--- County, if you please.

HERMAN.

The judge of the district will this day arrive and give judgement on my
appeal: my rights are definitive, and I question the whole world to
controvert them. We shall meet before the tribunal; then presume to
contend longer if you dare.
[_Exit._

KNICKERBOCKER.

'Twill be difficult, no doubt, but we'll have a wrangle for the bone, as
the dog's have it; there will be no curs found in our party, I'll be
sworn. [_Aside._] Hang me, but I'm really a little chop fallen and there
is a strange sense of dizziness in my head which almost overcomes me.

LORRENNA.

My dear uncle, what is to be done in this emergency?

KNICKERBOCKER.

Done! your fortune is done for: but if you ever want a cent whilst I
have one, may I be sent to the devil, that's all.

GUSTAFFE.

[_Entering._] Bravo! Nunkey Knickerbocker! you are no blind pilot. Awake
to breakers and quicksand, Knickerbocker.

KNICKERBOCKER.

Knickerbocker! the honourable Mr. Knickerbocker, if you please; I'm now
a member of the Legislature and, curse me, if I'd change my dignified
station as representative of an independent people, for that of the
proudest potentate who holds supremacy by corruption or the bayonet.
[_Exeunt._

SCENE LAST.

_The Court House.--An arm-chair at the back, in front of which is a large
table, covered with baize.--On each side a gallery.--On the right of table
are chairs._

_Music.--The_ JUDGE _discovered, seated.--The galleries filled with
auditors_.--HERMAN.--KNICKERBOCKER.

JUDGE.

Mr. Knickerbocker, you will please to bring your client into court.

KNICKERBOCKER _goes off, and returns with_ Lorrenna _and_ ALICE.

JUDGE.

Be pleased to let your ladies take seats. [LORRENNA _and_ ALICE _sit._

HERMAN.

And now, sir, I presume 'tis time to enter on my cause. Twenty years
have elapsed since this contract, this bond was signed by the father of
that lady, by which she or her fortune were made mine. Be pleased to
peruse. [_Presenting the document to the_ JUDGE.

JUDGE.

[_Reading._] "We, Derric Van Slaus, Burgomaster, and Rip Van Winkle,
desirous of providing for the prosperity of our offspring, do hereby
mutually agree that Herman Van Slaus and Lorrenna Van Winkle shall be
united on the demand of either. Whosoever of those contracted, fails in
fulfilling this agreement, shall forfeit their fortune to the party
com