Scene XII
The Master of the Cellar advancing with Neumann, Servants passing backwards and forwards.
Master of the Cellar. The best wine! O! if my old mistress,
his lady mother, could but see these wild goings on, she
would turn herself round in her grave. Yes, yes, sir officer!
'tis all down the hill with this noble house! no end, no
moderation! And this marriage with the Duke's sister, a 5
splendid connection, a very splendid connection! but I tell you,
sir officer, it bodes no good.
Neumann. Heaven forbid! Why, at this very moment the
whole prospect is in bud and blossom!
Master of the Cellar. You think so?—Well, well! much [10]
may be said on that head.
First Servant (comes). Burgundy for the fourth table.
Master of the Cellar. Now, sir lieutenant, if this isn't the
seventieth flask——
First Servant. Why, the reason is, that German lord, 15
Tiefenbach, sits at that table.
Master of the Cellar (continuing his discourse to Neumann).
They are soaring too high. They would rival kings and
electors in their pomp and splendour; and wherever the
Duke leaps, not a minute does my gracious master, the
Count, loiter on the brink——(To the Servants)—What do 20
you stand there listening for? I will let you know you have
legs presently. Off! see to the tables, see to the flasks!
Look there! Count Palfi has an empty glass before him!