Did you hear that? He is going to run through fire. Ah, fine, here we get the scene from the Magic Flute too, with the fire and the water!
NEIGHBOR
But cats do not go into the water.
WIESENER
Why so much the greater is the cat's love for his master, you see; that's just what the author wants to make us understand.
HINZE
Now what would you like to become in the world, anyhow?
GOTTLIEB
Oh, I don't know, myself.
HINZE
Perhaps you'd like to become a prince, or a king?
GOTTLIEB
That, better than anything.
HINZE
And do you also feel the strength within you to make a nation happy?
GOTTLIEB
Why not? If only I am once happy myself.
HINZE
Well, then content yourself. I swear to you, you shall mount the throne.
[Exit.]
GOTTLIEB
It would have to come about mysteriously—still, of course, so many unexpected things happen in the world.
[Exit.]
BÖTTICH
Do notice the infinite refinement with which the cat always holds his cane.
FISCHER
You've been a bore to us for the longest while; you are even more tiresome than the play.
SCHLOSS
You even add to the confusion in our heads.
MÜLLER
You talk constantly and do not know what you want.
MANY VOICES
Out! Out! He's a nuisance! (A crowd; BÖTTICHER finds himself compelled to leave the theatre.)
FISCHER
He with his talk about refinement!
SCHLOSS
He always vexes me when he considers himself a connoisseur.
An open field
HINZE (with knapsack and bag).
I have become quite accustomed to hunting. Every day I catch partridges, rabbits and the like, and the dear little animals are getting more and more practice in being caught. (He spreads out his bag.) Now the season of the nightingales is over, I do not hear a single one singing.
[Enter the two lovers.]
HE
Go, you bore me.
SHE
I am disgusted with you.
HE
A fine kind of love!
SHE
Wretched hypocrite, how you have deceived me!
HE