Opéra Comique.

MARGARITA.

Yes, Sir: is that all?

MR. TUE.

All? You are missing the point. Look, here is a book that I bought in Florence at the estate sale of a Portuguese man: it is a book that... ah! A golden book.

MARGARITA.

Is it for her?

MR. TUE.

No, it is for you.

MARGARITA.

For me?

MR. TUE.

Yes, for you; I want you to read it and learn how one must guard a girl. Read, read.

MARGARITA.

I know, Sir, everything there is to know... about...

MR. TUE.

Read, read, I do not have my glasses.

MARGARITA, taking his glasses.

Give them here, let us see this fine book.

MR. TUE.

Are those not my glasses?

MARGARITA.

You left yours on the chair near Lise.

MR. TUE.

Read, then.

MARGARITA.

Com... Compendium Cythereum Compendium of Cythera (a mythical island dedicated to Aphrodite). What does that mean?

MR. TUE.

It is as one might say... Besides, the title means nothing; skip the introduction, the preface, the notice to the reader... there, there.

MARGARITA.

Chapter One. Regarding drinks, potions, lotions, and proper foods?