Faustine Yes--since the moment you insulted me, upon this spot, I have directed everything; it is at my bidding that Magis, and Sarpi, and your creditors, and the landlord of the Golden Sun, and the workmen have acted! But ah! How great a love underlay this simulated hatred. Tell me, have you never been roused from your slumber by a falling teardrop, the pearl of my repentance, while I was gazing at you with admiration--you--the martyr that I worshiped? Fontanares No! you are not a woman-- Faustine Ah! There is more than woman, in a woman who loves as I do. Fontanares And, as you are not a woman, I could kill you. Faustine What of that, provided it were your hand that did it? (Aside) He hates me! Fontanares I am seeking for-- Faustine Is it anything I can find for you? Fontanares --A punishment great enough for your crime. Faustine Can there be any punishment which a woman who loves can feel? Come, try me. Fontanares You love me, Faustine. Am I all of life to you? Do you really make my grief your own? Faustine One pang of yours becomes a thousand pangs to me! Fontanares If then I die, you will die also. 'Tis plain, therefore, although your life is not worthy to be set against the love that I have lost, my course is taken. Faustine Ah! Fontanares With crossed arms I will await the day of my arrest. At the same stroke the soul of Marie and my soul shall rise to heaven. Faustine (flinging herself at the feet of Fontanares) O Alfonso! Here, at your feet, I will remain till you have promised me-- Fontanares Leave me, shameless courtesan! (He spurns her.) Faustine You have spoken this openly and in public; but remember, men oftentimes insult that which they are destined eventually to adore. SCENE SEVENTEENTH The same persons and Don Fregose. Don Fregose Silence! Wretched journeyman! I refrain from transfixing your heart with my sword, only because I intend you to pay more dearly for this insult. Faustine Don Fregose! I love this man; whether he makes of me his slave or his wife, my love shall be the aegis of his life. Fontanares Am I to be the victim of fresh persecutions, my lord? I am overwhelmed with joy. Deal me a thousand blows; they will be multiplied a thousand fold, she says, in her heart. I am ready! SCENE EIGHTEENTH The same persons and Quinola. Quinola Sir! Fontanares And you also have betrayed me; you! Quinola Off goes Monipodio, wafted towards Africa with recommendations on his hands and feet. Fontanares What of that? Quinola Under the pretext of robbing you, I have concealed in a cellar a second machine, for I took care that two should be made, while we only paid for one.