To the last penny shall be spent.—
Now, Mayor, are you still confident
That you can shake me from my thought?
The Mayor.
[With folded hands.]
I stand—as from the clouds dropp'd down
Such things are even in a Town
Scarce heard of,—and yet here, for us,
Who long to the necessitous
Have closed our purses and our doors,
You loose this flood of gifts unbounded
That ripples, flashes, foams and pours—.
—No, Brand, I'm utterly dumbfounded
Brand.
In thought I long ago resign'd
My wealth
The Mayor.
Yes, whisper'd hints have flown
Pointing to something of the kind.
But I regarded them as wind.
How many men give all they own
Without a tangible return?
However, that's your own concern.—
Go on! I'll follow. You're in feather,
You can act freely, work and sway.—
Brand, we will build the Church <g>together</g>
Brand.
What, you are willing to give way?
The Mayor.
Dear God's my witness, that I am!
And shall be while my wits are sound!
