I’ ll be no fool to raise his gall. [ TO SCAPIN:] But— that is—
SCAPIN: But, with God’ s will, you, his agent, have brought calamity to rest. Without violence! Without mayhem! [ WAVES CUDGEL THREATENINGLY. MASCARILLE COWERS.] You’ ve mended the main crime, and now we should recall God’ s merciful. I know you wish to strike that man as I did just an hour ago. But let us ken how circumstance, divine as it is engined thus, makes all repaired. Without bloodshed! Without deep welts! [ WAVES CUDGEL THREATENINGLY. MASCARILLE COWERS.] Speaking as the injured man, I would suggest our Clutterbuck be counseled by your Grace, not whips. I’ ll not have charges brought about; I’ ll be like you, a righteous soul, and let the matter drop. Perhaps our Clutterbuck did lose his countenance and, with your guidance and wisdom, be reprimanded with mercy. Without stern blows! Without brute force! [ EXITS, STILL WAVING CUDGEL.]
MASCARILLE( DISGUISED AS SGANARELLE): But— that is—
SCAPIN [ HEARD IN DISTANCE ]: I take my leave! God bless you, sir! I venerate thy rectitude.
SCENE VI— MASCARILLE, CLUTTERBUCK.
MASCARILLE( DISCLOSING HIMSELF): Sigh! Undone and cozened thus: His guilelessness, my cowardice. At least I was alert enough to shortchange Scapin a few coins. But so few! It seems a life of right service pays better than rank lawlessness. But, lo! Here comes my master Clutterbuck.