The Magician Soldier (1775) - Page 8

At first rejects them,

Then she takes a taste for it;

She leaves her owl of a husband there,

And goes off singing cocodette a bird-like sound, implying unfaithfulness,

While he plays the cuckoo symbol of a deceived husband all alone.

Mr. ARGANT.

Actually, I find that you are right, and....

CRISPIN.

You rely on her virtue....

Mr. ARGANT.

No, by the sambleu a mild oath, I do not rely on it.

CRISPIN.

That is what causes....

Mr. ARGANT.

That is what causes me to keep a closer eye on her conduct than ever. Listen, Crispin....

CRISPIN.

Monsieur.

Mr. ARGANT.

I have always had confidence in you.

CRISPIN.

Monsieur....

Mr. ARGANT.

You must give me proofs of your zeal on this occasion.

CRISPIN.

Monsieur....

Mr. ARGANT.

I will know how to reward you.

CRISPIN.

Monsieur....

Mr. ARGANT.

Observe all my wife's steps, and give me an exact account of everything that happens here; I am going out, think about what I told you, and above all, that my wife knows nothing about it.

CRISPIN, stopping him.

With your permission, if you please; a woman to guard, and then a secret on top of it: that is quite a lot of work, at the very least.