RODOLPHE:
What would I do? By Jove, I'd do what I am. Captain Rodolphe
Kriegschenmahl.

ZEPHERINA: Now that's fine. My mother is also Signora Fantastici; me—Zepherina Fantastici. But you need to be good for something. My job is that of young female leads. And you sir, would you believe it? I think well enough of you to give you the role of Renaldo in Armida.

LICIDAS:
Ah, Zepherina. What are you thinking of? That's mine.

ZEPHERINA: Let me do it, let me do it. It's necessary to attract beginners. The role will revert to you.

RODOLPHE: Renaldo and Armida? What's that? That doesn't relate to someone in our social circle? I don't wish to shock anyone.

ZEPHERINA:
No, I assure you, don't worry. But look—try—

RODOLPHE:
This child amuses me; I'd really like to act with her.

ZEPHERINA:
Take off your big boots.

RODOLPHE:
I never take them off. Not even at night.

ZEPHERINA:
Still. Take them off.