Uberto thinks he has a sympathetic ear in his manservant Vespone (David Roche), and pours out his complaints about Serpina. Unfortunately, Vespone is mute, but tries to simulate a certain degree of interest.
Serpina takes the opportunity to demonstrate her domestic control by saying “sit” every time Uberto attempts to get off the sofa. It works. He stays. (Keira Grant at left; Brittany Stewart at right)
Uberto decides that he must end Serpina’s dictatorial control by taking a wife — and instructs Vespone to find him one. Even a shrew, he says, will do. Serpina announces that, if he intends to marry, she intends to be the wife!