SCENE I.
The Kermesse.
(One of the city gates. To the left, an Inn, bearing the sign of the god Bacchus.)
Wagner, Students, Burghers, Soldiers, Maidens, and Matrons.
Studs. Wine or beer, now, which you will! So the glass quick you fill! And replenish at our need: At our bouts we drink with speed!
Wag. Now, young tipplers at the cask, Don't refuse what I ask— Drink to glory! drink to love! Drain the sparkling glass!
Studs. We young tipplers at the cask Won't refuse what you ask— Here's to glory! here's to love! Drain the sparkling glass!
(They drink.)
Soldiers. Castles, hearts, or fortresses, Are to us all one. Strong towers, maids with fair tresses, By the brave are won; He, who hath the art to take them, Shows no little skill; He, who knows the way to keep them, Hath more wisdom still.
Citizens. On holy-days and feast-days, I love to talk of war and battles. While the toiling crowds around Worry their brains with affairs, I stroll calmly to this retreat On the banks of the gliding river, And behold the boats which pass While I leisurely empty my glass.