Doublefee. (Reads) I acknowledge to have received of Marcelina-Jane-Maria-Angelica-Mustachio, the sum of two thousand Piasters, in the Castle of Count Almaviva, which sum I promise to repay the said Marcelina-Jane-Maria-Angelica-Mustachio, and—or—and—or—or—The Word is blotted.
Doctor. No matter; the Sense of the Phrase is equally clear. This learned Court is not now to be informed the word or particle, Or, hath various significations—It means otherwise and either—It likewise means before—For example, in the language of the Poet.
Or ’ere the Sun decline the western Sky,
’Tis Fate’s decree the Victims all must die.
Figaro. This was the language of Prophesy, and spoken of the Doctor’s own Patients.
Count. “Silence in the Court.
Crier. “Silence in the Court.
Doctor. “Hence then, I clearly deduce (granting the word to be Or) the Defendant doth hereby promise, not only to pay the Plaintiff, but marry her before he pays her— Again, the word Or doth sometimes signify Wherefore, as another great and learned Poet hath it,
“Or how could heav’nly Justice damn us all,
Who ne’er consented to our Father’s Fall?