Don Car. Lady, it is impossible I should deceive you.
Air.
Had I a heart for falsehood framed,
I ne’er could injure you;
For though your tongue no promise claim’d,
Your charms would make me true.
To you no soul shall bear deceit,
No stranger offer wrong;
But friends in all the aged you’ll meet,
And lovers in the young.
But when they learn that you have blest
Another with your heart,
They’ll bid aspiring passion rest,
And act a brother’s part:
Then, lady, dread not here deceit,
Nor fear to suffer wrong;
For friends in all the aged you’ll meet,
And brothers in the young.
Isaac. Conduct the lady to my lodgings, Carlos; I must haste to Don Jerome. Perhaps you know Louisa, ma’am. She’s divinely handsome, isn’t she?
Don. Louisa. You must excuse me not joining with you.
Isaac. Why I have heard it on all hands.
Don. Louisa. Her father is uncommonly partial to her; but I believe you will find she has rather a matronly air.
Isaac. Carlos, this is all envy.—You pretty girls never speak well of one another.—[To Don Carlos.] Hark ye, find out Antonio, and I’ll saddle him with this scrape, I warrant. Oh, ’twas the luckiest thought! Donna Clara, your very obedient. Carlos to your post.
Duet.
Isaac My mistress expects me, and I must go to her, Or how can I hope for a smile? Don. Louisa Soon may you return a prosperous wooer, But think what I suffer the while? Alone, and away from the man whom I love, In strangers I’m forced to confide. Isaac Dear lady, my friend you may trust, and he’ll prove Your servant, protector, and guide.
Air.
Don Car Gentle maid, ah! why suspect me? Let me serve thee—then reject me. Canst thou trust, and I deceive thee? Art thou sad, and shall I grieve thee? Gentle maid, ah! why suspect me? Let me serve thee—then reject me.
Trio.
Don. Louisa Never mayst thou happy be, If in aught thou’rt false to me. Isaac Never may he happy be, If in aught he’s false to thee. Don Car Never may I happy be, If in aught I’m false to thee. Don. Louisa Never mayst thou, &c. Isaac Never may he, &c. Don Car Never may I, &c.
[Exeunt.