And now, ye wit, it will be full three days
Since we beheld--our late departed pest.--
OLD URSULA
[putting out an ear-trumpet]
What does he say?
REYNARD
[from the Ark]
--Oh, how felicitous!
HANS' WIFE
He's only saying there be no more rats.
JACOBUS
[with oratorical endeavor]
Three days it is; and not one mouse,--one mouse,
One mouse, I say!--No-o-o! Quiet. . . as a mouse.
[Resuming]
And now. . .
CROWD
Long live Jacobus!--
JACOBUS
You have seen
Noah and the Ark, most aptly happening by
With these same play-folk. You have marked the Judgment.
You all have seen the lost souls sent to--Hell--
And, nothing more to do.--
[KURT prompts him]
Yes, yes.--And now. . .
[HANS the Butcher steps out of his group.]
HANS the Butcher
Hath no man seen the Piper?--Please your worships.
OTHERS
Ay, ay, so!
--Ay, where is he?
--Ho, the Piper!
JACOBUS
Piper, my good man?
HANS the Butcher
--He that charmed the rats!
OTHERS
Yes, yes,--that charmed the rats!
JACOBUS
[piously]
Why, no man knows.--
Which proves him such a random instrument
As Heaven doth sometimes send us, to our use;
Or, as I do conceive, no man at all,--
A man of air; or, I would say--delusion.
He'll come no more.
REYNARD
[from the Ark]
Eh?--Oh, indeed, Meaow!
JACOBUS
'Tis clearest providence. The rats are gone.
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