Quinola He borrows it from nature; to invent, is to borrow. Then--by means of certain pistons--for in mechanics--you know-- Don Ramon Yes, senor, I know mechanics. Quinola Very good! The method of applying a force is child's play, a trifle, a matter of detail, as in the turnspit-- Don Ramon Ah! He employs the turnspit then? Quinola There are two here, and the force is such that it raises the mountains, which skip like rams--as was predicted by King David. Don Ramon Senor, you are perfectly right, the clouds, that is, the water-- Quinola Water, senor? Why! It is the world. Without water, you could not--That is plain. Well now! This is the point on which my grandson's invention is based; water will subdue water. X equals O plus O, that is the complete formula. Don Ramon (aside) The terms he employs are incomprehensible. Quinola Do you understand me? Don Ramon Perfectly. Quinola (aside) This man is a driveling dotard. (Aloud) I have spoken to you in the language of genuine philosophy-- Mathieu Magis (to Monipodio) Can you tell me who this remarkably learned man is? Monipodio He is a very great man, to whom I am indebted for my knowledge of ballistics; he is the director of the Venetian arsenal, and purposes this evening to make us a contribution on behalf of the republic. Mathieu Magis I must go and tell Senora Brancadori, she comes from Venice. (Exit.) SCENE FOURTEENTH The same persons, with the exception of Mathieu Magis. Lothundiaz and Marie. Marie Am I in time? Quinola (aside) Hurrah! Here comes our treasure. (Lothundiaz and Don Ramon exchange greetings and examine the pieces of machinery in the centre of the stage.) Fontanares What! Is Marie here? Marie My father brought me. Ah! my dear friend, your servant told me of your distress-- Fontanares (to Quinola) You scoundrel! Quinola What, grandson! Marie And he brought all my agonies to an end. Fontanares Tell me, pray, what was it troubled you? Marie You cannot imagine the persecutions I have endured since your arrival, and especially since your quarrel with Madame Brancadori. What could I do against the authority of my father? It is absolute. While I remained at home, I doubted my power to help you; my heart was yours in spite of everything, but my bodily presence-- Fontanares And so you are another martyr! Marie By delaying the day of your triumph, you have made my position intolerable. Alas! when I see you here, I perceive that you yourself at the same time have been enduring incredible hardships. In order that I might be with you for a moment, I have feigned an intention of vowing myself to God; this evening I enter a convent.