_Felix._ If you have waited for me long, Don Gaspar, It was against my will. I'm most impatient To bring this meeting to a speedy issue.
_Ans._ At your request, Don Felix, I am here; And if you please there should be strife between us, You'll find me not unnerved. To be sincere,-- I do not wish this needless controversy. Recall your words, offensive, as untrue, And take my proffer'd hand. Then will I prove, And not till then, how greatly you have wrong'd me.
_Felix._ That which is said, is said. I'll not retract. But were it false, which I cannot believe, You've slain my bosom friend, the brave Don Perez.
_Ans._ He wrong'd me much. Upon my soul he did. I must not prove it now.
_Felix._ Then prove yourself, and draw. For see, the sun is down, and daylight flies; We have no time for parley. (_Draws._)
[_Beppa and Serafina pass behind from r. to l._
_Ans._ (_drawing_). Then, whether you or I, Don Felix, live To hail that glorious orb, must now be tried. Don Felix, to your guard. Whate'er the issue, You will repent this most ungovern'd haste.
[_They fight. Don Felix is disarmed and he falls. Anselmo stands over him with his sword pointed to his breast._]
_Ans._ You question'd if I'd manhood in my frame; Allow, Don Felix, that the question's answer'd. You call'd me an impostor,--name for those Who clothe themselves in borrow'd plumes, t'appear Greater, not less, than what they are. Then know, He you upbraided as of no parentage, Whose sword, impatient, waits its master's bidding, T'avenge the affront, is heir to Guzman's house, To which, in ancestry, thine own is nothing. This truth, Don Felix, I could not reveal,
[_Serafina and Beppa appear behind in the wood._]
Till we had measured swords. Honour forbade it. Now manifest. I give you life, and proffer, If that you please, my hand in amity.
[_Felix rising, Anselmo presents him his sword._]
_Felix._ Your actions prove that you are truly noble. I do regret the language which I used, And cheerfully retract what proves so false. Don Gaspar, are you satisfied? (_offering hand_).
_Ans._ (_taking Don Felix's hand_). And happy. Now, Isidora, thou art surely mine; Vistas of bliss are opening to my view; My heart expands with gratitude to Heav'n, And tears would flow of penitence and joy, That one so little worthy, thus is bless'd. O, may my life be long, that I may prove To gracious Heav'n, I'm worthy Isidora. Joy! joy! with lightning's speed, I fly----