GOTTLIEB
Noble-hearted Hinze! Ah, how unjustly do they speak ill of you and scornfully, doubting your loyalty and devotion! My eyes are being opened—how my knowledge of human nature is increasing and so unexpectedly!
FISCHER
Friends, where has our hope for a picture of family life gone to?
LEUTNER
Why it is almost too nonsensical.
SCHLOSS
I feel as though I were in a dream.
HINZE
You are a good man, Master Gottlieb; but, do not take it ill of me, you are somewhat narrow, confined—to speak out freely, not one of the best heads.
GOTTLIEB
Alas, no!
HINZE
You don't know now, for example, what you want to do.
GOTTLIEB
You read my thoughts perfectly.
HINZE
If you had a muff made out of my fur—
GOTTLIEB
Do not take it amiss, comrade, that this idea just passed through my mind.
HINZE
Why, no, it was an altogether human thought. Can you think of no way of managing?
GOTTLIEB
Not a thing!
HINZE
You might carry me around and show me for money; but that is never a sure means of support.
GOTTLIEB
No.
HINZE
You might publish a journal or a German paper, with the motto, Homo sum—or a novel; I should be willing to collaborate with you—but that is too much bother.
GOTTLIEB
Yes.
HINZE
Well, I'll see that I take even better care of you. Depend upon it, you are yet to become very happy through me.
GOTTLIEB
O, best, most noble man. (He embraces him tenderly.)
HINZE
But you must also trust me.
GOTTLIEB
Entirely. Why, now I realize your honorable spirit.
HINZE
Well, then, do me a favor and bring the shoemaker immediately to take my measure for a pair of boots.
GOTTLIEB
The shoemaker? Boots?
HINZE
You are surprised, but in accomplishing what I intend to do for you, I have to walk and run so much that I have to wear boots.
GOTTLIEB
But why not shoes?
HINZE
Master Gottlieb, you do not understand the matter; they must lend me some dignity, an imposing air, in short, a certain manliness to which one never attains in shoes.