[Aside] Oh!
BERGAMIN. What's that?
PERCINET. Nothing.
BERGAMIN. I thought I heard a cry?
PERCINET. [Looking into the air] Some wounded bird, perhaps.
BERGAMIN. I have given the matter my undivided attention, and have
chosen a wife for you. [PERCINET whistles and walks away.] I tell
you, I am in earnest and I intend to force you, if necessary.
[PERCINET continues whistling.] _Will_ you stop that confounded
whistling! The young woman is rich--she's a jewel!
PERCINET. I want none of your jewels!
BERGAMIN. I'll show you, you young insolent!
PERCINET. [Grasping his father's cane, which is raised as if to
strike him] Spring has filled the bushes with the songs of birds;
the brooklets accompany the love-notes of wild birds.
BERGAMIN. Rascal!
PERCINET. [Still holding the cane] The whole world laughs and
sings farewell to April. The butterflies--
BERGAMIN. Ruffian!
PERCINET. [As before] Wing their way across the meadows, to make
love to the adored flowers! Love--
BERGAMIN. Villain!
PERCINET. Love opens wide the heart of all nature. And you ask
me to consent to a marriage of reason!
BERGAMIN. Of course I do!
PERCINET. [Passionately] No, no, no, Father.
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