Michiel (aside). Michiel, Burgomaster!
D’Eglantiers (sits down). I shall make my headquarters here provisionally. Let’s see—what has to be done now?...
Enter Maria, bringing wine. All sit down and drink.
D’Eglantiers. Ahem!—reports ... but who is to write them? Lieutenant Taelinck, can you write?
Taelinck. No, Captain.
D’Eglantiers. Why are you a lieutenant then?
Taelinck. But you can’t do it either, Captain—or read, for that matter.
D’Eglantiers. Silence! I’m a captain to give orders, not to write. Sergeant Pluckx, can you write?
Pluckx. Not I—but there’s Private Passereau, he knows how.
Passereau. Plaît-il?