M. By my life you say true, and I agree with you entirely.
W. I say, sir, that the Lord Treasurer of the noble King Telebano owes me last year’s pension won in the sweat of my brow.
S.G. (aside): Yes, a fine pension of your imagination.
M. How much is it?
W. This note will tell you.
M. Let me have a look at it. I congratulate you: it is 40,000 réis.
W. Sir, I am in despair, and unless you buy it of me, they will distrain upon my goods to-morrow.
M. No more of that; I shall certainly do nothing of the kind.
W. That is not a good answer.
M. And what of the penalty imposed by law?