Wallenstein's Camp: A Play · Chapter 10Scene IX
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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.