SCENE II.-Figaro's Shop.

Enter FIORELLO, L.

Fior. When a man is determined to carry his point in spite of difficulty and danger, the more desperate and improbable the means, the more likely he is to succeed,- -so says my master, Count Almaviva, I hope his present scheme may justify this opinion.-If not, he has nothing left for it, but to carry off Rosina coute qui coute. This shop of Figaro's is most handily situated, to wait for intelligence-And let the night end propitiously, this night shall ratify the oath of love I've made to Marcellina.

SONG.-FIORello, L.

There's not in life so sweet an hour
As love in secret seeks,

There's not in life so bright a flow'r,
As the rose on beauty's cheeks.
The faith in such an hour that's given,
Shall perish never, never;

But with such roses bloom in heav'n,
There live and bloom for ever.

Then let thy heart in truth sincere,
Return me sigh for sigh;

While I repeat each vow that's dear,
And the hour of love is nigh.
For the faith, &c.

SCENE III.-Bartolo's House.

Enter BARTOLO and BASIL, L.

Bar. And do you say you don't know this Alonzo? Bas. Never set eyes on him, till I saw him here. Bar. Then, why didn't you expose him, the moment you saw him?

Bas. Because you stopt my mouth; I was about to tell you, but you ordered me not to contradict him be fore Rosina. I think by the large sum the purse contained, which he slipt into my hand, it must have been the Count himself.

Bar. But how came you to accept that purse, Basil ? Bas. How could I help it? You all seemed playing a game at puzzle, which I did not understand; at that moment he popped a purse of gold into my hand; and

-What do

in difficult cases that always determines me.you mean to do at present?

Bar. I'll marry her this night.

Bas. You are a bold man at your time of life, to marry a young girl against her inclinations.

Bar. Better marry her against her inclinations, than die for love of her.

Bas. Oh, if your life's in danger, marry her by all

means.

Bar. Well, do you go and fetch the notary, and be here by twelve o'clock.

Bus. He can't be here so soon; he's engaged at Figaro's.

Bar. What, for a marriage?

Bas. Yes, between some stranger and Figaro's niece.

Bar. What, the baby?-Oh then there is some mischief now.

Bas. What do you suspect?

Bar. Any thing, every thing. Go instantly and fetch the notary; bribe him to disappoint Figaro. I will remain here, and expect your return impatiently.Here is the master-key [Gives the key] with which you may let yourself and the notary in.

Bas. But, in the mean time, don't forget my advice; remember scandal, stick to that; vilify and blacken this Count to Rosina.

Bar. I will. The letter [Shewing it] which the im postor Alonzo gave me, will assist ;-he instructed me how to use it.-Away, away. [Exeunt, L.

Enter ROSINA on the opposite side.

Ros. All seems quiet now.-This cloak and stormy evening is favourable to Lindor's enterprise: it yet wants almost an hour of the time.-Ah, who's this?

Re-enter BARTOLO, L.

Bar. Stay, Rosina, stay, my dear.

Ros. (R.) I was this moment retiring to my apartment. Good night, sir.

Bar. Stay, stay a moment, child! I have something of consequence to say to you.

Ros. Always something to say.-Is not the day long enough to torment?

Bar. My dear, I have news from your lover.
Ros. [Aside.] Heavens! has he detected him?

f

Bar. Come here, child, -do you know this letter?
Ros. What do I see?-my own letter!

[Aside. Bar. Yes, you have placed your affections on a low wretch, who, with Figaro, the Barber, has conspired to give you to the arms of Count Almaviva.

Ros. Into the arms of another!-What do I hear? Lindor! base and ungenerous.

Bar. But you see the consequence in trusting to a stranger. No sooner had he obtained your letter than he made it over to the Count, whose vanity used it as a trophy of conquest; and at last it came into my hands from a lady, to whom he sacrificed it.

Ros. Is it possible such treachery exists in man! Could he, could Lindor betray me to Count Almaviva? but he shall feel my indignation, my revenge; and too late be taught how to respect Rosina. Sir, you have often asked my hand in marriage, if, after what has passed, you still esteem it worthy your acceptance, it is yours.

Bar. I do accept it with transport; and the notary will be here this very night.

Ros. This instant, sir, all is lost; for know, I expect the perfidious man here every moment. With shame I confess it, he is to enter at the lattice, of which Figaro, by stratagem, has contrived to deprive you of the key.

Bar. [Looking at his bunch of keys.] Oh, the villain! the key is gone, sure enough! But I'll defeat his plans, I'll not stir from the spot-I'll not leave you an instant. Ros. Mercy! if they should come armed, sir.

Bar. O Lord! I forgot that-in that case, they will shoot me, and carry you off! My dear child, as you are awake to the danger of your situation, let us act cautiously. You shall lock yourself up, and I will fetch the officers of justice.

Ros. But suppose, sir, they enter the house in your

absence.

Bur. Let them if they do enter, I'll deprive them of the means of escape, and have them apprehended for housebreakers. [Exit, L.

Ros. Oh, Lindor! could I have believed you so ungenerous. [Exit, R.

SCENE IV.-An Anti-room to ROSINA's Apartment. -A lattice window opening to a balcony, R. S. E. -Room very dark.- Table with writing materials.Candles on it not lit.-Storm heard distinctly. Lattice slowly opened.-FIGARO enters, R. wrapped up in his cloak, with a dark lanthorn in his hand.

Fig. So, at last here we are, and all quiet, as it should be: you may ascend, my lord.

[The COUNT is seen coming up wrapped in his crimson cloak; when he gets to the top of the ladder thunder is heard, and the lightning shews him distinctly.

Count. Your hand, Figaro.

Fig. A real true lover's night, my lord.
Count. [Jumps in.] Victoria! Victoria!

Fig. [Throws off his cloak.] Dripping wet! Fine weather to go fortune-hunting! What do you think of this night, my lord?

Count. The best in the world for a gallant.

Fig. Why, to be sure, it may do for a knight errant to rescue damsels and encounter giants; but for his 'squire, thunder, lightning, and rain, are not so agreeable.

Count. I fear them not, Figaro; my soul is occupied with a thousand doubts and fears; for if I this night lose Rosina-

Fig. Patience, patience, my lord: Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst; disappointment must be endured sometimes, and if you meet with it to-day, it is to be hoped you will escape it to-morrow.

Count, No, no, Figaro; no disappointment now, or all is lost. Rosina must be mine, or-but it is impossi ble to explain to you what I feel.

Fig. And it is impossible to explain to you, what I should feel, if we are detected; I shall be clapped in prison for my rent, and perhaps hanged for my impudence.

Count. Well, Figaro, hope for the best, and be prepared for the worst. Hanging is what you must endure some day or another; so, if you meet it to-day, it is to be hoped you will escape it to-morrow.

Fig. Oh! your humble servant, my lord. Well, then,' let it come, and I'll try to be as well prepared for my hanging, as you are for your marriage.

Count. Hold, Figaro! she comes.

Enter ROSINA, L.

Lovely Rosina! treasure of my soul. [Tukes her hand, which she withdraws indignantly.

Ros. I began to fear you would not come, sir.

Count. How flattering to my heart is that fear, Rosina! Can I make you the partner of one whose birth is low, whose fortune is humble.

Ros. Birth and fortune, sir, fall to the worthy and unworthy at random; convince me but of the purity of your intentions.-

Count. [Falling at her feet.] Oh, Rosina! by all the powers of love-by all the ties of faith and honour

Ros. Hold traitor! prophane not what you invoke, nor aggravate your crime by perjury. I, the object of your adoration! The falsehood of that protestation has settled my aversion for you

[COUNT attempts to approach her and speak. Away, sir; my infatuation is over; but before I abandon you to the bitterness of remorse, know, [Weeps] know, false man, my heart did overflow with affection for you, but your profligate abuse of that affection has roused my indignation, my scorn; for he who is mean enough to forget what is due to a fond woman's confidence, is an object below contempt, and unworthy of her anger. [Shewing him the letter.] You know this letter, sir.

Fig. What the devil does all this mean?

Count. Oh, heavens! I am the happiest of men!
Ros. How, sir!

Count. He had it from me, my Rosina. Bartholo had it from me. I made use of it to gain his confidence, and afterwards in vain endeavoured to explain this to you

Ros. Oh, Lindor! can I have been deceived? Are you, indeed, faithful?

Count. Most truly so; but may I credit my enrap tured senses, did Rosina think so tenderly of me?

Fig. You wished to be beloved for yourself, and not for your rank and fortune. Now, my lord, I hope you're satisfied.

Ros. What says Figaro? "My lord!"

Count. Amiable Rosina! I will not attempt longer to conceal myself from you; the man you behold in raptures at your feet is not Lindor, but Almaviva, who offers you his hand and fortune.