
The Apothecary
Setting: Venice
The Apothecary's shop
Sempronio, the Apothecary, is guardian to his
beautiful, rich ward, Grilletta. Like many another in his situation, he is keen to
marry her in order to secure her fortune. He has two rivals: One is Mengone, who
is in love with her, and despite a quite startling lack of medical knowledge, has
become the Apothecary's apprentice to be near her.

Mengone: Dawn till sunset, every moment pounding, pounding