HOFFMANN.

Smoke!...
Before this dead pipe is relighted
You will have comprehended,
You who in this play where my heart was consumed
In good sense took the first prize!

(All the students go to their places.)


CHORUS.

Listen. It is nice to drink,
To the telling of a crazy tale,
While following the fragrant cloud,
That a pipe throws in the air.


HOFFMANN (sitting on corner of table).

I begin.


CHORUS.

Silence.