SCENE III.—A Library in DON JEROME'S House.
DON JEROME and DON FERDINAND discovered.
Don Jer. Object to Antonio! I have said it. His poverty, can you acquit him of that?
Don Ferd. Sir, I own he is not over rich; but he is of as ancient and honourable a family as any in the kingdom.
Don Jer. Yes, I know the beggars are a very ancient family in most kingdoms; but never in great repute, boy.
Don Ferd. Antonio, sir, has many amiable qualities.
Don Jer. But he is poor; can you clear him of that, I say? Is he not a gay, dissipated rake, who has squandered his patrimony?
Don Ferd. Sir, he inherited but little; and that his generosity, more than his profuseness, has stripped him of; but he has never sullied his honour, which, with his title, has outlived his means.
Don Jer. Psha! you talk like a blockhead! nobility, without an estate, is as ridiculous as gold lace on a frieze coat.
Don Ferd. This language, sir, would better become a Dutch or English trader than a Spaniard.