SCENE SECOND
The same persons, Don Ramon, Mathieu Magis, the landlord of the Golden
Sun, Coppolus, Carpano, Esteban, Girone, and all the people.
(All form a semicircle, in the centre of which is Don Ramon.)
The Grand Inquisitor
In the name of the king of Spain, Castile and the Indies, I must
express to you, Don Ramon, the congratulations of all upon the success
of your mighty genius. (He leads him to the arm-chair.)
Don Ramon
After all, he is but the hand, I am the head. The original idea is
superior to the work of realizing it. (To the crowd) In such a moment
as this, modesty would be an insult to the honors which I have
attained through midnight vigils, and a man should openly show himself
proud of his achievement.
Lothundiaz
In the name of the city of Barcelona, Don Ramon, I have the honor to
offer you this crown, due to your perseverance, as the author of an
invention which will give you immortality.
SCENE THIRD
The same persons and Fontanares (his garments soiled with the work of
his experiment).
Don Ramon
I accept these honors, on condition that they be shared by the
courageous artisan who has so well assisted me in my enterprise.
Faustine
What modesty!
Fontanares
Is this meant for a joke?
All
Long live Don Ramon!
Coppolus
In the name of the merchants of Catalonia, Don Ramon, we have come to
beg your acceptance of this silver crown, a token of their gratitude
for a discovery which is likely to prove a new source of prosperity to
them.
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