All their thoughts I can discern;
All their words I feel them burn;
All their praise, on elf-wings sped,
Rives me like an icy blast!
Oh, to be enfolded fast
In oblivion, hide my head
In a wild beast’s hole at last!
The Mayor.
[Enters in full uniform, radiant with satisfaction, and greets him.]
Here is the great day come at last,