themselves at the table, they pretend to be having a
sumptuous meal._)

MAR. This is a food that the gods might envy.

SCH. (_placing Colline's hat on the table, and thrusting a bottle of
water into it_) Now the champagne in the ice must go.

RUD. (_to_ MARCEL, _offering him some bread_)
Choose, my lord marquis--salmon or turbot?
(_His offer is accepted, when, turning to _SCHAUNARD, _he proffers
another crust of bread._)
Now, duke, here's a choice vol-au-vent with mushrooms. (_He politely
declines, and pours out a glass of water, which he hands to_ Marcel.)

SCH. Thank you, I dare not, this evening I'm dancing! (_The one and
only tumbler is handed about._ Colline, _after voraciously devouring
his roll, rises._)

RUD. (_to_ Colline) What? sated?

COL. (_with an air of great importance_) To business! The king awaits
me.

MAR. (_eagerly_) What plot is brewing?

RUD. What's in the wind?

SCH. (_rises and approaches_ Colline, _observing with droll
inquisitiveness_) What's in the wind?

MAR. What's in the wind?

(COLLINE _struts up and down, full of self-importance._)

COL. The king requires my services.

(_The others surround_ COLLINE, _bowing low to him._)

SCH. Bravo!

MAR. Bravo!

RUD. Bravo!

COL. (_with a patronizing air_) And then I've got to see Guizot!

SCH. Give me a goblet.

MAR. (_giving him the only glass_) Aye, quaff now a bumper!

SCH. (_solemnly gets on to a chair and raises his glass_) Have I
permission, oh! my most noble courtier?

RUD. and COL. (_interrupting_) Stop that.

COL. No more fooling.

MAR. Stop that. No more nonsense.

COL. Give me that tumbler. (_taking the glass from_ SCHAUNARD)

SCH. (_motioning his friends to let him speak_) With ardor
irresistible Poetry fills my spirit.

COL. and MAR. (_yelling_) No.

SCH. (_complacently_) Then something choreographic may suit you!

RUD., MAR. and COL. Yes, yes!
(_Amid applause they surround_ Schaunard _and make him get off the
chair._)

SCH. Some dancing, accompanied by singing?

COL. Well, clear the stage for action.
(_Moving chairs and tables aside, they prepare for a dance; they
suggest various dances._)

COL. Gavotte.

MAR. Minuet.

RUD. Pavanella.

SCH. (_imitating a Spanish measure_) Fandango.

COL. I vote we dance quadrilles first. (_the others approve_)

RUD. Now take your partners.

COL. I'll lead it. (_pretends to be very busy arranging a quadrille_)

SCH. (_improvising, beats time with comi