HINZE.
I do not wish to disturb you. Just listen: the neighboring king will drive by here, he will probably step out of his carriage and inquire to whom these villages belong. If your life is dear to you, if you do not wish to be hanged or burned, then be sure to answer: to the Count of Carabas.
HOST.
But, Sir, we are subject to the law.
HINZE.
I know that well enough, but, as I said, if you do not wish to die, this region here belongs to the Count of Carabas.
[Exit.]
HOST.
Many thanks! Now this would be the finest kind of opportunity for me to get out of ever having to work again. All I need do is to say to the king—the country belongs to the Bugbear. But no, idleness breeds vice: Ora et labora is my motto.
[A fine carriage with eight horses, many servants behind; it stops; the KING and PRINCESS step out.]