gree with the last speaker.
ONE OF THE PEOPLE. Those who have the right to speak are silent.
BURGOMASTER. Silence, back there! On the ground of what has already been
advanced, with the support of conclusive evidence, the adventurer named
Pehr [no family name] is hereby sentenced for vicious utterances against
the administration to stand in the pillory two hours, later to be
expelled from the city, to his everlasting disgrace and as a warning to
others.
PEHR. Herr Burgomaster, the proofs are lacking.
BURGOMASTER. We require none. Axiom, or self-evident points, neither can
nor need be proved. Away with him! [Pehr is led off.]
BURGOMASTER. Thirdly: In consideration of the vexatious as well as
unforeseen incident that the city's dogs give unseemly expression
to their inward feelings for the hideous around the pedestal of Hans
Schulze's statue, an appropriation is demanded for an iron railing
around the same. Surely no one will refuse a deserving man such trifling
act of respect?
QUALIFIED VOTERS. No!
ONE OF THE PEOPLE. That is the first time we've heard the voters say no!
BURGOMASTER. Officer, put him in the lockup! The question has been
answered, then, in the affirmative.
QUALIFIED VOTERS. Yes.
ONE OF THE PEOPLE. [Makes noise like a sheep.] B-a-a-a! [An instant of
laughter and commotion.]
BURGOMASTER. The Common Council is adjourned. [Trumpets and drum sound,
after which silence on stage.]
RELATIVE. [To Shoemaker.] He's an uncommonly firm expeditor, that
burgomaster.
SHOEMAKER. He ought to be in the Legislature--then it would go a little
faster with the common motions.
[Burgomaster, Councilmen and Secretary go into Courthouse. People
continue to circulate on square; Street-paver keeps aloof.]
SHOEMAKER. [To Chiropodist, Wagonmaker and Relative.] Gentlemen, won't
you sit down and drink a glass of ale with me?
CHIROPODIST, WAGONMAKER, RELATIVE. Thank you!
SHOEMAKER. [At door, gives order; Hans brings on ale.] Well, Herr
Relative, you did not choose to be present this morning at the memorial
fest for your illustrious kinsman?
RELATIVE. Where was the need of my going out in the rain? You were there
with the Society.
SHOEMAKER. The whole Society! There were three of us.
RELATIVE. Did you sing?
CHIROPODIST. Yes, a little.
RELATIVE. [Laughing.] Were there many people?
WAGONMAKER. Not a soul!
RELATIVE. And the burgomaster--
SHOEMAKER. Overslept himself.
RELATIVE. [Laugh
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