Chapter 41

Enter MASTER CLARENBACH.

_Clar._ What is the matter, my son?

_P. Coun._ Can you conceive it, father? I shall not be a Privy Counsellor much longer.

_Clar._ How so?

_P. Coun._ I will lay down my gown, and, with heart and soul, work as I did, before I was raised to that office.

_Clar._ In earnest? can I rely on it?

_P. Coun._ Sophia has resigned her fortune on my account, and I shall resign it on hers;--I do not wish for any high office! I am going to re-enter the tranquil class of the industrious citizens. She consents to be my wife. It is her wish, and I see peace and happiness spring from out of it.

_Soph._ Does it meet with your approbation, father?

_Clar._ Ay! You ought to read it in my countenance; I would fain open the window, and call out, Jack is no more a Privy Counsellor,--_vivat_! And then there is a pretty, amiable, discreet young lady, that is not possessed with the demon of pride,--_vivat_! and she will be Master Clarenbach's daughter in law,--_vivat_! huzza, I say, Gernau! Girl, come, give me a kiss! (They kiss.)