The Duenna: A Comic Opera Part 17

Canst thou be a lover, And thus fly from me? [_Both unveil_.]

_Don Ferd_. How's this? My sister! Clara, too--I'm confounded.

_Don. Louisa_. 'Tis even so, good brother.

_Paul_. How! what impiety? did the man want to marry his own sister?

_Don. Louisa_. And ar'n't you ashamed of yourself not to know your own sister?

_Don. Clara_. To drive away your own mistress----

_Don. Louisa_. Don't you see how jealousy blinds people?

_Don. Clara_. Ay, and will you ever be jealous again?

_Don Ferd_. Never--never!--You, sister, I know will forgive me--but how, Clara, shall I presume----

_Don. Clara_. No, no; just now you told me not to tease you--"Who do you want, good signor?" "Not you, not you!" Oh you blind wretch! but swear never to be jealous again, and I'll forgive you.

_Don Ferd_. By all----

_Don. Clara_. There, that will do--you'll keep the oath just as well.

[_Gives her hand_.]

_Don. Louisa_. But, brother, here is one to whom some apology is due.

_Don Ferd_. Antonio, I am ashamed to think----

_Don Ant_. Not a word of excuse, Ferdinand--I have not been in love myself without learning that a lover's anger should never be resented.

But come--let us retire, with this good father, and we'll explain to you the cause of this error.

GLEE AND CHORUS.

Oft does Hymen smile to hear Wordy vows of feign'd regard; Well, he knows when they're sincere, Never slow to give reward For his glory is to prove Kind to those who wed for love. [_Exeunt_.]

SCENE VII--_A Grand Saloon in_ DON JEROME'S _House_.

_Enter_ DON JEROME, LOPEZ, _and_ SERVANTS.

_Don Jer_. Be sure, now, let everything be in the best order--let all my servants have on their merriest faces: but tell them to get as little drunk as possible, till after supper.--[_Exeunt_ SERVANTS.] So, Lopez, where's your master? shan't we have him at supper?

_Lop_. Indeed, I believe not, sir--he's mad, I doubt! I'm sure he has frighted me from him.

_Don Jer_. Ay, ay, he's after some wench, I suppose: a young rake!

Well, well, we'll be merry without him. [_Exit_ LOPEZ.]

_Enter a_ SERVANT.

_Ser_. Sir, here is Signor Isaac. [_Exit_.]

_Enter_ ISAAC.

_Don Jer_. So, my dear son-in-law--there, take my blessing and forgiveness. But where's my daughter? where's Louisa?

_Isaac_. She's without, impatient for a blessing, but almost afraid to enter.

_Don Jer_. Oh, fly and bring her in.--[_Exit_ ISAAC.] Poor girl, I long to see her pretty face.

_Isaac_. [_Without_.] Come, my, charmer! my trembling angel!

_Re-enter_ ISAAC _with_ DUENNA; DON JEROME _runs to meet them; she kneels_.

_Don Jer_. Come to my arms, my--[_Starts back_.] Why, who the devil have we here?

_Isaac_. Nay, Don Jerome, you promised her forgiveness; see how the dear creature droops!

_Don Jer_. Droops indeed! Why, Gad take me, this is old Margaret! But where's my daughter? where's Louisa?

_Isaac_. Why, here, before your eyes--nay, don't be abashed, my sweet wife!

_Don Jer_. Wife with a vengeance! Why, zounds! you have not married the Duenna!

_Duen_. [_Kneeling_.] Oh, dear papa! you'll not disown me, sure!

_Don Jer_. Papa! papa! Why, zounds! your impudence is as great as your ugliness!

_Isaac_. Rise, my charmer, go throw your snowy arms about his neck, and convince him you are----

_Duen_. Oh, sir, forgive me! [_Embraces him_.]

_Don Jer_. Help! murder!

_Enter_ SERVANTS.

_Ser_. What's the matter, sir?

_Don Jer_. Why, here, this d.a.m.ned Jew has brought an old harridan to strangle me.

_Isaac_. Lord, it is his own daughter, and he is so hard-hearted he won't forgive her!

_Enter_ DON ANTONIO _and_ DONNA LOUISA; _they kneel_.