Curtain.
ACT II
Hell. The Chief of the Devils sits in the highest place. The Devil's Secretary sits lower down, at a table with writing materials. Sentinels stand at each side. To the right are five Imps of different kinds. To the left, by the door, the Doorkeeper. A dandified Imp stands before the Chief.
THE DANDY IMP. The whole of my booty for the three years has been 220,005 men. They're all in my power now.
THE CHIEF. All right. Thank you. Pass on.
The Dandy Imp goes to the right.
THE CHIEF[ to the Secretary ] I'm tired! Is there much business left? Whose reports have we had, and whose are still to come?
THE SECRETARY[ counts on his fingers and, as he counts, points to the Imps to the right. When he mentions any Imp, the one referred to bows ] We've had the Gentlefolks' Devil's report. He's captured 1836 in all. And the Tradesmen's Devil's with 9643. From the Lawyers', 3423. The Women's we've also just had: 186,315 married women, and 17,438 maids. Only two Devils are left, the Officials' and the Peasants'. There are altogether 220,005 souls on the list.
CHIEF. Well then, we'd better finish it all to-day. [ To the Doorkeeper ] Let them in!
The Officials' Devil enters, and bows to the Chief.