PEHR. Etiquette, taxation, put the case, keep yard and street clean, hunger and thirst—is that the rich man's lot! Then I would rather be a street sweeper and own myself. And I'm not allowed to turn these gentlemen out, who crowd into my room, and I cannot go my way when I choose!
[Enter petitioner, followed by a servant carrying two baskets of papers.]
PEHR. Mr. Lawyer and Mr. Constable, can't the law protect an unfortunate rich man so that he may have peace in his home, or is the law only for the poor?
LAWYER. Your Grace can no longer be regarded as an individual; for when one through riches has risen to the community's heights, one belongs to the whole.
PEHR. And so one is placed outside the law.
LAWYER. [Smiles; glances about.] Above the law, Your Grace!
PEHR. Ha—! What does this last friend want! Are there any presents in those baskets?
PETITIONER. Your Honorable Grace is appointed Church Warden—
PEHR. [Interrupts.] Called—
PETITIONER. Called to vote day after to-morrow.