"Stay here, all of you," said the pedant, halting at a little distance
from the gate, "and let me go forward alone to knock for admission. Our
numbers might alarm the good people of the farm, and lead them to fancy
us a band of robbers, with designs upon their rustic Penates; as I am
old, and inoffensive looking, they will not be afraid of me."
This advice was approved by all, and Blazius, going forward by himself,
knocked gently at the great gate, which was first opened cautiously just
a very little, then flung impetuously back; and then the comedians, from
their outpost in the snow, saw a most extraordinary and inexplicable
scene enacted before their astonished eyes. The pedant and the farmer
who had opened the gate, after gazing at each other a moment intently,
by the light of the lantern which the latter held up to see what manner
of man his nocturnal visitor might be, and after exchanging rapidly
a few words, that the others could not hear, accompanied by wild
gesticulations, rushed into each other's arms, and began pounding
each other heartily upon the back--mutually bestowing resounding
accolades--as is the manner upon the stage of expressing joy at meeting
a dear friend. Emboldened by this cordial reception, which yet was a
mystery to them, the rest of the troupe ventured to approach, though
slowly and timidly.
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