University of Virginia Library

ACT II.

SCENE I.

—The Ruins of an old Abbey, by Moonlight, R. U. E.—a gate and windows, through which a light is seen—a guitar hanging near the ruins.
Enter Rosa, with a basket of flowers, L.
Rosa.
My basket is replenish'd with choice flowers,
So I'll away to see the masquerade.
[As she is crossing to R., females are heard laughing loudly in the ruins.
Bless me! what sounds of revelry were those
In yonder abbey? Ha! I see a light!
The nunnery has not been inhabited
For many years. [Laughing repeated.]
Goodness! what can this mean?
[She looks through the keyhole of the door.
Oh, Gemini! what mischief's now afloat?
Ha! Georgina and her young companions
Dressing themselves a such a strange attire,
That—But I'll hide, for here the lady comes.

[She conceals herself behind the ruins, R. U. E.
Enter Georgina from the ruins, R., in the costume of the brigand Massaroni.
Geo.
[Drawing a pistol, as if stopping a traveller.]
—Stand and deliver, traveller, or you die!
What! you've no money? Swear it by the saints!
Poor fellow! take this purse; for Massaroni
Robs but those who rob their fellow-creatures;
Glutting themselves upon the widow's substance,
The orphan's birthright. Such it is his glory
To fleece, as they fleece others. Now, farewell;
And if the privileged robbers of this world
Should ask thee where the brigand Massaroni
Can be found, reply, that in the mountains
He dwells with honour and humanity!
[Aside.]
Come, that, I think, is not so much amiss!

Rosa.
[Aside, peeping from the ruins.]
No, for a miss, it certainly is not!

Geo.
There's something quite inspiring in this dress;
I feel myself courageous as a lion!

SONG.—Georgina.

Rosa.
[Coming forward, mimicking Georgina.]
“March, march away, I won't!”

Geo.
[Aside.]
Here comes a country girl, the pretty Rosa.
I'll frighten her, and then make love to her.
[Aloud, in a gruff voice.
How dare you, girl, at this untimely hour,
Cross Massaroni's path?

Rosa.
Because I know
He is too generous to harm a poor
And unoffending little flower girl.

Geo.
Be not too sure of that. But tell me, damsel,
Didst ever see the brigand Massaroni?

Rosa.
Never; but I have often heard of him.

Geo.
[In a menacing attitude.]
He stands before thee now!

Rosa.
[Coolly.]
You don't say so?

Geo.
[Aside.]
The saucy minx! she surely cannot know me?
[Aloud.]
Thou dost not tremble, then.

Rosa.
Tremble!—Oh, no!
I don't know why I should, I'm sure.

Geo.
Thou'rt right,
Fair maid! I love the gentle sex.

Rosa.
[Aside.]
No doubt: self-love's the first of nature's laws!

Geo.
Tell me, what think you of Massaroni?

Rosa.
[Roguishly regarding Georgina.]
Oh, he's well enough, if he had a beard.

Geo.
Psha! simpleton!—He is as yet quite young.

Rosa.
I see he is;—so young, that were he dressed
In petticoats, he'd look just like myself.

Geo.
[Aside.]
What a sharp eye the little vixen has!
[Aloud.]
No matter how he looks; he is resolved
To have a kiss of you, at all events.

Rosa.
With all my heart, miss; twenty, if you please.

Geo.
Miss!—Thou saucy little rogue! what mean ye?

Rosa.
I crave your pardon, Signor Massaroni;
But having two such pretty pouting lips,
A face so smooth, so sweet, so languishing,
I took you for a gentle love-lorn lady.

Geo.
Thou art mistaken, silly girl! 'Tis I,—
I who make the proudest princes tremble!
Massaroni is in war a lion,
Dealing destruction on his enemies;
In peace a lamb, courting the gentle arts
Of poetry and music. [Fetching the guitar.]
Come, listen.

SONG.—Georgina. Air, “Love's Ritornella.”

Rosa.
Delightful, I declare! Really, signor,
Methinks that singing better far becomes
You than blustering and fighting.

Geo.
[Angrily.]
Beware
Of Massaroni's frown; for, with the speed
Of lightning, whene'er he gives the signal,
His daring band of brigands all rush forth,
Ready to execute their chief's command.
[Whistling.
Behold, and tremble!

Enter Babbla and Female Brigands from the ruins.
Bab.
[To Georgina.]
Captain, your pleasure?

Rosa.
[Laughing.]
Captain!—Ha! ha! ha!

Geo.
[Sternly.]
Girl! thy impudence deserves correction!

[They all flourish their stilettos.
Rosa.
I pray you, ladies, do not look so fierce:
Such Massaroni's will not frighten me!

Geo.
[Aside.]
Confusion! then our secret is discovered!

Rosa.
In passing yonder ruins, a glimmering
Light I saw; a merry peal of laughter
Struck mine ear; and, peeping slyly through
That crazy lock, I found—hey presto! found
The key to all your hidden mysteries!

Geo.
'Twas true love's last resource; and as you hope
One day to get a husband, I charge you,
Be secret!

[She whispers to Rosa.
Rosa.
Rely on my discretion.

SOLO, DUETTO, and CHORUS.
Air, “How happy could I be with either.”
SOLO.—Georgina. [To Rosa.]
'Tis true, for a time we are rovers;
Yet I trust it will never be said,
That a female play'd false with true lovers;
If you do, may you die an old maid!

SOLO.—Rosa. [To the fair Brigands.]
Fear not, my dear, sweet little rovers;
Of me it shall never be said,
That I ever play'd false with true lovers;
If I do, may I die an old maid!

DUETTO AND CHORUS.
Geo. and Rosa.
'Tis true, for a time we are rovers,
Fear not, my dear, sweet little rovers,

Geo., Rosa.
Yet I trust it will/never be said,
Of me it shall/never be said,

Geo., Rosa.
That a female/play'd false with true lovers;
That I ever/play'd false with true lovers;

Geo., Rosa.
If you/do, may you/die an old maid!
If I/do, may I/die an old maid!

Chorus.
'Tis true, for a time we are rovers,
Yet we trust it will never be said,
That a female play'd false with true lovers;
If she does, may she die an old maid!

[Exit Rosa, R.
Geo.
This accident must not discourage us.
Had not that littie vixen played the spy,
I would defy her e'en to have surmised
We are not what we seem. These dresses well
Become us;—you know they all were made
To grace this night our merry masquerade.
But now for exercise. Are you armed
At all points with pistols and stilettos?

Bab.
We are, my lady— [Checking herself.]
Captain, I should say!

Geo.
It is well known that Massaroni's warfare
Is, like himself, wild and irregular;
Still something like true tactics now and then
He doth observe, and so must we. Attention!
[As Georgina commands, the fair brigands obey.
Prepare your stilettos! now to the charge!
[They rush forward in line.
Halt! to the right about! retreat in order!
March! halt, front!—Now draw your pistols, brigands!
Make ready—present—fire!
[Georgina fires—the rest hesitate.
[Angrily.]
Ha! confusion!
You dare to disobey your captain's orders?

Bab.
We beg your pardon, and have no objection
To fight with steel; but really we're afraid
To meddle with gunpowder.

Geo.
[With authority.]
At your peril,
Dare hesitate!

Bab.
Well, if we must, we must.

Geo.
You know the pistols have by my direction
Been charged with powder only; since our object
Is not to kill, but terrify a coward.
Attention, brigands! Make ready! present! fire!
[They fire a volley.
That was well done! Now, comrades, stand at ease;
And, to beguile the hour until 'tis time
To march to the attack, we'll have a dance
In the true brigand style.

Omnes.
Agreed! agreed!

A NEAPOLITAN BOLERO, WITH CASTANETS.
SOLO.—Georgina, à la Bolero.
When the merry bells are ringing,
And the little lambs are springing;
When the birds are blithly singing,
Sweetly sipping from life's flowing measure;
When the village lads are straying,
And the shepherd's pipe is playing,
Then's the time for harmony and pleasure!

Chorus of the fair Brigands, while dancing with castanets.
Fal, lal, lal, lal, la, &c.

Georgina.
When the village dames are talking,
When old fathers go a walking,
And there is no fear of baulking,
Then begins the frolicing and sporting;
When in silent bower reclining,
And the silver moon is shining,
Then's the witching hour for love and courting!

Chorus
(with dance)
When the merry bells are ringing, &c.

[At the end of the Bolero, the bell of a distant convent strikes nine.
Geo.
Attention, comrades!—Hark! the convent bell
Hath struck the hour of nine. On to glory!

CHORUS.—Air, “Blue Bonnets over the Border.”
March! march!—'tis at young Cupid's call;
Glory to her who her life for him loses!
March! march! pretty maids one and all;
No gallant youth will love her who refuses!

[Georgina places herself at the head of the fair Brigands, and they exeunt, R., marching in military order.

SCENE II.

—An Ante-Chamber in the Villa.
Enter the Count de Dorio, the Marquis Sapparino, and Jeromo, L.
Count.
My daughter left the villa, didst thou say?

Jer.
To take an evening promenade, my lord,
Attended by her maid and fair companions.

Count.
The time's ill chosen; for should the brigand,
Massaroni, and his band surprize them,
They'll prove so rich a booty, the treasures
Of a dukedom would not pay the ransom.

Mar.
[Coming forward.]
Spake you of Massaroni, noble sir?
If he dare make prisoner of Georgina,
I'll give him such a ransom with my sword,
As very soon shall make him cry “pecavi!”
Therefore no compromise, my lord, I pray,
Or you'll offend my valour.

Count.
I rejoice
To find my future son-in-law so brave;
For I detest a coward in my soul.
Come, Jeromo; my honoured guests e'en now
Assemble in the banquet hall, to share
The sports. [To Sapparino.]
We shall expect you there.

[Exeunt Count Dorio and Jeromo, R.
Mar.
Anon, my most noble father-in-law!
[Calling off, R. S. E.]
What ho! Ladroni!

Enter Ladroni, R. S. E.
Lad.
I am here, my lord.

Mar.
Didst overtake the little flower-girl,
The charming Rosa?

Lad.
After a hard chase,
I did, my lord.

Mar.
What said she to my letter?

Enter Rosa, L. S. E., listening.
Lad.
Kissed it a thousand times, and then cried,
“Yes!”

Mar.
[Delighted.]
Dear, lovely girl!—Then she is sure to come?

Lad.
As sure as fate.

Mar.
Such charms! such modesty!

Lad.
Don't be certain of that, my lord.

Mar.
Why, knave?
Dost dare assert that Rosa is not honest?

Lad.
The saints forbid! I only asked a kiss—

Mar.
Which she most properly refused.

Lad.
I pray you,
Regard me well, my lord—this graceful mein;
Then ask yourself, if it were possible
For any woman to refuse a kiss
To one so handsome as your serving man?

Mar.
Thou'rt a conceited coxcomb!

Lad.
As I said,
I asked a kiss; and—would you credit it?
She gave me twenty; called me her love, and
Swore that I was—

Rosa.
[Suddenly stepping between them.]
A scurvy, lying knave!

Mar.
Ah! charming Rosa!

Rosa.
I insist, my lord,
That you compel yon varlet to retract
His foul aspersions on my reputation.

Mar.
[Drawing his sword.]
He shall do so, or I will run him through!

[Ladroni falls on his knees.
Rosa.
My lord, I will myself dictate the terms
Of the vile slanderer's recantation.

Mar.
[Pointing his sword at Ladroni.]
Thou knave! repeat fair Rosa's words, or die!

Rosa.
[Dictating to Ladroni, who repeats each line after her.]
I, Miguel Ladroni, do declare,
That what I have said against the fair fame
Of Rosa Coralli, the flower-girl,
Was but a tissue of the foulest slander,
And base, unfounded lies!—And this I swear
Is true, as I am a boasting liar!

Rosa.
Enough! I'm satisfied.

Lad.
[Aside, rising.]
That's more than I am!

Mar.
[To Ladroni.]
Go, sirrah, and prepare my domino,
Then await my coming.

Lad.
[Going.]
I obey, my lord.
[Aside, pointing to Rosa.
Though I'm a liar, I'll for once speak true:
When next I shrive, I'll not confess to you.

[Exit, R.
Mar.
Most charming Rosa! fairest of all flowers!

Rosa.
Fairer than your beautiful Georgina?

Mar.
We will not mention her just now, my dear;
But talk a little of our love intrigue.

Rosa.
Fie! my lord. I must go sell my flowers.

Mar.
I'll buy them, and with them thy sweet self.
[Giving her a purse.]
Will this suffice?

Rosa.
For what, most noble sir?

Mar.
To buy thy flowers.

Rosa.
Aye, a hundred times.

Mar.
But to buy you?

Rosa.
Not all that you possess!
[Throwing the purse at him indignantly.
Take back your purse! The price of innocence
Is nothing less than honourable wedlock!

Mar.
[Aside, pocketting the purse.]
A little preacher, this, in petticoats!
[Aloud.]
Be not angry, Rosa;—sell thy flowers,
And meet me at the masquerade.—Adieu!

[Exit, C. D. F.
Rosa.
Yes, I will go; and it shall be my task,
Before them all a villain to unmask!

[Exit, R.

SCENE III.

—The Banquet Hall—folding-doors, C. F.
Jeromo and Domestics discovered making preparations for the masquerade.
Jer.
Come, bustle, bustle, idle knaves! our guests
Will speedily arrive. The wine and fruits
Place on this table, and the flower vases
On yon buffet; but with all due regard
To taste and symmetry. There, that will do!
[Festive music heard without.
Now fly! begone! open the folding-doors!
For, hark! the motley company draws near.

[Exeunt Servants, running, L., followed by Jeromo.
Music.—Enter the Count de Dorio, in his own dress, introducing Masquerade Characters; amongst them the Marquis Sapparino, Ladroni, Count Fernando, Sancho, Rosa, &c.
Count.
Welcome, my honoured guests!—Let mirth and joy
Tune every heart to sweetest harmony.
[Aside.]
Like many a priest, I find it easier far
To preach than practice: my joy is marred
By my daughter's absence.

Fer.
Where's Georgina,
The banquet's pride and brightest ornament?

Count.
She went to take an evening promenade
Into the orange grove that skirts the villa,
And hath not yet returned.

Fer.
Imprudent girl!
By night—unguarded—and at the time
When Massaroni, by most sure report,
Is lurking near the spot! Fare you well,
Most noble signors and signoras all!
I'll watch the footsteps of the lovely maid,
And safely guide her to her father's arms,
Or perish for her sake! Sancho, to horse!

[Exit, C. D. F.
San.
I come, my lord. [To Jeromo.]
But where's my dear Babbla?

Jer.
Go to, thou shallow pate!—Where should she be,
But with her mistress?

San.
And ere this, mayhap,
In Massaroni's power. That thought is madness!

Fernando.
[Without.]
Sancho! to horse, I say!

San.
I come, my lord!
And now, brim full of rage, I'll mount my poney,
And take revenge on this vile Massaroni!

[Exit, C. D. F.
Mar.
[Coming forward with Rosa.]
E'en let my silly rival, Count Fernando,
Go fight with Massaroni: I've a magnet
To me far more attractive. Charming Rosa!
Now's the time for our little tête-à-tête.

Rosa.
Such liberties would ill become a guest
So humble as myself, without permission
Of the most noble master of the villa.
[Calling loudly.
Count Dorio, and his worthy company,
A word with you, I crave.

[Courtsies.
Mar.
[Aside.]
Confound the jilt!

Lad.
[Apart to the Marquis.]
What think you of her now, my lord?—What charms!
How innocent!

[The Count and guests come forward.
Count.
[To Rosa.]
What wouldst thou, pretty maid?

Rosa.
Tell me, noble sir: is not yon marquis
Betrothed to your fair daughter?

Count.
Truly is he.

Rosa.
Then, my good lord, that you may know the man
Who is to be your future son-in-law,
Peruse that letter. [Handing it.]
On the eve of marriage,
He could not better occupy his time
Than in attempts to ruin a poor girl,
Whose only fortune is her innocence!

Count.
[To the Marquis, after reading the letter.]
—What means this villany?

Mar.
[Coolly.]
'Tis gallantry!
In this refined and fashionable age,
Such little love intrigues are all the rage.

Count.
My daughter's hand, my lord, shall ne'er be yours.

Mar.
Perhaps not. Her fortune I am sure of:
Look ye, here is the marriage contract!

Count.
[Aside.]
Fool that I was to act so thoughtlessly!
[To the guests.]
I do entreat of you, my honoured guests,
Let not this mar your present harmony.
Minstrels, strike up, and drown a father's cares!

Music.—A CHARACTERISTIC BALLET.
[The ballet is interrupted by the report of fire-arms, and the screams of females without.
Re-enter Jeromo, hastily, C. D. F.
Jer.
Suspend your festive mirth, and save yourselves!
Fly—fly! 'tis the brigand Massaroni!

[Music.—General consternation—the company scamper off—the Marquis Sapparino creeps under the table.
Enter Georgina, C. D. F., as the Brigand Chief, followed by Babbla, as her principal Officer, and the rest of the Fair Brigands, firing off their pistols.—Ladroni is about to escape—Georgina seizes him by the collar, drags him back, and he falls on his knees.
Geo.
[In a gruff voice.]
Who art thou, fellow?

Lad.
A poor honest servant.

Geo.
Who is thy lord?

Lad.
The Marquis Sapparino.

Geo.
The coward knave of whom I come in search!
Where is he? [Presenting a pistol.]
Speak! or I'll make thee tremble!

Lad.
[Loudly.]
Not for the world would I betray my master!
[In a whiper.]
Look under yonder table!

Geo.
[Going to the table.]
Come forth, thou
Recreant coward!—Answer for thy crimes
To Massaroni, and beg for mercy!

[She pulls him from under the table by the ear.
Mar.
[On his knees.]
Oh! mercy—mercy! good Signor Brigand!

Geo.
Most truly, now, thou art a valiant knight!
Is this the gallant Marquis Sapparino?
The desperate swordsman, who, in twenty minutes,
Can slay as many brigands? I have heard
Of your vain boasting, sir; and now demand
That you make good your words. [Producing a brace of pistols.]
Come, take your choice,
And fight me on the spot, or own yourself
A coward! [Pointing to Ladroni.]
Yonder base knave, your valet,
May be your second.

Lad.
No; with your good leave,
I'll not be second in this desp'rate strife,
But first—to run and save my precious life!

[Exit, C. D. F.
Geo.
[To Sapparino.]
No matter; you can fight without a second.

Mar.
I have no wish to murder any man,
Far less a gentleman so much respected
As Signor Massaroni. Here's my purse,
Well lined with gold, if that will satisfy you;
But I entreat you, use no violence,
And, above all, do not derange my person.

Geo.
Thou painted butterfly! put up thy purse;
For Massaroni scorns to rob a wretch
So poor, so utterly contemptible as thou!

Mar.
Ah! how generous!

[Footsteps heard without.
Bab.
[Looking off.]
Dispatch him, captain;
The villa is alarmed.

Geo.
[Cocking her pistol.]
Then he must die!

Mar.
[Trembling.]
And will you take no ransom?

Geo.
None!—Prepare!
Yet stay!—On one condition thou may'st live.

Mar.
Name it; I will consent to all you ask.

Geo.
Know, then, that Massaroni is the friend
Of persecuted lovers. I have heard,
With indignation just, that you aspire
To wed the daughter of Count Dorio,
Although her heart you know can ne'er be yours.
Your claim indeed is lawful, for you hold
The contract in your hand; but I, who set
Laws at defiance, do demand of you
Immediate surrender of the deed.

Mar.
[Aside.]
What a ferocious tiger! [To Georgina.]
I do obey.
Signor, here is the marriage contract.

Geo.
[Taking the deed.]
'Tis well; yet even this is not enough.
Luckily, I see on yonder table
Pens, ink, and paper ready. [Giving them to him.]
—Come, write,
Most noble lord, write what I shall dictate.

Mar.
[Aside, kneeling, and taking the pen.]
Shall I?

Geo.
No hesitation, or you die!
[Dictating.]
I, Guido Sapparino, do for ever
Renounce all claim to Georgina's hand;
And do confess myself a poltroon and
A coward!

Mar.
[Throwing down the pen.]
No, no, signor; that's too bad!

Geo.
[Threatening.]
Not worse than being shot!—Write, sir, or die!

Mar.
[After writing.]
'Tis done, most generous Signor Massaroni!

Geo.
Ha! 'tis well! I came not here to plunder:
I am satisfied. Now will I retire.

Mar.
[Aside, going.]
And so will I!

Geo.
[Pulling him back.]
And is it thus, my lord,
You'd leave the company of a gentleman,
Sans ceremony?

Mar.
[Bowing reluctantly.]
Sir, I crave your pardon!
Adieu, most noble Signor— [Aside.]
A'Diable!

Geo.
[Imitating him.]
Adieu, most noble marquis! a revoir!

Mar.
[Aside.]
Not for ten thousand crowns! Now, then, my legs,
Be true as gold, and swift as lightning!

[Exit, running, R.
Omnes.
[Laughing.]
Ha! ha! ha!

Geo.
[In her natural voice.]
Well, ladies, I must say you've done your duty
Most admirably. All goes bravely on;
And never was a desperate enterprise
Crowned with success more brilliant!

Voices.
[Without.]
On! on!

Count Fernando.
[Without.]
Come, follow me into the banquet-hall!

Bab.
[Pointing off, R.]
Behold! the Count Fernando comes this way.

Geo.
Then, Babbla, we must instantly retreat.
Now, comrades, to the right about face—march!

[Music.—Georgina and the rest retreat in good order, L.

SCENE IV.

—A Landscape.
Enter Georgina, Babbla, and the rest of the Fair Brigands, hastily, R. S. E.
Geo.
Halt, comrades!—Now to cover our retreat.
Make ready—present—fire!

[They fire off, L.
Bab.
Plenty of smoke, my lady, but no danger;
Since our pistols are but charged with powder.

Voices.
[Without.]
Follow! follow!

Geo.
They come!—Now to the abbey ruins—march!

[Exeunt, L. S. E.
Enter Count Fernando, Count Dorio, Sancho, Jeromo, and Vassals, hastily, in pursuit, R. S. E.
Fer.
This way, my friends. [To Count Dorio.]
You say my dear Georgina
Hath not returned?

Count.
Alas! I grieve to say,
We've heard no tidings of her, and I fear,
Lest Massaroni should have crossed her path.

San.
And my dear Babbla, too?

Jer.
No doubt of it.
Babbla is as true to her fair mistress—

San.
As I to my good master.

Fer.
Cease prating;
And follow to the rescue of my love!

[Exit, L. S. E.
San.
To the world's end! [Flourishing his sword.]
—Now, then, for love and glory!

[Exeunt, L. S. E.
Enter Rosa, R., followed by Ladroni, with his head bound up.
Rosa.
I hope your wound, poor fellow, is not mortal!

Lad.
Alas! I feel it is.

Rosa.
How did it happen?

Lad.
In fighting beside my honoured, noble master,
That rascal Massaroni fired his pistol
Point blank into my face; right through my head
The bullet flew!

Enter the Marquis Sapparino, R. S. E., unseen by Rosa and Ladroni.
Rosa.
What a calamity!
Let me examine if the wound be serious.

Lad.
'Tis useless, pretty Rosa; mortal aid
Can now avail me nothing, for by this
Time to-morrow, I shall be meat for worms!

Rosa.
The saints forbid! Come, I will be your doctor.

Lad.
'Tis of no use!

Rosa.
Yes, but I say I will!
[She unties the handkerchief, Ladroni endeavours to prevent her.
Oh, what a dreadful wound!—Why, as I live,
I cannot even see the slightest scratch!

Mar.
[Stepping between them.]
Why, thou poltroon! didst thou not run away?

Lad.
Yes, I ran to fetch—more ammunition.

[Exit, L.
Mar.
The miserable coward!—I alone
Bore the whole brunt of the tremendous conflict!

Rosa.
Aye, on your knees; for you must know, my lord,
That I peeped through the key-hole all the time.

Mar.
You did! [Aside.]
The little vixen! [Aloud.]
Hush, dear Rosa!
Speak not a word of what you saw, I pray!
Besides, I'm engaged just now.—Adieu!

[Exit, hastily, L.
Rosa.
[Calling after him.]
Stay, stay!—Where is your marriage contract?
The paper that the brigand made you sign?
[Laughing.]
Ha! ha! ha!

[Exit, R.

SCENE V.

—The Abbey Ruins, as before.
Enter Count Fernando, Sancho, Count Dorio, Jeromo, Rosa, Vassals, Peasants, and Attendants, L.
San.
[To Fernando.]
This way, my lord; the brigands have retreated
To yon abbey ruins.

Fer.
Surround the pile,
And we will quickly force them to surrender!
[He advances fiercely to the ruins, R. U. E.
Yield thee, thou daring outlaw, Massaroni!
Or die a rebel and a traitor!

[The abbey gate opens.
Enter Georgina and the Female Brigands, in long cloaks and brigand hats—they sally forth, presenting their pistols.
Geo.
Never
Will Massaroni yield while life remains!

Fer.
Then take thy just reward! [To the Vassals.]
—What ho! make ready!
Present!—

Geo.
Tut! tut!—Think not to frighten me:
For know, that Georgina and her companions
Are still within my power. Fire on us,
Their death is certain!

Count.
[To Fernando.]
Forbear! for mercy's
Sake, forbear! [To Georgina.]
Name but the ransom, brigand,—
Take all my gold—take all I have on earth,
But give me back my child!

Geo.
I ask no ransom:
Give your fair daughter to Count Fernando,
And the bold mountain brigand is content.

Fer.
Now, by my sword, thou art a gen'rous foe!

Count.
Gladly would I comply with thy demand,
But that my daughter is by contract bound
To the coward Marquis Sapparino.

Geo.
To wring that contract from a villain's grasp
I made th' attack this night upon your villa.
[Holding up the deed.]
See, my lord, 'tis here! Take it, Fernando!
[Gives him the contract.
Accept it from the hand of Massaroni!

Fer.
Would that all honest men were but as brave
As the bold brigand chief!

Geo.
No compliments.
[Giving a paper to Count Dorio.
Here is, besides, another document,
In which your brave intended son-in-law,
The marquis, doth confess himself a coward.

Count.
[After perusing the paper.]
'Tis even so!—Now, generous brigand,
Where is my child, the lovely Georgina?

[Georgina and her companions throw off their disguise.
Geo.
Here, noble sire—the Female Massaroni!

[Count Dorio presents Georgina to Fernando, and Babbla rushes into the arms of Sancho, amidst the shouts and huzzas of the Peasantry and Attendants.
GRAND CHORUS.—FINALE.
Happy pair! happy pair!
Hymen take you to his care;
And the sunshine of your joy
May no troubles e'er annoy!
Happy pair! happy pair!
Hymen take you to his care!

DISPOSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE FALL OF THE CURTAIN.
     

	Vassals.		Attendants.		Vassals.
Jer.	Rosa.	Count D.	Georgina.	Fernando.	Bab.	San.
Ladies.						Ladies.