[ the squeeze is comforting on its own, somehow, reminding him of the bulwark that was his bonded by his side, but he gives a short huff at salieri's words, shaking his head. ]

Don't you see, Kapellmeister? This is the opposite of composing and performing. [ listening, understanding the feelings of those affected by the revolution and his actions when he performed for them the first time. ] I've already performed for these people, and excited their feelings in a way I can't possibly take back.

[ he stops, because he isn't like the selfless heroes in stories. he's not enough of a martyr to think he alone is responsible for anyone perishing in the uprising. those who rose up did out of their own feelings, and if he took credit for that in any way, he'd simply be insulting them. he knows that, yet ... ]

Back then, I was woefully ignorant of where this all would go. [ he had his apprehensions from the beginning, but still participated in the ways that he could. with his music. ] I'll never regret anything about my music, [ composing it, playing it, abandoning his humanity for it ] ... but I suppose I just wanted to offer them my silence for a time.