You all love to be so complex.

And I'm simple so I won't

understand. Maybe it's better?

I must be off.

Where are you going?

- To make a phone call.

- I'll go with you.

Oh, a secret...

It's not that.

Where can I find you later?

I'd like to place a call to Wroclaw.

How long will it take?

Couldn't you put it through quicker?

Thank you.

The number is 4471 2.

I'll hold the line.

Can I play too?

Has anyone got a racket?

That's enough! The prize-giving

will commence any minute now.

I knew this would happen!

Listen, if you could check

in the Ossolineum catalogue.

No! Kurek.

"K" for Karol, "U" for Ursula...

Excuse me, but that's not quite

how it was, or quite who.

But full marks for trying.

Why the test?

I told you:
out of boredom.

Apart from that,

there's something in you

I'd hate to see wasted.

Aren't you overdoing it?

I don't feel like

talking with you anymore!

But it's so educative, helping you

to word your arguments better,

and polish your ideas.

Whatever you say, but just lay off!

Now you're talking

like a complete idiot.

Do me a favour.

My head really is splitting.

You want to nag me, okay,

but give me a moment of peace.

You've got that already.

You've passed the test.

I know it's discomfortable,

for you're so uptight.

Without a purpose.

I once stopped

at the scene of an accident

only to find a dummy

planted by the police.

Assistant stops at scenes of accidents?

You forget that we're both humanists.

By profession.

Now you're free

to woo your English bird.

You'll get a grant,

a bride in London...

Listen, piss off, will you!

I'm sorry.

You're right.

I went a little too far.

Let's go.

Mr Rector, this is our

grantholder from England.

Miss Mary Livingstone Pawluk.

- It's so nice to be here.

- Are you Polish or English?

I have a British passport,

but my parents live here.

What counts is what you have here.

A bust.

I welcome you all most heartily

on behalf of our colege authorities.

Let me begin by calling on

your camp supervisor,

Assistant Jakub Szelestowski.

Dear friends,

on solemn occasions like these

so many ideas come

tumbling into one's mind,

that one usually prepares notes.

I have none.

But if what I say is jumbled,

it comes from the heart.

Both for us and for you

this meeting is

a stirring experience.

Stirring, because it is a rare event,

for many of us, perhaps the first.

We have forgathered in nature's bosom,

undivided by degree or rank,

but united by love

of knowledge and so of truth.

Have no fear. I will keep it short.

No doubt you are eager

to know who has won.

In a moment you will learn.

But here it is not like an exam.

There are no losers here.

Whether they win a prize or not.

Since all are victors,

victors over themselves,

their subject, matter.

And only that counts.

The joy of winning prizes passes.

The joy of victory over oneself,

inner victory,

is enduring.

I refer, of course,

to the victory of the spirit,

but I hear one of us

struggling with the flesh.

Let us draw a veil over the frailty

of human physiology.

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