In Il Volgo di Roma (1890), a collection of anecdotes of folk life in Rome, Francesco Sabatini (1852-1928) dedicated a chapter to Ghetanaccio, written by Filippo Chiappini (1836-1905), a poet who composed in the local dialect. Based on oral testimonies he collected, Chiappini relates short comic dialogues improvised by the glove-puppeteer, who was a famous performer in the streets and squares of the city.

Rugantino, dressed as a judge, welcomes Rosetta, who wants to file a complaint. She asks him who made him judge and mocks him. After threatening to throw her behind bars and to cut her tongue, she is quiet. Rugantino then turns to face the audience, all puffed up with pride, and says: “Che bella cosa! Ieri stavo a Piazza Navona a venne' le callalèsse, e Goggi?... so' ggiudice” (what a wonderful thing! Yesterday I was on the Navona square to sell boiled chestnuts, and today?...I am a judge!).