Maria. I can quite believe that; and I don’t think there are many men very eager to undertake the management of such a confused state of affairs.
Nicolaas. They may seek long enough, the ungrateful hounds, before they find another ruler under whom they will be as happy as they were under our good old King.
Maria. Any news besides, sir?
Nicolaas. Do let me read in peace.... H’m! yes; they are complaining of scarcity in all the Belgian towns.
Maria. Of course they are. They may hate the Dutch, but they’ll find they can’t get on without Dutch money. What other news is there?
Nicolaas. The Powers have resolved to keep to the non-intervention system.
Maria. Non-intervention! what’s that? It must be a fine thing whatever it is; every one is talking about it.
Nicolaas. Well, how can I best explain it? It means ... not to meddle with other people’s affairs. For instance, if your neighbour comes and asks you to help him because his house is on fire, and you tell him to put it out himself, for it’s no affair of yours,—that’s non-intervention. But listen ... I hear the sound of horses’ hoofs. Who can it be?
A voice outside. Does the burgomaster live here?
Nicolaas. Coming!