(_At the cries of the children, the mothers try, but without success,
to lead them away from PARPIGNOL, scolding loudly_.)

MOTHERS.
Ah! wait a bit, you dirty little rascals.
What can it be that sets you all a-gaping?
Get home to your beds, get home, lazy rascals,
Or you shall all have a tidy beating.

(_The children refuse to go. One of them cries for Parpignol'S toys
and his mother pulls his ear. The mothers, relenting, buy some.
Parpignol moves down the street, followed by the children, pretending
to play on their toy instruments_.)

PAR. (_in the distance_) Who'll buy some pretty toys of Parpignol!

(_The waiter presents the menu, which the four friends carefully
scrutinize in turn._)

SCH. Bring some venison.

MAR. I'll have turkey.

RUD. (_in an undertone to MIMI_) Mimi, what would you like?

MIMI. Some custard!

SCH. And some Rhenish!