Polichinelle tells the Compère (sidekick) that he started selling lazzis (divertissements) to support his six lovers but fears that he will lack wit. A Magicien (Magician) helps him by sending him to a sabbat, where he can become a sorcerer. The Lazzistes come one by one and make requests which he cannot fulfil. Polichinelle promises Mlle Tonton that he will introduce her to M. l’Ingrat. He makes a miniature theatre appear for M. Bavard. Mlle Tonton and M. l’Ingrat recognise one another and have a lovers’ quarrel. M. Souverain makes a sensational entry. To support his claim that he is the greatest Lazziste, he starts a firework show and announces the beginning of the supper.

Rod and string marionette

Not specified

Salley Charles-Alexandre

Comte de Caylus (Anne-Claude-Philippe de Tubières de Grimoard de Pestels de Lévis de Caylus)

France

Paris

Printed

Fart

Sabbath

Society Theatre

Friendship

Licentiousness

Quarrel

Love argument

Farcical

Comical

French

Polichinelle

The Interpreter

Magician

Savoyard

Pierrot

Scene of recognition

Magic act

Dialogue between characters who do not see each other

Word for another

Theatre within the theatre

Dialogue with a character in the audience

Letter

Polichinelle lazziste

Laura, born from Friedrich’s mind, appears piece by piece. Once complete, she arouses Elena’s jealousy and is dismembered again by her. Lime, Emil’s shadow, appears to Elena, who falls in love with him. Friedrich recognises Lime, shoots him and runs away. Emil comes on and charms Elena, who tells him in which direction Lime went. Lime comes back as he chases Elena, then he declares his love to the two women. Friedrich’s loving gaze makes Laura disappear, one bit at a time, until nothing but her foot remains. Friedrich is jealous of Lime, the infidelity of which Laura forgave, and pounces on him with a knife. Emil arrives to reclaim his shadow. Elena, Emil and Lime embrace one another, while Friedrich leaves with Laura’s foot.