Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/109

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The Snowstorm



that your fathers and your mothers may know great joy from you. Come here, Chatcha Behr, or Chatcha Shimcha, what’s the difference…

Chatcha Shimcha
When did I ever cross your path? True, the animal had a defect. That’s why I took her to market.

Raytze Yente
What are you talking about, Klavne? Even if the animal didn’t kick, I would have sold her anyway. She wouldn’t let down her milk. Always had to stick a handful of straw under her nose to bribe her.

Klavne
Ha, ha, ha! woman that you are! I’m not talking about the beast at all. I mean, when my Altar Banish had an eye on Urtcha’s girl—and I, too. But do I even envy you? People, be witness. I say: I wish the children all luck and prosperity.

Shmereh
And I am not good enough for you to hitch up with? Then let’s sing, fellow Jews: “Whatever we are, we are; but Jews we'll ever be.”

Chatcha Shimcha
What’s all the fuss about? I, too, think Klavne’s boy is a likely enough young scamp.

Klavne
No harm, friends. I think I’ll take Pesele for a daughter-in-law, anyway.

Raytze Yente (kissing Pesele)
The milk is still on her lips.

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