will do what in us lies. (Exit Egmont.) A gracious lord! A true
Netherlander! Nothing of the Spaniard about him.

Jetter. If we had only him for a Regent? 'Tis a pleasure to follow him.

Soest. The king won't hear of that. He takes care to appoint his own people
to the place.

Jetter. Did you notice his dress? It was of the newest fashion--after the
Spanish cut.

Carpenter. A handsome gentleman.

Jetter. His head now were a dainty morsel for a heads-man.

Soest. Are you mad? What are you thinking about?

Jetter. It is stupid enough that such an idea should come into one's head!
But so it is. Whenever I see a fine long neck, I cannot help thinking how
well it would suit the block. These cursed executions! One cannot get
them out of one's head. When the lads are swimming, and I chance to see a
naked back, I think forthwith of the dozens I have seen beaten with rods. If
I meet a portly gentleman, I fancy I already see him roasting at the stake.
At night, in my dreams, I am tortured in every limb; one cannot have a
single hour's enjoyment; all merriment and fun have long been forgotten.
These terrible images seem burnt in upon my brain.



SCENE II.--Egmont's residence