Part 14

Second Councilman. I'm sure we've tried everything, but every day the rats grow worse and worse.

Third Councilman. I'm sure it isn't very pleasant for us to have the city overrun with the creatures!

Mayor. I'd sell my ermine gown for a guilder! It is no easy thing to be mayor and I wish I was a plowboy in the country! Try to think of something to do.

First Councilman. It is easy to bid us rack our own brains!

Second Councilman. I'm sure my head aches trying to think.

Third Councilman. I've wondered and thought, till I've no thoughts left.

Mayor. Oh! if I only had a great big trap! Yes, a thousand big traps! Bless us, what noise is that? Is it a rat?--Come in!

First Councilman. Who is this who dares to come into the Mayor's office without an introduction?

Second Councilman. Hasn't he a funny coat?

Third Councilman. But what a pleasant face! He smiles all the time.

Mayor. He looks like the picture of my grandsire. What is your name, and your business, my man?

Pied Piper. Please your honors, my name is Pied Piper. My business is to play upon my pipe. I can charm with the magic of my notes all things to do my will. But I use my charm on creatures that do people harm, the toad, the mole, and the viper, and rats--rats!

Mayor. Rats! Well, then, you're the man we want. We'll pay you a thousand guilders if you'll free our town of rats.

Piper. A thousand guilders! Done! It's a bargain!

SCENE II.--Same as Scene I. The Mayor and Councilmen looking out of window

Mayor. There he goes down the street.

First Councilman. What a strange looking pipe he plays!

Second Councilman. I believe it must be a magic one.

Third Councilman. Do you hear the music? What is that other noise?

Mayor. Look, look at the rats! Did you ever see such a sight!

First Councilman. The streets are crowded with them! Big and little, brown, black, and gray, they are tumbling over each other in their hurry!

Second Councilman. Sir! he is going toward the bridge.

Third Councilman. They must think he is playing a tune of apples and cheese!

Mayor. There they are at the river. They are plunging in! they will be drowned!

First Councilman. Good for the piper!

Mayor. Ring the bells for the people. Tell them to get long poles, poke out the nests and block up the holes!

Second Councilman. Here comes the Piper.

Third Councilman. That was well done, Mr. Piper.