Esteban The magistrates of Barcelona have given judgment in favor of Masters Coppolus and Carpano, and have granted them a lien on your inventions; pray tell us, where is our lien? Girone I shan't go away from this place without my money. Fontanares Can you find any money by staying here? However, here you may remain. Good-day. (He takes up his hat and cloak.) Esteban No! You won't go out without paying us. (The workmen prepare to bar the door.) Girone There is a piece which I forged myself; I am going to keep it. Fontanares What! You wretch! (He draws his sword.) The Workmen You will not make us budge. Fontanares (rushing upon them) Here is for you! (He stops short and throws away his sword.) Perhaps these fellows have been sent by Avaloros and Sarpi to push me to extremes. If they succeeded I might be accused of murder and thrown into prison for years. (He kneels down before the Madonna.) Oh, my God! Are genius and crime the same thing in Thy sight? What have I done to suffer such defeats, such insults and such outrages? Must I pay for my triumph in advance? (To the workmen) Every Spaniard is master in his own house. Esteban You have no house. This place is the Golden Sun; the landlord has told us so. Girone You haven't paid for your lodging; you pay for nothing. Fontanares Remain where you are, my masters, I was wrong; I am in debt. SCENE NINTH The same persons, Coppolus and Carpano. Coppolus Senor, I come to tell you that the magistrates of Barcelona have granted me a lien on your machine, and I shall take measures that no part of it leaves this place. My confrere, Carpano, your locksmith, shares my claim. Fontanares What devil is blinding you? Without me, this machine is nothing but so much iron, steel, copper and wood; with me, it represents a fortune. Coppolus We are not going to leave you. (The two merchants make a movement as if to hem in Fontanares.) Fontanares What friend embraces you so closely as a creditor? Well, well, I wish the devil would take back the great thought he gave me. All The devil! Fontanares Ah! I must keep watch upon my tongue or one word will throw me into the clutches of the Inquisition! No glory can recompense me for such sufferings as these! Coppolus (to Carpano) Shall we have it sold? Fontanares But to be worth anything, the machine must be finished, and one piece of it is wanting, of which the model is before you. (Coppolus and Carpano consult together.) Two hundred sequins more would be required for its completion. SCENE TENTH The same persons, Quinola (disguised as a fantastic old man), Monipodio (fancifully dressed), the landlord of the Golden Sun. The Landlord of the Golden Sun (pointing to Fontanares) Senor, that is he.