All.  The proposition is splendid.  Master Herman, you talk like a Solomon.

Franz.  The plan is good enough, but—­

Gert.  You always come in with a “but.”  I believe your father was a butler.

Herman.  Let him express his opinion.  What were you going to say?  What does that “but” of yours mean?

Franz.  I wonder if it might not be hard at times to get a good burgomaster from every common trade?  Master Herman would do, for he is well educated.  But when he is dead, where shall we find another among the tinkers fitted for such responsibility?  For when the republic is brought to its knees, it is not so easy to make it over into another form as it is to make over a plate or a pot that is spoiled.

Gert.  Oh, nonsense!  We shall find capable men a-plenty, and among artisans, too.

Herman.  Listen, Franz.  You are still a young man and so you can’t see so deep into things as the rest of us, albeit I perceive that you have a good head and in time may amount to something.  I can show you, briefly, that this objection of yours has no foundation, by a consideration of ourselves alone.  We are twelve men in this guild, all artisans; each one of us can surely see hundreds of mistakes which the council makes.  Imagine, now, that one of us becomes burgomaster and corrects all the mistakes that we have talked about so many times and that the council cannot see.  Do you suppose the city of Hamburg would lose by such a burgomaster?  If you good gentlemen are so disposed, I shall make that motion.

All.  Yes, indeed.

Herman.  But enough of these matters.  Time flies, and we have not read the newspaper yet.  Henrich, let us have the latest paper.

Henrich.  Here are all the latest newspapers.

Herman.  Give them to Richard the brushmaker, who usually does the reading.

Richard.  It is reported from headquarters on the Rhine that recruits are expected.

Herman.  Oh, they have reported that twelve times in succession.  Skip the Rhine.  I could worry myself to death when I hear of such things.  What is the news from Italy?

Richard.  From Italy it is reported that Prince Eugene has broken camp, crossed the Po, and gone past all the fortifications to surprise the enemy, who thereupon retreated four miles in the greatest haste.  The Duke of Vendome laid waste and burned right and left in his own territory as he retreated.

Herman.  Upon my soul his Excellency is struck blind.  We are done for.  I wouldn’t give fourpence for the whole army of Italy.

Gert.  I maintain that the prince did right, for that has always been my plan.  Didn’t I say last time, Franz, that they ought to do that?

Franz.  I don’t remember that you did.

Gert.  Of course I have said so, a hundred times.  For why should an army lie idle?  The prince has done right.  I dare maintain it against any one, whoever he be.