Sheridan often aims at painting his scenes so as to be in antithesis to ordinary life. In Faulkland we have a lover so morbidly sensitive, that even every kindness his mistress shows him, gives him the most exquisite pain. Don Ferdinand is much in the same state. Lydia Languish is so romantic, that she is about to discard her lover--with whom she intended to elope--as soon as she hears he is a man of fortune. In Isaac the Jew, we have a man who thinks he is cheating others, while he is really being cheated. Sir Peter Teazle's bickering with his wife is well known and appreciated. The subject is the oldest which has tempted the comic muse, and still is, unhappily, always fresh. The following extracts are from "The Duenna"-- Isaac says to Father Paul that "he looks the very priest of Hymen!" _Paul._ In short I may be called so, for I deal in repentance and mortification. _Don Antonio._ But thou hast a good fresh colour in thy face, father, i' faith! _Paul._ Yes. I have blushed for mankind till the hue of my shame is as fixed as their vices. _Isaac._ Good man! _Paul._ And I have laboured too, but to what purpose? they continue to sin under my very nose. _Isaac._ Efecks, fasher, I should have guessed as much for your nose seems to be put to the blush more than any other part of your face. Don Jerome's song is worthy of Gay:-- "If a daughter you have she's the plague of your life No peace shall you know though you've buried your wife, At twenty she mocks at the duty you taught her, Oh! what a plague is an obstinate daughter! Sighing and whining, Dying and pining, Oh, what a plague is an obstinate daughter! "When scarce in their teens they have wit to perplex us, With letters and lovers for ever they vex us: While each still rejects the fair suitor you've brought her; O! what a plague is an obstinate daughter! Wrangling and jangling, Flouting and pouting, Oh, what a plague is an obstinate daughter." One of Sheridan's strong situations is produced in this play. Don Jerome gives Isaac a glowing description of his daughter's charms; but when the latter goes to see her, the Duenna personates her. _Isaac._ Madam, the greatness of your goodness overpowers me, that a lady so lovely should deign to turn her beauteous eyes on me, so. (_He turns and sees her._) _Duenna._ You seem surprised at my condescension. _Isaac._ Why yes, madam, I am a little surprised at it. (_Aside_) This can never be Louisa--She's as old as my mother!... _Duenna._ Signor, won't you sit? _Isaac._ Pardon me, Madam, I have scarcely recovered my astonishment at--your condescension, Madam. (_Aside_) She has the devil's own dimples to be sure.