I.
MAN

Look, they are bowing to us; they are whispering about us; they are pointing their fingers at us. There is a venerable old gentleman saying with tears in his eyes: "Happy the land that has such children!" See how pale this youth here has turned. Fame looked at him and gave him a smile. That's after I built the People's House, which is the pride of the whole country.

WIFE

You are my famous husband. The oak wreath suits you so well. A laurel wreath would become you still better.

MAN

Look, look, there come the representatives of the city where I was born. They bow to me and say: "Our city is proud of the honor—"

WIFE

Oh!

MAN