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!
[The carriage. The KING looks out of the coach door.]
KING
What is it, Hunter? Why do you shout so?
HINZE
Help, your majesty, the Count of Carabas is drowned!
KING
Drowned!
PRINCESS (in the carriage).
Carabas!
KING
My daughter in a faint! The Count drowned!
HINZE
Perhaps he can still be saved; he is lying there in the water.
KING
Servants! Try everything, anything to preserve the noble man.
SERVANT
We have rescued him, your majesty.
HINZE
Misfortune upon misfortune, my king! The Count was bathing here in the clear water and a rogue stole his clothing.