ite 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 i