Abrahams. That is so; for that same tinker could reform the whole Roman Empire while he patched a kettle, and play both mender of dishes and mender of diets at the same time.  But I did not approve the plan of those councillors, because to arrest such a man would only start an uproar among the populace and make a person of importance out of a mere fool.  My idea, then, is to play a joke on him, instead, which might have better effect.

Sanderus.  How would you go about it?

Abrahams. Send him a deputation, supposedly from the council, to congratulate him on his election as burgomaster, and immediately set him some hard duty to perform.  Then every one will see how miserable it will make him, and he himself will realize what a difference there is between talking about an office and doing the work of it.

Sanderus.  But what will come of it?

Abrahams. The result will be that he will either run away from the city out of sheer desperation, or else humbly beg for his deposition and confess his incompetence.  It is only for this purpose that I have come to you, Master Sanderus, to beg your help in putting this scheme into operation, for I know that you are skilful at that sort of thing.

Sanderus.  That can be arranged.  We will play the part of the deputation ourselves, and call on him immediatelv.

Abrahams. Here is his house.  Jochum or Christopher, knock, one of you, and say that two gentlemen of the council are outside and wish to talk with Herman von Bremen. (They knock.)

SCENE 2

(Enter Herman.)

Herman.  Whom do you wish to see?

Jochum.  Here are two gentlemen of the council, who have the honor of waiting upon you.

Herman.  Heavens!  What’s up?  I look as dirty as a pig.

Abrahams. Your most humble servant, honorable Burgomaster!  We have been sent here by the council to congratulate you on your election to the office of burgomaster of the city; for the council, after considering your merits more than your condition and circumstances, has elected you burgomaster.

Sanderus.  The council looks upon it as unjust that so wise a man should be occupied with such base affairs and should bury his great talent in the earth.

Herman.  Honored colleagues!  Convey my respects and gratitude to the just and upright councillors and assure them of my protection.  I am delighted that this idea has occurred to them, not for my own sake, but for that of the city.  If I had cared for rank, I might perhaps have attained something long ago.

Abrahams. Honored Burgomaster!  The council and the burgesses can expect nothing but the prosperity of the city under so wise a magistrate.

Sanderus.  And for that reason they have passed over so many rich and distinguished men who have sought this high office.