Scene V
Dark.—The Sleepy Hollow, in the bosom of the mountains, occupying the extreme extent of the stage—stunted trees, fragments of rock in various parts.—Moon in the horizon; the entrance to this wild recess being by an opening from the abyss in the rear of the glen.
Music.—Grotesque Dutch Figures with [enormous]122 masked heads and lofty tapering hats, discovered playing [at cards in various places—others at Dutch pins—battledores and shuttlecocks—the majority seated on a rock drinking and smoking.]123
Gauderkin.
Since on earth this only day,
In fifty years we’re given to stray,
We’ll keep it as a holiday!
So brothers, let’s be jolly and gay.
Icken.
But question, where’s that lazy [wight,]124
Who, soon as sun withdrew it’s light,
Was for the earth’s rich beverage sent,
And has such time in absence spent.
Gauderkin.
Perhaps [with some]125 misfortune he’s been doomed to meet,
Cross’d, no doubt, on the road by mortal feet.
Icken.
And what the punishment that you decree
On him, who on our mysteries makes free?
Gauderkin.
Twenty years in slumber’s chain,
Is the fate that we ordain:
Yet, if merry wight he prove,
Pleasing dreams his sleep shall move.
Icken.
Our brother comes, and up the rugged steep,
A mortal, see, Swaggrino’s presence keep.
Omnes.
Twenty years in slumber’s chain,
Is the fate that we ordain.
He comes! he comes! let silence reign!—
Let silence reign! let silence reign!
The Spirits retire up and station themselves in motionless attitudes.
Music.—[Swaggrino]126 ascends by the opening in the rear followed by Rip, with the keg.—Rip advances on the left, and, with the assistance of his conductor, places the cask on the rock.—
The Spirits remain immovable.
Rip.
I’m a dead man, to a certainty. Into what strange company have I tumbled! crikey, what will become of me? Dear, dear! would I were home again, even though along with [Dame]127 Van Winkle.
Music.—The Figures severally advance, and stare at him, then resume their game. Swaggrino taps the cask; motions the astonished Rip to assist him in distributing its contents into various flagons; an injunction with which he complies.—Swaggrino helps his companions.
Rip.
After all, they seem a harmless set, and there can be no argument with them, for they appear to be all dumbies.—[Lord were my wife]128 as silent. They’re a deadly, lively, jolly set; but I wonder what kind of spirits dese spirits are [drinking!]129 Surely, dere can be no harm in taking a drop along mit dem.—[Fills a flagon.]—Here goes!—Gentlemen, here’s your [go-to-hells,]130 and your [broad chopped]131 family’s, and may you all live long and prosper. [Drinks.]
Omnes.
Ha, ha, ha!
Music.—A grotesque dance ensues, during which Rip continues to supply himself from the keg.—He at length joins in the dance, and becomes so exhausted, that he reels forward and sinks in front. The dancing ceases, the Spirits utter three “ho, ho, ho’s!”—[Some of them sink.]132
END OF ACT I.
Footnotes
Notes
122 Not in K.
123 In K., reads, “at Dutch pins—the majority seated on a rock drinking and smoking—thunder reverberates each time a bowl is delivered.”
124 “Ichen” in K.; also “sprite.”
125 Not in K.
126 “The Imp” in K.
127 “Frau” in K.
128 In K., “if mein wife vere”
129 “trinking” in K.
130 “goot-hells” in K.
131 Not in K. Instead, “Your family’s goot-hells.”
132 In K., the stage directions end, “Moon very bright. Tableau.”