Part 141 (1/2)

SCENE IX.

The above, without the Capuchin.

FIRST YAGER (to the Sergeant).

But, tell us, what meant he about chanticleer; Whose crowing the general dares to hear?

No doubt it was uttered in spite and scorn.

SERGEANT.

Listen--'Tis not so untrue as it appears; For Friedland was rather mysteriously born, And is 'specially troubled with ticklish ears; He can never suffer the mew of a cat; And when the c.o.c.k crows he starts thereat.

FIRST YAGER.

He's one and the same with the lion in that.

SERGEANT.

Mouse-still must all around him creep, Strict watch in this the sentinels keep, For he ponders on matters most grave and deep.

[Voices in the tent. A tumult.

Seize the rascal! Lay on! lay on!

PEASANT'S VOICE.

Help!--mercy--help!

OTHERS.

Peace! peace! begone!

FIRST YAGER.

Deuce take me, but yonder the swords are out!

SECOND YAGER.

Then I must be off, and see what 'tis about.

[Yagers enter the tent.

SUTLER-WOMAN (comes forward).

A scandalous villain!--a scurvy thief!

TRUMPETER.

Good hostess, the cause of this clamorous grief?

SUTLER-WOMAN.

A cut-purse! a scoundrel! the-villain I call.

That the like in my tent should ever befall!

I'm disgraced and undone with the officers all.

SERGEANT.

Well, coz, what is it?

SUTLER-WOMAN.