Part 136 (1/2)

'Tis a regular swop, as these gents have heard.

SCENE IV.

The above. An Artilleryman.

ARTILLERYMAN (to the Sergeant).

How is this I pray, brother carabineer?

Shall we longer stay here, our fingers warming, While the foe in the field around is swarming?

SERGEANT.

Art thou, indeed, in such hasty fret?

Why the roads, as I think, are scarce pa.s.sable yet.

ARTILLERYMAN.

For me they are not--I'm snug enough here-- But a courier's come, our wits to waken With the precious news that Ratisbon's taken.

TRUMPETER.

Ha! then we soon shall have work in hand.

SERGEANT.

Indeed! to protect the Bavarian's land, Who hates the duke, as we understand, We won't put ourselves in a violent sweat.

ARTILLERYMAN.

Heyday!--you'll find you're a wiseacre yet.

SCENE V.

The above--Two Yagers. Afterwards Sutler-woman, Soldier-boy, Schoolmaster, Servant-girl.

FIRST YAGER.

See! see!

Here meet we a jovial company!

TRUMPETER.

Who can these greencoats be, I wonder, That strut so gay and sprucely yonder!

SERGEANT.

They're the Yagers of Holk--and the lace they wear, I'll be sworn, was ne'er purchased at Leipzig fair.

SUTLER-WOMAN (bringing wine).

Welcome, good sirs!

FIRST YAGER.

Zounds, how now?

Gustel of Blasewitz here, I vow!

SUTLER-WOMAN.

The same in sooth--and you I know, Are the lanky Peter of Itzeho: Who at Glueckstadt once, in revelling night, With the wags of our regiment, put to flight All his father's s.h.i.+ners--then crowned the fun--