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Circle Round Stories, 'The Troupe of Ten' | Ep. 163 (1)

'The Troupe of Ten' | Ep. 163 (1)

NARRATOR: There once was a troupe of actors. Ten talented performers, young and old, who traveled the country, putting on show after show – making their audiences laugh and cry and think.

The actors believed theater should be available to everyone, whether they were as rich as a lord or poor as a church mouse. So they didn't charge a cent for their shows; instead, they put on every performance for free!

But as a result, the actors didn't have much money themselves. So everywhere they went, they relied on the kindness of strangers. And most of the time, the troupe was greeted with open arms.

[SOT: knock, door opens]

ACTOR 2: Greetings, sir!

ACTOR 3: Now that we're done performing for the day…

ACTOR 4: …might you share a morsel with some hungry actors?

KIND MAN: Oh I can do more than ‘share a morsel'! I can offer you a meal! Please – join me and my family for dinner!

[SOT: knock, door opens]

ACTOR 5: Good evening, ma'am!

ACTOR 6: We couldn't help but notice this beautiful inn of yours.

ACTOR 7: Might you spare a bed or two for the night?

KIND WOMAN: I can spare plenty of beds for a talented troupe like yours! Come in! Come in!

NARRATOR: But there was one place where the troupe of ten received anything but a warm welcome.

[SOT: knock on large door, large door opens]

ACTOR 8: Greetings!

ACTOR 9: It's awfully hot out and we performers are parched!

ACTOR 10: Could you kindly share some cold water with a humble group of –

[SOT: large door slam]

NARRATOR: And I am sorry to say that this one place… was the royal palace. Home of the King and Queen.

You see, while everyone else in the country loved how the actors entertained them, making them laugh and cry and think, the King and Queen did not.

KING: My dear Queen! Can you believe that ragamuffin troupe of actors had the nerve to knock at our palace door yet again?!? ?

QUEEN: Who do those clowns think they are, anyway?!? Prancing about in cities, towns, and villages and telling their little stories?! ?

KING: And trying to make us laugh?! ?

QUEEN: And cry?! ?

KING: And think?! ?

QUEEN: And then they expect us to help support them?

KING: We must do something to tarnish this troupe's good name!

QUEEN: And show our people what good-for-nothing free-loaders these actors truly are!

NARRATOR: So the King and Queen tried coming up with a plan. They considered one option…

KING: How about…!?!? (pause) Nah. Forget it.

NARRATOR: …then another…

QUEEN: Oh, I know! What if we…? (pause) Nah. Scratch that.

NARRATOR: Until finally…

KING: / QUEEN: A-HA! !

NARRATOR: …they cooked up a scheme they were certain would work.

They began by summoning the royal chefs.

KING: Chefs, we want you to cook up a big breakfast – enough eggs, pancakes, porridge and tea for at least ten people!

QUEEN: Then set it up outside, in the marble courtyard in front of the palace!

NARRATOR: Next, the King and Queen summoned the royal treasurers.

KING: Treasurers, we want you to collect a big bag of gold coins from the royal treasury!

QUEEN: Then take the coins and scatter them all over the marble courtyard in front of the palace!

NARRATOR: Finally, they summoned the royal messengers.

KING: Messengers, we want you to send an invitation to every member of the traveling acting troupe.

QUEEN: Tell them they're invited to breakfast in the marble courtyard in front of the palace, tomorrow!

NARRATOR: The royal chefs, treasurers and messengers got right down to work, cooking food, gathering coins, and delivering invitations.

And as the king and queen went to bed that night, and thought about their brilliant scheme, they couldn't help… but smile.

[theme music in]

NARRATOR: What “brilliant scheme” do you think the king and queen are cooking up?

And what will become of the troupe of ten actors?

We'll find out, after a quick break.

[theme music out]

[BREAK]

[theme music in]

NARRATOR: Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Sheir. Today our story is called “The Troupe of Ten.”

[theme music out]

NARRATOR: Before the break, the King and Queen were hatching a plot to ruin the good name of a traveling acting troupe. So they invited the ten performers to breakfast in the courtyard in front of the palace.

When the actors received the invitation…

ACTOR 2: Breakfast…! ?

ACTOR 3: …in the palace courtyard?! ?

NARRATOR: …they could hardly believe it!

ACTOR 4: But the King and Queen despise us!

ACTOR 5: They think we're the worst!

ACTOR 6: Every time we knock on their door…

ACTOR 7: …they slam it in our face!

ACTOR 8: (thinking about it, hopeful) But maybe…

ACTOR 9: (thinking about it, hopeful) …if they're inviting us to breakfast…

ACTOR 10: (thinking about it, hopeful) …they've changed their minds!

TROUPE LEADER: Or maybe not!

NARRATOR: The leader of the acting troupe couldn't help but feel skeptical.

TROUPE LEADER: Ya know, I can't help but feel skeptical! After the cold shoulder the King and Queen have given us all these years, I trust them as far as I can throw them. And even though I work out, I doubt I can throw them very far. (beat) So listen. You know what an early riser I am. Tomorrow, I will wake before sunrise, sneak over to the palace, then see if there's any funny business going on. If there is, I'll make sure we're the ones who have the last laugh!

NARRATOR: Early the next morning, when the troupe leader snuck over to the palace and peered into the courtyard, her eyes widened as she beheld the wide-open space, its gleaming floor made of pure white marble. The whole thing was surrounded by marble columns, and lined with lush plants sprouting from fancy porcelain pots.

But in the middle of the courtyard, the troupe leader spied something that made her eyes grow even wider! The royal treasurers were holding big bags of gold coins, and sprinkling the coins all over the gleaming marble floor!

TREASURER 1: (with a gleeful laugh) Can you believe this plan the King and Queen have cooked up?

TREASURER 2: (with a gleeful laugh) It's brilliant!

TREASURER 1: When those good-for-nothing actors arrive and see all this gold lying on the ground, it's just a matter of time before at least one of them bends down and stuffs their pockets with coins!

TREASURER 2: Then they'll be arrested for stealing! The troupe's reputation will be ruined, and that'll be the end of them!

TREASURER 1: / TREASURER 2: (ad-lib laughter)

NARRATOR: Now that the troupe leader knew what the King and Queen were up to…

TROUPE LEADER: So that's what the King and Queen are up to!

NARRATOR: …she didn't waste a minute.

TROUPE LEADER: I mustn't waste a minute!

NARRATOR: She darted back to where the troupe was staying and rummaged through their costumes, props, and sets until she found what she was looking for.

TROUPE LEADER: A tin of wax. This'll be perfect!

NARRATOR: She shoved the tin of wax in her pocket, then woke everybody up.

TROUPE LEADER: Wake up, everybody! The King and Queen are expecting us for breakfast in just a few minutes! Since time is so short, all I'll say is this. When you get to the palace courtyard, do not pick anything up off the ground! No matter what! In fact, don't even look down, if you can help it. Now let's go!

NARRATOR: The troupe of ten got all ready and bustled over to the palace. When the actors walked into the courtyard, the King and Queen greeted them with big, phony grins.

KING: (with a fake smile) Welcome, dear actors!

QUEEN: (with a fake smile) It's an honor to have you!

KING: Please! Eat all you want!

QUEEN: And enjoy!

NARRATOR: The king and queen kept a watchful eye as the actors ate and drank and mingled. But to the royal couple's surprise, not one of the performers bent down to pick up any gold!

And yet, after breakfast was finished, and the actors said goodbye and left…

KING: What on earth?!? ?

QUEEN: It can't be!! !

NARRATOR: …not one gold coin was left on the ground!

KING: Those sly devils made off with our coins!

QUEEN: Yet we didn't see them do it!

NARRATOR: The King and Queen were determined to catch whichever of the actors stole the gold coins. So they cooked up another scheme.

KING: We'll ask the actors to attend a party in the palace ballroom this evening! With the finest food, the finest drink, and the finest music!

QUEEN: And we'll invite the actors to spend the night! Each in their own spacious room!

KING: We'll tell our guards to stay alert during the festivities, and find out which of the actors stole the gold coins.

QUEEN: Once they discover who's guilty, they won't say a word. Instead, after the party they'll sneak into their room, and draw an ink mark on their left hand while they sleep!

KING: The next morning, you and I will spot the ink mark, seize the culprit…

QUEEN: …and lock them up in jail!

KING: / QUEEN: (ad-lib self-satisfied laughter)

NARRATOR: So the King and Queen sent the troupe another invitation, for a dinner party that very same night.

[SOT: party music]

NARRATOR: Again, the actors were surprised, but they decided why not? We'll go to a dinner party at the palace!

And when they filed into the grand ballroom, the King and Queen greeted them with even bigger, phonier grins than they did that morning in the courtyard.

KING: (with an even faker smile) Greetings, beloved actors!

QUEEN: (with an even faker smile) We're delighted to see you again!

KING: Please! Enjoy the food, drink, and music!

QUEEN: And enjoy your spacious rooms! We are honored to have you as our guests.

[SOT: party hubbub + music]

NARRATOR: The King and Queen posted guards all over the ballroom. And as the guests dined and drank and danced, one of the guards happened to overhear a young actor talking with the troupe leader.

ACTOR 6: All of us actors are dying to know! How did you make off with the gold coins this morning? Can you share your secret?

NARRATOR: The troupe leader gave the boy a smile.

TROUPE LEADER: Well, I probably shouldn't talk about it here, but with all this food, drink, and music, it isn't like anybody's listening. (beat) The secret… was wax!

ACTOR 6: Wax?!? ?

TROUPE LEADER: Yes! I put wax all over the bottom of my shoes! Then, as I walked around the marble courtyard, the coins got stuck to the wax! And the king and queen were none the wiser!

ACTOR 6: That's brilliant!

TROUPE LEADER: It is, isn't it. (beat) But here's the thing. I just wanted to teach the King and Queen a lesson! Remember those big potted plants that were surrounding the courtyard? Before we left, I secretly – [stops short]

NARRATOR: The troupe leader stopped short. For out of the corner of her eye she noticed one of the palace guards giving her a strange look.

The troupe leader was certain she'd been overheard, and that her goose was cooked. Yet for the rest of the party, nothing happened! The guard never said a word!

[SOT: party hubbub/music fades out]

NARRATOR: Later that night, when the food, dance and drink came to an end, the actors retired to their spacious rooms to go to bed. Their mattresses were softer than bags of marshmallows, and one by one…

[SOT: the below will overlap, for a quick montage effect]

ACTOR 2: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

ACTOR 3: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

ACTOR 4: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

NARRATOR: …room by room…

ACTOR 5: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

ACTOR 6: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

ACTOR 7: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

NARRATOR: …all of the actors fell asleep.

ACTOR 8: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

ACTOR 9: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

ACTOR 10: (ad-lib sleep/snore)

NARRATOR: …well, all of the actors except for one: the troupe leader. Even though the guard had left her alone for the rest of the party, she was nervous.


'The Troupe of Ten' | Ep. 163 (1) 'Die Zehnergruppe' | Ep. 163 (1) La Troupe de los Diez | Ep. 163 (1) 10人の一座」|第163話 (1) 'The Troupe of Ten' | Ep. 163 (1) "Трупа з десяти" | Випуск 163 (1) 《十人剧团》| EP。 163 (1) 《十人團》| EP。 163 (1)

**NARRATOR:** There once was a troupe of actors. Ten talented performers, young and old, who traveled the country, putting on show after show – making their audiences laugh and cry and think.

The actors believed theater should be available to everyone, whether they were as rich as a lord or poor as a church mouse. Die Schauspieler waren der Meinung, dass Theater für alle zugänglich sein sollte, egal ob sie reich wie ein Lord oder arm wie eine Kirchenmaus waren. So they didn't charge a cent for their shows; instead, they put on every performance for free! Also verlangten sie keinen Cent für ihre Shows, sondern gaben jede Aufführung kostenlos!

But as a result, the actors didn't have much money themselves. So everywhere they went, they relied on the kindness of strangers. Überall, wo sie hinkamen, waren sie also auf die Freundlichkeit von Fremden angewiesen. And most of the time, the troupe was greeted with open arms. Und die meiste Zeit wurde die Truppe mit offenen Armen empfangen.

**[SOT: knock, door opens]**

**ACTOR 2:** Greetings, sir! SCHAUSPIELER 2: Seid gegrüßt, Herr!

**ACTOR 3:** Now that we're done performing for the day… SCHAUSPIELER 3: Jetzt, wo wir für heute fertig sind...

**ACTOR 4:** …might you share a morsel with some hungry actors? SCHAUSPIELER 4: ...könnten Sie einen Happen mit einigen hungrigen Schauspielern teilen? 演员 4:……你可以和一些饥肠辘辘的演员分享一点吗?

**KIND MAN:** Oh I can do more than ‘share a morsel'! KIND MAN: Oh, ich kann mehr tun, als nur 'einen Happen teilen'! I can offer you a meal! Please – join me and my family for dinner! 请 - 加入我和我的家人共进晚餐!

**[SOT: knock, door opens]**

**ACTOR 5:** Good evening, ma'am!

**ACTOR 6:** We couldn't help but notice this beautiful inn of yours. SCHAUSPIELER 6: Wir konnten nicht umhin, Ihr schönes Gasthaus zu bemerken.

**ACTOR 7:** Might you spare a bed or two for the night? SCHAUSPIELER 7: Hätten Sie vielleicht ein oder zwei Betten für die Nacht frei?

**KIND WOMAN:** I can spare plenty of beds for a talented troupe like yours! KIND WOMAN: Ich habe genug Betten für eine talentierte Truppe wie eure! 善良的女人:我可以为你这样的才华横溢的剧团腾出足够的床位! Come in! Come in!

**NARRATOR:** But there was one place where the troupe of ten received anything but a warm welcome. Aber es gab einen Ort, an dem die zehnköpfige Truppe alles andere als herzlich empfangen wurde. 旁白:但是有一个地方,十人剧团除了热烈的欢迎之外什么都没有。

**[SOT: knock on large door, large door opens]**

**ACTOR 8:** Greetings!

**ACTOR 9:** It's awfully hot out and we performers are parched! SCHAUSPIELER 9: Es ist furchtbar heiß draußen und wir Darsteller sind ausgedörrt!

**ACTOR 10:** Could you kindly share some cold water with a humble group of – SCHAUSPIELER 10: Könnten Sie freundlicherweise etwas kaltes Wasser mit einer bescheidenen Gruppe von - 演员 10:你能不能和一群卑微的人分享一些冷水——

**[SOT: large door slam]** [SOT: großer Türknall]

**NARRATOR:** And I am sorry to say that this one place… was the royal palace. Und es tut mir leid, sagen zu müssen, dass dieser eine Ort... der königliche Palast war. Home of the King and Queen.

You see, while everyone else in the country loved how the actors entertained them, making them laugh and cry and think, the King and Queen did not. Denn während alle anderen im Lande begeistert waren, wie die Schauspieler sie unterhielten, sie zum Lachen, Weinen und Nachdenken brachten, waren der König und die Königin nicht begeistert. 你看,虽然这个国家的其他人都喜欢演员们娱乐他们的方式,让他们笑着哭着思考,但国王和王后却不喜欢。

**KING:** My dear Queen! Can you believe that ragamuffin troupe of actors had the nerve to knock at our palace door yet again?!? Unglaublich, dass diese lumpige Truppe von Schauspielern die Frechheit hatte, schon wieder an die Tür unseres Palastes zu klopfen!!! 信不信,那个拉格玛芬剧团居然又敢敲我们的宫门?!? ?

**QUEEN:** Who do those clowns think they are, anyway?!? QUEEN: Was glauben diese Clowns eigentlich, wer sie sind?!? Prancing about in cities, towns, and villages and telling their little stories?! Sie tummeln sich in Städten, Dörfern und Gemeinden und erzählen ihre kleinen Geschichten?! 在城市、城镇和村庄中腾跃,讲述他们的小故事?! ?

**KING:** And trying to make us laugh?! KING: Und willst du uns zum Lachen bringen?! ?

**QUEEN:** And cry?! QUEEN: Und weinen?! ?

**KING:** And think?! ?

**QUEEN:** And then they expect us to help support them? QUEEN: Und dann erwarten sie von uns, dass wir sie unterstützen? 女王:然后他们希望我们帮助支持他们?

**KING:** We must do something to tarnish this troupe's good name! KING: Wir müssen etwas tun, um den guten Namen dieser Truppe zu beschmutzen!

**QUEEN:** And show our people what good-for-nothing free-loaders these actors truly are! QUEEN: Und zeigen Sie unserem Volk, was für Taugenichtse diese Schauspieler wirklich sind!

**NARRATOR:** So the King and Queen tried coming up with a plan. Also versuchten der König und die Königin, einen Plan zu entwickeln. They considered one option… Sie zogen eine Option in Betracht...

**KING:** How about…!?!? (pause) Nah. Forget it.

**NARRATOR:** …then another…

**QUEEN:** Oh, I know! QUEEN: Oh, ich weiß! What if we…? Was wäre, wenn wir...? (pause) Nah. (Pause) Nein. Scratch that.

**NARRATOR:** Until finally…

**KING: / QUEEN:** A-HA! !

**NARRATOR:** …they cooked up a scheme they were certain would work. Sie heckten einen Plan aus, von dem sie überzeugt waren, dass er funktionieren würde. 旁白:……他们制定了一个他们确信会奏效的计划。

They began by summoning the royal chefs. Sie begannen damit, die königlichen Köche herbeizurufen. 他们首先召集了皇家厨师。

**KING:** Chefs, we want you to cook up a big breakfast – enough eggs, pancakes, porridge and tea for at least ten people! KING: Köche, wir möchten, dass ihr ein großes Frühstück zubereitet - genug Eier, Pfannkuchen, Haferbrei und Tee für mindestens zehn Personen! KING:大厨们,我们要你们做一顿丰盛的早餐——至少够十个人吃的鸡蛋、煎饼、粥和茶!

**QUEEN:** Then set it up outside, in the marble courtyard in front of the palace! QUEEN: Dann stellt es draußen auf, im Marmorhof vor dem Palast!

**NARRATOR:** Next, the King and Queen summoned the royal treasurers. Als nächstes riefen der König und die Königin die königlichen Schatzmeister zusammen.

**KING:** Treasurers, we want you to collect a big bag of gold coins from the royal treasury! KING: Schatzmeister, wir möchten, dass ihr einen großen Beutel mit Goldmünzen aus der königlichen Schatzkammer einsammelt! KING:司库,我们要你们从王室的宝库中收集一大袋金币!

**QUEEN:** Then take the coins and scatter them all over the marble courtyard in front of the palace! QUEEN: Dann nimm die Münzen und verteile sie auf dem Marmorhof vor dem Palast! 王后:那就把钱币拿来,撒在宫殿前的大理石庭院里!

**NARRATOR:** Finally, they summoned the royal messengers. Schließlich riefen sie die königlichen Boten herbei. 旁白:最后,他们召唤了皇家使者。

**KING:** Messengers, we want you to send an invitation to every member of the traveling acting troupe. KING: Boten, wir möchten, dass Sie eine Einladung an jedes Mitglied der reisenden Schauspieltruppe schicken. KING:信使,我们希望您向巡回演出团的每一位成员发出邀请。

**QUEEN:** Tell them they're invited to breakfast in the marble courtyard in front of the palace, tomorrow! QUEEN: Sag ihnen, dass sie morgen zum Frühstück in den Marmorhof vor dem Palast eingeladen sind! 王后:告诉他们,明天他们被邀请到宫殿前的大理石庭院吃早餐!

**NARRATOR:** The royal chefs, treasurers and messengers got right down to work, cooking food, gathering coins, and delivering invitations. 旁白:皇家厨师、司库和信使立即开始工作,烹饪食物,收集硬币,传递请柬。

And as the king and queen went to bed that night, and thought about their brilliant scheme, they couldn't help… but smile. Und als der König und die Königin an diesem Abend zu Bett gingen und über ihren brillanten Plan nachdachten, konnten sie nicht anders als... zu lächeln. 那天晚上国王和王后上床睡觉时,想到他们的绝妙计划,他们忍不住……笑了。

**[theme music in]**

**NARRATOR:** What “brilliant scheme” do you think the king and queen are cooking up? Welchen "genialen Plan" haben der König und die Königin wohl ausgeheckt?

And what will become of the troupe of ten actors? Und was wird aus der Truppe von zehn Schauspielern?

We'll find out, after a quick break. 我们会在短暂休息后找出答案。

**[theme music out]**

**[BREAK]**

**[theme music in]**

**NARRATOR:** Welcome back to Circle Round. 旁白:欢迎回到 Circle Round。 I'm Rebecca Sheir. Today our story is called “The Troupe of Ten.”

**[theme music out]**

**NARRATOR:** Before the break, the King and Queen were hatching a plot to ruin the good name of a traveling acting troupe. Vor der Pause heckten der König und die Königin einen Plan aus, um den guten Ruf einer reisenden Schauspielertruppe zu ruinieren. 旁白:休息前,国王和王后正在策划一场阴谋,要毁掉一个巡回演出团的好名声。 So they invited the ten performers to breakfast in the courtyard in front of the palace. Also luden sie die zehn Darsteller zum Frühstück in den Hof vor dem Palast ein. 于是,他们邀请了十位表演者在宫殿前的院子里吃早餐。

When the actors received the invitation… 当演员们收到邀请时……

**ACTOR 2:** Breakfast…! ?

**ACTOR 3:** …in the palace courtyard?! ?

**NARRATOR:** …they could hardly believe it! ...sie konnten es kaum glauben! 旁白:……他们简直不敢相信!

**ACTOR 4:** But the King and Queen despise us! 演员 4:但是国王和王后鄙视我们!

**ACTOR 5:** They think we're the worst! SCHAUSPIELER 5: Sie denken, wir sind die Schlimmsten! 演员 5:他们认为我们是最糟糕的!

**ACTOR 6:** Every time we knock on their door… SCHAUSPIELER 6: Jedes Mal, wenn wir an ihre Tür klopfen... 演员 6:每次我们敲他们的门……

**ACTOR 7:** …they slam it in our face! 演员 7:……他们把它砸在我们脸上!

**ACTOR 8:** (thinking about it, hopeful) But maybe…

**ACTOR 9:** (thinking about it, hopeful) …if they're inviting us to breakfast… SCHAUSPIELER 9: (denkt darüber nach, hoffnungsvoll) ...wenn sie uns zum Frühstück einladen...

**ACTOR 10:** (thinking about it, hopeful) …they've changed their minds! SCHAUSPIELER 10: (denkt darüber nach, hoffnungsvoll) ...sie haben es sich anders überlegt!

**TROUPE LEADER:** Or maybe not!

**NARRATOR:** The leader of the acting troupe couldn't help but feel skeptical. Der Leiter der Schauspieltruppe konnte nicht umhin, skeptisch zu sein. 旁白:剧团领队不禁怀疑。

**TROUPE LEADER:** Ya know, I can't help but feel skeptical! After the cold shoulder the King and Queen have given us all these years, I trust them as far as I can throw them. Nach der kalten Schulter, die uns der König und die Königin all die Jahre gezeigt haben, vertraue ich ihnen so weit, wie ich sie werfen kann. And even though I work out, I doubt I can throw them very far. 即使我锻炼了,我怀疑我能把它们扔得很远。 (beat) So listen. You know what an early riser I am. Sie wissen, dass ich ein Frühaufsteher bin. 你知道我是个早起的人。 Tomorrow, I will wake before sunrise, sneak over to the palace, then see if there's any funny business going on. Morgen werde ich vor Sonnenaufgang aufwachen und mich zum Palast schleichen, um zu sehen, ob dort irgendwelche komischen Dinge vor sich gehen. If there is, I'll make sure we're the ones who have the last laugh! Wenn das der Fall ist, werde ich dafür sorgen, dass wir diejenigen sind, die das letzte Wort haben! 如果有,我会确保我们是笑到最后的人!

**NARRATOR:** Early the next morning, when the troupe leader snuck over to the palace and peered into the courtyard, her eyes widened as she beheld the wide-open space, its gleaming floor made of pure white marble. Als sich die Anführerin der Truppe am nächsten Morgen zum Palast schlich und einen Blick in den Innenhof warf, weiteten sich ihre Augen, als sie den weiten Raum mit seinem glänzenden Boden aus reinem weißen Marmor erblickte. The whole thing was surrounded by marble columns, and lined with lush plants sprouting from fancy porcelain pots. Das Ganze war von Marmorsäulen umgeben und von üppigen Pflanzen gesäumt, die aus schicken Porzellantöpfen wuchsen. 整栋楼被大理石柱子包围着,两旁种满了从精美瓷盆中长出的茂盛植物。

But in the middle of the courtyard, the troupe leader spied something that made her eyes grow even wider! Doch in der Mitte des Hofes entdeckte die Anführerin der Truppe etwas, das ihre Augen noch größer werden ließ! 可就在院子中央,班长却发现了什么,让她的眼睛瞪得更大了! The royal treasurers were holding big bags of gold coins, and sprinkling the coins all over the gleaming marble floor! Die königlichen Schatzmeister hielten große Säcke mit Goldmünzen in der Hand und verteilten die Münzen über den glänzenden Marmorboden! 皇室司库拿着大袋金币,将金币洒在闪闪发光的大理石地板上!

**TREASURER 1:** (with a gleeful laugh) Can you believe this plan the King and Queen have cooked up? TREASURER 1: (mit einem schadenfrohen Lachen) Können Sie sich diesen Plan vorstellen, den der König und die Königin ausgeheckt haben? 掌柜1:(高兴地笑)你能相信国王和王后策划的这个计划吗?

**TREASURER 2:** (with a gleeful laugh) It's brilliant! 掌柜 2:(愉快地笑)太棒了!

**TREASURER 1:** When those good-for-nothing actors arrive and see all this gold lying on the ground, it's just a matter of time before at least one of them bends down and stuffs their pockets with coins! TREASURER 1: Wenn diese Taugenichtse ankommen und all das Gold auf dem Boden liegen sehen, ist es nur eine Frage der Zeit, bis sich mindestens einer von ihnen bückt und sich die Taschen mit Münzen vollstopft! 掌柜1:当那些没用的演员来了,看到地上全是金子,他们中至少有一个弯下腰,把硬币塞进口袋里,这只是时间问题!

**TREASURER 2:** Then they'll be arrested for stealing! TREASURER 2: Dann werden sie wegen Diebstahls verhaftet! 掌柜2:那他们会因为偷窃被捕! The troupe's reputation will be ruined, and that'll be the end of them! 剧团的名声就毁了,就完蛋了!

**TREASURER 1: / TREASURER 2:** (ad-lib laughter) KASSIERER 1: / SCHÜTZER 2: (spontanes Lachen) 财务官 1:/财务官 2:(即兴笑声)

**NARRATOR:** Now that the troupe leader knew what the King and Queen were up to… Nun, da der Anführer der Truppe wusste, was der König und die Königin vorhatten... 旁白:既然团长知道国王和王后要做什么……

**TROUPE LEADER:** So that's what the King and Queen are up to! TROUPENFÜHRER: Das haben der König und die Königin also vor! 团长:所以这就是国王和王后的目的!

**NARRATOR:** …she didn't waste a minute. ...verschwendete sie keine Minute. 旁白:……她没有浪费一分钟。

**TROUPE LEADER:** I mustn't waste a minute! TROUPENFÜHRER: Ich darf keine Minute vergeuden! 班长:我不能浪费一分钟!

**NARRATOR:** She darted back to where the troupe was staying and rummaged through their costumes, props, and sets until she found what she was looking for. Sie eilte zurück zu dem Ort, an dem die Truppe untergebracht war, und stöberte in den Kostümen, Requisiten und Kulissen, bis sie fand, wonach sie suchte. 旁白:她冲回剧团所在的地方,翻找他们的服装、道具和布景,直到找到她要找的东西。

**TROUPE LEADER:** A tin of wax. TROUPENFÜHRER: Eine Dose Wachs. 班长:一罐蜡。 This'll be perfect!

**NARRATOR:** She shoved the tin of wax in her pocket, then woke everybody up. Sie steckte die Wachsdose in ihre Tasche und weckte dann alle auf. 旁白:她把一罐蜡塞进了她的口袋,然后把每个人都吵醒了。

**TROUPE LEADER:** Wake up, everybody! TROUPENFÜHRER: Aufwachen, Leute! 团长:大家醒醒! The King and Queen are expecting us for breakfast in just a few minutes! Der König und die Königin erwarten uns in ein paar Minuten zum Frühstück! 国王和王后等我们在几分钟内吃早餐! Since time is so short, all I'll say is this. Da die Zeit so knapp ist, kann ich nur Folgendes sagen. 时间这么短,我就说这么多吧。 When you get to the palace courtyard, do not pick anything up off the ground! Wenn du in den Hof des Palastes kommst, hebe nichts vom Boden auf! 到了宫庭,不要捡地上的东西! No matter what! Egal, was passiert! 无论! In fact, don't even look down, if you can help it. Schauen Sie gar nicht erst nach unten, wenn Sie es vermeiden können. 事实上,如果你能帮助它,甚至不要往下看。 Now let's go! Jetzt geht's los! 现在我们走吧!

**NARRATOR:** The troupe of ten got all ready and bustled over to the palace. Die zehnköpfige Truppe machte sich bereit und eilte zum Palast hinüber. 旁白:十人的剧团都准备好了,匆匆忙忙赶往皇宫。 When the actors walked into the courtyard, the King and Queen greeted them with big, phony grins. 当演员们走进院子时,国王和王后以假装的笑容迎接他们。

**KING:** (with a fake smile) Welcome, dear actors! KING:(假笑)欢迎,亲爱的演员们!

**QUEEN:** (with a fake smile) It's an honor to have you! QUEEN: (mit einem falschen Lächeln) Es ist mir eine Ehre, Sie hier zu haben! 王后:(假笑)有你是我的荣幸!

**KING:** Please! Eat all you want!

**QUEEN:** And enjoy!

**NARRATOR:** The king and queen kept a watchful eye as the actors ate and drank and mingled. 旁白:国王和王后密切注意演员们的吃喝玩乐。 But to the royal couple's surprise, not one of the performers bent down to pick up any gold! Doch zur Überraschung des Königspaares bückte sich kein einziger der Darsteller, um Gold aufzuheben! 但令这对皇室夫妇惊讶的是,没有一个表演者弯下腰去捡金子!

And yet, after breakfast was finished, and the actors said goodbye and left… Doch als das Frühstück beendet war und die Schauspieler sich verabschiedeten und gingen... 然而,吃完早餐,演员们说再见就走了……

**KING:** What on earth?!? KING: Was in aller Welt?!? KING:到底是什么?!? ?

**QUEEN:** It can't be!! QUEEN: Das kann nicht sein!! 王后:不可能!! !

**NARRATOR:** …not one gold coin was left on the ground! ...nicht eine einzige Goldmünze lag auf dem Boden! 旁白:……没有一枚金币留在地上!

**KING:** Those sly devils made off with our coins! KING: Diese schlauen Teufel haben sich mit unseren Münzen davongemacht! KING:那些狡猾的恶魔抢走了我们的硬币!

**QUEEN:** Yet we didn't see them do it! QUEEN: Aber wir haben nicht gesehen, wie sie es getan haben! 女王:然而我们没有看到他们这样做!

**NARRATOR:** The King and Queen were determined to catch whichever of the actors stole the gold coins. Der König und die Königin waren entschlossen, denjenigen der Schauspieler zu fassen, der die Goldmünzen gestohlen hatte. 旁白:国王和王后决心抓住偷走金币的演员。 So they cooked up another scheme. Also heckten sie einen neuen Plan aus. 于是他们制定了另一个计划。

**KING:** We'll ask the actors to attend a party in the palace ballroom this evening! KING: Wir werden die Schauspieler bitten, heute Abend an einer Party im Ballsaal des Palastes teilzunehmen! KING:今晚我们会请演员们参加在宫殿舞厅举行的派对! With the finest food, the finest drink, and the finest music!

**QUEEN:** And we'll invite the actors to spend the night! QUEEN:我们会邀请演员过夜! Each in their own spacious room! 每个人都在自己宽敞的房间里!

**KING:** We'll tell our guards to stay alert during the festivities, and find out which of the actors stole the gold coins. KING: Wir werden unsere Wachen anweisen, während der Feierlichkeiten wachsam zu sein und herauszufinden, welcher der Schauspieler die Goldmünzen gestohlen hat. KING:我们会告诉我们的警卫在庆祝活动期间保持警惕,并找出哪些演员偷走了金币。

**QUEEN:** Once they discover who's guilty, they won't say a word. QUEEN: Sobald sie herausgefunden haben, wer schuldig ist, werden sie kein Wort mehr sagen. 王后:一旦他们发现谁是有罪的,他们不会说一个字。 Instead, after the party they'll sneak into their room, and draw an ink mark on their left hand while they sleep! Stattdessen schleichen sie sich nach der Party in ihr Zimmer und malen im Schlaf ein Tintenzeichen auf ihre linke Hand! 相反,派对结束后他们会偷偷溜进自己的房间,在他们睡觉的时候在左手上画一个墨迹!

**KING:** The next morning, you and I will spot the ink mark, seize the culprit… KING: Am nächsten Morgen werden Sie und ich den Tintenfleck entdecken und den Schuldigen ergreifen... KING:第二天早上,你我会发现墨迹,抓住罪魁祸首……

**QUEEN:** …and lock them up in jail! 王后:……把他们关进监狱!

**KING: / QUEEN:** (ad-lib self-satisfied laughter) KING: / QUEEN: (ad-lib selbstzufriedenes Lachen) KING:/ QUEEN:(即兴发挥得意的笑声)

**NARRATOR:** So the King and Queen sent the troupe another invitation, for a dinner party that very same night. 旁白:所以国王和王后给剧团发出了另一份邀请,就在同一天晚上参加晚宴。

**[SOT: party music]**

**NARRATOR:** Again, the actors were surprised, but they decided why not? 旁白:演员们再次感到惊讶,但他们决定为什么不呢? We'll go to a dinner party at the palace! 我们要去皇宫参加晚宴!

And when they filed into the grand ballroom, the King and Queen greeted them with even bigger, phonier grins than they did that morning in the courtyard. Und als sie den großen Ballsaal betraten, wurden sie vom König und der Königin mit einem noch breiteren und selbstgefälligeren Grinsen begrüßt als an jenem Morgen im Innenhof. 当他们鱼贯进入大宴会厅时,国王和王后用比那天早上在院子里更大、更假的笑容迎接他们。

**KING:** (with an even faker smile) Greetings, beloved actors! KING:(带着更假的微笑)大家好,亲爱的演员们!

**QUEEN:** (with an even faker smile) We're delighted to see you again! QUEEN: (mit einem noch schwächeren Lächeln) Wir freuen uns, Sie wiederzusehen! 王后:(带着更假的微笑)我们很高兴再次见到你!

**KING:** Please! Enjoy the food, drink, and music! 享受美食、饮品和音乐!

**QUEEN:** And enjoy your spacious rooms! QUEEN: Und genießen Sie Ihre geräumigen Zimmer! 王后:享受您宽敞的房间吧! We are honored to have you as our guests. 我们很荣幸有您作为我们的客人。

**[SOT: party hubbub + music]**

**NARRATOR:** The King and Queen posted guards all over the ballroom. 旁白:国王和王后在整个舞厅里都布置了警卫。 And as the guests dined and drank and danced, one of the guards happened to overhear a young actor talking with the troupe leader. Und während die Gäste speisten, tranken und tanzten, hörte einer der Wächter zufällig ein Gespräch zwischen einem jungen Schauspieler und dem Anführer der Truppe. 而就在客人们吃喝玩乐跳舞的时候,其中一个侍卫无意中听到了一位年轻演员和班长的谈话。

**ACTOR 6:** All of us actors are dying to know! SCHAUSPIELER 6: Das wollen wir Schauspieler alle unbedingt wissen! 演员 6:我们所有的演员都渴望知道! How did you make off with the gold coins this morning? Wie sind Sie heute Morgen mit den Goldmünzen davongekommen? 你今天早上是怎么弄到金币的? Can you share your secret? Können Sie Ihr Geheimnis verraten? 你能分享你的秘密吗?

**NARRATOR:** The troupe leader gave the boy a smile. Der Anführer der Truppe lächelte den Jungen an. 旁白:团长给了男孩一个微笑。

**TROUPE LEADER:** Well, I probably shouldn't talk about it here, but with all this food, drink, and music, it isn't like anybody's listening. TROUPENLEITER: Nun, ich sollte hier wahrscheinlich nicht darüber sprechen, aber bei all dem Essen, Trinken und der Musik ist es nicht so, dass jemand zuhört. 团长:嗯,我可能不应该在这里谈论它,但是有这么多食物、饮料和音乐,它不像任何人都在听。 (beat) The secret… was wax! (beat) Das Geheimnis... war Wachs! (节拍)秘密……是蜡!

**ACTOR 6:** Wax?!? 演员 6:蜡?!? ? ?

**TROUPE LEADER:** Yes! I put wax all over the bottom of my shoes! Ich habe meine Schuhsohlen mit Wachs bestrichen! 我把蜡涂满了我的鞋底! Then, as I walked around the marble courtyard, the coins got stuck to the wax! Als ich dann durch den Marmorhof ging, blieben die Münzen am Wachs hängen! 然后,当我在大理石院子里走来走去时,硬币粘在了蜡上! And the king and queen were none the wiser! Und der König und die Königin waren nicht klüger!

**ACTOR 6:** That's brilliant!

**TROUPE LEADER:** It is, isn't it. TROUPE LEADER: Das ist es, nicht wahr. 团长:是的,不是的。 (beat) But here's the thing. (Beat) Aber hier ist die Sache. I just wanted to teach the King and Queen a lesson! Ich wollte dem König und der Königin nur eine Lektion erteilen! 我只是想给国王和王后一个教训! Remember those big potted plants that were surrounding the courtyard? Erinnern Sie sich an die großen Topfpflanzen, die den Innenhof umgaben? 还记得院子里那些大盆栽吗? Before we left, I secretly – [stops short] Bevor wir gingen, habe ich heimlich - [hält kurz inne]

**NARRATOR:** The troupe leader stopped short. Der Anführer der Truppe hielt kurz inne. 旁白:团长突然停了下来。 For out of the corner of her eye she noticed one of the palace guards giving her a strange look. Denn aus dem Augenwinkel heraus bemerkte sie, wie eine der Palastwachen ihr einen seltsamen Blick zuwarf. 因为她的眼角余光注意到一个宫廷侍卫用奇怪的眼神看着她。

The troupe leader was certain she'd been overheard, and that her goose was cooked. Die Leiterin der Truppe war sich sicher, dass sie belauscht worden war und dass ihr das Wasser bis zum Hals stand. 班长确信她被偷听了,而且她的鹅已经煮熟了。 Yet for the rest of the party, nothing happened! Doch für den Rest der Party ist nichts passiert! 然而对于派对的其余部分,什么都没有发生! The guard never said a word! 守卫一言不发!

**[SOT: party hubbub/music fades out]** [SOT: Partytrubel/Musik wird ausgeblendet] [SOT:派对喧嚣/音乐淡出]

**NARRATOR:** Later that night, when the food, dance and drink came to an end, the actors retired to their spacious rooms to go to bed. Später am Abend, als das Essen, Tanzen und Trinken zu Ende war, zogen sich die Schauspieler in ihre geräumigen Zimmer zurück, um zu Bett zu gehen. 旁白:那天晚上晚些时候,当食物、舞蹈和饮料结束时,演员们回到他们宽敞的房间上床睡觉。 Their mattresses were softer than bags of marshmallows, and one by one… Ihre Matratzen waren weicher als ein Sack Marshmallows, und eine nach der anderen... 他们的床垫比一袋袋棉花糖还软,一个一个……

**[SOT: the below will overlap, for a quick montage effect]** [SOT: die folgenden Bilder überschneiden sich, um einen schnellen Montageeffekt zu erzielen]. [SOT:下面将重叠,以获得快速蒙太奇效果]

**ACTOR 2:** (ad-lib sleep/snore) 演员 2:(即兴睡眠/打鼾)

**ACTOR 3:** (ad-lib sleep/snore)

**ACTOR 4:** (ad-lib sleep/snore)

**NARRATOR:** …room by room…

**ACTOR 5:** (ad-lib sleep/snore)

**ACTOR 6:** (ad-lib sleep/snore)

**ACTOR 7:** (ad-lib sleep/snore)

**NARRATOR:** …all of the actors fell asleep. ...schliefen alle Schauspieler ein.

**ACTOR 8:** (ad-lib sleep/snore)

**ACTOR 9:** (ad-lib sleep/snore)

**ACTOR 10:** (ad-lib sleep/snore)

**NARRATOR:** …well, all of the actors except for one: the troupe leader. ...nun ja, alle Schauspieler bis auf einen: den Anführer der Truppe. Even though the guard had left her alone for the rest of the party, she was nervous. Obwohl der Wachmann sie für den Rest der Party allein gelassen hatte, war sie nervös. 尽管守卫一直让她一个人待在派对上,但她还是很紧张。