Part 8 (1/2)

_Third Councilman._ I've wondered and thought, till I've no thoughts left.

_Mayor._ Oh! if I only had a great big trap! Yes, a thousand big traps!

Bless us, what noise is that? Is it a rat?--Come in!

[Ill.u.s.tration]

[_Enter Piper._]

_First Councilman._ Who is this who dares to come into the Mayor's office without an introduction?

_Second Councilman._ Hasn't he a funny coat?

_Third Councilman._ But what a pleasant face! He smiles all the time.

_Mayor._ He looks like the picture of my grandsire. What is your name, and your business, my man?

_Pied Piper._ Please your honors, my name is Pied Piper. My business is to play upon my pipe. I can charm with the magic of my notes all things to do my will. But I use my charm on creatures that do people harm, the toad, the mole, and the viper, and rats--rats!

_Mayor._ Rats! Well, then, you're the man we want. We'll pay you a thousand guilders if you'll free our town of rats.

_Piper._ A thousand guilders! Done! It's a bargain!

SCENE II.--_Same as Scene I. The Mayor and Councilmen looking out of window_

_Mayor._ There he goes down the street.

_First Councilman._ What a strange looking pipe he plays!

_Second Councilman._ I believe it must be a magic one.

_Third Councilman._ Do you hear the music? What is that other noise?

_Mayor._ Look, look at the rats! Did you ever see such a sight!

_First Councilman._ The streets are crowded with them! Big and little, brown, black, and gray, they are tumbling over each other in their hurry!

_Second Councilman._ Sir! he is going toward the bridge.

_Third Councilman._ They must think he is playing a tune of apples and cheese!

_Mayor._ There they are at the river. They are plunging in! they will be drowned!

_First Councilman._ Good for the piper!

_Mayor._ Ring the bells for the people. Tell them to get long poles, poke out the nests and block up the holes!

_Second Councilman._ Here comes the Piper.

_Third Councilman._ That was well done, Mr. Piper.