Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/379

 Courtier.—Also the young girl, the orphan? We have a right to her.

Magistrate.—At least the miller cannot prove that he has a right to her.

Courtier.—Whether he can prove it or not, we will show him a thing or two. He is dangerous because he sets a bad example. (Steps on the bridge.) But do not mention him to Her Grace any more. She dislikes hearing about him.

Magistrate (Astonished).—Dislikes it! And after dinner I again had to give a most humble report concerning him to Her Grace.

Courtier (Unpleasantly surprised).—Is that so? And did she listen?

Magistrate.—O, very carefully.

Courtier.—Really? (Pulls himself together).—O yes, that is true. But I shall be the one to have dealings with him. He is very dangerous. (Attempting to pass it over; pointing to the forest in the rear.) Can one also get to the castle this way?

Magistrate.—This is the road from the mill.

Courtier (Having crossed the bridge).—O, what is this! (Stops at the tree stump, examining the wooden shoes through a lorgnette.) Wooden shoes, but such a pair! Some fairy must have worn these. And they are not without ornaments. Here is a ring burnt on them; there a flower.

Magistrate.—Perhaps they belong to that girl from the mill.

Courtier.—Ah, ah, that foot must be a dream. Is the girl as charming as her feet are small—(picks up both wooden shoes, each in two fingers) little, little feet—little, O such little feet!

, and the preceding; later the

. (Singing behind the scenes.)

Courtier (Listening, then smiling, addresses the ).—Is that for your benefit?

Magistrate.—So please you, sir, it is.

HanickaHanička [sic] (Enters, singing on).—