MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Ah, Heaven!
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Why what's all this, Mr. Licidas?
LICIDAS: Father, I'm too bored here. Everyone says the same thing here, from the beginning of the year until the end. How are you? they say to Mother. Very well, she replies. The weather's indeed cold today. It's true but last year, about the same time it was much worse. Do you think so, says my old cousin. I am of your opinion, replies my aunt. And the next day it starts all over.
MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Behold the impertinent!
LICIDAS: Father is always telling us about the same siege. The one at Troy didn't last as long.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Will you stop! If I—
LICIDAS: Signora Fantastici has a new idea every day. Music, pictures, poetry fill and vary her life. Father and Mother, I really ask your forgiveness but I intend to follow Signora Fantastici.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Ah! We shall know how to prevent you. But here is your brother
Rodolphe who will set you straight.
RODOLPHE: (entering) Hello Father—how's the pipe going? Hello Mother, how are your nerves? I pity the fact you have such things. As for me, I don't have nerves, I've got devilishly good health. And you, brother, I find you even more jolly than usual. Would you like to enlist? Here I am quite ready to get you into my regiment.
MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
Do you know what he wants to enlist in? It's a troupe of actors.