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