OLD BAUMERT
He's like one of weaver Heinrich's boys. [_Looks at him more closely._]
Yes, that's Heinrich's little Philip.
DREISSIGER
Where do they live?
OLD BAUMERT
Up near us in Kaschbach, sir. He goes round playin' music in the
evenings, and all day he's at the loom. They've nine children an' a tenth
a coming.
CHORUS OF WEAVERS AND WOMEN
"They're terrible put to it."--"The rain comes through their roof."--"The
woman hasn't two shirts among the nine."
OLD BAUMERT
[_Taking the boy by the arm._] Now then, lad, what's wrong with you? Wake
up, lad.
DREISSIGER
Some of you help me, and we'll get him up. It's disgraceful to send a
sickly child this distance. Bring some water, Pfeifer.
WOMAN
[_Helping to lift the boy._] Sure you're not goin' to be foolish and die,
lad!
DREISSIGER
Brandy, Pfeifer, brandy will be better.
BECKER
[_Forgotten by all, has stood looking on. With his hand on the
door-latch, he now calls loudly and tauntingly._] Give him something to
eat, an' he'll soon be all right.
[_Goes out._
DREISSIGER
That fellow will come to a bad end.--Take him under the arm, Neumann.
Easy now, easy; we'll get him into my room.
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