BURGOMASTER (without.) Make way there, good people—make way there for the royal herald! (The BURGOMASTER bustles in with the HERALD—the crowd following and surrounding him—noises.) Stand back (using his wand)—stand back, you idle, ragged tatterdemalions, and pay all due reverence to the constituted authorities! (laughter)—for know all men by these presents (very pompously,) that I represent the king! (laughter.)
WEDGEWOOD.
What a figure for the part! (laughter.)
BURGOMASTER (smartly striking with his wand one who laughs louder than the rest.) Take that, and let it teach you better manners in future, you scarecrow!—Now draw near, good people, and be dumb! Lend me all your ears!—
WEDGEWOOD.
You have ears enough already for any two-legged animal—
BURGOMASTER.
While I, by virtue of my office as a magistrate, publish this important document!
(SOPHIA comes forward.)
CITIZEN (eagerly.)
Now for it!
BURGOMASTER (hitting him smartly over the head.) You will, will you?—Hish! This paper is big with information to the whole realm; but more especially to the daughters of Saxony. (SOPHIA and the GIRLS of the Factory, by looks and actions, evince great interest in the reading of the paper.)
BURGOMASTER. Hish! (To HERALD.) Now proceed in regular order, and according to ancient form and usage, to read the royal proclamation!—Hish! (Hands paper to HERALD.)
HERALD (reads.) "By the grace of God, we, Frederick the Second, King of Prussia, hereby make known that he will give freedom—"
SOPHIA (eagerly aside.)
Freedom? (Listens with anxiety.)