Page:Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (IA diemeistersinger68wagn).pdf/37
ACT II.
The stage represents in front the section of a street running across, intersected in the middle by a narrow alley which winds crookedly towards the back, so that in C are two corner houses, of which one, a handsome one R, is that of Pogner, the other, simpler L, is Sachs's shop.―A flight of several steps leads up to Pogner's door; porch sunk in, with stone seats. At side R a lime tree shades the place before the house; green shrubs at its foot, surrounding a stone seat.―The entrance to Sachs's house is also towards the street; a divided door leads into the cobbler's workshop; close by, an elder-tree spreads its boughs over it. Two windows, one of the workshop, the other of an inner chamber, looking on to the valley. All houses in both street and alley must be practicable.
Genial summer evening; during the first scene, night gradually closes.
David is putting up the shutters outside. Other Prentices are doing the same for other houses.
Prentices (as they work).
Flowers and ribbons in goodly display!
David (aside).
Would that to-morrow it might be mine!"
Eva.
Magdalena
(coming out of Pogner's house with a basket on her arm and seeking to approach David unperceived).
David (turning towards the alley).
Get along with your foolish squalling!
Prentices.
Why so severe?
Turn round your skull,
If you're not dull!
"Midsummer day! Midsummer day!"
And he can't see Mistress Lena right in his way!
Magdalena.
David.
Magdalena (pointing to her basket).
'Tis all for my dear lad to eat.―
Tell me though first, what of Sir Walter?
You counselled him well? Has the crown been won?
David.
He was outsung and declared outdone.
Magdalena.
David.
Magdalena
(snatching the basket away from David's outstretched hand.)
Dare you to ask it?—
Good luck! Our chevalier outdone!
(she hastens back into the house, wringing her hands in despair)
(David looks after her dumbfounded.)
Prentices
(who have stolen near and overheard, now advance to David as if congratulating him).
How well his wooing speeds!
We all have heard and seen beside:
She upon whom he feeds
Within his heart's true casket,
Has gone and refused him the basket!
David (flying out).
Give over your noise!
Prentices.
All go a-courting as they may.
The Masters woo,
The workmen too,
Old folks as well as the babbies!
And greybears grim
Wed maidens slim,
Young fellows wed ancient tabbies.—
Hooray! Hooray! Midsummer day!
(David is about to fly at the boys in his rage, when Sachs, who has come down the alley, steps between them. The Prentices separate.)
Sachs.
David.
Sachs.
Get in! To bed! Shut up and light!
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