I can’t understand a syllable of all this. It’s simply a mad craving for martyrdom.
The Burgomaster
No, my dear fellow, it’s only the way decent folk behave in this country. (A knock at the door.) Come in! (Enter the Footman.) What is it?
The Footman
Mr. Burgomaster, the Major has sent to ask you and Lieutenant Otto to go with him to the Town-hall.
The Burgomaster
Of course, I was forgetting the war-levy and the fine. We shall have a tough discussion. I’m reckoning on you, Otto.
Otto
I will do my best, but I can’t promise much: the Major seldom allows any one to differ from him.
The Burgomaster