Isaac. Oh, ma’am, it is written in my heart, fixed as the image of those divine beauties. Adieu idol of my soul!—yet once more permit me——

[Kisses her.

Duen. Sweet courteous sir, adieu!

Isaac. Your slave eternally! Come, Carlos, say something civil at taking leave.

Don Car. I’faith, Isaac, she is the hardest woman to compliment I ever saw; however, I’ll try something I had studied for the occasion.

Song.

Ah! sure a pair was never seen
    So justly form’d to meet by nature!
The youth excelling so in mien,
    The maid in ev’ry grace of feature.
      Oh, how happy are such lovers,
      When kindred beauties each discovers;
            For surely she
            Was made for thee,
    And thou to bless this lovely creature!

So mild your looks, your children thence
    Will early learn the task of duty—
The boys with all their father’s sense,
    The girls with all their mother’s beauty!
      Oh, how happy to inherit
      At once such graces and such spirit!
            Thus while you live
            May fortune give
      Each blessing equal to your merit!

[Exeunt.

Scene III.—A Library in Don Jerome’s House.

Don Jerome and Don Ferdinand discovered.

Don Jer. Object to Antonio! I have said it. His poverty can you acquit him of that?

Don Ferd. Sir, I own he is not over rich; but he is of as ancient and honourable a family as any in the kingdom.

Don Jer. Yes, I know the beggars are a very ancient family in most kingdoms; but never in great repute, boy.

Don Ferd. Antonio, sir, has many amiable qualities.

Don Jer. But he is poor; can you clear him of that, I say? Is he not a gay, dissipated rake, who has squandered his patrimony.

Don Ferd. Sir, he inherited but little; and that his generosity, more than his profuseness, has stripped him of; but he has never sullied his honour, which, with his title, has outlived his means.

Don Jer. Psha! you talk like a blockhead! nobility, without an estate, is as ridiculous as gold lace on a frieze coat.

Don Ferd. This language, sir, would better become a Dutch or English trader than a Spaniard.

Don Jer. Yes; and those Dutch and English traders, as you call them, are the wiser people. Why, booby, in England they were formerly as nice, as to birth and family, as we are: but they have long discovered what a wonderful purifier gold is; and now, no one there regards pedigree in anything but a horse. Oh, here comes Isaac! I hope he has prospered in his suit.

Don Ferd. Doubtless, that agreeable figure of his must have helped his suit surprisingly.

Don Jer. How now?

[Don Ferdinand walks aside.