HINZE.

Why, no, it was an altogether human thought.  Can you think of no way of managing?

GOTTLIEB.

Not a thing!

HINZE.

You might carry me around and show me for money; but that is never a sure means of support.

GOTTLIEB.

No.

HINZE.

You might publish a journal or a German paper, with the motto, Homo sum—­or a novel; I should be willing to collaborate with you—­but that is too much bother.

GOTTLIEB.

Yes.

HINZE.

Well, I’ll see that I take even better care of you.  Depend upon it, you are yet to become very happy through me.

GOTTLIEB.

O, best, most noble man. (He embraces him tenderly.)

HINZE.

But you must also trust me.

GOTTLIEB.

Entirely.  Why, now I realize your honorable spirit.

HINZE.

Well, then, do me a favor and bring the shoemaker immediately to take my measure for a pair of boots.

GOTTLIEB.

The shoemaker?  Boots?

HINZE.

You are surprised, but in accomplishing what I intend to do for you, I have to walk and run so much that I have to wear boots.

GOTTLIEB.

But why not shoes?

HINZE.

Master Gottlieb, you do not understand the matter; they must lend me some dignity, an imposing air, in short, a certain manliness to which one never attains in shoes.

GOTTLIEB.

Well, as you think best; but the shoemaker will be surprised.

HINZE.

Not at all; we must act only as if it were nothing remarkable that I should wish to wear boots; one gets used to everything.

GOTTLIEB.

Yes, indeed; why, my conversation with you has actually become quite easy!  But another thing; now that we have become such good friends, do call me by my first name, too; why do you still want to stand on ceremony with me?

HINZE.

As you like, Gottlieb.

GOTTLIEB.

There’s the shoemaker passing.  Hey!  Pst!  Friend Leichdorn!  Will you please stop a moment?

[The shoemaker comes in.]

SHOEMAK.

God bless you!  What’s the news?

GOTTLIEB.

I have ordered no work from you for a long time.

SHOEMAK.

No, my friend, all in all, I have very little to do now.

GOTTLIEB.

I should like to have another pair of boots made—­

SHOEMAK.

Please take a seat.  I have a measure with me.

GOTTLIEB.

Not for myself, but for my young friend there.

SHOEMAK.

For this one here?  Very well.

HINZE (sits on a chair and holds out his right leg).

SHOEMAK.

Now how should you like it, pussy?

HINZE.

In the first place, good soles, then brown flaps, and, above all things, stiff.