The Alchemist: Act 3, Scene 5 Summary & Analysis

Subtle enters disguised as a “Priest of Fairy.” He asks if Dapper is fasting and if he performed the ceremony as directed. Dapper confirms he has, and Subtle says that Dapper must wear a special petticoat to meet the “Fairy Queen.” Dapper agrees, and Subtle and Face dress him in a petticoat and blindfold him with a rag. They insist he must empty his pockets, as he can have nothing of value when he meets the Fairy Queen. Dapper begins throwing out all his money, as well as his jewelry and rings, and Doll enters playing a cittern. 

Face tells a blindfolded Dapper that the Fairy Queen’s elves have arrived. Face says the Queen’s elves have come to pinch Dapper until he has given up all his money, and then Face, Doll, and Subtle begin pinching him all over. They chant “Ti ti, ti ti to ta” as they pinch him, and he finally admits to a half-crown of gold around his wrist. Suddenly, Doll goes to the window and looks out. Sir Epicure Mammon is at the door, she says. Subtle and Face panic; they cannot send Mammon away.

Subtle tells Dapper that he will soon meet the Fairy Queen, but she is taking her dinner just now; however, she has sent Dapper a dead mouse and a piece of gingerbread from her plate. Subtle stuffs a large piece of gingerbread into Dapper’s mouth and gags him with a rag, then he looks to Face and Doll. Subtle asks where they should put Dapper; he can’t be seen or heard while Doll entertains Mammon. Doll suggests they lock him in the privy, so they shove him in the bathroom and return to the front door, where Face happily greets Mammon.