I did it because I could make money by it. Meantime, he
is selling hundreds of these poems to-day--[Trumpets and drum sound;
Burgomaster, Councilmen and Clerks come out into speakers' cage.]

BURGOMASTER. Well, my children, you must have heard that an impostor has
come to town.

ONE OF THE PEOPLE. He's no impostor; he is a reformer.

BURGOMASTER. It comes to the same thing--but you must hold your tongue,
my lad, you have no vote!

PEHR. Herr Burgomaster, I would beg that my proposition be presented in
a proper manner before this honored popular assembly--

BURGOMASTER. Just listen to him! We know his proposition and it simply
remains for us to express ourselves. Well and good, I consign it to the
madhouse! It is the man's wish--think of it, my children! that all may
be permitted to tread upon smooth pavements. So long as Our Lord creates
different kinds of human beings, there must be different kinds of stones
on our streets. Is there anybody who would add further remarks?

ONE OF THE PEOPLE. That isn't true! Our Lord does not create different
kinds of human beings.

BURGOMASTER. Who gave you permission to shriek?

ONE OF THE PEOPLE. Since we have no voice in things, we may at least be
allowed to shriek!

BURGOMASTER. Yes, shriek, and I'll put you in the lockup! There is no
one, of course, who has something to add?

RELATIVE. Herr Burgomaster, as a man of honor, may I not be permitted to
enter a protest against the scandalous attack that has been made?

PEHR. I challenge the relative!

BURGOMASTER. And I, on the other hand, attach more weight to the
Relative's utterance since he is allied to a great man; that is always
the community's best guarantee--

ROOSTER. [From hen-coop outside the shoemaker's.] Cockelicoo!

BURGOMASTER. What's that devilish racket?

ONE OF THE PEOPLE. That's one who is blessed with a voice!

ROOSTER. Cockelicoo!

ONE OF THE PEOPLE. Arrest him! [Laughter and groans.]

BURGOMASTER. Quiet, back there! Secondly: Said adventurer has spoken
outrageously of the administration in that he has made defamatory
speeches against the city's departed burgomaster. We would hear a few
impartial citizens--Master Shoemaker, what, in your opinion, does he
merit?

SHOEMAKER. I vote with the administration.

BURGOMASTER. Quite right; he should be held in contempt. What say you,
Master Chiropodist?

CHIROPODIST. I concur.

BURGOMASTER. And the wagonmaker?

WAGONMAKER. I have the honor to a