SECOND LAWYER. Justinian's words, your Magnificence, are as follows: Whatsoever a river wears off another's field and casts up on yours, that belongs to you.
HERMAN. Yes, Justinian is right so far, for he was a fine man. I have much too much respect for him to question his decision.
FIRST LAWYER. But, your Honor, my opponent interprets law as the devil does the Bible. He forgets what follows right after: Per alluvionem autem videtur id adjici, quod ita paulatim adjicitur, ut intellegere non possis, quantum quoquo temporis momenta adjiciatur.
HERMAN. Messieurs! I must go to the City Hall. The clock has just struck half-past four. Henrich! See to it that you adjust this suit in the entry.
FIRST LAWYER. Ah, your Honor! Give us your opinion in a word.
HERMAN. Messieurs, you are both right, each one in his own way.
SECOND LAWYER. How can we both be right? I maintain that if I am right, my antagonist is wrong. The law of Justinian is expressly in my favor.
HERMAN. Excuse me, I must be off to the City Hall immediately.
FIRST LAWYER (seizing hold of him). I have certainly proved that
Justinian's opinion is on my side.
HERMAN. Yes, that is so. Justinian is for both of you. Why the devil, then, don't you compromise? You don't know Justinian as well as I do; when he wears the mantle on both shoulders, it is as much as to say: Get out, you scurvy-necks, and compromise!