Act I.
Scene I.
Inside of a German Inn, on the road to Berlin. Fire and candles nearly extinguished.
Clock in the corner, marking the hour of ten. HANS seated in an arm-chair, asleep.
Music. The curtain rises to the opening symphony. HANS yawns in his sleep.
(Enter GERTRUDE.)
GERTRUDE.
Ho! Hans!—Why, Hans!—You Hans, I say!
Awake!—here'll be the deuce to pay!
For coming guests get fire and lights,
And help me put the room to rights!
(HANS stretches and yawns)
Hans!—I've no patience with the lout!
What, Hans, on earth are you about?
(Shakes HANS, who yawns again)
Did ever room look so forlorn?
Hans!—Hark! I hear the postman's horn!
(Sounds of a horn in the distance. HANS stretches, yawns, and rises.)