KING
Unstrap my trunk at once—give him some of my clothes. Cheer up, daughter, the Count is rescued.
HINZE
I must hurry.
[Exit.]
GOTTLIEB (in the king's clothing).
Your majesty—
KING
Here is the Count! I recognize him by my clothing! Step in, my best friend—how are you? Where do you get all the rabbits? I cannot compose myself for joy! Drive on, coachman!
[The carriage drives off quickly.]
SERVANT
None but the hangman could come up so quickly—now I have the pleasure of running behind on foot, and besides I'm just as wet as a cat.
LEUTNER
How many more times, pray, will the carriage appear?
WIESENER
Neighbor! Why, you are asleep!
NEIGHBOR
Not at all—a fine play.
Palace of the Bugbear
The BUGBEAR appears as a rhinoceros; a poor peasant stands before him.
PEASANT
May it please your honor—
BUGBEAR
There must be justice, my friend.
PEASANT
I cannot pay just now.
BUGBEAR
Be still, you have lost the case; the law demands money and your punishment; consequently your land must be sold. There is nothing else to be done and this is for the sake of justice.
[Exit peasant.]
BUGBEAR (who is re-transformed into an ordinary bugbear).
These people would lose all respect if they were not compelled to fear in this way.
[An officer enters, bowing profusely.]
OFFICER
May it please you, honored sir—I—
BUGBEAR
What's your trouble, my friend?
OFFICER
With your kindest permission, I tremble and quiver in your honor's formidable presence.
BUGBEAR
Oh, this is far from my most terrible form.
OFFICER
I really came—in matters—to beg you to take my part against my neighbor. I had also brought this purse with me—but the presence of Lord Law is too frightful for me.
BUGBEAR (suddenly changes into a mouse and sits in a corner).
OFFICER
Why, where has the Bugbear gone?
BUGBEAR (in a delicate voice).
Just put the money down there on the table; I will sit here to avoid frightening you.
OFFICER
Here. (He lays the money down.) Oh, this justice is a splendid thing—how can one be afraid of such a mouse!
[Exit.]