Act 1, Scene 4 Summary

Mosca hurriedly puts the plate away, and the two prepare to see who the bigger "fool" will be. Mosca shows Corbaccio in and when he sees Volpone "sleeping," he inquires after his health. Mosca tells him that Volpone's health is worse, and Corbaccio is pleased to hear the news.

Corbaccio continues to repeatedly ask Mosca questions or repeats the answer incorrectly, leaving the reader to assume that he has hearing problems. Corbaccio shows Mosca a vial of medicine he brought as a gift. Volpone does not trust medicine, and Corbaccio quickly changes his opinion of doctors to be more in line with Volpone's ideas.

Once Mosca reveals what Voltore brought as a gift, Corbaccio quickly produces a bag of coins. Mosca lets him know that Volpone will be very pleased with the gift. Mosca then launches into the next phase of...