SCENE IV.

MADAME RISS.

Ah! ah! Messrs. Sugary-sweet,
You have charming ideas about us;
It is enough that we are looked upon by you,
And we respond to your wishes.
But night is coming, and the defense
Of a woman is in her eyes;
An imposing glance, a serious look,
Knows better than speech how to prevent the offense.
Thus, let us first have torches lit,
The complexion seems more vivid, the eyes more animated:
And the enchanting effect of a soft light
Gives more brilliance to the play of the eyelid.

But it is in vain not to want

To please certain personages,

And to draw certain homages to oneself,

One must take a look in the mirror.

ARIETTA.

A quick look in the mirror

Gives more brilliance to our charms,

And although sure of our weapons,

One is very glad to know,

If nothing weakens their power;

And although sure of our weapons,

One must, to calm our alarms,

Take a quick look in the mirror.

Someone is ringing... softly?... Ah! it is the President.
Louder?... Louder? Ah! it is the Lieutenant.
Let us increase their love through their impatience,
Let us sharpen, meanwhile, the barbs of vengeance.