Fontanares, Esteban, Girone and two workmen.
Esteban Can any of you tell me where a person named Fontanares is hiding himself?
Fontanares
He is not hiding himself. I am he; he is merely meditating in silence.
(Aside) Where is Quinola? He would know how to send them away
satisfied. (Aloud) What do you want?
Esteban We want our money! We have been working without wages for three weeks; the laborer lives from day to day.
Fontanares
Alas, my friends, I do not live at all!
Esteban You are alone; you can pinch your belly. But we have wives and children. At the present moment we have pawned everything.
Fontanares
Have confidence in me.
Esteban
Can we pay the baker with this confidence in you?
Fontanares
I am a man of honor.
Girone
Hark you! We also are men of honor.