Hans
[Moves closer to her. Takes her hand so that the apron falls down.]
Oh, Ma, Please! You don’t need to cry so!
Gschwendtnerin
Yes . . . you! [Somewhat livelier.] And you should have let me help you pack . . . Are you sure you didn’t forget everything again?
Hans
I have everything, and not all that much fits into that backpack anyway.
Gschwendtnerin
But you have to have warm socks and a knit-jacket because soon the nights are going to be cold.
Hans
I have everything that I need, Ma, and you can send me everything else . . .
Gschwendtner
And make sure you wear a woolen scarf . . . And some smoked ham – you should really take some along.
Hans
It’s O.K., Ma . . .
Gschwendtner
[Has walked up to them and places a leather moneybag into Hans’s hand.]
Here’s some money for you Hans; you’re going to need some.
Hans
[Laughs good-heartedly, and puts the moneybag into his pocket]
Something one always likes to have . . . Thanks. [In the distance, from the direction of the town street, one hears the sound of an accordion and the song: “The French have to retreat. The French have to see that we Germans are winners.” Hans stands up straight.] But I have to get going now.
Gschwendtnerin
Come on, don’t hurry like that!
Hans
I have to catch the last train . . . you see.
Gschwendtner
We can’t keep him back, Ma!
Gschwendtnerin
[Wipes her hand once again across her eyes, sighs.]
If it has to be . . . [Quietly, almost embarrassed] . . . “Well, bend over a little, boy” . . .
Hans bends his head down and his mother makes the sign of the cross on his forehead, his lips, and his breast with the words: “In the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost . . . Amen!” Hans takes her hands and both stare at the ground. Then she lets go of Hans’s hand and Gschwendtner shakes it firmly.
Gschwendtner
Good luck to you – in everything . . .
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