should you thrust your nose into the mess? The neck is closely connected with it.       

         Carpenter. I am always uneasy when tumults arise among the mob—among people who have nothing to lose. They use as a pretext that to which we also must appeal, and plunge the country in misery.       

         [Enter Soest.       

         Soest. Good day, sirs! What news? Is it true that the image-breakers are coming straight in this direction?       

         Carpenter. Here they shall touch nothing, at any rate.       

         Soest. A soldier came into my shop just now to buy tobacco; I questioned him about the matter. The Regent, though so brave and prudent a lady, has for once lost her presence of mind. Things must be bad indeed when she thus takes refuge behind her guards. The castle is strongly garrisoned. It is even rumoured that she means to fly from the town.       

         Carpenter. Forth she shall not go! Her presence protects us, and we will ensure her safety better than her mustachioed gentry. If she only         maintains our rights and privileges, we will stand faithfully by her.       

         [Enter a Soapboiler.       

         Soapboiler. An ugly business this! a bad business! Troubles are beginning; all things are going wrong! Mind you keep quiet, or they'll take you also for rioters.       

         Soest. Here come the seven wise men of Greece.       

         Soapboiler. I know there are many who in secret hold with the Calvinists, abuse the bishops, and care not for the king. But a loyal subject, a sincere Catholic—!       

         (By degrees others join the speakers, and listen.)       

         [Enter Vansen.       

         Vansen. God save you, sirs! What news?       

         Carpenter. Have nothing to do with him, he's a dangerous fellow.       

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