“Ah, ah, ah! very good.”
Nemorino sighs.
“And I see clearly I’ve carried your heart by storm. Well, well, no girl can withstand a red coat.”
“Ah, ah, ah! very good, sergeant.”
“Ah, me!” sighed the love-born swain.
“Well, pretty one, if your love equals mine, let’s ground arms—capitulate; on what day will you marry me?”
“Ah, ah, ah! very good, Sergeant Belcore.”
“Come—come—come—here’s the conqueror.”
“Sergeant, sergeant, you storm too soon. Who should cry victory before the battle has begun? And besides, I am Adina.”
“I wish,” thought the poor stricken lover, “I could talk as bravely as the sergeant.”