[ STOMPS OFF.]
MASCARILLE:
I am perplexed with punishment for failing to perform evil— at least, to do it fit— and now it seems enormity is its own meed and fellowship. Without dinner! Sleep in the barn! Well, now, my Master Clutterbuck has waked in me malevolence to make him proud. He’ s been suspicious of the friar who dotes on Madam Clutterbuck with slippery palaverments. Tonight he plans a cuckold plot, thinking the master will be gaoled; but I shall sneak into her room before, and bed her with the blame allotted to the man she bids. I, too, have known tentiginous desiderations for the wench— and now, outraged, I’ ll have revenge on Clutterbuck, and Sganerelle as well.
ACT III— THE CLUTTERBUCK ESTATE.
SCENE I— MADAM CLUTTERBUCK.
MADAM CLUTTERBUCK:
How now, these middle years of domestic amity sleek comforts give to curb my wits of youthful valiance. Alas, each night I go to war, to die of boredom in my bed whilst my opponent, who I wed, does vanquish me with hebetude. Welladay, my fearlessness in battles with