Count Basil. The Frenchman is full of abilities; he draws teeth expertly and cuts corns.” Oh, what luck! He can cut corns too, and I so want some one! “He will take a moderate salary, and will call you, Countess, as well as the Count: votre altesse!” (Enter Count.)
Countess: Oh, my dear Count! Countess Folliest is doing us a great favour; she has found a tutor for Count Basil who can also draw teeth and cut corns; and, what is most important, he will call us: votre altesse!
Count: What could be better? (Enter Wisely and Flatternot.)
Count: What would you wish to teach my son?
Flatternot: First of all, the principles of the faith in which he was born.
Countess: And dancing?
Flatternot: You are pleased to joke.
Count: And what foreign languages?
Flatternot: I begin with Latin.
Countess: But is he to be a priest?
Flatternot: But is Latin only fit for priests?
Count: I do not know why a count’s son should learn Latin.
