Quinola
Glory? But my dear sir, it can only be obtained by theft.
Fontanares
Do you wish me to abase myself?
Monipodio
Yes, in order that you may gain your point.
Fontanares
Pretty good for a Sarpi! I shall make an open struggle for it. But
what obstacle do you see between success and me? Am I not on my way to
the harbor to choose a fine galleon?
Quinola
Ah! I am superstitious on that point. Sir, do not choose the galley!
Fontanares
I see no reason why I shouldn't.
Quinola
You have had no experience! You have had something else to make
discoveries about. Ah, sir, we are moneyless, without credit at any
inn, and if I had not met this old friend who loves me, for there are
friends who hate you, we should have been without clothes--
Fontanares
But she loves me! (Marie waves her handkerchief at the window.) See,
see, my star is shining!
Quinola
Why, sir, it is a handkerchief! Are you sufficiently in your right
mind to take a bit of advice? This is not the sort of madonna for you;
you need a Marchioness of Mondejar--one of those slim creatures, clad
in steel, who through love are capable of all the expedients which
distress makes necessary. Now the Brancadori--
Fontanares
If you want me to throw the whole thing up you will go on talking like
that! Bear that in mind; love gives the only strength I have. It is
the celestial light that leads me on.
Quinola
There, there, do not excite yourself.
Monipodio
This man makes me anxious! He seems to me rather to be possessed by
the machinery of love than by the love of machinery.
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