Page:Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (IA diemeistersinger68wagn).pdf/19

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The Master Singers of Nuremberg.

15

instead a smaller platform of boards; on this they place a seat with a little desk before it, near this a large blackboard to which they hang a piece of chalk by a string; round this erection are hung black curtains, which are drawn round the back and sides and then over the front.)

Prentices.

Oh! of course Master David is clev'rer than most!
Doubtless he's hoping to get a high post:
'Tis Trial-day,
He'll try away;
That he's quite a "Singer" is now his boast!
That "Whack"-rhyme he knows all through and through;
The "Sharp-hunger"-tune he'll sing you too:
But the "Heart-kick"-strain is what he knows best;
His master oft plays it him with zest.

(they laugh.)

David.

Aye, jeer away! but not at me,
Another laughing-stock you'll see:
He ne'er was "Scholar," learnt no singing,
But yet o'er "Poets" would be springing;
A noble knight he,
In single flight he
Thinks without any disaster
Here to rise to a "Master."
So settle with care
Both stage and chair
Come here!—Place there the board on the wall,
That on it the Marker's fingers may fall!

(turning to Walter.)

Aye, aye!—the "Marker"!—Aren't you afraid?
With him have many their failures made.
Seven faults you are suffered to make; They're marked with his chalk, ev'ry one;
If you commit one farther mistake,
You're "outsung" and declared "outdone."
So have care!
The Marker's there.
God speed your Mastering singing
May you the chaplet be winning!
The wreath of flowers in silk so bright
I hope it may fall to your lot, sir knight!

The Prentices (who have closed the Marker's place, take hands and dance in a ring round it.)

"The wreath of flowers in silk so bright,
I hope it may fall to your lot, sir knight!"

(The erection is now completed in the following manner:—at the side, covered benches are placed. At the end of these in the middle of the stage is the Marker's place, as before described. The elevated seat (the "Singer's Seat") opposite to the benches. At back, against the large curtain is a long low bench for the Prentices.—Walter, vexed with the gibes of the boys, has seated himself on the front bench.

Pogner and Beckmesser enter from the sacristy, conversing; gradually the other Masters assemble. The Prentices on seeing the Masters enter disperse and wait respectfully by the back bench. Only David stands by the entrance to the sacristy.)

Pogner (to Beckmesser).

Trust me, my friendship is unshaken;
What I intend is for your good:
This trial must be undertaken;
None doubts your Mastership: who could?

Beckmesser.

But won't you in that matter falter.
Which caused—in sooth—my doubtful mood?
If Eva's whim the whole can alter,
What use is all my Masterhood?

Pogner.

Ah, what! It seems you've mainly rested
On that your hopes equivocal?
But if her heart's not interested,
How come wooing her at all?

Beckmesser.

Why yes, that's true! Therefore I drop a
Request that you will speak for me;
Say that my wooing's fair and proper,
That with Beckmesser you agree.

Pogner.

With right good will.

Beckmesser. (aside).

He won't give way!
How shall I disappointment stay?

Walter
(who, on perceiving Pogner, has risen and advanced to meet hiim now bows to him).

Permit me, Master!

Pogner.

What! Sir Walter?
You've sought me in the school down here?

(They greet one another.)

Beckmesser. (still to himself).

If women had taste! But rather to palter
Than to hear poetry they prefer.

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