University of Virginia Library

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.