LISA. Shall you leave your work half-done?
PEHR. Yes, Lord save us! If only I can escape with my skin.
LISA. You sought glory and renown—
PEHR. But all do that!
LISA. Not all. But you had the approval of the people.
PEHR. The people! They have nothing to say.
LISA. So it was the approval of the great that you wanted. Then stand there and be ashamed! You did not even believe in the cause for which you stood.
PEHR. Frankly, I think it a matter of slight consequence whether one walks upon smooth or rough stones.
LISA. When one walks in calfskin boots—yes; but not when one goes barefooted!
PEHR. Moreover, the community isn't worth a straw; the whole thing is only a sham! The common good, the common good—one never talks of anything else. What, then, is the common good? It strikes me as being an agreement between a few private individuals.