there ’ s only rarest circumstance allotted the assiduous . Myself , I ’ d rather outrival all operations of evil — nimieties of villainy ! — than fail at second or third-best heroics which are commonplace and , deemed as such , penurious . [ DISCLOSES HIMSELF .] Now , Clutterbuck is one fine bore , a pillar of inconsequence . He strains his back and pays his tax to those who laud his temperance , exploiting his innoxiousness . A perfect gull for my sharp trap , he ’ ll plead and moan tonight in gaol while I avail of his ripe wife who will be wooed with his own coin . And , why ? Because I can ; a villain is an inborn man . A friar ’ s mere habiliments , which can ’ t efface true providence . [ COUNTS MONEY .]
SCENE IV — SGANARELLE , MASCARILLE DISGUISED AS SGANARELLE .
MASCARILLE ( DISGUISED AS SGANARELLE ): Compared to you , dark friar , the Devil is an amateur . He is a novice , an apprentice , a third-rater , a bit player . The Anti-Christ , compared to you , is a recruit , a neophyte . He ’ s trifling , tyronic , green and unprofessional in his mien . [ GRABS SGANARELLE ’ S CUDGEL AND STRIKES HIM .]
SGANARELLE : What ? Help ! I am hitting myself ?
MASCARILLE ( DISGUISED AS SGANARELLE ): Compared to me , you pious fake , you ’ re all washed up , you ’ re obsolete . Satan must be in retreat to send earth dotards and fusspots . [ GRABS MONEY FROM SGANARELLE .]