In reality Pantalone is always in love, and the younger and harder to reach, the better.
And the faithful Zanni helps, but at the same time treates him like a moron, that is his little vengeance. Hard not to understand his point ...
“Ma mignoñe, mon bien, mõ ame,& mon coeur doux, De vostre pauure Esclave oyez une parole, Ainsi que dict Zany, mon sçauant protecolle, I’enrageray tout vif, si ne couche avec vous.”.
“My little one, my well-being, and my sweet heart, From your poor Slave, listen to a word, As the Zanni says, my wise assistant, I would become really mad, if I won’t sleep with you.”.
In both images we see the Zanni "Tenere la candela” (to hold the candle, in Italian) which is the classical situation of stealthy love adventures - usually at night - in which one of the persons is just being in charge of taking his master home.
Similar to the Códega, but it is here an established work/submission relationship, in which the Zanni simply has to take care of his master who is having all the fun. He won't be paid extra for sure.
