Part 135 (1/2)

[They move towards the tent.

SCENE II.

The above--Sergeant-Major, Trumpeter, Hulan.

TRUMPETER.

What would the boor? Out, rascal, away!

PEASANT.

Some victuals and drink, worthy masters, I pray, For not a warm morsel we've tasted to day.

TRUMPETER.

Ay, guzzle and guttle--'tis always the way.

HULAN (with a gla.s.s).

Not broken your fast! there--drink, ye hound!

He leads the peasant to the tent--the others come forward.

SERGEANT (to the Trumpeter).

Think ye they've done it without good ground?

Is it likely they double our pay to-day, Merely that we may be jolly and gay?

TRUMPETER.

Why, the d.u.c.h.ess arrives to-day, we know, And her daughter too--

SERGEANT.

Tus.h.!.+ that's mere show-- 'Tis the troops collected from other lands Who here at Pilsen have joined our bands-- We must do the best we can t' allure 'em, With plentiful rations, and thus secure 'em.

Where such abundant fare they find, A closer league with us to bind.

TRUMPETER.

Yes!--there's something in the wind.

SERGEANT.

The generals and commanders too--

TRUMPETER.

A rather ominous sight, 'tis true.

SERGEANT.

Who're met together so thickly here--

TRUMPETER.

Have plenty of work on their hands, that's clear.

SERGEANT.

The whispering and sending to and fro--

TRUMPETER.