“You say that so ironically⁠—with the right kind of irony, of course, that cannot for a moment be misunderstood, the direct and classic device of oratory⁠—you see, I remember the things you say. But do you mean that after you have seen this photograph, after the X-ray and Behrens’s diagnosis, you take it upon yourself to advise me to go home?”

Settembrini hesitated for a second. Then he drew himself up, and directed the gaze of his black eyes full upon Hans Castorp’s face. He answered, with an emphasis not quite without theatrical effect: “Yes, Engineer, I take it upon myself.”