FRAU LUND. It would seem then that our friend Beermann has become
a politician because he ... is no politician?

HAUSER. That's what is known as "fusion."

BEERMANN. Allow me to ask a question. Why should I not become a
Reichstag deputy?

HAUSER. Quite right! Frau Lund--tell him--why shouldn't he?

BEERMANN. Because I am a novice in politics? We all have to make a
start.

HAUSER. It's the only calling where one can start any day, Frau
Lund, without being called upon to produce qualifications.

BOLLAND. There you can tell the lawyer. You'd like to establish a
civil service examination for members of the Reichstag?

HAUSER. You are not afraid that it might hurt them?

BEERMANN [with importance]. Let me tell you, Judge. What a person
achieves in real life is far greater than all your book wisdom. We
have too many lawyers anyway. It's one of our national
misfortunes.

FRAU LUND [merrily to Frau Beermann]. Look! He's beginning to
debate already.

BOLLAND [careless pose]. As you know, I run a soap factory where I