Monipodio
Quinola!
Quinola
What now?
(Paquita shows herself on the balcony.)
Monipodio
You are the greatest of men!
Quinola I know it. Make a discovery, and you will die persecuted as a criminal; make a copy, and you will live happy as a fool! And on the other hand, if Fontanares should die, why should not I save his invention for the good of humanity?
Monipodio
Especially, since we ourselves are humanity, as an old author says.
Let me embrace you.
SCENE SECOND
The same persons and Paquita.
Quinola (aside) Next to an honest dupe, I know nothing better than the self-deluding rascal.
Paquita (to herself)
Two friends embrace each other! They cannot therefore be spies.