SHOEMAKER. He ought to be in the Legislature--then it would go a
little faster with the common motions.

[Burgomaster, Councilmen and Secretary go into Courthouse. People
continue to circulate on square; Street-paver keeps aloof.]

SHOEMAKER. [To Chiropodist, Wagonmaker and Relative.] Gentlemen,
won't you sit down and drink a glass of ale with me?

CHIROPODIST, WAGONMAKER, RELATIVE. Thank you!

SHOEMAKER. [At door, gives order; Hans brings on ale.] Well, Herr
Relative, you did not choose to be present this morning at the
memorial fest for your illustrious kinsman?

RELATIVE. Where was the need of my going out in the rain? You were
there with the Society.

SHOEMAKER. The whole Society! There were three of us.

RELATIVE. Did you sing?

CHIROPODIST. Yes, a little.

RELATIVE. [Laughing.] Were there many people?

WAGONMAKER. Not a soul!

RELATIVE. And the burgomaster--