The Lamp and the Bell

FID. I' faith, I did but hear you say you are a fish-wife, And all the world knows that.

LAU. Fear not, Carlotta, He is as dumb as a prophet. Every second word He utters, eats the one before it. Speak, But softly.

CAR. Nay,'tis nothing.--Nay, by my head, It is a townful! 'Tis the way she has Of saying "that should be done like this, and this Like that"! The woman stirs me to that point I feel like a carrot in a stew,--I boil so I bump the kettle on all sides!

LAU. My dear, Were you as plump as I you would not dare Become so angry. It would make your stays creak.

CAR. Well, I am done. Fidelio, play me a dirge To put me in good spirits. Merry music Is sure to make me sad.

[Fidelio plays. Pause.]