OTTO I’ll read it to you: “A dastardly attack having been committed on an officer of the German army, if the culprit is not delivered before seven o’clock this evening precisely, the Burgomaster of the town of Stilemonde, being responsible, will be publicly shot at the hour aforesaid. If any other attempt were made, the town will be looted and set on fire; and the tenth man of all the male inhabitants will be put to death.” THE BURGOMASTER He wants me to sign that, does he? OTTO You must. Besides, he has taken your consent for granted, for your signature already appears at the foot of the sheet. THE BURGOMASTER Then it was scarcely worth while asking me to sign it. OTTO It was more regular and more correct. THE BURGOMASTER And suppose I refuse? OTTO You will be no better off; he will do without and will not forgive you for refusing. THE BURGOMASTER What more can he do than shoot me? OTTO You are not the only one whom he can order to be shot. THE BURGOMASTER That’s true. After all, I am only signing my own death-warrant and am wronging nobody. (_Signing the paper._) There, that’s done. But wait: what about improving the grammar a bit? OTTO You had better not try. He is persuaded that it is above criticism. THE BURGOMASTER My poor Otto, I believe there’s nothing left for me to do but make my will. It is made; but I should like to revise it and alter a few of the bequests. OTTO Don’t say that and don’t lose courage; you still have several chances of escape. THE BURGOMASTER Really? I don’t see one. OTTO To begin with, there’s this: the Major is so thoroughly convinced of Claus’s guilt that he is quite capable of having him shot together with yourself, if you persist in proclaiming his innocence. He has taken it into his head that you are absolutely determined to save Claus from the punishment which he deserves. In reality, he is not at all keen on having you shot; I could see that; he bears you no ill-will.... THE BURGOMASTER That’s very good of him.... OTTO But he must have an example at all costs; on this point his mind is fully made up; and I am bound to say that I agree with him. I gathered that, if need be, he will cease to demand that you should declare Claus guilty. It will be enough for you to keep quiet, to make no fuss and not to protest the man’s innocence. You have only to know nothing of what happens. THE BURGOMASTER