ACT I— OUTSIDE THE ESTATE OF CLUTTERBUCK. SCENE I— CLUTTERBUCK.
CLUTTERBUCK: How now, these middle years of domestic amity sleek comforts give to curb my wits of youthful valiance. The hazards that I steered when juvenescent mad have lapsed with happy fat accrued from prudent happenstance. Oh, curse this wearied virtue! Why must I bow to fate and accept my steadfast lot: a dreary hero in a script where all is obdurate and naught exhilarant. Wholesomeness is otiose! But, lo! I scheme to engine acts that will key change my horoscope— ah! just in time, here comes my man. Mascarille!
SCENE II— CLUTTERBUCK, MASCARILLE.
MASCARILLE: Good morrow, sir. Shall I hasten livery as is my wont for Madam’ s morning ride?
CLUTTERBUCK: To devil with the Madam, that shrew with icy veins! Today inaugurates a Clutterbuck renewed and, thereanent, a Mascarille with altered offices. Indeed, your duties from this moment shall encompass