Infernalio

The complete works of Otto Büchstein →Go uptown Index: Click ᐅ to expand: Otto Büchstein Fictional heroes Tell me more Sign up for our newsletter — or just get in touch: for ½ a weekly 🍺 you get to consult JC. Ask about it here.

A recurring character in Otto Büchstein’s operas, Infernalio is a parasitic, squid-like fellow, often playing bankers, grifters and chancers.

Known for his “nothing” speech in Talentdämmerung, short and to the point though it is:

Provocatoria: Now, our joy,
Although the last, not least; to whose young leverage
Thine holdings in thinly traffick’d names, rich in outrageous voguery
Did bunch, distil, concentrate and conspire their margin lenders yet to o’er-extend;
How fared thy numbers, Sirrah? What can you say?
Will a grimace itself engrave upon that storied countenance? What did you lose? Speak.

Infernalio: Nothing, my lady.

Provocatoria: Nothing?

Infernalio: Nothing.

Provocatoria: Nothing will come of nothing, fair squidly vampire: speak again.

See also

• Talentdämmerung