Sheriff's Officer
This is the last lot, gentlemen. Going, going—no further bid? Gone!
It is knocked down to Senor Mathieu Magis for ten ducats, six
maravedis.
Lothundiaz (to Don Ramon) What do you think of that? Thus ends the sublime invention of our great man! He was right, by heaven, when he promised us a rare spectacle!
Coppolus
You can laugh; he does not owe you anything.
Esteban
It is we poor devils who have to pay for his folly.
Lothundiaz Did you get nothing, Master Coppolus? And what of my daughter's diamonds, which the great man's servant put into the machine?
Mathieu Magis
Why, they were seized in my house.
Lothundiaz And are not the thieves in the hand of justice? I would like best of all to see Quinola, that cursed pilferer of jewels, in durance.
Quinola (aside) Oh, my young life, what lessons are you receiving! My antecedents have ruined me.
Lothundiaz But if they catch him, his goose will soon be cooked, and I shall have the pleasure of seeing him dangling from the gallows, and giving the benediction with his feet.
Fontanares (to Quinola)
Our calamity stirs this dullard's wit.