[_Within the castle rivals appear seated, with a small
table between them. The_ HAUGHTY RIVAL _wears his
curl-papers covered by a tall hat. The_ HUMBLE
KNIGHT _carries a dagger_. SERVING MAID _stands
outside the screen with tray, ready to appear at
proper time_.]
[Sidenote: Shakes his fist angrily.]
Within the castle’s dining hall,
The rivals sat at meat;
“You coward!” cried the haughty knight,
“I know you meant to cheat!
[Sidenote: Becomes still more angry, and finally half rises, leans
over, and shakes his fist directly in the other’s face.]
“You did not care who won the maid,
You were not bold enough,
Why did you not approach the cat
With manner fierce and rough?”
[Sidenote: Humble knight gesticulates.
Enter maid with tea tray.]
The humble knight was roused at last,
And angrily spake he,
He did not see the serving maid
Who brought the toast and tea;
[Sidenote: Serving maid pulls his hair.
She holds tray almost over his head, and when he leaps up, it is tossed
into the air, falling with a clatter.]
So to make known her presence there,
And chide him for delay,
She pulled his hair—he sprang about,
Upsetting all the tray!
[Sidenote: Haughty knight laughs, and humble knight draws dagger.]
The haughty knight laughed loud and long,
Whereat the first was wroth,
“I will reveal your schemes,” cried he,
And drew his dagger forth.
[Sidenote: Points scornfully at his rival, who puts hands in pockets
and leans back, tilting his chair.]
“Who tried with fine and foppish dress
To win the maiden’s heart?
Who curled his hair with papers tight,
Until the roots did start?”
[Sidenote: At this, he springs to his feet, and makes threatening
gestures.]
“I say ’tis false!” the suitor cried,
“And prove it if you dare!
I never dressed in foppish style,
Or tried to curl my hair!”
[Sidenote: Points to his hat.
Pulls off his rival’s hat, revealing a mass of curl-papers, of
exaggerated size.]
“Then take your hat off,” said his mate,
And with a sudden wrest,
He seized his rival’s head dress fine,
And lo!—he stood confest!
[SCREEN THE LIGHT]