Please don’t continue in that tone: it is not fair and it is extremely painful to me. I simply wished, as I have told you, to prove my gratitude by doing all I could to save you, and the town of which you are the chief authority, from the inconveniences and dangers of an occupation which I was unable to prevent.
The Burgomaster
Very well, we won’t talk about it. How long do you reckon to stay here with your men?
Otto
We don’t know: perhaps two hours, perhaps two months. It all depends on events and on the orders which we receive.
The Burgomaster
And the Major, what sort of a man is he? He does not look easy to deal with.
Otto
He is severe, rather hard, rather dictatorial, rather domineering, a strict disciplinarian, but absolutely just; taken all round, a good sort. I repeat, you have nothing to fear, if your people behave themselves. Besides, in the case of any conflict or misunderstanding, I hope to use my influence and to smooth matters down. And now let us be friends, if you will, and allow me to embrace you as I used to.
The Burgomaster