could never have put up with such a face as Margaret's-so, little Solomon, I wish you joy of your wife, with all my soul. Louisa. Isaac, tricking is all fair in love-let you alone for the plot. Ant. A cunning dog, ar'n't you? A sly little villain, heh! Louisa. Roguish, perhaps; but keen, devilish keen. Jerome. Yes, yes; his aunt always called him little Solomon. Isaac. Why, the plague of Egypt upon you all !—--but do you think I'll submit to such an imposi tion? Antonio. Isaac, one serious word—you'd better be content as you are; for, believe me, you will find, that, in the opinion of the world, there is not a fairer subject for contempt and ridicule, than a knave become the dupe of his own art. Isaac. I don't care-I'll not endure this-Don Jerome, 'tis you have done this-you would be so cursed positive about the beauty of her you locked up, and all the time, I told you she was as old as my mother, and as ugly as the devil. Duenna. Why, you little insignificant reptile! Jerome. That's right-attack him, Margaret. Duenna. Dares such a thing as you pretend to talk of beauty?—A walking rouleau !-a body that seems to owe all its consequence to the dropsy !—a pair of eyes like two dead beetles in a wad of brown dough! a beard like an artichoke, with dry shrivelled jaws, that would disgrace the mummy of a monkey! Jerome. Well done, Margaret! Duenna. But you shall know that I have a brother, who wears a sword, and if you don't do me jus tice Isaac. Fire seize your brother, and you too!-I'll fly to Jerusalem, to avoid you! Duenna. Fly where you will, I'll follow you. Jerome. Throw your snowy arms about him, Margaret. [Exeunt ISAAC and DUENNA.]-But, Louisa, are you really married to this modest gentleman ? Louisa. Sir, in obedience to your commands, I gave him hand within this hour. my Jerome. My commands! Ant. Yes, sir; here is your consent, under your own hand. Jerome. How! would you rob me of my child by a trick, a false pretence? and do you think to get her fortune by the same means? Why, 'slife, you are as great a rogue as Isaac ! Ant. No, Don Jerome; though I have profited by this paper, in gaining your daughter's hand, I scorn to obtain her fortune by deceit. There, sir. [Gives a Letter.] Now give her your blessing for a dower, and all the little I possess shall be settled on her in return. Had you wedded her to a prince, he could do no more. Jerome. Why, gad take me, but you are a very extraordinary fellow! But have you the impudence to suppose no one can do a generous action but yourself? Here, Louisa, tell this proud fool of yours, that he's the only man I know that would renounce your fortune; and, by my soul, he's the only man in Spain that's worthy of it-There, bless you both: I'm an obstinate old fellow when I'm in the wrong; but you shall now find me as steady in the right, Enter FERDINAND and CLARA. Another wonder still! why, sirrah! Ferdinand, yout have not stole a nun, have you? Ferd. She is a nun in nothing but her habit, sirlook nearer, and you will perceive 'tis Clara D'Almanza, Don Guzman's daughter; and, with pardon for stealing a wedding, she is also my wife. Jerome. Gadsbud, and a great fortune!-Ferdinand, you are a prudent young rogue, and I forgive you; and, ifecks, you are a pretty little damsel. Give your father-in-law a kiss, you smiling rogue. Clara. There, old gentleman; and now mind you behave well to us. Jerome. Ifecks, those lips ha'n't been chilled by kissing beads-'Egad, I believe I shall grow the best humoured fellow in Spain-Lewis! Sancho! Carlos! d'ye hear? are all my doors thrown open? Our children's weddings are the only holidays our age can boast; and then we drain, with pleasure, the little stock of spirits time has left us. [Music within.] But see, here come our friends and neighbours! Enter MASQUERADERS. And, i'faith, we'll make a night on't, with wine, and dance, and catches-then old and young shall join us. FINALE. Jerome. Come now for jest and smiling, Both old and young beguiling, Let us laugh and play, so blythe and gay, Louisa. Thus crown'd with dance and song, Ferd. With a heart at ease, merry, merry glees, Each bride with blushes glowing, Our wine as rosy flowing, Let us laugh and play, so blythe and gay, H Ant. Clara. Then healths to every friend, With a heart at ease, merry, merry glees, Nor, while we are so joyous, Let us laugh and play, so blythe and gay, Jerome. For generous guests, like these, So we'll laugh and play, so blythe and gay, THE END. |