Em. of the Emp. (as before). Ha! (making an entry in his note-book). And they laugh at a witless joke! Good! Very good!
First Ger. Stu. (joyously). And now, my comrades, yet another toast—The Prosperity of the People!
Chorus of Ger. Stu. (raising their glasses). The People!
[They all drink.
Em. of the Emp. (apart) Ha!
[He makes an entry in his note-book.
First Ger. Stu. And now, a final flagon! Kellner!
Kellner (as before). Oh, high-born customer, beware! This is your fourth glass! You know the law!
First Ger. Stu. (as before). That indeed I do! And I also know that my daily allowance is—or rather was—twelve quarts per diem! And now, comrades, our last toast—The Freedom of the Press!
Chorus of Ger. Stu. (raising their glasses). The Freedom of the Press!