Because he, with said piping--

HANS the Butcher
--Drave away
The horde of rats!

PETER the Cobbler
[sagely]
To our great benefit;
And we be all just men.

OTHERS
Ay, ay!--Amen!

WOMEN
Amen, Our Lady and the blessed Saints!

JACOBUS
Why, faith, good souls, if ye will have him cried,
So be it.--But the ways of Heaven are strange!
Mark how our angel of deliverance came,--
Or it may be. Saint Willibald himself,--
Most piedly clothed, even as the vilest player!--
And straight ascended from us, to the clouds!
But cry him, if you will.--Peace to your lungs!--
He will not come.

[KURT wrathfully consults with JACOBUS, then signals to Crier.

CRIER