MONTANUS, Refute, then, this syllogismus, quem tibi propano. A cock has certain peculiarities which distinguish him from other animals: he wakes people by a noise when it's time to get up; announces the hours; plumes himself on his voice; wears protuberances on his head. You have the same peculiarities. Ergo, you are a cock. Refute me that argument. (Peer weeps again.)
JESPER. If the deacon can't shut you up, I can.
MONTANUS. Let us hear your argument, then!
JESPER. First, my conscience tells me that your opinion is false.
MONTANUS. One cannot pass judgment in all matters according to a bailiff's conscience.
JESPER. In the second place, I say that everything you have said is sheer falsehood.
MONTANUS. Prove it.
JESPER. In the third place, I am an honest man, whose word has always deserved to be believed.
MONTANUS. That sort of talk will convince no one.
JESPER. In the fourth place, I say that you have spoken like a knave and that the tongue ought to be cut out of your mouth.