Quinola Water, senor? Why! It is the world. Without water, you could not—That is plain. Well now! This is the point on which my grandson's invention is based; water will subdue water. X equals O plus O, that is the complete formula.

Don Ramon (aside)
The terms he employs are incomprehensible.

Quinola
Do you understand me?

Don Ramon
Perfectly.

Quinola (aside) This man is a driveling dotard. (Aloud) I have spoken to you in the language of genuine philosophy—

Mathieu Magis (to Monipodio)
Can you tell me who this remarkably learned man is?

Monipodio He is a very great man, to whom I am indebted for my knowledge of ballistics; he is the director of the Venetian arsenal, and purposes this evening to make us a contribution on behalf of the republic.

Mathieu Magis
I must go and tell Senora Brancadori, she comes from Venice. (Exit.)

SCENE FOURTEENTH

The same persons, with the exception of Mathieu Magis. Lothundiaz and
Marie.