Duen. 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?

Duen. Fly where you will, I’ll follow you.

Don Jer. Throw your snowy arms about him, Margaret.—[Exeunt Isaac and Duenna.] But, Louisa, are you really married to this modest gentleman?

Don. Louisa. Sir, in obedience to your commands, I gave him my hand within this hour.

Don Jer. My commands!

Don Ant. Yes, sir; here is your consent, under your own hand.

Don Jer. 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!

Don 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.

Don Jer. 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 Don Ferdinand and Donna Clara.

Another wonder still! Why, sirrah! Ferdinand, you have not stole a nun, have you?

Don 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.

Don Jer. 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!

Don. Clara. There, old gentleman; and now mind you behave well to us.

Don Jer. 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.

Don Jer.	Come now for jest and smiling,
	Both old and young beguiling,
	Let us laugh and play, so blithe and gay,
	Till we banish care away.

Don. Louisa.	Thus crown’d with dance and song,
	The hours shall glide along,
	With a heart at ease, merry, merry glees
	Can never fail to please.

Don Ferd.	Each bride with blushes glowing,
	Our wine as rosy flowing,
	Let us laugh and play, so blithe and gay,
	Till we banish care away.

Don Ant.	Then healths to every friend
	The night’s repast shall end,
	With a heart