Secretary (reading). "Whereas our cathedral city has failed in
the payment of its tithes to this See, and whereas it continues
refractory in regard to such payments, the Chapter has deemed it
necessary, in accordance with its vested rights and the sanction
granted by the Holy Curia, to close the doors of the church and
to discontinue all masses and sacrifices until the aforesaid
dereliction shall have been duly remedied; failure to observe
which shall be at the risk of our displeasure. Datum vigilia
assumptionis Mariae. Chapter of Strangnas." [Exit.]

Gert. What do you say to that, good folk?

Townsman. No mass on Whitsun Eve? That's a shame!

Gert. Take care! Say nothing evil of the priests; maybe they're
not to blame.

Townsman. Who is to blame, then?

Gert. The Church! That invisible and omnipotent something! It is
the Church, you see, that has closed the church. (The crowd gives
evidence of disapproval.)

Olof (who in the meantime has come forward, seizes a rope hanging
from the bell tower, and begins to ring vespers). If your worship
be seriously meant, I'll say mass for you.

Townsman. Many thanks, Master Olof, but are you aware of what
that may lead to?