WIESENER.

Well, then I won't be the last, either. (_He stamps_.)

VOICES.

Be quiet, or you can't hear the music. (_All are stamping_.)

SCHLOSS.

But, I say, we really ought to let them go through the play, for, after all, we've given our money anyhow; afterward we'll pound so they'll hear us out doors.

ALL.

No, they'll now--taste--rules--art--otherwise everything will go to ruin.

A CANDLE-SNUFFER.

Gentlemen, shall the police be sent in?

LEUTNER.

We have paid, we represent the public, and therefore we will have our own good taste and no farces.

THE PLAYWRIGHT (_behind the scenes_).

The play will begin immediately.

MuLLER.

No play--we want no play--we want good taste--

ALL.

Good taste! good taste!

PLAYWR.

I am puzzled--what do you mean, if I may ask?

SCHLOSS.

Good taste! Are you an author and don't even know what good taste means?

PLAYWR.

Consider a young beginner--

SCHLOSS.

We want to know nothing about beginners--we want to see a decent play-a play in good taste!

PLAYWR.

What sort? What kind?

MuLLER.

Domestic stories--elopements--brothers and sisters from the country--something like that.

[_The Author comes out from behind the curtain_.]

PLAYWR.

Gentlemen--

ALL.

Is that the author?

FISCHER.

He doesn't look much like an author.

SCHLOSS.

Impertinent fellow!

MuLLER.

His hair isn't even trimmed.

PLAYWR.

Gentlemen-pardon my boldness.

FISCHER.

How can you write such plays? Why haven't you trained yourself?

PLAYWR.

Grant me just one minute's audience before you condemn me. I know that the honorable public must pa.s.s judgment on the author, and that from them there is no appeal, but I know the justice of an honorable public, and I am a.s.sured they will not frighten me away from a course in which I so need their indulgent guidance.

FISCHER.

He doesn't talk badly.

MuLLER.