Puppet Man. I could assure you of the success of the poem, if you would permit it.
Abbess. I am sure it will be permitted. And now, sir, there are some other matters to be settled. First, we shall require that you bring here your puppets, in advance of the play, for our inspection, lest there be anything ungodly and unfit about them.
Puppet Man. It is the custom. I have brought some; and you shall have the others when I have conned the reverend Father's poem, and know which ones shall be required.
[Opens his bag and takes out puppets.]
Here is a lady who might serve for Judith. And here a Prince, though I have a richer one, better perhaps for the Holophernes. And here a devil—a Satanasso, and here—
Abbess. Leave them all on the table. I will have them examined at leisure. Now, sir, tell me what you expect to be paid for this performance?
Puppet Man [fingering his manuscript]. Reverendissima, considering the difficulties of the poem, and the Holophernes to be visibly beheaded, and the great fame of this convent, that is said to require of every novice sixteen quarterings to her crest and a thousand ducats of dowry, and considering the illustrious family of which the Abbessa herself descends—I will perform the poem in the best manner for twelve ducats.
Abbess. Considering just the matters you mention, and the honor to you to bring your puppets into this convent at all, you shall have five ducats.
Puppet Man. Five ducats—Reverendissima, I cannot have heard you aright—five ducats.
Abbess. Five ducats.