all the world is aware full well,
The duke has a devil in hire from hell.

SERGEANT.
In truth that he's charmed is past a doubt,
For we know how, at Luetzen's bloody affair,
Where firing was thickest he still was there,
As coolly as might be, sirs, riding about.
The hat on his head was shot thro' and thro',
In coat and boots the bullets that flew
Left traces full clear to all men's view;
But none got so far as to scratch off his skin,
For the ointment of hell was too well rubbed in.

FIRST YAGER.
What wonders so strange can you all see there?
An elk-skin jacket he happens to wear,
And through it the bullets can make no way.

SERGEANT.
'Tis an ointment of witches' herbs, I say,
Kneaded and cooked by unholy spell.

TRUMPETER.
No doubt 'tis the work of the powers of hell.

SERGEANT.
That he reads in the stars we also hear,
Where the future he sees--distant or near--
But I know better the truth of the case
A little gray man, at the dead of night,
Through bolted doors to him will pace--
The sentinels oft have hailed the sight,
And something great was sure to be nigh,
When this little gray-coat had glided by.

FIRST YAGER.
Ay, ay, he's sold himself to the devil,
Wherefore, my lads, let's feast and revel.

SCENE VII.

The above--Recruit, Citizen, Dragoon.

(The Recruit advances from the tent, wearing a tin cap
on his head, and carrying a wine-flask.)

RECRUIT.
To father and uncle pray make my bow,
And bid 'em good-by--I'm a soldier now.

FIRST YAGER.
See, yonder they're bringing us something new,

CITIZEN.
Oh, Franz, remember, this day you'll rue.

RECRUIT (sings).
The drum and the fife,
War's rattling throng,
And a wandering life
The world along!
Swift steed--and a hand
To curb and command--
With a blade by the side,
We're off far and wide.
As jolly and free,
As the finch in its glee,
On thicket or tree,
Under heaven's wide hollow--
Hurrah! for the Friedlander's banner I'll follow!

SECOND YAGER.
Foregad! a jolly companion, though.

[They salute him.

CITIZEN.
He comes of good kin; now pray let him go.

FIRST YAGER.
And we wern't found in the streets you must know.

CITIZEN.
I tell you his wealth is a plentiful stock;
Just feel the fine stuff that he wears for a frock.

TRUMPETER.
The emperor's coat is the best he can wear.

CITIZEN.
To a cap manufactory he is the heir.

SECOND YAGER.
The will of