University of Virginia Library

The scene represents an oak-panelled room in the house of Hans Schwarz, a Master-Printer of Nuremberg. At the back of the stage, deeply recessed in the wall, is a leaded glass window with roundels, through which an orchard with apple trees in full blossom is seen. Beneath the window is an oaken seat. On the back wall, R. of the window, is a hanging cupboard, with old books on a shelf and on the top a number of tankards, glasses and flagons. In the corner (L) hangs a crucifix, with brass receptacle for holy water; in front of it a priedieu. The ceiling (rather low) is of wood, and is supported on great oaken beams. In the side-wall (R) near the back of the stage is a door. In the side-wall (L) nearer the

front of the stage, a curtained opening leading to the printing room. An oaken table stands near the side wall (R), with cloth, plates, glasses, &c., not yet removed after a meal. An arm-chair with leathern cushions, and a footstool (L.C.)

Time—Early sixteenth century.

Three years are supposed to elapse between the first and second scenes.

The story on which this little piece is founded occurs in The Antiquary, Chap. xi., where Jonathan Oldbuck narrates it as a passage in the life of one of his ancestors.