"But I tell you only this, get rid of Repa, and all will be well."
"What! shall I take his head off?"
"You will not take his head off; but now that they are making the army lists, inscribe him in the list; let him draw the lot, and that is enough."
"But he is married and has a son a year old."
"Who among the higher authorities knows that? He will not go to make a complaint, and if he goes, they will not listen to him. In time of recruiting no one has leisure."
"Oh, lord writer, it must be that for you the question is not of drinking, but of Repa's wife; and that is nothing but a sin against God."
"What is that to you? This is what you will do; you will look out for your son, who is nineteen years of age, and he as well as others must draw."
"I know that; but I won't give him. If there is no other way, I will ransom him."
"Oh! if you are such a rich man—"
"The Lord God has a little copper money in my hands; not much; but perhaps it will hold out."