Wallenstein's Camp: A 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.