SBRI. Our man has just come, Sir. I saw him at a place three leagues
away from here, where the coach stops; and I studied him for more than
half an hour in the kitchen, where he went down to breakfast, and I know
him now perfectly. As to his appearance, I will say nothing about it;
you will see for yourselves what nature has done for him, and if his
dress is not the very thing to set that off. But as for his
understanding, I can tell you beforehand that it is among the dullest I
have met with for a long time. We shall find in him a fit subject to
work upon as we like. He is just the man to fall into all the traps laid
for him.
ERA. Is all that possible?
SBRI. Perfectly true, and I am skilled in the knowledge of men.
NER. (_pointing to_ SBRIGANI). This is a famous man, Madam; and your
affair could not be trusted to better hands. He is the hero of the age,
for the wonders he has performed. A man who, twenty times in his life,
has generously braved the galleys to serve his friends; who, at the
peril of his arms and shoulders,[2] knows how to bring to a successful
issue the most difficult enterprises; and who is, in short, banished
from his country for I don't know how many honourable actions he has
generously engaged in.
SBRI. I am ashamed to hear the praises with which you honour me, and I
could most justly extol the marvellous things you did in your life; I
could particularly speak of the glory you acquired when you cheated at
play that young nobleman we brought to your house, and won twelve
thousand crowns from him; when you handsomely made that false contract
which ruined a whole family; when with such greatness of soul you denied
all knowledge of the deposit which had been entrusted to you, and so
generously gave evidence which hung two innocent people.
NER. These are trifles not worth mentioning, and your praises make me
blush.
SBRI. Then I will spare your modesty. Let us leave that aside, and speak
of our business. To begin with, I will quickly rejoin our countryman,
while you, on your side, will see that all the other actors in the
comedy are kept in readiness.
ERA. And you, Madam, pray remember your part, that in order to conceal
our aim the better, you are to affect to be quite perfectly delighted
with your father's resolutions.
JUL. If it only depends on that, things will be sure to succeed.
ERA. But, dear Julia, if everything were to fail?
JUL. I will declare my real inclinations to my father.
ERA. And if he persists in his designs in spite of your inclinations?
JUL. I will threaten to shut myself up in a convent.
ERA. But if, notwithstanding all that, he wished to force you to this
marriage?
JUL. Why, what would you have me say?
ERA. What do I want you to say?
JUL. Yes.
ERA. What is said when one loves truly?
JUL. But what?
ERA. That nothing shall force you; that in spite of all your father
can do, you promise to be mine.
JUL. Ah me! Éraste, be satisfied with what I do now, and leave the
future alone. Do not perplex me in my duty, by speaking of sad
expedients to which we may not be obliged to have recourse. Allow me
to be led by the course of events.
ERA. Will....
SBRI. Sir, here is our man. Be careful.
NER. Ah! what a guy![3]