SCENE 2
(Enter Herman.)
HERMAN. Whom do you wish to see?
JOCHUM. Here are two gentlemen of the council, who have the honor of waiting upon you.
HERMAN. Heavens! What's up? I look as dirty as a pig.
ABRAHAMS. Your most humble servant, honorable Burgomaster! We have been sent here by the council to congratulate you on your election to the office of burgomaster of the city; for the council, after considering your merits more than your condition and circumstances, has elected you burgomaster.
SANDERUS. The council looks upon it as unjust that so wise a man should be occupied with such base affairs and should bury his great talent in the earth.
HERMAN. Honored colleagues! Convey my respects and gratitude to the just and upright councillors and assure them of my protection. I am delighted that this idea has occurred to them, not for my own sake, but for that of the city. If I had cared for rank, I might perhaps have attained something long ago.
ABRAHAMS. Honored Burgomaster! The council and the burgesses can expect nothing but the prosperity of the city under so wise a magistrate.
SANDERUS. And for that reason they have passed over so many rich and distinguished men who have sought this high office.
HERMAN. Yes, yes. I hope that they will not regret their choice, either.
ABRAHAMS and SANDERUS. We recommend ourselves, both of us, to the favor of the honorable Burgomaster.
HERMAN. It will be a pleasure to do you some service. Pardon me for not attending you further.
SANDERUS. Oh, it would hardly be fitting for your Honor to go further.
HERMAN (calling one of the lackeys). Listen, my friend! Here is something for a pot of ale.
LACKEYS. Oh, we do not do that, your Honor.
[Exeunt Abrahams, Sanderus, and Lackeys.]