I'm all in the dumps. I, myself, helped the fool win a victory against a play in which I myself am taking the leading part. Fate! Fate! Into what complications do you so often lead us mortals? But be that as it may. If I only succeed in putting my beloved Gottlieb on the throne, I will gladly forget all my other troubles. The king wishes to visit the count? Now that is another bad situation which I must clear up; now the great, important day has arrived on which I need you so particularly, you boots. Now do not desert me; all must be determined today.
[Exit.]
FISCHER.
Do tell me what this is—the play itself—it appears again as a play in the play.
SCHLOSS.
Without much ceremony, I am crazy—didn't I say at once, that is the enjoyment of art which you are said to have here?
LEUTNER.
No tragedy has ever affected me as this farce has.
In front of the tavern
THE HOST (reaping corn with a scythe).