SERGEANT. That he reads in the stars we also hear, Where the future he sees--distant or near-- But I know better the truth of the case A little gray man, at the dead of night, Through bolted doors to him will pace-- The sentinels oft have hailed the sight, And something great was sure to be nigh, When this little gray-coat had glided by. FIRST YAGER. Ay, ay, he's sold himself to the devil, Wherefore, my lads, let's feast and revel. SCENE VII. The above--Recruit, Citizen, Dragoon. (The Recruit advances from the tent, wearing a tin cap on his head, and carrying a wine-flask.) RECRUIT. To father and uncle pray make my bow, And bid 'em good-by--I'm a soldier now. FIRST YAGER. See, yonder they're bringing us something new, CITIZEN. Oh, Franz, remember, this day you'll rue. RECRUIT (sings). The drum and the fife, War's rattling throng, And a wandering life The world along! Swift steed--and a hand To curb and command-- With a blade by the side, We're off far and wide. As jolly and free, As the finch in its glee, On thicket or tree, Under heaven's wide hollow-- Hurrah! for the Friedlander's banner I'll follow! SECOND YAGER. Foregad! a jolly companion, though. [They salute him. CITIZEN. He comes of good kin; now pray let him go. FIRST YAGER. And we wern't found in the streets you must know. CITIZEN. I tell you his wealth is a plentiful stock; Just feel the fine stuff that he wears for a frock. TRUMPETER. The emperor's coat is the best he can wear. CITIZEN. To a cap manufactory he is the heir. SECOND YAGER. The will of a man is his fortune alone. CITIZEN. His grandmother's shop will soon be his own. FIRST YAGER. Pish! traffic in matches! who would do't? CITIZEN. A wine-shop his grandfather leaves, to boot, A cellar with twenty casks of wine. TRUMPETER. These with his comrades he'll surely share. SECOND YAGER. Hark ye, lad--be a camp-brother of mine. CITIZEN. A bride he leaves sitting, in tears, apart. FIRST YAGER. Good--that now's a proof of an iron heart. CITIZEN. His grandmother's sure to die with sorrow. SECOND YAGER. The better--for then he'll inherit to-morrow. SERGEANT (advances gravely, and lays his hand on the Recruit's tin cap). The matter no doubt you have duly weighed, And here a new man of yourself have made; With hanger and helm, sir, you now belong To a nobler and more distinguished throng. Thus, a loftier spirit 'twere well to uphold-- FIRST YAGER. And, specially, never be sparing of gold.