Music.—The Figures severally advance, and stare at him, then resume their game. Swaggrino taps the cask; motions the astonished Rip to assist him in distributing its contents into various flagons; an injunction with which he complies.—Swaggrino helps his companions.
Rip.
After all, they seem a harmless set, and there can be no argument with them, for they appear to be all dumbies.—[Lord were my wife][128] as silent. They're a deadly, lively, jolly set; but I wonder what kind of spirits dese spirits are [drinking!][129] Surely, dere can be no harm in taking a drop along mit dem.—[Fills a flagon.]—Here goes!—Gentlemen, here's your [go-to-hells,][130] and your [broad chopped][131] family's, and may you all live long and prosper. [Drinks.]
Omnes.
Ha, ha, ha!
Music.—A grotesque dance ensues, during which Rip continues to supply himself from the keg.—He at length joins in the dance, and becomes so exhausted, that he reels forward and sinks in front. The dancing ceases, the Spirits utter three "ho, ho, ho's!"—[Some of them sink.][132]
END OF ACT I.
Footnotes
[122.]Not in K.[123.]In K., reads, “at Dutch pins—the majority seated on a rock drinking and smoking—thunder reverberates each time a bowl is delivered.”[124.]“Ichen” in K.; also “sprite.”[125.]Not in K.[126.]“The Imp” in K.[127.]“Frau” in K.[128.]In K., “if mein wife vere”[129.] “trinking” in K.[130.]“goot-hells” in K.[131.]Not in K. Instead, “Your family's goot-hells.”[132.]In K., the stage directions end, “Moon very bright. Tableau.”