Part 23

(Pours a glass of wine over BRANDER’S head.) There’s both together!

BRANDER

Twice a swine!

FROSCH

You wanted them: I’ve given you mine.

SIEBEL

Turn out who quarrels—out the door! With open throat sing chorus, drink and roar! Up! holla! ho!

ALTMAYER

Woe’s me, the fearful bellow! Bring cotton, quick! He’s split my ears, that fellow.

SIEBEL

When the vault echoes to the song, One first perceives the bass is deep and strong.

FROSCH

Well said! and out with him that takes the least offence! Ah, tara, lara da!

ALTMAYER

Ah, tara, lara, da!

FROSCH

The throats are tuned, commence! (Sings.) The dear old holy Roman realm, How does it hold together?

BRANDER

A nasty song! Fie! a political song— A most offensive song! Thank God, each morning, therefore, That you have not the Roman realm to care for! At least, I hold it so much gain for me, That I nor Chancellor nor Kaiser be. Yet also we must have a ruling head, I hope, And so we’ll choose ourselves a Pope. You know the quality that can Decide the choice, and elevate the man.

FROSCH (sings)

Soar up, soar up, Dame Nightingale! Ten thousand times my sweetheart hail!

SIEBEL

No, greet my sweetheart not! I tell you, I’ll resent it.

FROSCH

My sweetheart greet and kiss! I dare you to prevent it!

(Sings.)

Draw the latch! the darkness makes: Draw the latch! the lover wakes. Shut the latch! the morning breaks.

SIEBEL