clowns in liveries!

_Count._ Yes, to honour my wedding. Tell the steward that all the time
they stay here, their country wages shall be continued, besides having
their board. You know this sort of people take care not to overload
their plates.

_Front._ Never fear, sir, they will not die of indigestion.

_Count._ Hold. Take the key of the closet where the plate is kept; let
it be displayed, and all brought on the table.

_Front._ But, sir, your plate is so antique, and so black--it will be
necessary at least to have it new polished.

_Count._ Oh, silver is always silver. Here comes the tailor, I suppose.

_Front._ Yes, sir. Enter, Signor, enter.

SCENE V.--_To them the_ Tailor.

_Tail._ I am the most humble servant of your most illustrious lordship.

_Count._ Come near, sir. I was impatient to see you. I want four suits
for myself, and twelve liveries for my servants.

_Tail._ It will do me honour to serve you, and have no doubt but it
shall please you.

_Front._ My master pays well.

_Tail._ I have the honour of knowing him. Who is it that does not know
the illustrious Count Casteldoro?

_Count._ The occasion requires all possible display of splendour.

_Tail._ I will show you stuffs of gold and silver.

_Count._ No, no; I do not wish to look as if caparisoned in gilded
leather. The dresses must be noble and rich, but nothing with a shining
ground.

_Tail._ You prefer embroidery?

_Count._ I do; four embroidered suits, but in the best possible taste,
the patterns rich and delicate.

_Front._ [_Aside._] Hey-day! I do not know my master.

_Tail._ Rich, but light embroidery?

_Count._ No, sir: Spanish point--ample, massive, and of the best
workmanship; well designed, splendid, but nothing that shines.

_Tail._ Everything that you can desire. Shall I take your measure?

_Count._ Yes--on one condition.

_Tail._ What is it?

_Front._ [_Aside._] Ay, let us hear the condition.

_Count._ You must tack on the embroidery slightly, that it may not be
spoiled. I would have no buttons of false diamonds. I shall wear my four
suits each of them twice during the first eight days of my nuptials, so
that your embroidery will still be new, and may again be sold as such.
You must now tell me what you will charge for the cloth, the making, and
the use of your ornaments.

_Front._ [_Aside._] Yes, yes, he is still himself.

_Count._ But first concerning the liveries.

_Tail._ With your permission, I wish