OCTAVE, SCAPIN, SILVESTRE.
SCA
(to OCTAVE). You must prepare yourself to receive your father with firmness.

OCT
I confess that this meeting frightens me before hand, for with him I have a natural shyness that I cannot conquer.

SCA
Yes; you must be firm from the first, for fear that he should take advantage of your weakness, and lead you like a child. Now, come, try to school yourself into some amount of firmness, and be ready to answer boldly all he can say to you.

OCT
I will do the best I can.

SCA
Well! let us try a little, just to see. Rehearse your part, and let us see how you will manage. Come, a look of decision, your head erect, a bold face.

OCT
Like this.

SCA
A little more.

OCT
So?

SCA
That will do. Now, fancy that I am your father, just arrived; answer me boldly as if it were he himself.—"What! you scoundrel, you good-for-nothing fellow, you infamous rascal, unworthy son of such a father as I, dare you appear before me after what you have done, and after the infamous trick you have played me during my absence? Is this, you rascal, the reward of all my care? Is this the fruit of all my devotion? Is this the respect due to me? Is this the respect you retain for me?"—Now then, now then.—"You are insolent enough, scoundrel, to go and engage yourself without the consent of your father, and contract a clandestine marriage! Answer me, you villain! Answer me. Let me hear your fine reasons"....—Why, the deuce, you seem quite lost.
OCT
It is because I imagine I hear my father speaking.

SCA
Why, yes; and it is for this reason that you must try not to look like an idiot.

OCT
I will be more resolute, and will answer more firmly.

SCA
Quite sure?

SIL
Here is your father coming.

OCT
Oh heavens! I am lost.