Circus Jack - Chapter 2. The Market Place

Circus Jack. Chapter 2. 

In this episode, we start by discussing Beethoven's famous Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor and its tragic undertone despite the composer's vibrant life. The conversation then shifts towards life in the Lancaster region, realistically depicting their rich cultural heritage and bustling farmers' market.

We delve into the life of a farming family, the Mullers, discussing their weekly routine for the market day, their hearty preparation from dawn to dusk, and the intense anticipation before selling their freshest produce. The symbolic interaction between the family members, the preparing of their wagon, and setting their loyal dogs Muscles and Pepe, sets the tone for the market day.

Pepe, an entertaining and empathetic circus dog, had gained a reputation in the Lancaster market. The tale flashes back to a heated argument he diffused with his spectacular tricks. Relive the excitement as his acrobatics turn a potential brawl into an unforgettable performance like a maestro controlling his orchestra.

Following the flashback, we return to the marketplace's lively environment, setting an orchestra-like ambiance with the overlapping voices, the jingling of coins, and animal sounds. The potential transaction and interaction between the Muller family and a curious stranger over their prized dog breed and Pepe’s exceptional skills build suspense.

End the episode with the light-hearted interaction featuring Pepe's amazing trick - balancing an apple on his nose - that draws up laughter and admiration from the stranger and a promise to see more of such tricks in the coming weekend.

Savor the essence of the symphonic life in this episode: where Beethoven’s Sonata paints life's booms and ebbs, where a bustling market is an orchestration of voices, laughter, arguments and friendly banter and where Pepe’s tricks present fun-filled interludes amid the daily grind.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Music.

(04:55):
I'm sure you recognize that lovely melody. That was Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor.
The minor key gives it that slightly tragic tone, don't you think?
Maybe that's why it was called the Sonata Pathétique.
Beethoven, who was not pathetic, was only 27 years old when he composed this lovely, lovely piece.

(05:16):
Now let's continue on our story about Pepe, the hero of Circus Jack.
The farmers' market in Lancaster is a weekly tradition from spring to fall.
It's the largest market in the region serving the surrounding villages and farms
nestled among the rolling hills of the county.

(05:37):
Its cobbled streets are lined with American beech, sycamore,
red oak, and sweet birch trees that thrive along the Conestoga Creek.
Lancaster boasted of its fine stone and timber homes, banks,
inns, taverns, and one of America's first colleges established in 1787 by its
founder, Benjamin Franklin.

(05:58):
Families would travel into town on Saturdays for trading, supplies,
and gossip from across the region.
Market day is the keystone for the Muller family to find buyers for their grains, produce, and meat.
They carefully packed their wagons with their freshest goods,
hoping to strike a deal with a foodrunner who acted as an intermediary in purchasing

(06:19):
and distributing crops.
A foodrunner could make or break the survivability of a farm.
They assisted the family with the harvest and transport by land and river to
other areas in the new territory.
On this Saturday, even the Muller farm dogs sensed the excitement of the day.
Mrs. Muller hitched two horses to the family's modestly adorned surrey equipped

(06:41):
with a buckboard board for hauling sample grains and produce for display.
Let's see what we can sell at market, she said to her daughter.
You go fetch Pepe and muscles for market and set them in the back of the wagon.
Pepe had begun to build a reputation at the weekend market on his friendly demeanor
and ability to perform tricks that brought out laughter in children and adults alike.

(07:05):
Also his keen sense of empathy sensed trouble and his wit was able to diffuse it.
Earlier in the year, in the bustling central market of Lancaster's Penn Square,
two men became engaged in a heated argument.
The men's words rose like a screeching symphony, where their voices rang out
like notes with intensity and aggression.

(07:25):
The beat of their argument was punctuated by sharp intakes of breath and fists
slamming against open palms.
As the argument escalated, their voices turned into chaotic yelling,
drowning out all other sounds in the market square.
Pepe bounded over to the commotion and wove his way to the middle.

(07:46):
Letting out a sharp bark, he leaped into the air and performed a series of flips and spins.
The onlookers became mesmerized by Pepe's acrobatics. The two men couldn't help
but smile and join in on the crowd's laughter.
Thanks to his intervention, what would have become a scene of violence turned
into an entertaining moment for all.
In the bustling marketplace, with the smell of hay and horses mixing in the

(08:11):
air, the Muller family arranged their goods at the back of their carriage alongside the vendors.
The sound of lively voices and overlapping conversations blended together,
like an orchestra tuning up.
Some voices grew louder, as if in argument while they tried to strike a deal.
The jangling of coins acted like a noisy timpani to the background of animals

(08:33):
baying, bleeding, and clucking.
Above it all, the familiar call of a market crier rang out advertising the freshest
produce at the best prices.
The constant hum of activity created a bustling atmosphere that excited everyone in the marketplace.
As people inspected the Muller's farm goods, a tall man with a rough beard,

(08:54):
stained pants, and loose suspenders confidently strode across the street in their direction.
Sensing possible trouble, muscles immediately went into a protective stance.
His laser sharp gaze locked onto
the stranger as he approached his ears perked up and nose twitched assessing
the man coming closer the man's smile disappeared at the sight of muscles unwavering

(09:18):
stare as if forced the man's smile returned as he pushed his hand through his greasy and matted hair.
That's a mighty fine guard dog you have there, folks, he said approaching their
market stall with caution to ease the dog's suspicion.
A big dog, too, the man said.
Easy boy, Mrs. Muller said with her arm extended and hand raised in a trained

(09:42):
gesture that muscles knew as stand down but be alert.
He's a good dog and does his job well, sir.
I bet he does, the man replied. What breed is this fine guard dog, may I ask?
Of course you can. This is a Doberman Pinscher, Sir, she responded.
A fine dog as ever there was, and loving.

(10:03):
But this one takes his business of protection seriously.
We call him Muscles.
Goodness, the man said with a look of astonishment. Those he certainly has.
And your other dog, that darling one with the wagging tail, is not a guard dog, I reckon.
No, sir. That's Peppy. he is

(10:24):
pure entertainment mrs muller said and he's.
Good at tricks said the youngest you don't
say the man said looking at the child i think i've heard of peppy before in
this here market what kind of tricks are your favorites he asked squatting down
to the daughter's level muscles let out a long deep rumble of a growl eyeing

(10:46):
the man the man showed his hands in an open gesture of innocence.
Well, I have lots of favorites, she said with hesitation.
How about balancing an apple on his nose? That's a good one.
Goodness. I'd like to see that.
Mrs. Muller grabbed a round apple from her bin and instructed Peppy to sit up.

(11:08):
She then placed the apple carefully on Peppy's nose.
He sat perfectly still, his eyes
fixed on the apple, while the man and the family watched in amazement.
After a few seconds, Peppy tilted his head back and caught the apple in his
mouth with a crisp crunch.
The man clapped his hands in delight. That is amazing. Can he do anything else? Mrs. Muller smiled.

(11:33):
Oh, he can do plenty more. How about
you come by the Central Square next weekend and we can show you more?
The man grinned. I think I just might.
Night thanks for showing me peppy he said giving peppy a playful scratch behind
the ears you're a real character peppy barked happily in response and the family

(11:53):
watched as the man disappeared into the crowded market.