Except you, uncle.
Durandin
I’ll have to be bled from four veins to support a mad man.
Rodolphe
No, uncle, you’ve done well. After all, my father left me an honorable name—a name that is respected—and some paintings that are admired. But once again, let’s not speak of that.
Durandin
So be it! I have to leave to greet Madame de Rouvre. I hope, on my return, you’ll be in a better frame of mind.
Rodolphe
Can’t swear to it, uncle. There’s nothing immutable under the sun.
Durandin
Think about it, and if you become reasonable you won’t regret it.
Durandin and Rodolphe Together (singing)
True happiness
There’s no happiness
Is for the heart.
In marriage in my heart.
No slavery No slavery
For us For between you and me
No slavery No slavery
Is so sweet. Is sweet.
(Durandin goes out by the right.)
Rodolphe (alone)
Uncles are astonishing. They would make you marry every woman you’ve sworn eternal love to by moonlight. Why, they’d have a legalized harem. For me to marry Madame Césarine de Rouvre, the most flirtatious and imperious woman on earth, who orders you to love her so to speak—I’m not so crazy! From tomorrow I shall take my flight. I am fleeing this insipid and monotonous villa that no one ever visits by chance or unexpectedly.
Chorus (outside)
Our future must light up
In the sunshine of our youth.
Let’s love and sing some more.
Youth comes only once.
Rodolphe
What’s that? Could it be the unexpected I asked for? (goes to the back) Some artists and grisettes, not doubt. They are having lunch on the grass. Bon appétit! Now there’s happiness as I understand it. Walks without gloves and dinners without forks. Heavens, they’re bowing to me. (he bows and comes back) I almost want to hurl myself into the midst of their group and invite myself. Indeed, why not?
Marcel (appearing above the balustrade)
Sir—Sir!
Rodolphe
Who’s calling me?
Marcel
I ask your pardon, monsieur. You couldn’t, by chance, lend us some place settings and silverware?
Rodolphe
Sir, if you want to wait, I’ll ring. I will go find a bell. You’re an artist, monsieur?
Marcel
Yes, monsieur.
Rodolphe
Painter.
Marcel
It’s you who said it.
Rodolphe
Of what school?
Marcel
Of my own.
Rodolphe
I congratulate you on it.
Marcel
And me, too, monsieur.
Rodolphe
And your name is?
Marcel
Marcel, to serve you.
Rodolphe
And as for my name—Rodolphe, to be agreeable to you.
Marcel
This nest belongs to you?
Rodolphe
Not the least bit. I am the nest’s nephew. Take the trouble to fall this way.
Marcel
This doesn’t disturb you?
Rodolphe
Not at all.
Marcel (jumping)
Allow me to offer you my hand—it’s all I have on me.
Rodolphe
Willingly—but on condition that you offer it also to those pretty persons who sing so well.
Marcel
I can refuse nothing to you, monsieur. (calling) Hey, Musette, you are invited to enter by scaling—
(Orchestra music.)
Musette (appearing on the balustrade)
Here I am.
(Musette pulls up her dress a little and shows a bit of her leg as she climbs over. Rodolphe runs to help her.)
Rodolphe
By God, there’s a pretty leg. I must offer my arm.
Musette
The gentleman sells madrigals.
Rodolphe
Yes, madame.
Musette
And you get paid for it?
Rodolphe (kissing her hand)
In cash!
Marcel (taking Musette’s hand)
Allow me to present her to you more formally. Miss Musette—twenty-two years old.
Musette
In six months.
Marcel
A
