[She turns back, with an angry glance at KURT.]
AXEL the Smith
[doggedly to them]
By your leave. Masters! I would like to know,
How did Saint Willibald prevail with the rats?—
That would I like to know. I, who ha' made
Of strong wrought traps, two hundred, thirty-nine,
Two hundred, thirty-nine.
REYNARD [calling] And so would I!
HANS the Butcher
So please your worships, may it please the Crier,
Now we be here,—to cry the Piping Man—
PETER the Cobbler
A stranger-man, gay-clad,—in divers colors!
Because he, with said piping—
HANS the Butcher
—Drave away
The horde of rats!
PETER the Cobbler
[sagely]
To our great benefit;
And we be all just men.
OTHERS
Ay, ay!—Amen!
WOMEN
Amen, Our Lady and the blessed Saints!
JACOBUS
Why, faith, good souls, if ye will have him cried,
So be it.—But the ways of Heaven are strange!
Mark how our angel of deliverance came,—
Or it may be. Saint Willibald himself,—
Most piedly clothed, even as the vilest player!—
And straight ascended from us, to the clouds!
But cry him, if you will.—Peace to your lungs!—
He will not come.