Mathieu Magis It was two years ago, in the course of a conversation with Don Ramon, that he begged me to furnish funds for this experiment. Fontanares (to Fregose) My lord, what strange delusion has fallen upon the people and burgesses of Barcelona? I arrive here in the midst of the acclamations with which Don Ramon is being greeted. Yes, I arrive bearing the traces of the vigils and sweat of this great enterprise, and I find you contentedly sanctioning the most shameful act of robbery that can be perpetrated in the face of heaven and earth. (Murmurs from the crowd.) Alone and unprotected I have risked my life on this enterprise. I was the first who pledged its accomplishment to the king, and unaided I have kept my pledge, and yet here in my place I find Don Ramon--an ignoramus. (More crowd murmurs.) Don Fregose An old soldier knows very little about scientific matters and must accept plain facts. All Catalonia conceded to Don Ramon the priority in this invention, and everybody here declares that without him you would have accomplished nothing. It is my duty to inform his majesty, the king, of these circumstances. Fontanares The priority! Where are the proofs of this? The Grand Inquisitor They are as follows: In his treatise on the casting of cannons Don Ramon speaks of a certain invention called Thunder, made by Leonardo da Vinci, your master, and says that it might be applied to the navigation of a ship. Don Ramon Ah! young man, acknowledge that you had read my treatises! Fontanares (aside) I would sacrifice all my glory for one hour of vengeance! SCENE FOURTH The same persons and Quinola. Quinola (aside to Fontanares) Senor, the fruit was too fair, and a worm has been found in it! Fontanares What do you mean? Quinola Hell has belched back upon us, I know not how--Monipodio, all on fire for revenge; he is on board the ship with a band of devils, and swears to scuttle it, unless you guarantee him ten thousand sequins. Fontanares (kneels) Thanks, thanks for that. O ocean, whom I once longed to subdue, thou art the sole protector that is left to me; thou shalt keep my secret to eternity! (To Quinola) See that Monipodio steers for the open sea and there scuttles the ship. Quinola What is this? Do I understand you aright? Which of us two has lost his head? Fontanares Do as I bid you. Quinola But, my dear master-- Fontanares My life and yours are equally at stake. Quinola Obey, without understanding why? For the first time I'll risk it. (Exit.) SCENE FIFTH The same persons, with the exception of Quinola. Fontanares (to Don Fregose) My lord! Putting aside the question of priority, which can easily be decided, may I be permitted to withdraw my name from this debate, begging of you to accept the statement which is here drawn up and contains the justification before the king our master? Don Ramon You acknowledge then my claim?