Enter on one side AmaccA and Don Toiocaso, attired
for the ball; on the other side, Ribbba.
BIBEBA.
What do ye here, my children ? Haste away I Maria waits you for the ball ; folk say 'T will be the bravest show e'er seen in Naples. I warrant you the Spagnoletto brings The richest jewels — what say*st thou, my son ?
DON TOMMASO.
I who have robbed you of one gem, need scarce Be-word, sir, how I prize it.
BIBEBA.
Why, 't is true. Robbed me, thou sayst? So hast thou. She was mine —
The balanced beauty of her flesh and spirit. That was my garland, and I was her all, Till thou, a stranger, stole her heart's allegiance, Suborned — Forgive me, I am old, a father, Whose doting passions bHnd. I am not jealous. Believe me, sir. When we Biberas give. We give without retraction or reserve, Were it our life-blood. I rejoice with thee That she is thine ; nor am I quite bereft, I have some treasure still. I do repent So heartily of my discourteous speech. That I will crave your leave before I kiss Your wife's soft palm.
