Per. An artist never lets himself be taken unawares.
Ger. You have the instinct of genius!
Per. (unrolling a sheet of paper which he holds in his hand, and giving it to Geronte). You see, a large pedestal with three steps—two sleeping lions, in Canova’s manner—a cubic block of granite, which has a philosophic signification. The statue is seated on a curule chair.... Just look at the subtlety, the diapason, the tonality, the depth of the tout ensemble!
Ser. But surely this is the drawing you made for Professor Giulini.
Ger. (handing the paper to Serpilli). I thought I had seen it exhibited as a design for a monument to General Quebrantador.
Ser. (handing it to Peralti). Not at all. I tell you——
Ger. And I maintain——
Per. Calm yourselves, gentlemen. The artist of any élan dashes off his idea just as genius inspires him.... It will then serve its purpose when a purpose is made apparent. (Rolls up the drawing.)
Ger. Bravo! I hold exactly the same theory with regard to my own science. I prepare the acids....
(Enter Francesco.)