ABRAHAMS. The result will be that he will either run away from the city out of sheer desperation, or else humbly beg for his deposition and confess his incompetence. It is only for this purpose that I have come to you, Master Sanderus, to beg your help in putting this scheme into operation, for I know that you are skilful at that sort of thing.
SANDERUS. That can be arranged. We will play the part of the deputation ourselves, and call on him immediatelv.
ABRAHAMS. Here is his house. Jochum or Christopher, knock, one of you, and say that two gentlemen of the council are outside and wish to talk with Herman von Bremen. (They knock.)
SCENE 2
(Enter Herman.)
HERMAN. Whom do you wish to see?
JOCHUM. Here are two gentlemen of the council, who have the honor of waiting upon you.
HERMAN. Heavens! What's up? I look as dirty as a pig.
ABRAHAMS. Your most humble servant, honorable Burgomaster! We have been sent here by the council to congratulate you on your election to the office of burgomaster of the city; for the council, after considering your merits more than your condition and circumstances, has elected you burgomaster.
SANDERUS. The council looks upon it as unjust that so wise a man should be occupied with such base affairs and should bury his great talent in the earth.