FIDELIO. Do you make a better jest than that
At once, or have the clappers cut from them.

FID. Alas, alas,--all the good jests are made.
I made them yesterday.

CAR. If that be true,
You would best become a wise man for a time,
My friend,--there are plenty of wise words not yet said!

FID. I shall say them all tomorrow.

LAU. If you do,
You will be stoned to death.

FID. Not I. No one
Will hear me.--Well, I am off.--I know an old man
Who does not know the road runs past his house;
And yet his bees make honey. [Exit Fidelio.]

CAR. [Looking after him.] 'Tis the one wise fool
We have among us.

[Enter Grazia.]

GRA. Oh, here you are, my ducklings!
Always together, like a beggar and a flea!
I looked for you at lunch-time; I forget now
What for; but then 'twas a matter of more weight