The consequence was, that, as they could not be pacified, the first scene was mere dumb show to the audience; and some giddy young people set up a loud 'off, off, Dreadnought!' which cry was instantly seconded by the public.

Nevertheless, as the princess at that instant entered her box, Mr.Schnackenberger, however hard pressed, thought it became him to maintain his post to the last extremity.

This extremity forthwith appeared in the shape of three armed soldiers, who, on behalf of the police, took him into custody.

Possibly Mr.Jeremiah might have shown himself less tractable to the requests of these superannuated antiquities--but for two considerations; first, that an opportunity might thus offer of exchanging his dreadnought for a less impressive costume; and, secondly, that in case of his declining to accompany them, he saw signs abroad that a generous and enlightened public did very probably purpose to kick him out; a conjecture which was considerably strengthened by the universal applause which attended his exit at quick time.
[25] In the original _Knecht Rupert_.

The allusion is to an old Christmas usage of North Germany: a person comes in disguise, in the character of an ambassador from heaven, with presents for all the young children who are reported to him as good and obedient: but those who are naughty he threatens and admonishes.