University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Before the gate of the town. Motley groups of people are crowding out to walk.
SOME JOURNEYMEN.
Brethren, whither bound?

OTHERS.
To the Jägerhaus we go.

THE FIRST.
But our way leads us to the mill.

A JOURNEYMAN.
At Wasserhof best cheer is to be found.

A SECOND.
But then the road is not agreeable.

THE OTHERS.
And what dost thou?

A THIRD.
I do as others do.

A FOURTH.
To Burgdorf let us go, there are we sure to find
The best of beer, and maidens to our mind,
And frolics too, if we be so inclined.

A FIFTH.
You over-wanton fellow, does your skin
For the third time to itch begin?
I shudder at the place,—to it
A single step I will not budge.

A SERVANT GIRL.
No! No! back to the town I'd rather trudge.

ANOTHER.
Beneath yon poplar trees he's sure to sit.

THE FIRST.
No mighty matter that for me,
Since he will go with none but thee,
And in the dance he's always thine:
What have thy joys to do with mine?

THE OTHER.
To-day he will not be alone—he said
That he would bring with him the curly-head.

STUDENT.
Donner and blitz! how the stout wenches stride!
Come, brother, come! we must be at their side.
A good strong beer, a girl that's smartly dress'd,
And biting sharp tobacco,—that's my taste.

BURGHERS' DAUGHTERS.
Look only at those brisk young fellows there!
In sooth, 'tis more than one can bear;
The best society have they if they please,
And run after such low-bred girls as these!

SECOND STUDENT
to the first.
Not quite so quick! there come up two behind,
Spruce lasses both, I wot, and trim,
My neighbour, too, is one of them;
She is a girl quite to my mind.
With quiet pace now move they on,
But will be glad to wait for us anon.

FIRST STUDENT.
No, no! I have no patience for your ladies.
Quick, brother, quick! before the game quite fled is.
The maid whose week-day broom the chamber dresses,
When Sunday comes, gives you the sweetest kisses.

A BURGHER.
No! this new burgo-master will not do!
He seems to govern for himself alone;
And since he was installed, what has he done
For which the city's thanks are due?
Affairs are getting worse from day to day,
More than before we must obey,
And more than ever must we pay.

A BEGGAR,
singing.
Ye gentle sirs, and ladies fair,
With clothes so spruce, and cheeks so red,
O pass not by, but hear my prayer,
Nor to the poor deny your aid!
Let not me harp in vain! for blest
Is he alone who gives away;
And may this merry Easter-feast
For me too be a holiday.

ANOTHER BURGHER.
On holidays and Sundays nothing pleases
Me more than talk of war, and bruits of war,
When in Turkey, distant far,
The nations tear themselves to pieces.
We sit i'the window, drink our glass at ease,
And see how down the stream the gay ships softly glide;
Then go we safely home at even-tide,
And bless our stars we live in times of peace.

THIRD BURGHER.
Yes, neighbour, that is my way too.
They may split their skulls in two,
And, topsy-turvy, rant and riot;
Only at home keep all things quiet.

OLD WOMAN,
to the Burghers' Daughters.
Hey-day, how spruce! these be of gentle stuff!
Whose heart against such tricks is sure?
Only not quite so proud! 'Tis well enough—
And what you wish I know how to procure.

FIRST BURGHER'S DAUGHTER.
Agathe come! I choose not to be seen
With such old witches on the public green;
Though on St Andrew's night she let me see
My future husband bodily.

SECOND BURGHER'S DAUGHTER.
Mine too, bold, soldier-like, she made to pass,
With his wild mates, before me in a glass;
I seek him here, I seek him there,
But nowhere deigns he to appear.

SOLDIERS.