That's to rescue good taste.
WIESENER
Well, then I won't be the last, either. (He stamps.)
VOICES
Be quiet, or you can't hear the music. (All are stamping.)
SCHLOSS
But, I say, we really ought to let them go through the play, for, after all, we've given our money anyhow; afterward we'll pound so they'll hear us out doors.
ALL
No, they'll now—taste—rules—art—otherwise everything will go to ruin.
A CANDLE-SNUFFER
Gentlemen, shall the police be sent in?
LEUTNER
We have paid, we represent the public, and therefore we will have our own good taste and no farces.
THE PLAYWRIGHT (behind the scenes)
The play will begin immediately.
MÜLLER
No play—we want no play—we want good taste—
ALL
Good taste! good taste!
PLAYWR
I am puzzled—what do you mean, if I may ask?
SCHLOSS
Good taste! Are you an author and don't even know what good taste means?
PLAYWR
Consider a young beginner—
SCHLOSS
We want to know nothing about beginners—we want to see a decent play-a play in good taste!
PLAYWR
What sort? What kind?
MÜLLER
Domestic stories—elopements—brothers and sisters from the country—something like that.
[The Author comes out from behind the curtain.]
PLAYWR
Gentlemen—
ALL
Is that the author?
FISCHER
He doesn't look much like an author.
SCHLOSS
Impertinent fellow!
MÜLLER
His hair isn't even trimmed.
PLAYWR
Gentlemen-pardon my boldness.
FISCHER
How can you write such plays? Why haven't you trained yourself?
PLAYWR
Grant me just one minute's audience before you condemn me. I know that the honorable public must pass judgment on the author, and that from them there is no appeal, but I know the justice of an honorable public, and I am assured they will not frighten me away from a course in which I so need their indulgent guidance.
FISCHER
He doesn't talk badly.