Flor. Then, as I hope to be saved, 'twas a jest. Raym. In jest or earnest, you must wed her, sir. Flor. Well, well, I have no objection to marry lady in jest; but there, with your permission, the jest shall end.

Raym. It is no joke. We have a custom, sir,
And custom is our law, (which, to oppose,
Is but to rear a bulrush 'gainst the flood)
That any one (no matter of what nation)
Who promises an Indian maid his love,
Shall, as her husband, make that promise good.
Gons. So, so, I may get rid of him, however.

the

(Aside.) Flor. Nay, my dear sir, I knew you had certain. laws with respect to the married ladies; but I thought maids were left to govern themselves.

Raym. (To GONSALVO.) Then I appeal to you, sir; tho' a Spaniard. You have a daughter.

Gons. Yes.

Raym. Suppose a case, then.

Flor. Oh, my cursed vivacity.

Raym. Suppose a smooth gallant,

(Aside.)

Handsome as this may be, with soft-breath'd speech,

And other gentle practices of love,

Stole to your daughter's heart-as you're a father, And jealous of the honour of your child,

Were you

in judgment sitting on this man,

What would your judgment be?

Gons.

'Tis a hard question.

If, as 'tis urg'd, and has not been denied,

If with fair seeming honourable love

He entertain'd her, and the hope of marriage,
Then, as a father, jealous of the honour

Of my own child, in this poor Indian girl —
But hold

her parents have consented?

Flor. Right, sir, a very excellent question: you would not, I am sure, let me marry your daughter without your consent.

Raym. They have consented.

Flor. Perhaps, sir, by this time they have chang'd their mind.

Gons. Why, then, I think,

In honour and in conscience, as by law,

Florio is bound to make the maid his wife.
Raym. (Takes ALMANZA's hand, and leads her to
FLORIO.) Come, your hand, sir.

What, you refuse! - Prepare the stake.

Flor. Refuse oh, no! - The stake! That is,

don't absolutely refuse

Raym. D'ye hear. (To the Creeks.)

Flor. Not immediately, if you please, gentlemen. A word with the lady, by your leave. Madam, as

you are determined to make a happy man of me, whether I will or no, it is but candid I should give you a slight sketch of the joys we are likely to experience.

Alm. Oh, I could listen to that voice for ever.
Raym. Come, sir.

Flor. Well, sir, I give no, I don't give it, but there is my hand.

(She takes his hand, and leads him to the Governor.)

Alm. Your blessing and forgiveness, sir.

Gons. How!

Alm. Your daughter, sir.

Fern. My sister!

Flor. Almanza!

Gons. This is a trick.

Raym.

An honest one, sir.

You have passed sentence like a righteous judge;

Now, like a father, see it executed.

Gons. Well, well, I see Fortune will have it so, And I consent.

Alm.

Why, Florio, still amazed?

Flor. Yes: by this light, or rather by this darkness, thou art she; and for this jade's trick thou hast played, in forcing me to marry the woman I adore, I will love thee most unmercifully.

Alm. What, you will beat me, then 2

Flor. No; though I shall almost love thee well enough, I will restrain the violence of my affection, and not beat thee.

Alm. That is, if I shall be content with a half, or a quarter, or a tenth, or a

Flor. Nay, you shall have me all.

Alm. I don't expect that; yet I will never quarrel with thine inconstancy, if, when thou stealest affection from Almanza, thou wilt give it to Abacoa.

Raym. Now we will see you to the boundary. At distance, 'twixt the Spaniards and the Creeks There may be friendship still, but nothing farther. Come, we will see you safe there.

[Exeunt.

THE END.

YOUR'S OR MINE,

A COMIC OPERA.

IN THREE ACTS.