liberal in your carriage, with so penetrating an eye, and so bewitching a smile! Isaac. Egad, now I look at her again, I don't think she is so ugly. Duenna. So little like a Jew, and so much like a gentleman! Isaac. Well, certainly there is something pleasing in the tone of her voice. Duenna. 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. O, dear lady, may I thank those dear lips for this goodness. [Kisses her.] Why, she has a pretty sort of velvet down, that's the truth on't! [Aside. Duenna. O, sir, you have the most insinuating manner, but indeed you should get rid of that odious beard-one might as well kiss an hedge-hog. Isaac. Yes, ma'am, the razor wouldn't be amiss for either of us. [Aside.] Could you favour me with a song? Duenna. Willingly, sir, though I am rather hoarse -ahem! [Begins to sing. Isaac. Very like a Virginia nightingale-ma'am, I perceive you're hoarse-I beg you will not distressDuenna. Oh, not in the least distressed;—now, sir. SONG. When a tender maid By some admiring swain, If she meets his eyes, While he unfolds his pain; If he takes her hand, she trembles quite, Her heart apows her fright. But in time appear The youth she boldly views; Then to church well pleased the lovers move, 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 ! Duenna. How! is there, then, another so dear to you? Isaac. O, no, ma'am, you mistake; it was my mo. ther I meant. Duenna. 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. Duenna. Sir, I must frankly own to you, that I can never be yours with my father's consent. Isaac. Good lack! how so? Duenna. When my father, in his passion, 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! Duenna. Nay, sir, if you hesitate Isaac. 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. Duenna. 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 gratitude. Duenna. 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. Duenna. Well, I leave the management of it all to you; I perceive plain, sir, that you are not one that can be easily outwitted. Isaac. Egad, you're right, madam-you're right, i'faith. 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 is one to be depended on, ma'am. Enter CARLOS. So, coz. [Aside. Carlos. I have left Donna Clara at your lodgingsbut can no where find Antonio. Isaac. Well, I will search him out myself-Carlos, you rogue, I thrive, I prosper. Carlos. Where is your mistress? Isaac. There, you booby, there she stands. Carlos. Why she's damned ugly! Isaac. Hush! [Stops his mouth. Duenna. What is your friend saying, signor? Isaac. Oh, ma'am, he is expressing his raptures at such charms as he never saw before, eh, Carlos? Carlos., Ay, such as I never saw before, indeed! Duenna. You are a very obliging gentleman-well, Signor Isaac, I believe we had better part for the sent. Remember our plan. pre 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 Duenna. Sweet, courteous sir, adieu! [Kisses her. Isaac. Your slave eternally-Come, Carlos, say something civil at taking leave. Carlos. 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, Was made for thee, And thou to bless this lovely creature. So mild your looks, your children thence, 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! May fortune give Each blessing equal to your merit. [Exeunt ISAAC, CARLOS, DUENNA. SCENE III. A Library. JEROME and FERDINAND dicovered. Jerome. Object to Antonio? I have said it: his poverty, can you acquit him of that? Ferd. Sir, I own he is not over rich; but he is of as ancient and honourable a family as any in the kingdom. Jerome. Yes, I know the beggars are a very ancient family in most kingdoms; but never in great repute, boy. Ferd. Antonio, sir, has many amiable qualities. Jerome. But he is poor; can you clear him of that, I say? Is he not a gay, dissipated rake, who has squandered his patrimony? 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. Jerome. Pshaw! you talk like a blockhead! nobility, without an estate, is as ridiculous as gold-lace on a frize coat. Ferd. This language, sir, would better become a Dutch, or English trader, than a Spaniard. Jerome. 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 |