e day after to-morrow.

Nils. And that's why you keep counting like that?

Windrank. No, it's only because I find it so hard to hold my tongue.
Now, for heaven's sake, keep quiet! Please go away, or you'll get me
into trouble!--71, 72, 73.

Nils. Who's inside?

Windrank. 74, 75.

Nils. Is it a funeral?

Windrank. 76, 77.--Go to hell, won't you!

Nils. Just another tiny drop, and the counting will be easier.

Windrank. Just a little one--I will! (He drinks. Singing is heard
outside.)

Nils. Here come the nuns of St. Clara to celebrate the memory of their
saint for the last time.

Windrank. That's fine mummery in days like these when everybody is
getting educated.

Nils. They have obtained the King's permission. You see, the plague
broke out in the parish of St. Clara, and some believe it was because of
the godless destruction of St. Clara's convent.

Windrank. And now they mean to drive away the plague with singing--as
if that bugaboo were a hater of music. But, of course, it wouldn't be a
wonder if he did flee from their hoarse screeching.

Nils. Will you please tell me who has dared to invade this last
sanctuary--for it's here the bones of the Saint are to be deposited
before the place is torn down entirely.

Windrank. Then there'll be a fight, I fear.

[The singing has drawn nearer. A procession enters, made up of Dominican
friars and Franciscan nuns, headed by Marten. They come to a halt and
continue singing, while the workmen are making a great deal of noise in
the background.]

Procession. Cur super vermes luteos furorem
Sunnis, O magni fabricator orbis!
Quid sumus quam fex, putris, umbra, pulvis
Glebaque terrae!

Marten (to the Abbess). You can see, my sister, how the abode of the
Lord has been despoiled.

Abbess. The Lord who has delivered us into the hands of the Egyptians
will also set its free in due time.

Marten (to the workmen). Cease working, and do not disturb our pious
task!

Overseer. Our orders are to work day and night until this den has been
torn down.

Abbess. Alas, that unbelief has spread so far down among the people!

Marten. We are celebrating this feast with the permission of the King.

Overseer. Well, I don't mind!

Marten. And therefore I command you to cease your noise. I'll appeal
directly to your workmen, whom you have forced into this shameless
undertaking.--I'll ask them if they have any respect whatever left