The Camp of Wallenstein (play)

SCENE IX.

The above, without the Capuchin.

FIRST YAGER (to the Sergeant).

But, tell us, what meant he about chanticleer;

Whose crowing the general dares to hear?

No doubt it was uttered in spite and scorn.

SERGEANT.

Listen-'Tis not so untrue as it appears;

For Friedland was rather mysteriously born,

And is 'specially troubled with ticklish ears;

He can never suffer the mew of a cat;

And when the cock crows he starts thereat.

FIRST YAGER.

He's one and the same with the lion in that.

SERGEANT.

Mouse-still must all around him creep,

Strict watch in this the sentinels keep,

For he ponders on matters most grave and deep.

[Voices in the tent. A tumult.

Seize the rascal! Lay on! lay on!

PEASANT'S VOICE.

Help!-mercy-help!

OTHERS.

Peace! peace! begone!

FIRST YAGER.

Deuce take me, but yonder the swords are out!

SECOND YAGER.

Then I must be off, and see what 'tis about.

[Yagers enter the tent.

SUTLER-WOMAN (comes forward).

A scandalous villain!-a scurvy thief!

TRUMPETER.

Good hostess, the cause of this clamorous grief?

SUTLER-WOMAN.

A cut-purse! a scoundrel! the-villain I call.

That the like in my tent should ever befall!

I'm disgraced and undone with the officers all.

SERGEANT.

Well, coz, what is it?

SUTLER-WOMAN.

Why, what should it be?

But a peasant they've taken just now with me-

A rogue with false dice, to favor his play.

TRUMPETER.

See I they're bringing the boor and his son this way.