Avaloros Stay; here are two ducats if you will say that I am sometimes pensive—

Paquita I will say that your tastes are expensive. But I must go and induce the senora to dress herself. (Exit.)

SCENE SECOND

Avaloros and Sarpi.

Sarpi
Poor viceroy! He is the youngster.

Avaloros While your little cousin is making a fool of him, you are displaying all the activity of a statesman and clearing the way for the king's conquest of French Navarre. If I had a daughter I would give her to you. Old Lothundiaz is no fool.

Sarpi How fine it would be to be founder of a mighty house; to win a name in the history of the country; to be a second Cardinal Granville or Duke of Alva!

Avaloros Yes! It would be a very fine thing. I also think of making a name. The emperor made the Fuggers princes of Babenhausen; the title cost them a million ducats in gold. For my part, I would like to be a nobleman at a cheaper rate.

Sarpi
You! How could you accomplish it?

Avaloros
This fellow Fontanares holds the future of commerce in his own hands.