ISRAEL. [Pointing at the hammer] For the sake of old friendship and good faith, can't we put that away?
KING. Ha-ha! With pleasure, if you are afraid of it, Herman!—Go on now! But cut it short!
ISRAEL. Then I'll start at the end. The country's debt to Luebeck has been paid, and we are about to part.
KING. That sounds like writing! However, we shall part as friends.
ISRAEL. As allies rather....
KING. So that's what you are aiming at, Israel?—No, I have had enough of dependence.
ISRAEL. Listen, your Highness, or Majesty, or whatever I am to call you....
KING. Call me Gustav, as you used to do when I called you father.
ISRAEL. Well, my son, there are many things that drive us apart—many, indeed—but there is one thing that keeps us together: our common, legitimate opposition to the Emperor....
KING. Right you are! And that's the reason why we can rely on each other without any written treaties.