Worthy
What, wretch, you can laugh, seeing her in this frightful disorder?
Arabella Wait, soft—my musical demon disturbs me, seizes me; I dithyramb. The hairs on my head stand up in horror. Don't bother the God that puts me in this fury. I feel that my excitement will reveal itself in tones. (tossing about and spitting in Albert's face) Pouah! I had a deity in my throat, or rather in the duo which is in question. You will see excitement best—and passion. I succeed better in the one and the other. Here's your part—and you, yours. (giving a paper with music to Albert and a letter to Worthy, then tosses about and prepares to sing)
Scratch
Let's stand back a bit. I'm afraid of the gods.
Jenny
We'll soon be having a fine chivaree.
Albert Arabella, my child, your error is extreme. I am Squire Albert, who cherishes you, who loves you—
Arabella
My God, you're going to sing!
Albert
Oh, very well. I will sing, and if it's your wish, I will dance, too.
Worthy (opening his paper)
A letter, Scratch.
Scratch
Ah heaven, what an adventure. The music maestro learns the scale.
Arabella There, mark your time—to take part, you start there. Quickly, come on—one, two, three. (beating time on Albert's head and stamping her feet angrily) Go, go, barbaric musician. Ignorant by nature. Leave off baaing. What raucous frog in the midst of his weedy pond gave you your first singing lesson? Do you give a concert or are you braying or croaking?