AXEL the Smith
[To the Butcher]
That was no foolish thought of thine, yon candle.
I do remember now as I look back,
They always loved the lights. My Rudi there
Would aye be meddling with my tinder-box.
And once I—Oh!—
[Choking]
AXEL'S WIFE
[soothingly]
Now, now! thou didst not hurt him!
'T was I! Oh, once—I shut him in the dark!
AXEL the Smith
Come home . . . and light the candles.
PETER the Cobbler
In the day-time!
AXEL'S WIFE
Oh, it is dark enough!
AXEL the Smith
Lord knows, who made
Both night and day, one of 'em needs to shine!
But nothing does!—Nothing is daylight now.
Come, wife, we'll light the candles.
[Exit with his wife.
PETER the Cobbler
He's a changed man.
PETER the Sacristan
God help us, what's to do?
[Tumult approaching. Shouts of 'Jacobus' and 'Barbara.'
Hark!
HANS' WIFE
Neighbors!