Roger: Come, Roger, pull yourself together my boy: courage! Here we have a violent father returning impromptu from a long trip; a son in the midst of an orgy; the house in disorder full of cooks and caterers in preparation for an impending wedding—and all we have to do is prevent this from being discovered. Ah, here comes the old man. Let's stand aside a little and think of a way to prevent him from entering his own house.
(Enter Mr. Richly)
Richly:
Now after all my work and all the risks I've run— See: by Heaven's
grace, my voyage has a happy ending. I return to my dear old home and
I believe my son will be very happy to see me back and in good health.
Roger: (aside)
Not as happy as we would be to know you are well—but elsewhere.
Richly: Children owe a good deal to fathers who work tirelessly to leave them well off.
Roger: (aside)
Yes; but not to those who return so inopportunely.
Richly: I don't wish to delay anymore entering home and giving my son the pleasure of knowing I'm safely returned. I believe the poor boy will die of joy to see me.
Roger: (aside) It wouldn't surprise me if he's already half dead just knowing you're here. But it's necessary to meet him.
(Aloud)
What do I see? Just Heaven—am I awake—is it a ghost?
Richly:
I believe if I am not deceived, that it's Roger.