STREET-PAVER. You called him _burgomaster_, and that title has
become a by-word in the town; you said that his paving stones were
rough--in a word, you have expressed the common opinion of the man,
therefore you are ruined.

PEHR. It's a very remarkable world that we live in!

STREET-PAVER. It's rather see-saw, and has its little
eccentricities, but do not try to help it, sir, for then it will
send you straight to tophet!

PEHR. The people are dissatisfied and when one wants to dig up the
cause of their dissatisfaction, they throw stones at one! [A boy
thrusts a leaflet into their hands, hurries along and distributes
more among the populace.]

PEHR. [Glances at leaflet.] But this is outrageous! They have
sketched us. Have I a nose like that?

STREET-PAVER. They have hit us off rather well--but surely I
haven't such ears!

PEHR. I can't understand this--Yesterday the editor was for the
cause and to-day he abuses me.

STREET-PAVER. Public opinion, you see! He said to me, also, that he
approved of this movement, but that he stared not defy public
opinion.

PEHR. A curious way of working for his cause! Who, then, is public