[Enter Piper.]
First Councilman. Who is this who dares to come into the Mayor's office without an introduction?
Second Councilman. Hasn't he a funny coat?
Third Councilman. But what a pleasant face! He smiles all the time.
Mayor. He looks like the picture of my grandsire. What is your name, and your business, my man?
Pied Piper. Please your honors, my name is Pied Piper. My business is to play upon my pipe. I can charm with the magic of my notes all things to do my will. But I use my charm on creatures that do people harm, the toad, the mole, and the viper, and rats rats!
Mayor. Rats! Well, then, you're the man we want. We'll pay you a thousand guilders if you'll free our town of rats.
Piper. A thousand guilders! Done! It's a bargain!
SCENE II. Same as Scene I. The Mayor and Councilmen looking out of window 
Mayor. There he goes down the street.
First Councilman. What a strange looking pipe he plays!
Second Councilman. I believe it must be a magic one.
Third Councilman. Do you hear the music? What is that other noise?
Mayor. Look, look at the rats! Did you ever see such a sight!
First Councilman. The streets are crowded with them! Big and little, brown, black, and gray, they are tumbling over each other in their hurry!
Second Councilman. Sir! he is going toward the bridge.
Third Councilman. They must think he is playing a tune of apples and cheese!
Mayor. There they are at the river. They are plunging in! they will be drowned!
First Councilman. Good for the piper!
Mayor. Ring the bells for the people. Tell them to get long poles, poke out the nests and block up the holes!
Second Councilman. Here comes the Piper.
Third Councilman. That was well done, Mr. Piper.
Pied Piper. Yes, all the rats are drowned and now I've come for my pay.
Mayor. Pay! why what have you done? Just played a tune on your pipe.
You must be joking.
Piper. You promised 
First Councilman. You impudent fellow! You certainly don't think a tune on your pipe is worth one thousand guilders? There is no work in that.
Second Councilman. The rats are dead and can't come to life again, I think!
Mayor. My friend, we are much obliged, of course. We are much obliged and will gladly give you fifty guilders. You know your time is not worth more.
Piper. No trifling, pray. I'll have what you promised, or you may find that I'll play a tune you do not like!
Mayor. What! do you threaten us, fellow? Do what you please. Do you think we care? Play on your old pipe whatever tune you wish.
Piper. Listen, then, and look from your window when I play again in the street below.
[Goes out.]