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The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 04

Год написания книги
2018
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GOTTLIEB

Well, as you think best; but the shoemaker will be surprised.

HINZE

Not at all; we must act only as if it were nothing remarkable that I should wish to wear boots; one gets used to everything.

GOTTLIEB

Yes, indeed; why, my conversation with you has actually become quite easy! But another thing; now that we have become such good friends, do call me by my first name, too; why do you still want to stand on ceremony with me?

HINZE

As you like, Gottlieb.

GOTTLIEB

There's the shoemaker passing. Hey! Pst! Friend Leichdorn! Will you please stop a moment?

[The shoemaker comes in.]

SHOEMAK

God bless you! What's the news?

GOTTLIEB

I have ordered no work from you for a long time.

SHOEMAK

No, my friend, all in all, I have very little to do now.

GOTTLIEB

I should like to have another pair of boots made—

SHOEMAK

Please take a seat. I have a measure with me.

GOTTLIEB

Not for myself, but for my young friend there.

SHOEMAK

For this one here? Very well.

HINZE (sits on a chair and holds out his right leg).

SHOEMAK

Now how should you like it, pussy?

HINZE

In the first place, good soles, then brown flaps, and, above all things, stiff.

SHOEMAK

Very well. (He takes the measure.) Will you be so kind as to draw your claws in a bit—or rather nails? I have already scratched myself. (He takes the measure.)

HINZE

And they must be finished quickly. (As his leg is being stroked he begins to purr involuntarily.)

SHOEMAK

The pussy is comfortable.

GOTTLIEB

Yes, he's a good-humored fellow. He has just come from school, what they usually call a "smarty."

SHOEMAK

Well, good-bye.

[Exit.]

GOTTLIEB

Wouldn't you perhaps like to have your whiskers trimmed too?

HINZE

On no account, I look so much more respectable, and you certainly must know that cats immediately become unmanly after that. A tom-cat without whiskers is but a contemptible creature.

GOTTLIEB

If I only knew what you are planning!

HINZE

You'll find out in due time. Now I want to take a little walk on the roofs; there's a fine, open view there and you're likely to catch a dove too.

GOTTLIEB

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