But the phenomenon's final cause
If we would seek
Peer.
It's found already.
The reason is that I'm unmarried.
Yes, gentlemen, compelety clear
The matter is. What should a man be?
Himself, is my concise reply.
He should regard himself and his.
But can he, as a sumpter-mule[1]
For others' woe and others' weal?
Von Eberkopf.
But this same in-and-for-yourself-ness,
I'll answer for't, has cost you strife
Peer.
Ah yes, indeed; in former days;
But always I came off with honour.
Yet one time I ran very near
To being trapped against my will.
I was a brisk and handsome lad,
And she to whom my heart was given,
She was of royal family
Monsieur Ballon.
Of royal?
Peer.
[Carelessly.]
One of those old stocks,
You know the kind
Trumpeterstråle.
[Thumping the table.]
Those noble-trolls
- ↑ Literally, "pack-camel."
