Nedda arrives in a cart drawn by a donkey led by Beppe.

Canio in character invites the crowd to come to the show at 7 o'clock (ventitre ore).

There they shall be regaled with a sight of the domestic troubles of Pagliaccio and see the fat mischief-maker tremble.

Tonio wants to help Nedda out of the cart, but Canio interferes and lifts her down himself; whereupon the women and boys twit Tonio.

Canio and Beppe wet their whistles at the tavern, but Tonio remains behind on the plea that he must curry the donkey.