Sarpi A right? Do you know that the nephew of Fra Paolo Sarpi, kinsman of the Brancadori, count in the Kingdom of Naples, secretary to the viceroy of Catalonia, makes pretension to the hand of Marie Lothundiaz? When another man claims a right in the matter he insults both her and me. Fontanares Do you know that I for five years, I, Alfonso Fontanares, to whom the king our master has promised the title of Duke of Neptunado and Grandee, as well as the Golden Fleece, have loved Marie Lothundiaz, and that your pretensions, made in spite of the oath which she has sworn to me, will be considered, unless you renounce them, an insult both by her and by me? Sarpi I did not know, my lord, that I had so great a personage for a rival. In any case, future Duke of Neptunado, future Grandee, future Knight of the Golden Fleece, we love the same woman; and if you have the promise of Marie, I have that of her father; you are expecting honors, while I possess them. Fontanares Now, listen; let us remain just where we are; let us not utter another word; do not insult me even by a look. Had I a hundred quarrels, I would fight with no one until I had completed my enterprise and answered successfully the expectation of my king. When that moment comes, I will fight singled-handed against all. And, when I have ended the conflict, you will find me--close to the king. Sarpi Oh! we are not going to lose sight of each other. SCENE FIFTEENTH The same persons, Faustine, Don Fregose and Paquita. Faustine (on the balcony) Tell me what is going on, my lord, between that young man and your secretary? Let us go down. Quinola (to Monipodio) Don't you think that my master has pre-eminently the gift of drawing down the lightning on his own head? Monipodio He carries his head so high! Sarpi (to Don Fregose) My lord, there has arrived in Catalonia a man upon whom the king our master has heaped future honors. According to my humble opinion, he should be welcomed by your excellency in accordance with his merits. Don Fregose (to Fontanares) Of what house are you? Fontanares (aside) How many sneers, such as this, have I not been forced to endure! (Aloud) The king, your excellency, never asked me that question. But here is his letter and that of his ministers. (He hands him a package.) Faustine (to Paquita) That man has the air of a king. Paquita Of a king who will prove a conqueror. Faustine (recognizing Monipodio) Monipodio! Do you know who that man is? Monipodio He is a man who, according to rumor, is going to turn the world upside down. Faustine Ah! I see; it is that famous inventor of whom I have heard so much. Monipodio And here is his servant.