The Duenna | Page 9

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 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 booby, there she stands.
Don Car. Why, she's damned ugly!
Isaac. Hush! [Stops his mouth.]
Duen. 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?
Don Car. Ay,--such as I never saw before, indeed!
Duen. You are a very obliging gentleman. Well, Signor Isaac, I believe we had better part for the present. Remember our plan.
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