Volpone

After leaving Corvino’s house, Mosca delivers a soliloquy, taking pride in his talent for deception. He believes everyone is a parasite, but some, like him, are better at the role than others. Unlike those who use flattery just to find a meal, his skill is like an art form that lets him adapt to any scenario. His talent for being a parasite is innate, but practicing only makes him better.

Mosca meets Bonario, Corbaccio’s son. Bonario greets Mosca with disdain. Mosca defends himself, asserting that Bonario’s hostility is unfair toward someone so poor. He weeps and lies that he doesn’t revel in being deceptive. Bonario believes Mosca’s passion and apologizes. Mosca reveals that Corbaccio is about to disinherit Bonario, but Bonario is skeptical. Mosca persuades him to follow to Volpone’s house where Bonario will overhear the deed being done. If it turns out not to be true, Bonario can kill Mosca for his fault.

Back at his house, Volpone anxiously waits for Mosca to bring Celia. He asks his fools to entertain him to keep his mind preoccupied. Nano, Androgino, and Castrone begin the amusement of debating who is Volpone’s favorite fool.