Reiss. And a just man too he is.
Clar. That is his duty.
Reiss. And as these children may be taken care of in another manner, why would you, at your time of life, burthen yourself with more trouble? You have now toiled long enough, and to your credit too: now you should rest, and leave off business.
Clar. God forbid!
Reiss. Your son will not give up that point, I tell you: as a good son, he will lead his father to honour.
Clar. To honour? And what honour do I want, pray? I am a good workman, have sufficient to live on, employ fifteen people daily; share my earnings with many a poor man, and have a good conscience. What honour can he add to what I have?
Reiss. This very moment it is in agitation, to elect you mayor of our town. That is as good as settled, only--
Clar. No, Sir! I will not listen to that. I am quite well, when governed; and might not be so, if I were to govern others.
Reiss. But consider, how happy many a man would feel, if he--
Clar. Oh yes! I know well enough: many a man would wish to govern now-a-days; but not I. I intend to remain reigning master-carpenter in my own house and timber-yard.