Jerome. Overreach me! Louisa. 'Tis so, indeed, sir, and we can prove it to you. Jerome. Why, gad take me, it must be so, or he 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 plagues of Egypt upon you all! But do think I'll submit to such an imposition? you Ant. 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. Don Isaac. I don't care; I'll not endure this. 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. Dare 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 justice 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 him my hand within this hour. Jerome. My commands ! gave 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. obstinate old fellow when I'm in the wrong; shall now find me as steady in the right. I'm an but you Enter FERDINAND and CLARA. Another wonder still! Why, sirrah! Ferdinand, you have not stole a nun, have you? Ferd. She is a nun in nothing but her habit, sir; look 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 here? 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, 'ifaith, 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 blithe and gay, Louisa. Thus crown'd with dance and song, Ferd. Ant. Clara. With a heart at ease, merry, merry glees Each bride with blushes glowing, Let us laugh and play, so blithe and gay, Then healths to every friend, With a heart at ease, merry, merry glees Nor, while we are so joyous, Shall anxious fear annoy us; Let us laugh and play, so blithe and gay Jerome. For generous guests like these Accept the wish to please; So we'll laugh and play, so blithe and gay, [Exeunt. |