RELATIVE. Brother! If you were a brother to him in life, please
remember that all titles are annulled by death. Will you admit that
this is an attack?

SHOEMAKER. Of course I will--Have I said anything to the contrary?
Can you prove that I said anything to the contrary?

RELATIVE. No; but be careful! We hold Common Council here on the
square at nine o'clock, when that reformer will speak for his
cause. Do you know what he wants?

SHOEMAKER. No.

RELATIVE. Can you imagine it! He wants to repave all our streets
with flagstones.

SHOEMAKER. But that's rather considerate of him.

RELATIVE. [Laughs ironically.] Considerate? Oh, very! How will it
go, for example just to mention your calling--how will it go with
the precious shoemaking trade when the people no longer wear out
any shoes?

SHOEMAKER. What--what say you? Forgive me, my friend, but you are
right. However, I'm not thinking of my humble calling, but of all
the poor innocent working men who will be robbed of their bread--
and of their poor wives and children!

HANS. [At window, makes faces.] Poor unfortunate workingmen!