No.
RELATIVE. [Takes up a pamphlet.] Would you like to hear, then--
"_Tribute_. The customary tribute paid by the Schulze Society to
the memory of our worthy citizen, whom we commemorate in bronze on
the city's public square, took place this morning in presence of a
great crowd of people that greeted the memorial songs, sung in
honor of the illustrious departed, with hearty applause. The songs
were rendered by the great chorus with the usual precision and good
ensemble. The oration, which had been prepared with the utmost
care, was delivered in clear, resonant tones by the worthy
shoemaker, Pumpen-Block. Among the notables present we observed the
city's burgomaster, the kinsman of the departed, and others." [All
laugh.]
RELATIVE. Isn't that rich?
ALL. Oh, it's priceless!--You wrote that.
RELATIVE. By the by, have you seen the cartoon of the reformer and
the street-paver? It's capital!
SHOEMAKER. But it was a bit extravagant to caricature them in that
way!
RELATIVE. Oh, no sensible person has anything against the
proposition; but that it should fall into such hands--Hush, here he
comes!
[Pehr is led on by guards, who place him in the pillory and adjust
neck-irons. The populace nudge each other and point at him.
Shoemaker's company slightly embarrassed. Enter a lyre player and
an old blind woman, with a painted canvas on a pole. Old woman
sings and points at canvas, which is painted in six panels--one for
each stanza.]
OLD WOMAN.
There was a guileless youth
Who heard the people's wail;
Lawgivers sat in the square
And gaily quaffed their ale.
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