(_Shaking Renter Stiefel's hand._)

We know that those who love G.o.d serve all things best (1 Corinthians 12:15).----Think of the bereaved mother and strive to console her for her loss by doubled love.

RECTOR SONNENSTICH.

(_Shaking Renter Stiefel's hand._)

Indeed, we could not possibly have promoted him.

PROFESSOR KNOCHENBRUCH.

(_Shaking Renter Stiefel's hand._)

And if we had promoted him, next spring he would have certainly failed to pa.s.s.

UNCLE PROBST.

(_Shaking Renter Stiefel's hand._)

It is your duty now to think of yourself first of all. You are the father of a family----

FRIEND ZIEGENMELKER.

(_Shaking Renter Stiefel's hand._)

Trust yourself to my guidance!----This devilish weather shakes one's guts!----The man who doesn't prevent it with a grog will ruin his heart valves.

RENTER STIEFEL.

(_Blowing his nose._)

The boy was nothing to me----the boy was nothing to me!

(_Renter Stiefel leaves, accompanied by Pastor Kahlbauch, Rector Sonnenstich, Professor Knockenbruch, Uncle Probst and Friend Ziegenmelker.----The rain ceases._)

HANS RILOW.

(_Throws a shovelful of earth into the grave._)

Rest in peace, you honest fellow!----Greet my eternal brides for me, those sacrificed remembrances, and commend me respectfully to the grace of G.o.d----you poor clown----They will put a scarecrow on top of your grave because of your angelic simplicity.

GEORGE.

Did they find the pistol?

ROBERT.

There's no use looking for the pistol!

ERNEST.

Did you see him, Robert?

ROBERT.

It's a d.a.m.ned infernal swindle!----Who did see him?----Who did?

OTTO.

He was hidden!----They threw a covering over him.

GEORGE.

Was his tongue hanging out?

ROBERT.

His eyes----That's why they threw the cloth over him.

OTTO.

Frightful!

HANS RILOW.

Do you know for certain that he hanged himself?

ERNEST.

They say he has no head left.

OTTO.

Incredible!----Nonsense!

ROBERT.

I have the clue in my hands. I have never seen a man who hanged himself that they haven't thrown a cloth over.

GEORGE.

He couldn't have taken his leave in a vulgarer way!

HANS RILOW.

The devil! Hanging is pretty enough!

OTTO.