“It’s an order of the law, you ought to know that!”
The spectators began to protest.
“Don’t interrupt!”
“Let him finish the show, cop!”
Vitalis then took off his felt hat, and with his plumes sweeping the ground, he made three stately bows to the officer.
“The illustrious gentleman representing the law, does he tell me that I must muzzle my actors?” he asked.
“Yes, and be quick about it!”
“Muzzle Capi, Zerbino, and Dulcie,” cried Vitalis, addressing himself more to the audience than to the officer; “how can the great physician, Capi, known throughout the universe, prescribe a cure for Mr. Pretty-Heart, if the said physician wears a muzzle on the end of his nose?”
The children and parents began to laugh. Vitalis encouraged by the applause, continued:
“And how can the charming nurse, Dulcie, use her eloquence to persuade the patient to take the horrible medicine which is to relieve him of his pains if I am forced to carry out this cruel order of the law? I ask the audience if this is fair?”