Jeppe—Where is my overseer?
Valet—He is just outside.
Jeppe—Let him come in at once.
Overseer (enters dressed in a coat with silver buttons and a sash about the waist)—Has my lord any commands?
Jeppe—None, except that you are to be hanged!
Overseer—I have done nothing wrong, my lord! Why should I be hanged?
Jeppe—Are you not the manager?
Overseer—Yes, I am, my lord.
Jeppe—And still you ask why you shall be hanged?
Overseer—You know I have served your lordship honestly and faithfully, and been so diligent in my duties that your lordship has praised me above your other servants.