Urania
My eyes are prettier than yours. We will see who succeeds best if we
employ them at the same time!
Hastings
Oh, I am at the end of my patience listening to you both. Happily, I
see my son-in-law coming.
(To McNaughten)
Are you bring the solicitor with you?
(Enter McNaughten)
McNaughten
I've been looking for him for nearly an hour, in vain. I finally came
to ask you to conduct me to him. Something irritating is always
happening to me today.
Hastings
I am waiting for him. I believe he won't be late.
McNaughten
One, after running after me, like one of my most cherished and
faithful friends, asked news of my health. Another, forcefully grabbed
my hand, and wanted to lead me to a tavern for supper. Then, a third,
stopping me in the street, forced me to pay a debt I know nothing
about. All these people confound me to Hell! As if I knew them any
better than Lucifer!
Urania
Traitor! Are you finished? In spite of your promised word, you intend
to marry another? In spite of all your oaths, in spite of your first
choice?
McNaughten
Ah, are we still at that?
Urania
You desert me, ingrate, faithless heart. You take pleasure in the
cruel pain I suffer. You see me dying and giving in to my fate without
shedding one single tear for my death. (collapsing on Jenny)
McNaughten
This woman is a torment; she must have been bewitched. Must I always
have a fury attached to my steps?
Jenny
Can you see my lady expire in my arms? You, who once had so much
tenderness for her? This poor innocent--does she deserve to have her
love repaid by such cruelty?
McNaughten
Let her expire in your arms. Let the Devil take her, and you with her.
Who cares! Already, for my peace and quiet, he might have done that.
Urania (springing back to life)
Perjurer! I will avenge myself for your breach of contract. I have
your promise. There's your signature. I have proof of your imposture.
McNaughten (to Hastings)
She's crazier than it's possible to explain. Try, as soon as you can,
to have her shut up.
Hastings (reading the contract)
But here's your name: McNaughten. Have you been with her in some way?
She is my sister: maybe I can smooth things over.
McNaughten
Me! If I've ever seen those two cheats standing there before today.
Pardon the harsh word, one of them is your sister. Never mind. I swear
before you, that Satan--Lucifer--
Hastings
I believe you without swearing.
McNaughten
This woman has vowed to make me insane. Spirit, demon, mischief making
witch, woman or fury--whatever you are: I beg you, leave me alone.
(Enter Torrington)
Hastings
Ah, Mr. Torrington, you come just in time, and we await you eagerly.
Torrington
I meet the company with pleasure, reunited on a joyful day in one
place. I believe my presence won't displease. The future has great
attractions. Your daughter was only lacking a husband--despite all her
attractions, she was incomplete. But, now, behold the well made man
love has given her. Now, she has nothing to desire.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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