I am hurt--really hurt--by the suggestion.
RUD. You--you wouldn't like to put down a deposit,
perhaps?
LUD. No. I don't think I should like to put down a
deposit.
RUD. Or give a guarantee?
LUD. A guarantee would be equally open to objection.
RUD. It would be more regular. Very well, I suppose you
must have your own way.
LUD. Good. I say--we must have a devil of a quarrel!
RUD. Oh, a devil of a quarrel!
LUD. Just to give colour to the thing. Shall I give you a
sound thrashing before all the people? Say the word--it's no
trouble.
RUD. No, I think not, though it would be very convincing
and it's extremely good and thoughtful of you to suggest it.
Still, a devil of a quarrel!
LUD. Oh, a devil of a quarrel!
RUD. No half measures. Big words--strong language--rude
remarks. Oh, a devil of a quarrel!
LUD. Now the question is, how shall we summon the people?
RUD. Oh, there's no difficulty about that. Bless your
heart, they've been staring at us through those windows for the
last half-hour!

FINALE.

RUD. Come hither, all you people--
When you hear the fearful news,
All the pretty women weep'll,
Men will shiver in their shoes.

LUD. And they'll all cry "Lord, defend us!"
When they learn the fact tremendous
That to give this man his gruel
In a Statutory Duel--

BOTH. This plebeian man of shoddy--
This contemptible nobody--
Your Grand Duke does not refuse!

(During this, Chorus of men and women have entered, all trembling
with apprehension under the impression that they are to be
arrested for their complicity in the conspiracy.)

CHORUS.

With faltering feet,
And our muscles in a quiver,
Our fate we meet
With our feelings all unstrung!
If our plot complete
He has managed to diskiver,
There is no retreat--
We shall certainly be hung!

RUD. (aside to LUDWIG).
Now you begin and pitch it strong--walk into me abusively--

LUD. (aside to RUDOLPH).
I've several epithets that I've reserved for you
exclusively.