PUFF.
The pruning-knife—zounds!—the axe! Why, here has been such lopping and topping, I shan’t have the bare trunk of my play left presently!—Very well, sir—the performers must do as they please; but, upon my soul, I’ll print it every word.
SNEER.
That I would, indeed.
PUFF.
Very well, sir; then we must go on.—Zounds! I would not have parted with the description of the horse!—Well, sir, go on.—Sir, it was one of the finest and most laboured things.—Very well, sir; let them go on.—There you had him and his accoutrements, from the bit to the crupper.—Very well, sir; we must go to the park scene.
UNDER PROMPTER.
Sir, there is the point: the carpenters say, that unless there is some business put in here before the drop, they sha’n’t have time to clear away the fort, or sink Gravesend and the river.
PUFF.
So! this is a pretty dilemma, truly!—Gentlemen, you must excuse me—these fellows will never be ready, unless I go and look after them myself.
SNEER.
O dear, sir, these little things will happen.
PUFF.
To cut out this scene!—but I’ll print it—egad, I’ll print it every word! [Exeunt.]
ACT III.
SCENE I.—The Theatre, before the curtain.
Enter PUFF, SNEER, and DANGLE.