es that do people harm, the
toad, the mole, and the viper, and rats--rats!

_Mayor._ Rats! Well, then, you're the man we want. We'll pay you a
thousand guilders if you'll free our town of rats.

_Piper._ A thousand guilders! Done! It's a bargain!

SCENE II.--_Same as Scene I. The Mayor and Councilmen looking out of
window_

_Mayor._ There he goes down the street.

_First Councilman._ What a strange looking pipe he plays!

_Second Councilman._ I believe it must be a magic one.

_Third Councilman._ Do you hear the music? What is that other noise?

_Mayor._ Look, look at the rats! Did you ever see such a sight!

_First Councilman._ The streets are crowded with them! Big and little,
brown, black, and gray, they are tumbling over each other in their
hurry!

_Second Councilman._ Sir! he is going toward the bridge.

_Third Councilman._ They must think he is playing a tune of apples and
cheese!

_Mayor._ There they are at the river. They are plunging in! they will be
drowned!

_First Councilman._ Good for the piper!

_Mayor._ Ring the bells for the people. Tell them to get long poles,
poke out the nests and block up the holes!

_Second Councilman._ Here comes the Piper.

_Third Councilman._ That was well done, Mr. Piper.

_Pied Piper._ Yes, all the rats are drowned and now I've come for my
pay.

_Mayor._ Pay! why what have you done? Just played a tune on your pipe.
You must be joking.

_Piper._ You promised--

_First Councilman._ You impudent fellow! You certainly don't think a
tune on your pipe is worth one thousand guilders? There is no work in
that.

_Second Councilman._ The rats are dead and can't come to life again, I
think!

_Mayor._ My friend, we are much obliged, of course. We are much obliged
and will gladly give you fifty guilders. You know your time is not worth
more.

_Piper._ No trifling, pray. I'll have what you promised, or you may find
that I'll play a tune you do not like!

_Mayor._ What! do you threaten us, fellow? Do what you please. Do you
think we care? Play on your old pipe whatever tune you wish.

_Piper._ Listen, then, and look from your window when I play again in
the street below.

[_Goes out._]

[Illustration]

_Mayor._ What does the lazy fellow mean by his threats?

_First Councilman._ Hear his wonderful music! Listen.

_Second Councilman._ Oh! what is he doing! See the children!

_Third Councilman._ They are following him. There is my son. Where are
you