nd tubs. Well!--Then the writer of these pages will
have effected what is the sincere and honest wish of his heart.

_How Master Martin was elected "Candle-master" and how
he returned thanks therefor._

On the 1st of May, 1580, in accordance with traditionary custom and
usage, the honourable guild of coopers, or wine-cask makers, of the
free Imperial Town of Nuremberg, held with all due ceremony a meeting
of their craft. A short time previously one of the presidents, or
"Candle-masters," as they were called, had been carried to his grave;
it was therefore necessary to elect a successor. Choice fell upon
Master Martin. And in truth there was scarcely another who could be
measured against him in the building of strong and well-made casks;
none understood so well as he the management of wine in the cellar;[7]
hence he counted amongst his customers very many men of distinction,
and lived in the most prosperous circumstances--nay, almost rolled in
riches. Accordingly, after Martin had been elected, the worthy
Councillor Jacobus Paumgartner, who, in his official character of
syndic,[8] presided over the meeting, said, "You have done bravely
well, friends, to choose Master Martin as your president, for the
office could not be in better hands. He is held in high esteem by all
who know him, not only on account of his great skill, but on account of
his ripe experience in the art of keeping and managing the rich juice
of the grape. His steady industry and upright life, in spite of all the
wealth he has amassed, may serve as an example to you all. Welcome then
a thousand times, goodman Master Martin, as our honoured president."

With these words Paumgartner rose to his feet and took a few steps
forward, with open arms, expecting that Martin would come to meet him.
The latter immediately placed both his hands upon the arms of his chair
and raised himself as expeditiously as his portly person would permit
him to rise,--which was only slowly and heavily. Then just as slowly he
strode into Paumgartner's hearty embrace, which, however, he scarcely
returned. "Well," said Paumgartner, somewhat nettled at this, "well,
Master Martin, are you not altogether well pleased that we have elected
you to be our 'Candle-master'?" Master Martin, as was his wont, threw
his head back into his neck, played with his fingers upon his capacious
belly, and, opening his eyes wide and thrusting forward his under-lip
with an a