Pulcinella was always trying to appear young, throwing rich balls and rebuilding mansions one after another. The situation became even worse when the old man became addicted to opium. And now, as on other similar evenings, he, intoxicated by the "poppy tincture", joked with his young wife, persistently offering her another drink.

Oh, why are you so sad, my dear! You don't have a face on you. Would you agree to at least a pinch or two of the powder that the doctor prescribed for you?