The Cooper (1770) - Page 6

FANCHETTE stopping him.

What do you want to do?

MARTIN speaks in the wings.

Yes, yes, I will go, I will go.

COLIN pricking up his ears & taking his tools.

I am going to get to work.

FANCHETTE.

You are right, there is our master; work, Colin, work, and if he scolds you, answer nothing; do you hear, my friend?

COLIN.

Go, fear nothing, leave it to me.

MARTIN, COLIN, FANCHETTE.

MARTIN, with a bundle of hoops and osiers, (in a grumbling tone.)

What is being done here?

AIR: Tonrelon ton ton.

Working, I always see Fanchette.

FANCHETTE.

Ah! our master, you could not believe how busy we are when you are not here!

MARTIN continuing the air.

That is very well done... What is that rascal hacking at?

COLIN.

Our master, it is a hoop that I...

MARTIN interrupting him:

Be quiet.

Continuing the air:

The lovely child. Ah! how dainty she is!

COLIN.

But that is not game for an old man.

MARTIN.

What are you saying?