_Figaro._ Oh, my Lord, the thing is so easy--He must be a Fool indeed who could find his vanity flattered by his skill in Politics--To appear always deeply concerned for the good of the State, yet to have no other end but Self-interest; to assemble and say Nothing; to pretend vast Secrecy where there is nothing to conceal; to shut yourself up in your Chamber, and mend your pen or pick your Teeth, while your Footmen inform the attending Croud you are too busy to be approach’d--this, with the art of intercepting Letters, imitating Hands, pensioning Traitors, and rewarding Flatterers, is the whole mystery of Politics, or I am an Idiot. _Count._ This is the definition of a Partisan not a Politician. _Figaro._ Party and Politics are much the same, they are become synonimous terms. _Count._ (_Aside_) Since he is so willing to go to Paris, Susan has said nothing. _Figaro._ ’Tis now my turn to attack. (_Aside._) _Count._ And--I suppose thou wilt take thy Wife with thee--to Paris? _Figaro._ No--no--I should be obliged to quit her so frequently, that I am afraid the Cares of the marriage state would lie too heavy on my head (_significantly._) _Count._ Susan has betrayed me. (_Aside._) _Figaro._ (_Aside_) He does not like the retort. (_The Count smiles, approaches Figaro with great familiarity, and leans upon his shoulder--By-play between the Count and Figaro._) _Count._ The time was, Figaro, when thou wert more open--Formerly thou wouldst tell me any thing. _Figaro._ And at present I conceal nothing. _Count._ What can be the Countess’s motives--(_The Count puts his arm round Figaro’s neck--By-play again_)--I--Thou seest I anticipate her wishes, load her with presents---- _Figaro._ Will give her any thing but yourself--Of what worth are Trinkets when we are in want of Necessaries? _Count._ Come, come; be sincere--Tell me--How much did the Countess give thee for this last plot? _Figaro._ As much as your Lordship gave me for helping you to steal her from her old jealous Guardian--{{“A noble Lord should not endeavour to degrade an honest Servant, lest he should make him a Knave.”}} _Count._ But wherefore is there continually some Mystery in thy conduct? _Figaro._ Because the Conduct of others is mysterious. _Count._ Appearances, my dear Figaro, really speak thee a great Knave. _Figaro._ (_Looking round at the Count’s hand upon his shoulders, and observing his familiarity_)--_Appearances_, my dear Lord, are frequently false--I am much better than I appear to be-Can the Great in general say as much?--(_Aside_)--Take that. _Count._ Yes, yes; she has told him. (_Aside._) {{_Figaro._ “I shall content myself, my Lord, with the portion your Lordship has promised me on my Marriage, and the place of Steward of this Castle, with which you have honoured me, and willingly remain with my Wife here in Andalusia, far from troubles and intrigue.