Signora Fantastici (A Dramatic Proverb)

by Madame de Staël

RODOLPHE: What? An actor! That's abominable. If he had such an idea I'd run him through with my sword. I don't know much about acting but I imagine that it's unworthy of a soldier. And I don't want to hear it spoken of.

MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
That's well reasoned.

MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: My son, you see what you are exposing us to? Now here's your brother going to pass for someone wiser than you.

MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: Come, come, Madame. Don't you lament; he's going to set the lad straight. I am going to find my friend the Commissioner. And he will make this Signora Fantastici who puts trouble in all heads—leave.

MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL:
My dear friend, don't get so excited.

MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: My wife, have a care of restraining me, for By Jove, when I set myself to it, I frighten myself.

(to Rodolphe) So watch over your brother and don't let him leave here.

RODOLPHE:
That's fine, papa.

(Exit Mr. and Mrs. De Kriegschenmahl)

RODOLPHE: Ah, brother mine, so you are playing pranks, too. You who my mother was always citing to me as a model? So at the moment it is I who am your mentor.