The Locksmith: A Comic Opera

...fetch the nails and your hammer. We must attach this spring to the small door of this cabinet In the 18th century, a "cabinet" referred to a small, private room or closet, often used for storage or intimate meetings. which opens onto the garden; if someone comes in, by heavens original: "parbleu"; a mild oath used for emphasis., they will not get out until I release them.

So you have someone to catch in there?

Speak softly. It is Julien and my wife who go there often. I have suspicions; and by this means I will see what they are doing there. Is it not a good invention?

My faith, I am only a simpleton, Master original: "not' Maître"; Guillaume uses a colloquial contraction of "notre maître," reflecting his status as a working-class apprentice.. But, with all due respect for your better judgment, I think that in your place, I would not be so curious.

I want to catch them there, Guillaume.

And if they do not go there?

They will go, I tell you, they will go.

And when they are in there?

I will hold them there.

And when you have them, what will you do with them?

I will know where I stand, and they will see that I am no fool.

That is certainly a way to trap them, then original: "C'eſt ben les attraper"; Guillaume uses "ben" instead of "bien," a common way for playwrights to indicate a rustic or uneducated accent..

Quickly, quickly; come, are you ready? Let us begin.

Whenever you wish.

D U O.