GESKE. Just listen to that lout, how he stands there and talks at random! Ha, ha, ha! He means to say "embroidering."
SCENE 10
(Enter Arianke, the Blacksmith's Wife. (This part is played by a man.))
ARIANKE. Oh, my dear sister Geske! Is it true that your husband has been made burgomaster? I am as pleased as if I had been given two marks. Let us see now that you haven't become proud, but acknowledge your old cronies. (Geske does not answer?) When was your husband made burgomaster? (Geske says not a word.) You are getting absent-minded, sister. I am asking you when your husband was made burgomaster.
COUNCILLOR'S WIFE. You must show a little more respect, dear Madam, to a burgomaster's wife.
ARIANKE. No, I don't have to stand on ceremony with sister Geske, for we have been like body and soul. But what is the matter, sister? It seems to me that you have grown a bit haughty.
GESKE. My good woman, I don't know you.
ARIANKE. The Lord preserve us! When you needed money, you knew me well enough. You can't be sure but my husband may come to be the same as yours some time before he dies.
(Geske turns faint and uses a bottle of smelling-salts.)
HENRICH. Get out, you smith's hag! Do you think you're standing in a smithy and talking?