Richard Brinsley Sheridan

“ Clara. The Lady Abbess of the convent of St. Catherine is a
relation and kind friend of mine—I shall be secure with her, and you
had best go thither with me.
Don. Louisa. No; I am determined to find Antonio first; and, as I
live, here comes the very man I will employ to seek him for me.
Don. Clara. Who is he? he's a strange figure.
Don. Louisa. Yes; that sweet creature is the man whom my father has
fixed on for my husband.
Don. Clara. And will you speak to him? are you mad?
Don. Louisa. He is the fittest man in the world for my purpose ”

“ I tell you, friend Carlos, I
will please myself in the habit of my chin.
Don Car. But, my dear friend, how can you think to please a lady
with such a face?
Isaac. Why, what's the matter with the face? I think it is a very
engaging face; and, I am sure, a lady must have very little taste who
could dislike my beard.— [Sees DONNA LOUISA.] —See now! ”

“ Is she not capricious, teasing, tyrannical, obstinate,
perverse, absurd? ay, a wilderness of faults and follies; her looks
are scorn, and her very smiles—'Sdeath! I wish I hadn't mentioned her
smiles; for she does smile such beaming loveliness, such fascinating
brightness—Oh, death and madness! I shall die if I lose her. ”

“ Jerome. Perhaps you know Louisa, ma'am. She's divinely handsome, isn't
she?
Don. Louisa. You must excuse me not joining with you.
Isaac. Why I have heard it on all hands.
Don. Louisa. Her father is uncommonly partial to her; but I believe
you will find she has rather a matronly air.
Isaac. Carlos, this is all envy.—You pretty girls never speak well
of one another.— [To DON CARLOS.] Hark ye, find out Antonio, and
I'll saddle him with this scrape, I warrant. Oh, 'twas the luckiest
thought! Donna Clara, your very obedient. Carlos, to your post.
DUET.
Isaac. ”

“ Don Ferd. I fear, indeed, my friend Antonio has little to hope for;
however, Louisa has firmness, and my father's anger will probably only
increase her affection.—In our intercourse with the world, it is
natural for us to dislike those who are innocently the cause of our
distress; but in the heart's attachment a woman never likes a man with
ardour till she has suffered for his sake.— [Noise.] So! what bustle
is here—between my father and the Duenna too, I'll e'en get out of
the way. [Exit.]
Re-enter DON JEROME with a letter, pulling in DUENNA.
Don Jer. ”

“ Surely, sir, my sister's inclinations should be consulted
in a matter of this kind, and some regard paid to Don Antonio, being
my particular friend.
Don Jer. That, doubtless, is a very great recommendation!—I
certainly have not paid sufficient respect to it.
Don Ferd. There is not a man living I would sooner choose for a
brother-in-law.
Don Jer. Very possible; and if you happen to have e'er a sister, who
is not at the same time a daughter of mine, I'm sure I shall have no
objection to the relationship ”

“ Don. Clara. Anywhere to avoid the selfish violence of my mother-in-
law, and Ferdinand's insolent importunity.
Maid. Indeed, ma'am, since we have profited by Don Ferdinand's key,
in making our escape, I think we had best find him, if it were only to
thank him.
Don. Clara. No—he has offended me exceedingly. [Retires] .
Enter DONNA LOUISA.
Don. ”