PEHR. Then why did he caricature you?
STREET-PAVER. Because I entered into your proposition. As a matter of course, 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!