The Sonorous Island

DURBIN.

Ah, it is easy to see that she was making fun of you.

ZERBIN.

I am very afraid that it is not so, Lord. Entirely focused on the idea of Celenie, entirely filled with your love, you hear only that, you think only of that: but a little reflection, I beg you; do you know what the Fairy said when you left her while humming with that detached air, so natural to great Lords when they are told what does not please them?

DURBIN.

What is this verbiage? Do I know everything that woman said?

ZERBIN.

That woman, that woman, that woman said, upon hearing you hum: Sing, sing, my son: but take care not to sing more than you would wish.

DURBIN.

Well.

ZERBIN.

Well, well, our ship, in spite of the rudder, in spite of the wind & the tide, comes here by the straightest path. Here we are: they sing, they sing; three more days, & you will be, whether you like it or not, the most determined singer (An Inhabitant appears here.) But look, here is an inhabitant spying on us; if you are curious to hear singing, you can question him.

DURBIN.

He is apparently listening to see if we are singing.

ZERBIN.

No, these spies have an attention from the Government. There have been some rumors regarding the basso fondamentale fundamental bass, & they fear some foulement agitation or discordant pressure.

DURBIN.

Is this people then so prone to unrest?