II The Writing-master
Manr. But where does he (the writing-master) live?
Mend. Don’t seek that from me, for I did not hear the man, nor see him, while I understood that you heard him. You would like everything to be brought to your mouth, chewed beforehand.
Manr. Now I remember he said he rented a house near the church of SS. Justus and Pastor.
Mend. So he is our neighbour. Let us go.
Manr. Eh, boy! where is the teacher?
Boy. In that room there!
Manr. What is he doing?
Boy. He is teaching some pupils.
Manr. Tell him that there stand before his doors some who have come to be taught by him.
Teacher. Who are these boys? What do they want?
Boy. They desire conference with you.
Teacher. Admit them straight to me.
Manr. and Mend. We wish you health and all prosperity, teacher.
Teacher. And I, in my turn, wish you a happy entrance here. May Christ preserve you! What is it? What do you wish?
Manr. To be taught by you in that art which you profess, if only you have time and are willing.
Teacher. Certainly, you ought to be boys highly educated, for so you speak and desire with modest mouths. Now, so much the more since a blush has spread over your whole face. Have confidence, my boys, for that is the colour of virtue. What are your names?
Manr. Manricus and Mendoza.