councillor,
Jacobus Paumgartner (who was president of the Guild), said, "You have
done right well, my worthy friends, to pitch upon Master Martin for
this appointment, which could not be in better hands. Master Martin is
highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, for
his great ability, and his profound experience in the art of storing
and caring for the noble wine. His ceaseless, honest industry, his life
of piety, in spite of the wealth which he has amassed, are an example
to you all."

"So I offer you a thousand congratulations on your election, my dear
Master Martin."

Thus saying, Paumgartner rose from his chair, and stepped forward a
pace or two with extended arms, expecting that Master Martin would
advance towards him in reciprocation. Upon which Master Martin pressed
his arms on the elbows of his chair, and raised himself as slowly and
heavily as his well-nourished "corporation" admitted of his doing;
after which, with equal deliberateness, he walked into Paumgartner's
hearty embrace, which he scarcely returned.

"Well, Master Martin," said Paumgartner, a little astonished, "is there
anything not quite to your liking in having been elected Syndic?"

Master Martin, as was his habit, threw his head well back, fingered his
paunch with both hands, and looked around the assemblage with his eyes
opened very wide, and his nether lip protruded; then, turning to
Paumgartner, he said: "My dear and worthy sir! how should it be
otherwise than to my liking that I receive what is my just due? Who
despises the reward of his hard work? Who sends from his door a bad
debtor who comes at last to pay the money he has owed so long? My good
friends"--here he turned to the Masters--"it has struck you at last,
has it, that _I_ ought to be elected Syndic of our Honourable Guild?
What, think you, are the qualifications you expect in your Syndic?
Ought he to be the best hand at his work?--Go and look at my two-fudder
vat, hooped without firing, my great masterpiece there, and then come
and tell me if e'er a one of you can boast of a piece of work its equal
in strength and beauty. Should your Syndic be a man of money and
property?--Call at my house, and I will open my chests and my coffers,
and you shall gladden your eyes with the sight of the glittering gold
and silver. Should he be honoured and esteemed by high and low, great
and small?--Ask our honourable gentlemen of the Council; ask Princes
und Lords all rou