Act II is in a richly furnished salon of _Don Pasquale's_ house. This

is the scene of the mock marriage, of _Norina's_ assumed display of temper and extravagance, _Don Pasquale's_ distraction, _Ernesto's_ amazement and enlightenment, and _Malatesta's_ amused co-operation. In this act occur the duet of the box on the ears, and the quartet, which begins with _Pasquale's_ "Son ardito" [Transcriber's Note: should be 'Son tradito'] (I am betrayed). It is the finale of the act and considered a masterpiece.