Translation:Puss in Boots/Act 3/Scene 6
ACT THREE
__________
Scene Six
Another part of the country, beside a river.
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Gottlieb
I've been standing around here waiting for my good friend Hinze for two hours now. — There's still no sign of him. — Ah, there he is now! But look how fast he's running! He seems to be all out of breath.
Enter Hinze running.
Hinze
Now, my dear Gottlieb, quickly, take off your clothes.
Gottlieb
My clothes?
Hinze
And then jump into the water here.
Gottlieb
Into the water?
Hinze
And then I'll throw your clothes into the bushes.
Gottlieb
Into the bushes?
Hinze
And then you'll be sorted!
Gottlieb
I couldn't have put it better myself; when I'm drowned and naked, I will be adequately provided for.
Hinze
This is no time for jokes—
Gottlieb
I'm not joking. Is this what I've been waiting here for?
Hinze
Get undressed!
Gottlieb
Well, anything to please you.
Hinze
Come on, you only have to take a quick dip.
He leaves with Gottlieb, then returns with the clothes, which he throws into the bushes.
Hinze
Help! Help! Help!
The carriage drives up. The King looks out of the coach door.
King
What is it, huntsman? Why are you screaming?
Hinze
Help, your majesty, the Count of Carabas has drowned!
King
Drowned!
Princess
in the carriage
Carabas!
King
My daughter fainted! — The Count drowned!
Hinze
Perhaps he can still be saved; he is lying there in the water.
King
Servants! Spare no effort! Save the noble man!
A Servant
We have rescued him, your majesty.
Hinze
One misfortune after another, my lord! — While the Count was bathing here in the clear stream, some scroundrel stole his clothes.
King
Unstrap my trunk at once! Give him some of my clothes! — Cheer up, my dear, the Count has been saved.
Hinze
I must hurry.
Exit Hinze.
Enter Gottlieb in the king's clothes.
Gottlieb
Your majesty—
King
This must be the Count! I recognize him from my clothes! Get in, my dear chap — how do you do? — Where do you get all the rabbits? — I'm beside myself with joy! — Drive on, coachman!
The carriage drives off quickly.
A Servant
The devil himself couldn't get out of there fast enough — now I have the pleasure of running after them on foot, and I'm as wet as a drowned rat to boot.
Leutner
How many more times, I wonder, will the carriage appear? — This scenario has been repeated far too often.
Wiesener
Neighbor! — Why, you're asleep!
Wiesener's Neighbor
Not at all — a fine play!