AXEL'S WIFE
Let him chirp philosophy!
He had no children.
PETER the Cobbler
[wagging his head solemnly]
I'm an altered man.
Now were we not proceeding soberly,
Singing a godly hymn, and all in tune,
But yesterday, when we passed by—
HANS' WIFE
Don't say it!
Don't name the curseful place.
HANS the Butcher
—And my poor head,
It goes round yet;—around, around, around,
As I were new ashore from the high seas;
Still dancing—dancing—
AXEL the Smith
With 'Yes—yes!—Yes—yes!'
HANS the Butcher
Even as ye heard, the farmer's yokel found me
Clasping a tree, and praying to stand still!
AXEL the Smith
Ay, ay,—but that is nought.
PETER the Cobbler
All nought beside.
HANS' WIFE
Better we had the rats and mice again,
Though they did eat us homeless,—if we might
All starve together!—Oh, my Hans, my Hans!
PETER the Cobbler
Hope not, good souls. Rest sure, they will not come.