SCHLOSS.

Naturally, for otherwise the play would never end.

HINZE.

Your life is probably dear to you.

[Exit.]

KUNZ.

That’s just how the edicts always sound.  Well, I don’t mind saying that, if only no new taxes result from it.  One must trust no innovation.

[The coach drives up and stops; the KING and the PRINCESS step out.]

KING.

A fine landscape, too.  We have already seen a great deal of very fine country.  To whom does this land belong?

KUNZ.

To the Count of Carabas.

KING.

He has splendid estates, that must be true—­and so near mine; daughter, that seems to be a good match for you.  What is your opinion?

PRINCESS.

You embarrass me, my father.  What new things one sees while traveling, though.  Do tell me, pray, good peasant, why do you cut down the straw like that?

KUNZ (laughing).

Why, this is the harvest, Mam’selle Queen—­the
corn.

KING.

Corn?  What do you use that for, pray?

KUNZ (laughing).

Bread is baked from that.

KING.

Pray, daughter, for heaven’s sake, bread is baked of it!  Who would ever think of such tricks!  Nature is something marvelous, after all.  Here, good friend, get a drink, it is warm today. (He steps in again with the PRINCESS; the carriage drives away.)

KUNZ.

If he wasn’t a king, you’d almost think he was stupid.  Doesn’t know what corn is!  Well, you learn new things every day, of course.  Here he has given me a shining piece of gold and I’ll fetch myself a can of good beer at once. [Exit.]

Another part of the country, beside a river

GOTTLIEB.

Now here I’ve been standing two hours already, waiting for my friend, Hinze.  And he’s not coming yet.  There he is!  But how he’s running—­he seems all out of breath.

[HINZE comes running.]

HINZE.

Well, friend Gottlieb, take off your clothes quickly?

GOTTLIEB.

My clothes?

HINZE.

And then jump into the water here—­

GOTTLIEB.

Into the water?

HINZE.

And then I will throw the clothing into the bush—­

GOTTLIEB.

Into the bush?

HINZE.

And then you are provided for!

GOTTLIEB.

I agree with you; if I am drowned and my clothes gone, I am well enough provided for.

HINZE.

There is no time for joking—­

GOTTLIEB.

I am not joking at all.  Is that what I had to wait here for?

HINZE.

Undress!

GOTTLIEB.

Well, I’ll do anything to please you.

HINZE.

Come, you are only to take a little bath. (Exit with GOTTLIEB. Then he comes back with the clothing which he throws into a bush.) Help!  Help!  Help!