pond. I do not know why I feel so melancholy this evening. [_He goes
out, pursued by Tobbi._

SAMPLE No. II.--_A Hall in Castle Ollendorff. A Marionnette
Theatre at the back of Stage. DJOË, a Belgian Bedell, and
Dutch Dolls-in-waiting discovered._

_Djoë_. Green flames are running along the walls, and blue globes are
bounding about the back garden. I have never seen such a night. Here
comes the Prince.

[_Enter PONSCH, conscience-stricken; all bow._

_Ponsch_. I am not melancholy, but I have hardly any hair. Let the
Play commence!

_Curtain of Marionnette Show rises; a Clown is seen chasing
a butterfly._

_A Councillor_. Oh! oh! oh! [_Uproar; the Clown and Butterfly are
withdrawn. A Skeleton appears on the Stage, and dances his head and
limbs off in a blue light._

_Ponsch_ (_rising_). That was done purposely! You are driving at
something. Confess it! Is there no topic more cheerful? I cannot bear
it any longer!

[_Knocks down DJOË with his staff. A combat, during which
DJOË several times obtains possession of the weapon, and
wounds PONSCH. N.B.--Note the striking resemblance here to