BUGBEAR (suddenly changes into a mouse and sits in a corner).

OFFICER.

Why, where has the Bugbear gone?

BUGBEAR (in a delicate voice).

Just put the money down there on the
table; I will sit here to avoid frightening you.

OFFICER.

Here. (He lays the money down.) Oh, this justice is a
splendid thing—­how can one be afraid of such a mouse!

[Exit.]

BUGBEAR (assumes his natural form).

A pretty good purse—­of course
one must sympathize with human weakness.

[Enter HINZE.]

HINZE.

With your permission—­(aside) Hinze, you must pluck up
courage—­(aloud) Your Excellency!

BUGBEAR.

What do you wish?

HINZE.

I am a scholar traveling through this region and wished to take the liberty of making your excellency’s acquaintance.

BUGBEAR.

Very well, then, make my acquaintance.

HINZE.

You are a mighty prince; your love of justice is known all over the world.

BUGBEAR.

Yes, I don’t doubt it.  Do sit down!

HINZE.

They tell many wonderful things about Your Highness—­

BUGBEAR.

Yes, people always want something to talk about and so the reigning monarchs must be the first to be discussed.

HINZE.

But still, there is one thing I cannot believe, that Your Excellency can transform yourself into an elephant and a tiger.

BUGBEAR.

I will give you an example of it at once. (He changes into a lion.)

HINZE (draws out a portfolio, trembling).

Permit me to make note of this marvel—­but now would you also please resume your natural charming form?  Otherwise I shall die of fear.

BUGBEAR (in his own form).

Those are tricks, friend!  Don’t you
think so?

HINZE.

Marvelous!  But another thing—­they also say you can transform yourself into very small animals—­with your permission, that is even far more incomprehensible to me; for, do tell me, what becomes of your large body then?

BUGBEAR.

I will do that too.

[He changes into a mouse.  HINZE leaps after him, the Bugbear flees into another room, HINZE after him.]

HINZE (coming back).

Freedom and Equality!  The Law is devoured!  Now indeed the
Tiers—­Etat!  Gottlieb will surely secure the government.

SCHLOSS.

Why, a revolutionary play after all?  Then for heaven’s sake, you surely shouldn’t stamp!

[The stamping continues, WIESENER and several others applaud, HINZE creeps into a corner and finally even leaves the stage.  The playwright is heard quarreling behind the scenes and then enters.]