Vehe took the papers and read out the title: "Against the idolatry of the Trinity and the worship of the two-fold Nature." "That title is rather strong," said he, casting his wolfish eyes distrustfully in the direction of the Italian.
"The stronger the better," rejoined Sylvan. "The Ambassador of the Woywode, and our friends in Transylvania must be convinced, that we seriously mean going over, otherwise we shall never receive any suitable livings. I am leaving here, because I have been thrust to one side, and these Northgerman and French starvelings have been stuck under my nose. A beggarly parish in Transylvania will therefore not suit me. I am better off in Ladenburg; are you not also of my opinion, Neuser?"
The latter raised his wine-sodden head. "What, another Superintendent," said he, "who requires a covenant? Is the whole world filled with this breed that one cannot live even in Klausenburg as one likes. Klaus is right, rather under the Turks than under the Superintendents; I will to-day write a memorial to the Sultan Selim. I will be freed from these bloodsuckers. Shall I leave the Palatinate to let myself be knocked about in Klausenburg."
"Don't shout so loud," said Sylvan, yon Jesuit pretends to be busily conversing with his brother, but I see how he pricks up his ears. I know these gentry from my experience at Würzburg.
"Klaus," cried Parson Vehe in his coarse voice to the waiter, "why have asses such long ears?"
"Because their mothers did not put caps on their heads when they were young."
"A bad guess."
"So that they may better hear the sermons from the streets, since the Clergy forbid their entrance into the Church."
"That is better," said Vehe with a spiteful glance towards the Italian: "that they may overhear."
"Let us away from such a crowd," roared Neuser. "Nowhere now is a man at peace. Everywhere is listening, spying, ferreting out, denouncing, counting the drops in one's glass, I will be a free man."