(Paquita shows herself on the balcony.)

Monipodio
You are the greatest of men!

Quinola
I know it. Make a discovery, and you will die persecuted as a
criminal; make a copy, and you will live happy as a fool! And on the
other hand, if Fontanares should die, why should not I save his
invention for the good of humanity?

Monipodio
Especially, since we ourselves are humanity, as an old author says.
Let me embrace you.


SCENE SECOND

The same persons and Paquita.


Quinola (aside)
Next to an honest dupe, I know nothing better than the self-deluding
rascal.

Paquita (to herself)
Two friends embrace each other! They cannot therefore be spies.

Quinola