rived on
which I need you so particularly, you boots. Now do not desert me; all
must be determined today.

[_Exit._]

FISCHER.

Do tell me what this is--the play itself--it appears again as
a play in the play.

SCHLOSS.

Without much ceremony, I am crazy--didn't I say at once, that
is the enjoyment of art which you are said to have here?

LEUTNER.

No tragedy has ever affected me as this farce has.

_In front of the tavern_

THE HOST (_reaping corn with a scythe_).

This is hard work! Well, of
course people cannot be deserting every day either. I only wish the
harvest were over. After all, life consists of nothing but work; now
draw beer, then clean glasses, then pour it out--now even reap. Life
means work--and here some learned folk are even so wicked, in their
books, as to try to put sleep out of fashion, because one does not
live enough for one's time. But I am a great friend of sleep.

[_Enter_ HINZE.]

HINZE.

Whoever wants to hear something wonderful, listen to me now! How I
have been running!--first from the royal palace to Gottlieb, second
with Gottlieb to the palace of the Bugbear where I left him, third
from there back again to the king, fourth I am now racing ahead of the
king's coach like a courier and showing him the way. Hey! good friend!

HOST.

Who's that? Countryman, you must probably be a stranger, for the
people in this neighborhood know that I do not sell any beer about
this time; I need it for myself; when one does work like mine, one
must also fortify one's self. I am sorry, but I cannot help you.

HINZE.

I do not want any beer, I never drink beer; I only want to say
a few words to you.

HOST.

You must certainly be a regular idler, to attempt to disturb
industrious people in their occupation.

HINZE.

I do not wish to disturb you. Just listen: the neighboring king
will drive by here, he will probably step out of his carriage and
inquire to whom these villages belong. If your life is dear to you, if
you do not wish to be hanged or burned, then be sure to answer: to the
Count of Carabas.

HOST.

But, Sir, we are subject to the law.

HINZE.

I know that well enough, but, as I said, if you do not wish to
die, this region here belongs to the Count of Carabas.

[_Exit._]

HOST.

Many thanks! Now this would be the finest kind of opp