Enter Herman and Antonius.

Herman.  Many thanks, Monsieur Antonius, for your kind offer.  You are a fine worthy fellow.  I feel sure that you could take good care of my daughter.  But I should very much like to have a son-in-law who had studied his politics.

Antonius.  But, my dear Monsieur Herman von Bremen, no one can support a wife and family on that!

Herman.  You think not?  Do you suppose I intend to die a tinker?  Yon shall see, before half a year is over.  I hope, when I have read through The European Herald, that I shall be urged to take a place in the council.  I have already got The Political Dessert at my fingers’ ends, but that is not enough.  Confound the author!  He might have spun it out a little.  You know the book, of course?

Antonius.  No, not I.

Herman.  Then I will lend you my copy.  It is as good as it is brief.  I have learned all my statecraft from that book, together with the Herculus and the Herculiscus.

Antonius.  That last one—­isn’t that just a romance?

Herman.  Indeed it is, and I wish the world were full of such romances.  I was at a certain place yesterday, and a man of the foremost rank whispered in my ear:  “Any one who has read that book with understanding may fill the most important posts, ay, rule a whole nation.”

Antonius.  Very good, master, but when I take to reading, I neglect my trade.

Herman.  I tell you, monsieur, that I do not expect to confine myself to tinkering forever.  I should have abandoned it long since, for hundreds of fine men here in town have said to me, “Herman von Bremen, you ought to be something else.”  It was only the other day that one of the burgomasters let fall these words in the council:  “Herman von Bremen could surely be something more than a tinker.  That man has stuff in him that many of us in the council itself might be glad to own.”  From which you may conclude that I shall not die a tinker.  And therefore I wish to have a son-in-law who will apply himself to affairs of state, for I hope that in time both he and I shall become members of the council.  And now, if you will start in with The Political Dessert, I shall examine you every Saturday evening and see what progress you make.

Antonius.  No, indeed, I will not.  I am too old to go to school all over again.

Herman.  Then you are not the sort to be my son-in-law.  Adieu! [Exit.

SCENE 5

Enter Geske.

Geske.  It is awful about my husband; he is never at home attending to business.  I would give a good deal to find out where he keeps himself.  But look, here is Monsieur Antonius!  Are you all alone?  Won’t you come in?

Antonius.  No, thank you, mother, I am not worthy of that.

Geske.  What nonsense is this?