WILKENS (self-satisfied).
Well, yes. If the peasant is not compelled, he moves neither hand nor foot. There he is quite right. That is the peasant's philosophy. And, I tell you, this peasant's philosophy is not so foolish. Had you practised this philosophy, you would have done your duty, and not a penny's worth more; you would have spent your money on yourself, your wife and your children, and not to increase somebody else's wealth. In that case, it would not concern you now what becomes of it.—Whose bread I eat, his praise I sing. You are paid to be servant, not master. When, therefore, your master says: The forest shall be cleared—
FORESTER.
Then I must see to it that it is not done. The honest man comes before the servant.
WILKENS.
Well. Now we are just as far as we were at the beginning.
[Turns away.]
SOPHY.
You are not going? You are my only consolation, cousin. No doubt, he will change his mind. He has the greatest respect for you, cousin.