I imagine I do not wrong you in assuming that you have already written others that were still more to be regretted. BOLZ (_continuing_). I had the article printed before hearing of your last interview with Oldendorf. (_Very courteously_.) My reason for regretting it is, that it is not quite true. I was too hasty in describing your personality to the public. Today, at least, it is no longer a true portrait; it is flattering. COLONEL (_bursting out_). Well, by the devil, that is rude! BOLZ. Your pardon--it is only true. I wish to convince you that a journalist can regret having written falsehoods. COLONEL. Sir! (_Aside_.) I must restrain myself, or he will always get the better of me.--Dr. Bolz, I see that you are a clever man and know your trade. Since, in addition, you seem inclined today to speak only the truth, I must beg you to tell me further if you, too, organized the demonstrations which purport to represent to me public sentiment. BOLZ (_bowing_). I have, as a matter of fact, not been inactive in the matter. COLONEL (_holding out the letter to him, angrily_). Did you prompt these, too? BOLZ. In part, Colonel. This poem is the heart-outpouring of an honest youth who reveres in you the paternal friend of Oldendorf and the ideal of a chivalrous hero. I inspired him with the courage to send you the poem. It was well-meant, at any rate. The poet will have to seek another ideal. The address comes from women and girls who constitute the Association for the Education of Orphans. The Association includes among its members Miss Ida Berg. I myself composed this address for the ladies; it was written down by the daughter of the wine-merchant Piepenbrink. COLONEL. That was just about my opinion concerning these letters. It is needless to ask if you too are the contriver who sent me the citizens? BOLZ. At all events I did not discourage them. [_From without a male chorus of many voices_.] Hail! Hail! Hail! Within the precincts of our town, Blessed by each burgher's son, There dwells a knight of high renown, A noble, faithful one. Who doth in need for aid apply To this brave knight sends word; For love is his bright panoply And mercy is his sword. We laud him now in poem and song Protector of the lowly throng. The Colonel, the Colonel, The noble Colonel Berg! COLONEL (_rings after the first measure of the song_. CARL _enters_). You are to let no one in if you wish to remain in my service. CARL. Colonel, they are already in the garden, a great company of them. It is the glee club; the leaders are already at the steps. BOLZ (_who has opened the window_). Very well sung, Colonel--from _La Juive_--he is the best tenor in town and the accompaniment is exceedingly original. COLONEL (_aside_). It is enough to drive one mad. [_Aloud_.] Show the gentlemen in! _Exit_ CARL. _At the end of the verse enter_ FRITZ KLEINMICHEL _and two other gentlemen_. FRITZ KLEINMICHEL.