NICKLAUSSE.

Then sing, to get out of the scrape.


HOFFMAN.

Monsieur Spalanzani doesn't like music.


NICKLAUSSE (laughing).

Yes, I know, all for physics!
A doll with china eyes
Played cleverly with a fan,
Nearby a little cock in brass;
Both sang in unison
In a marvelous way,
Danced, gossiped, seemed to live.


HOFFMAN.

Beg your pardon. Why this song?


NICKLAUSSE.