The Duenna | Page 9

blind

some parents are!
Duen. Signor Isaac!
Isaac. [Aside.] Truly, the little damsel was right--she has rather a
matronly air, indeed! ah! 'tis well my affections are fixed on her fortune,
and not her person.
Duen. Signor, won't you sit? [She sits.]
Isaac. Pardon me, madam, I have scarce recovered my astonishment at
your condescension, madam.--[Aside.] She has the devil's own dimples,
to be sure!
Duen. I do not wonder, sir, that you are surprised at my affability-- I
own, signor, that I was vastly prepossessed against you, and, being
teased by my father, I did give some encouragement to Antonio; but
then, sir, you were described to me as quite a different person.
Isaac. Ay, and so you were to me, upon my soul, madam.
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 noble--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 hoarse--ahem![Begins to sing.]
Isaac. [Aside.] Very like a Virginia nightingale!--[Aloud.] Ma'am, I
perceive you're hoarse--I beg you will not distress----
Duen. Oh, not in the least distressed. Now, sir.
SONG.
When a tender maid Is first assay'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 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!
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 gratitude.
Duen. Well, sir, you must get my father's consent to walk with me in
the