The Alchemist: Act 4, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis

Face enters with Kestrel and Dame Pliant. Face is telling Kestrel all about Subtle’s fortune and says Dame Pliant will soon become a Spanish countess. Dame Pliant asks if a Spanish countess is better than an English countess, and Kestrel tells Face to ignore her. “She is a fool,” Kestrel says. Face reassures them a Spanish countess is best. Ask anyone, Face says, and they will say that Spanish horses are best, as well as Spanish clothing and Spanish beards, and Spanish steps form the best dances.

Subtle enters, holding Dame Pliant’s horoscope, and begins to tell her fortune. Face interrupts. He has already told her, Face says, and Dame Pliant knows that she will become a Spanish countess. Subtle says Face can never keep a secret, but the Dame says she wouldn’t like to marry a Spanish count. She doesn’t like the Spanish. “Never sin’ eighty-eight could I abide ‘em,” she says, even though she wasn’t born until three years later. Kestrel turns to his sister. “God’s lid, you shall love him,” Kestrel says, “or I’ll kick you.” Dame Pliant promises she will. If she doesn’t, Kestrel says, he will “maul” her.

Surly enters, still disguised as a Spanish count, and Face welcomes him warmly. Surly begins speaking to them in Spanish, and Kestrel notes he isn’t speaking English. He asks Face if the Count is speaking French, and Face says it is Spanish. He tells Kestrel that the Count is fond of Dame Pliant, but it is custom in Spain for the woman to first advance and kiss the man. Kestrel orders Dame Pliant to kiss the Count, or he will “thrust a pin i’ [her] buttocks, and Face suggests they go out to the garden. He can translate, Face says, and Dame Pliant exits with Surly. Subtle quietly tells Face to get word to Doll, and then he tells Kestrel to come with him. They will finish his quarreling lesson, Subtle says.