SCENE II — MASCARILLE DISGUISED AS SGANARELLE ( HIDDEN AT A DISTANCE ), SCAPIN , SGANARELLE DISGUISED AS CLUTTERBUCK .
MASCARILLE ( DISGUISED AS SGANARELLE ): ‘ Tis Scapin , the money-lending man . Everyone has use of him , and loathes ‘ em all the same . Whenever burghers suffer trials or men of rank endure mischance ; wherever ill luck harries folks , the usurer ’ s fortunes improve . His toil is invisible , his service brings us worriments ; he rescues us from pressing plights then persecutes our lack of sense . A villain born of modern trade , subsisting on fractions and points , he lives upon the surpluses of economic accidents ; he dares to flatter confidence then cashes in our poor judgments . Who doesn ’ t wish him grief ? Who doesn ’ t hate his tribe ? But , lo ! Before I move to fleece his purse , a figure starts upon the path ! What ? ‘ Tis Clutterbuck ? Wherefore ?
SCAPIN ( STILL COUNTING MONEY ): Master Clutterbuck ! What surprise ! I have just now surveyed all owed and deem thee earning fine repute .
SGANARELLE ( DISGUISED AS CLUTTERBUCK ): But , alas , I ’ ll have that purse ! I must insist your profit mine ! [ GRABS SCAPIN ’ S PURSE .]
SCAPIN : Nay , what ? Help , thief !
MASCARILLE ( DISGUISED AS SGANARELLE — AT A DISTANCE ): Behold this lark ! ‘ Tis my master most foolishly robbing Scapin ! I ’ ll hold here at a safe distance .