sets her down before the animal-tamer.)

 She was created to incite to sin, To lure, seduce, poison—yea, murder, in A manner no man knows.—My pretty beast,

(Tickling Lulu's chin.)

Only be unaffected, and not pieced Out with distorted, artificial folly, Even if the critics praise thee for 't less wholly. Thou hast no right to spoil the shape most fitting, Most true, of woman, with meows and spitting! And mind, all foolery and making faces The childish simpleness of Vice disgraces. Thou shouldst—to-day I speak emphatically— Speak naturally and not unnaturally, [Page 10] For the first principle in every art, Since earliest times, was True and Plain, not Smart! 

[Page 10] 

(To the public.)

 There's nothing special now to see in her, But wait and watch what later will occur! Her strength about the Tiger she coils stricter: He roars and groans!—Who'll be the final victor?— Hop, Charlie, march! Carry her to her place,

(The stage-hand carries Lulu in his arms; the animal-tamer pats her on the hips.)

Sweet innocence—my dearest treasure-case! 

(The stage-hand carries Lulu back into the tent.)

 And now I'll tell the best thing in the day: My poll between the teeth of a beast of prey! Walk in! Tho to be sure the show's not new, Yet everyone takes pleasure in its view! Wrench open this wild animal's jaws I dare, And he to bite dares not! My pate's so fair, So wild, so gaily decked, it wins respect! I offer it him with confidence unchecked. One joke, and my two temples crack!—but, lo, The lightning of my eyes I will forego, Staking my life against a joke! and throw My whip, my weapons, down. I am in my skin! I yield me to this beast!—His name do ye know? —The honored public! that has just walked in! 

(The animal-tamer steps back into the tent, accompanied by cymbals and kettledrums.)

[Page 11] 

[Page 11] 

ACT I

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