BEFORE
THE GATE
PEOPLE OF ALL SORTS
OUT FOR A WALK
SEVERAL APPRENTICES
Why do you go that
way?
OTHERS
We're off to the
"Hunter's Lodge" today.
THE FIRST
But we would rather
wander to the mill.
AN APPRENTICE
The "River
Inn's" the place, take my advice.
A SECOND
The path to it is
not so nice.
THE OTHERS
What'll you do then?
A THIRD
Go
where the others will.
A FOURTH
Come up to
"Burgdorf." You may be sure that you
Will find the finest
girls, the best beer too,
And quarrels that
are quite first rate.
A FIFTH
You overblown
buffoon: now does your hide
Itch, for a third
time, to be tried?
It just gives me the
creeps. Forget that place.
SERVING GIRL
No! I'm returning to
the town below.
ANOTHER
We'll find him by
the poplars, I am sure.
THE FIRST
That's nothing great
to me; you know
He'll stick by your
side, only yours:
Dance on the green
with you alone.
What do I care for
joys you own?
STUDENT
Jove, how those
strapping wenches go!
Come brother, we
must take them into tow;
A good strong beer,
a tobacco with a bite,
A nicely dressed-up
serving girl- that's what I like.
CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER
Just look at those
good-looking boys!
It's really a
disgrace, it seems to me,
When they could have
the very best of company,
They just run after
girls like those.
SECOND STUDENT (TO
THE FIRST)
But not so fast!
Behind us are a pair
That are got up
quite neat and nice.
And one's my
neighbour and I swear
I've fallen for her
form and face.
They walk at their
demure pace
But in the end
they'll go with us.
THE FIRST
No, brother! I don't
like restraining ways.
Be quick, we'll lose
our quarry if we stall.
The hand that leads
the broom on Saturdays,
On Sundays will
caress you best of all.
CITIZEN
I am not pleased by
this new mayor in any way.
Now he is in, he
grows just bolder by the day.
What's he do for the
town, I say?
Each day it's
growing worse. What's more,
You're meant now,
more than ever, to obey,
And ever pay more
than you did before.
BEGGAR (SINGING)
My noble sirs and
ladies blessed
With cheeks of red
and finest dress,
Be pleased to look
upon me here,
And see and soften
my distress.
Don't let my
hurdy-gurdy gear
Grind on in vain.
You'll only see
True joy by giving,
wise ones say.
This day, for all a
holiday,
Make it a harvest
day for me!
ANOTHER CITIZEN
On holidays and
Sundays, I know of nothing better
Than some small talk
of wars and rumoured wars,
When way down yonder
on Turkish shores,
The nations hammer
one another.
You take a window,
drink a little glass,
And see the motley
ships glide down the river ways;
Then turn for home,
when day is past,
And bless the peace
and peaceful days.
THIRD CITIZEN
Yes, neighbour, yes!
That's what I say as well.
Just let them crack
each other on the skull,
And mix up
everything they're known;
As long as all stays
just the same at home.
OLD WOMAN (TO THE
CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER)
My! how
well-dressed; such fine, young things. Why at the sight,
Who wouldn't be
infatuated?
Don't be so proud.
It's quite all right.
And what you want, I
know just how to make it.
CITIZEN'S DAUGHTER
Come Agatha, I'm do
not want to be
Seen going with such
witches openly...
Though on St.
Andrew's night she let me see
My future sweetheart
bodily-
ANOTHER
She showed me mine
within a crystal sphere:
A soldier with some
daring fellows there.
I look around, I
seek him everywhere.
And yet- he just
will not appear.
SOLDIERS
Cities that harbour
High battlements,
Girls of a proud,
Scorn-giving
pretence,
These would I win!
Bold is the labour,
Bright the reward.
We let the trumpets
Do all the courting,
Whether to joy or
Ruinous strife.
That is a storming!
That is a life!
Women and cities
Have to give in!
Bold is the labour,
Bright the reward.
And all the soldiers
Go marching
forward.
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