ALVA. I have learnt to rule humanity and drive it in harness before me like a well-broken four-in-hand,--but that boy sticks in my head. Really, I can still take private lessons in the scorn of the world from that school-boy!
RODRIGO. She'll just comfortably let her hide be papered with thousand-mark bills! I'll extract salaries out of the directors with a centrifugal pump. I know their kind. When they don't need a man, let him shine their shoes for them; but when they must have an artiste they cut her down from the very gallows with their own hands and with the most entangling compliments.
ALVA. In my situation there's nothing more in the world to fear--but death. In the realm of sensation I am the poorest beggar. But I can no longer scrape up the moral courage to exchange my established position for the excitements of the wild, adventurous life!
RODRIGO. She had sent Papa Schigolch and me together in chase of some strong antidote for sleeplessness. We each got a twenty-mark piece for expenses. There we see the youngster sitting in the Night-light Café. He was sitting like a criminal on the prisoner's bench. Schigolch sniffed at him from all sides, and remarked, "He is still virgin." (_Up in the gallery, dragging steps are heard._) There she is! The future magnificent trapeze-artiste of the present age!
(_The curtains part at the stair-head, and Lulu, supported by Schigolch, and in a black dress, slowly and wearily descends._)
SCHIGOLCH. Hui, old mold! We've still to get over the frontier to-day.
RODRIGO. (_Glaring stupidly at Lulu._) Thunder of heaven! Death!
LULU. (_Speaks, to the end of the act, in the gayest tones._) Slowly! You're pinching my arm!
RODRIGO. How did you ever get the shamelessness to break out of prison with such a wolf's face?!
RODRIGO. I'll run for the police! I'll give information! This scarecrow let herself be seen in tights?! The padding alone would cost two months' salary!--You're the most perfidious swindler that ever had lodging in Ox-butter Hotel!
ALVA. Kindly refrain from insulting the lady!
RODRIGO. Insulting you call that?! For this gnawed bone's sake I've worn myself away! I can't earn my own living! I'll be a clown if I can still stand firm under a broom-stick! But let the lightning strike me on the spot if I don't worm ten thousand marks a year for life out of your tricks and frauds! I can tell you that! A pleasant trip! I'm going for the police! (_Exit._)