Koll. Then I will put it to the vote after the director, motion has been voted upon.
The Mayor. A motion that concerns the King should take precedence of all others.
Koll. Even the King is subject to the rules of logic. The directors' motion is: "That only one class of railway carriage shall be purchased, of a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary third-class carriage." Will those in favour of the motion kindly go to the left--on this side of the room; those against the motion, to the right. (Nearly all go to the left. Cheers are heard outside, and are gradually taken up by those inside. KOLL hammers with his mallet.) Order, please! (The cheering ceases, but an animated conversation goes on.) The directors' motion is carried!
The Mayor (shouting). I am sure every one did not understand the method of voting!
Koll (hammering with his mallet). Order, order. (Quiet is gradually restored.) What did your worship say?
The Mayor. That some people must have misunderstood the way of voting; because I see my daughter Natalie, who is a shareholder too, on the other side of the room. Of course she has made a mistake.
Natalie. Oh no, father, I haven't. (Loud laughter, and applause.)
The Priest. Ah, my poor deluded parishioners, I shall pray for you!
Alstad. I would suggest that the Mayor should withdraw it. We know what its fate would be in such a meeting as this.
Koll. As long as I occupy the chair, I shall not permit any derogatory expressions to be applied to the meeting. Does the Mayor still insist on his motion being put? (Whispers to him: "Say no!")
Koll. Then, as no one else wishes to speak, I declare the meeting at an end. (Every one begins to move about and discuss affairs vigorously.)
Alstad (to his son VILHELM). So you have the face to vote with these--these Americans, against your old father, have you?
Vilhelm. Well, father, I honestly think--
Alstad. Just you wait till I get you home!
Vilhelm. Oh, that's it, is it? Then I shan't go home--so there! I shall stay here and get drunk, I shall.
Vilhelm. Yes, I shall! I shall stay here and get drunk!
Alstad. But, Vilhelm, listen to me! (Takes him by the arm. Meantime a STRANGER has taken KOLL and GRAN by the arm, to their manifest surprise, and brought the forward away from the crowd. He stands for a moment, looking them in the face, till suddenly KOLL gives a start and cries out: "The King!")