Monipodio
Who is it dares to tread on my shoes?
Quinola (in ragged array)
A gentleman, who does not wear any.
Monipodio
That sounds like Lavradi.
Quinola
Monipodio!--I thought that you had been--hanged!
Monipodio
I thought that you had been beaten to death in Africa.
Quinola
Alas, we have been beaten enough without going to Africa!
Monipodio
And do you dare to show yourself here?
Quinola
You seem comfortable enough here. As for me, I have the king's pardon
in my pocket, and while I am waiting for my patent of nobility I call
myself Quinola.
Monipodio
I suppose you stole your pardon?
Quinola
Yes, from the king.
Monipodio
And have you seen the king? (He sniffs at him.) You smell of poverty--
Quinola
Like a poet's garret. And what are you doing?
Monipodio
Nothing.
Quinola
That is soon done; if it gives you any income, I would like to embrace
your profession.
Monipodio
I have been misunderstood, my friend! Hunted by our political enemies.
Quinola
The judges, magistrates and police.
Monipodio
It is necessary for a man to have a political party.
Quinola
I understand you; from being the game you have become the hunter.
Monipodio
What nonsense! I am always myself. I have merely come to an
understanding with the viceroy. When one of my fellows has reached the
end of his tether, I say to him: "Get off," and if he doesn't go, ah!
I hale him to justice--you understand!--That is not treachery is it?
Quinola
It is prevision--
Monipodio
And, by the bye, you have just come from court.
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