Sylvette.  Nothing!

Percinet.  In place of a divine drama, we played an infamous parody.

Sylvette.  Our nightingale was a sparrow!

Percinet.  And the immortal wall a punch-and-judy theater.  We were the puppets, worked by our fathers.

Sylvette.  But how much more ridiculous we should be if we loved each other less than we do!

Percinet.  We must now love more than ever.

Sylvette.  But we do—­we adore—­

Percinet.  The word is not a bit too strong.

Sylvette.  Love can console us.  Can it not, my treasure?

Percinet.  Certainly, my jewel.

Sylvette.  Good-bye then, my dearest.

Percinet.  Good-bye, my darling.

Sylvette.  I shall dream of you, my heart.

Percinet.  And I of you.

Sylvette.  Good-night. [She goes out.]

Percinet.  So this is how I have been treated!—­ But who is this? 
See the long moustaches—­I don’t know him—­

[Straforel enters and walks majestically toward Percinet.]

Straforel. [With a profound bow] I have come to collect a small bill.

Percinet.  Are you an upholsterer?

Straforel.  Run along, young man, and tell your papa I am waiting for him.

Percinet.  What is your name?

Straforel.  My name is Straforel.

Percinet. [With a start] He?!  This is too much!

Straforel. [Smiling] Then you know, young man?

Percinet. [Throwing the bill in STRAFOREL’s face] Wretch!  It was you!

Straforel.  It was, Per Bacco!

Percinet.  I have you at last.

Straforel.  The people you kill, you see, are in the best of health.

Percinet. [Drawing his sword and making a pass at Straforel]
You will see!

Straforel. [Parrying with his arm, like a fencing-master giving a lesson] Hand high!  Foot out!  Monsieur, at your age, you should know better than that! [He takes the sword from Percinet with his naked hand, and returns it as he bows.] What, are you stopping your fencing-lesson so soon?

Percinet. [Exasperated, as he takes back the sword] I’m going away.  Here I am treated like a child.  I shall have my revenge.  I am going to seek my romance—­true romance:  love-affairs, duels, and—­Ah, Don Juan, I will scandalize your ghost!  I will elope with actresses! [He dashes out, brandishing his sword.]

Straforel.  Very well, but who is going to pay me? [Looking in the distance] Stop there!  Here’s someone else.

[Enter Bergamin and Pasquinot, their hair and clothes ruffled, as if they had been fighting.]