"Yes, but listen to me, sir; I have experience."
"Yes, but others have made their début in leading parts, without having been on the stage before."
"But you will break your neck."
"Very well, then! I will!"
"Yes, but the board of directors will not give the best stage in the country to the first chance aspirant to make experiments on."
That seemed reasonable. He therefore consented to undertake a minor rôle. He was given the part of Härved Boson in Hedberg's Marriage of Ulfosa.
John read over the part at home, and was astonished. It was quite insignificant. He only had a few quarrels with his brother-in-law and then embraced his wife. But he had to undertake the part, as he had agreed to do.
The rehearsals began. To have to shout out empty words without meaning was repugnant to him.
After some trials the teacher declared that he had no more time and recommended John to take lessons in the Dramatic Academy.
"But I won't be a pupil," he said.