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.