_Notary._ I caught that line, but for the rest I did not hear it clearly! [_During this verse ALINE and ALEXIS have entered at back, unobserved._ ALINE AND ALEXIS. _Alex._ Oh, joy! oh, joy! The charm works well, And all are now united. _Ali._ The blind young boy Obeys the spell, Their troth they all have plighted! ENSEMBLE. ALINE AND ALEXIS. CONSTANCE. NOTARY. Oh, joy! oh, joy! Oh, bitter joy! Oh, joy! oh, joy! The charm works well, No words can tell No words can tell And all are now How my poor heart My state of mind united. is blighted! delighted. The blind young boy They’ll soon employ They’ll soon employ Obeys the spell, A marriage bell, A marriage bell, Their troth they To say that To say that all have plighted. we’re united. we’re united. True happiness I do confess True happiness Reigns everywhere, A sorrow rare Reigns everywhere, And dwells with My humbled And dwells with both the sexes, spirit vexes, both the sexes, And all will bless And none will bless And all will bless The thoughtful care Example rare Example rare Of their beloved Of their beloved Of their beloved Alexis! Alexis! Alexis! [_All, except ALEXIS and ALINE, dance off to symphony._ _Ali._ How joyful they all seem in their new-found happiness! The whole village has paired off in the happiest manner. And yet not a match has been made that the hollow world would not consider ill-advised! _Alex._ But we are wiser--far wiser--than the world. Observe the good that will become of these ill-assorted unions. The miserly wife will check the reckless expenditure of her too frivolous consort, the wealthy husband will shower innumerable bonnets on his penniless bride, and the young and lively spouse will cheer the declining days of her aged partner with comic songs unceasing! _Ali._ What a delightful prospect for him! _Alex._ But one thing remains to be done, that my happiness may be complete. We must drink the philtre ourselves, that I may be assured of your love for ever and ever. _Ali._ Oh, Alexis, do you doubt me? Is it necessary that such love as ours should be secured by artificial means? Oh no, no, no! _Alex._ My dear Aline, time works terrible changes, and I want to place our love beyond the chance of change. _Ali._ Alexis, it is already far beyond that chance. Have faith in me, for my love can never, never change! _Alex._ Then you absolutely refuse?