The Duenna: A Comic Opera Part 7

_Duen_. But when I saw you I was never more struck in my life.

_Isaac_. That was just my case, too, madam: I was struck all of a heap, for my part.

_Duen_. Well, sir, I see our misapprehension has been mutual--you expected to find me haughty and averse, and I was taught to believe you a little black, snub-nosed fellow, without person, manners, or address.

_Isaac_. [_Aside_.] Egad, I wish she had answered her picture as well!

_Duen_. But, sir, your air is n.o.ble--something so liberal in your carriage, with so penetrating an eye, and so bewitching a smile!

_Isaac_. [_Aside_.] Egad, now I look at her again, I don't think she is so ugly!

_Duen_. So little like a Jew, and so much like a gentleman!

_Isaac_. [_Aside_.] Well, certainly, there is something pleasing in the tone of her voice.

_Duen_. You will pardon this breach of decorum in praising you thus, but my joy at being so agreeably deceived has given me such a flow of spirits!

_Isaac_. Oh, dear lady, may I thank those dear lips for this goodness?--[_Kisses her_.] [_Aside_.]Why she has a pretty sort of velvet down, that's the truth on't.

_Duen_. O sir, you have the most insinuating manner, but indeed you should get rid of that odious beard--one might as well kiss a hedgehog.

_Isaac_. [_Aside_.] Yes, ma'am, the razor wouldn't be amiss--for either of us.--[_Aloud_.] Could you favour me with a song?

_Duen_. Willingly, though I'm rather hoa.r.s.e--ahem![_Begins to sing_.]

_Isaac_. [_Aside_.] Very like a Virginia nightingale!--[_Aloud_.]

Ma'am, I perceive you're hoa.r.s.e--I beg you will not distress----

_Duen_. Oh, not in the least distressed. Now, sir.

SONG.

When a tender maid Is first a.s.say'd By some admiring swain.

How her blushes rise If she meet his eyes, While he unfolds his pain!

If he takes her hand, she trembles quite!

Touch her lips, and she swoons outright!

While a pit-a-pat, &c.

Her heart avows her fright.

But in time appear Fewer signs of fear; The youth she boldly views: If her hand he grasp, Or her bosom clasp, No mantling blush ensues!

Then to church well pleased the lovers move, While her smiles her contentment prove; And a pit-a-pat, &c. Her heart avows her love.

_Isaac_. Charming, ma'am! enchanting! and, truly, your notes put me in mind of one that's very dear to me--a lady, indeed, whom you greatly resemble!

_Duen_. How I is there, then, another so dear to you?

_Isaac_. Oh, no, ma'am, you mistake; it was my mother I meant.

_Duen_. Come, sir, I see you are amazed and confounded at my condescension, and know not what to say.

_Isaac_. It is very true, indeed, ma'am; but it is a judgment, I look on it as a judgment on me, for delaying to urge the time when you'll permit me to complete my happiness, by acquainting Don Jerome with your condescension.

_Duen_. Sir, I must frankly own to you, that I can never be yours with my father's consent.

_Isaac_. Good lack! how so?

_Duen_. When my father, in his pa.s.sion, swore he would never see me again till I acquiesced in his will, I also made a vow, that I would never take a husband from his hand; nothing shall make me break that oath: but if you have spirit and contrivance enough to carry me off without his knowledge, I'm yours.

_Isaac_. Hum!

_Duen_. Nay, sir, if you hesitate----

_Isaac_. [_Aside_.] I'faith no bad whim this!--If I take her at her word, I shall secure her fortune, and avoid making any settlement in return; thus I shall not only cheat the lover, but the father too. Oh, cunning rogue, Isaac! ay, ay, let this little brain alone! Egad, I'll take her in the mind!

_Duen_. Well, sir, what's your determination?

_Isaac_. Madam, I was dumb only from rapture--I applaud your spirit, and joyfully close with your proposal; for which thus let me, on this lily hand, express my grat.i.tude.

_Duen_. Well, sir, you must get my father's consent to walk with me in the garden. But by no means inform him of my kindness to you.

_Isaac_. No, to be sure, that would spoil all: but, trust me when tricking is the word--let me alone for a piece of cunning; this very day you shall be out of his power.

_Duen_. Well, I leave the management of it all to you; I perceive plainly, sir, that you are not one that can be easily outwitted.

_Isaac_. Egad, you're right, madam--you're right, i'faith.

_Re-enter_ MAID.

_Maid_. Here's a gentleman at the door, who begs permission to speak with Signor Isaac.

_Isaac_. A friend of mine, ma'am, and a trusty friend--let him come in--[_Exit_ MAID.] He's one to be depended on, ma'am.

_Enter_ DON CARLOS.

So coz. [_Talks apart with_ DON CARLOS.]

_Don Car_. I have left Donna Clara at your lodgings, but can nowhere find Antonio.

_Isaac_. Well, I will search him out myself. Carlos, you rogue, I thrive, I prosper!

_Don Car_. Where is your mistress?

_Isaac_. There, you b.o.o.by, there she stands.

_Don Car_. Why, she's d.a.m.ned ugly!

_Isaac_. Hush! [_Stops his mouth_.]