ACT II.SCENE I.—

Wants whets the wit, 'tis true; but wit, not blestWith fortune's aid, makes beggars at the best.Wit is not fed, but sharpened with applause;For wealth is solid food, and wit but hungry sauce.[Exit.

Wants whets the wit, 'tis true; but wit, not blest

With fortune's aid, makes beggars at the best.

Wit is not fed, but sharpened with applause;

For wealth is solid food, and wit but hungry sauce.[Exit.

A Bed-Chamber; a Couch prepared, and set so near the Pit that the Audience may hear.Alphonsoenters with a Book in his Hand, and sits; reads to himself a little while. EnterVictoria,and sits by him, then speaks.

A Bed-Chamber; a Couch prepared, and set so near the Pit that the Audience may hear.

Alphonsoenters with a Book in his Hand, and sits; reads to himself a little while. EnterVictoria,and sits by him, then speaks.

Vict.If on your private business I intrude,Forgive the excess of love, that makes me rude.I hope your sickness has not reached your heart,But come to bear a suffering sister's part;Yet, lest I should offend you by my stay,Command me to depart, and I obey.Alph.The patient, who has passed a sleepless night,Is far less pleased with his physician's sight.Welcome, thou pleasing, but thou short reprieve,To ease my death, but not to make me live.Welcome, but welcome as a winter's sun,That rises late, and is too quickly gone.}{Vict.You are the star of day, the public light;{And I am but your sister of the night;{Eclipsed, when you are absent from my sight.Alph.Death will for ever take me from your eyes;But grieve not you, for, when I set, you rise:}{Don Garcia has deserved to be your choice,{And 'tis a brother's duty to rejoice.{Vict.And yet, methought, you gave him not your voice.Alph.You saw a sudden sickness left me weak;I had no joy to give, nor tongue to speak:And therefore I withdrew, to seek reliefIn books, the fruitless remedies of grief.Vict.But tell me what philosopher you found,To cure your pain?Alph.The fittest for my wound,Who best the gentle passions knows to move;Ovid, the soft philosopher of love.His Love Epistles for my friends I chose;For there I found the kindred of my woes.Vict.His nymphs the vows of perjured men deplore;One in the woods, and one upon the shore:All are at length forsaken or betrayed;And the false hero leaves the faithful maid.Alph.Not all; for, Linus kept his constancy;And one, perhaps, who more resembled me.Vict.That letter would I view; in hope to findSome features of the fair that rules your mind.Alph.Read, for the guilty page is doubled down;The love too soon will make the lover known.[Giving her the Book.Read, if you dare; and, when the crime you see,Accuse my cruel fate, but pity me.Vict.[Aside.]'Tis what I feared, the unhappy Canace!—Read you; for, to a brother 'twas designed,[To him.And sent him by a sister much too kind.[Alphonsotakes the Book, and reads.Why did thy flames beyond a brother's move?Why loved I thee with more than sister's love?[He looks upon her, and she holds down her head. He reads again.My cheeks no longer did their colour boast;My food grew loathsome, and my strength I lost;Still, ere I spoke, a sigh would stop my tongue;Short were my slumbers, and my nights were long.I knew not from my love those griefs did grow,Yet was, alas! the thing I did not know.[She looks on him, and he holds down his Head.Forced at the last, my shameful pain I tell.Vict.No more; we know our mutual love too well.[Both look up, and meet each other's Eyes.Alph.Two lines in reading had escaped my sight;Shall I go back, and do the poet right?Vict.Already we have read too far, I fear;But read no more than modesty may bear.Alphonso reading.For I loved too, and, knowing not my wound,A secret pleasure in thy kisses found.[He offers to kiss her, and she turns her head away.May we not represent the kiss we read?Vict.Alphonso, no:—brother, I should have said!Alphonso reading again.When half denying, more than half content,Embraces warmed me to a full consent;Then, with tumultuous joys my heart did beat,And guilt, that made them anxious, made them great.[She snatches the Book, and throws it down, then rises and walks; he rises also.Vict.Incendiary book, polluted flame,Dare not to tempt the chaste Victoria's fame!I love, perhaps, more than a sister should;And nature prompts, but heaven restrains my blood.Heaven was unkind, to set so strict a bound.And love would struggle to forbidden ground.Oh let us gain a Parthian victory!Our only way to conquer, is to fly.Alph.No more, Victoria; though my love aspiresMore high than yours, and fiercer are my fires,I cannot bear your looks; new flames ariseFrom every glance, and kindle from your eyes.Pure are the beams which from those suns you dart;But gather blackness from my sooty heart.Then let us each with hasty steps remove;Nor spread contagion, where we meant but love.Vict.Hear, heaven and earth, and witness to my vows;And Love, thou greatest power that nature knows!This heart, Alphonso, shall be firmly thine;This hand shall never with another join:Or if, by force, my father makes me wed,Then Death shall be the bridegroom of my bed.Now let us both our shares of sorrow take;And both be wretched for each other's sake.Alph.By those relentless powers that rule the skies,And by a greater power, Victoria's eyes,No love but yours shall touch Alphonso's heart;Nor time, nor death, my vowed affections part:Nor shall my hated rival live to seeThat hour which envious fate denies to me.Now seal we both our vows with one dear kiss.Vict.No; 'tis a hot, and an incestuous bliss!Let both be satisfied with what we swore;I dare not give it, lest I give you more.[ExitVictoria,looking back on him, and he gazing on her.Alph.Oh raging, impious, and yet hopeless fire!Not daring to possess what I desire;Condemned to suffer what I cannot bear;Tortured with love, and furious with despair.Of all the pains which wretched mortals prove,The fewest remedies belong to love:But ours has none; for, if we should enjoy,Our fatal cure must both of us destroy.Oh dear Victoria! cause of all my pain;Oh dear Victoria! whom I would not gain;Victoria, for whose sake I would survive!Victoria, for whose sake I dare not live!EnterGarciawith Attendants. The two Princes salute,butAlphonsovery coldly.Gar.I come to show my grief for your distemper;For, if my noble brother saw my heart,There should you find a plain, a holy friendship,Unmixt with interest, equally partakingOf what affects you, both of good and ill.Alph.I thank you; but my malady increasesAt your approach. I have no more to say;But wish you better health than I can boast,And to myself a lonely privacy.Gar.I find I am not welcome to your sight;But know not from what cause.Alph.[Angrily.]My surest remedy is in your absence.'Tis hard my lodgings cannot be my own,But importuned with visits undesired;And therefore, I must tell you, troublesome.Gar.'Tis an odd way of entertaining friends;But, since I find you discomposed with sickness,That shall excuse your humours; where I go,I hope for better welcome.Alph.Sir, I must ask, whom you pretend to visit?Gar.My mistress, prince.Alph.Your mistress! who's that mistress?Gar.What need I name Victoria?Alph.Who? my sister!Gar.Whom else could you imagine?Alph.Any other.Gar.And why not her?Alph.Because I know not if she will admit you.Gar.Her father has allowed it.Alph.But not she;Or, if both have, yet my consent is wanting.You take upon you in a foreign kingdom,As if you were at home in your Navarre.Gar.And you, methinks,As if you had no father, or no king.Farewell, I will not stay.Alph.You shall not go:Thus as I am, thus single, thus unarmed,And you with guards attended—Gar.You teach me to forget the rule of manners.Alph.I mean to teach you better.[AsGarciais going to pass by him,Alphonsoruns to one of his Attendants, and snatches his Sword away, then steps betweenGarciaand the Door.EnterVeramondandXimena,attended.Vera.What means this rude behaviour in my court?As if our Arragon were turned to Thrace,Unhospitable to her guests, and thou,Alphonso, a Lycurgus.Alph.He would pass,Without my sister's leave, into her lodgings.By heaven, if this be suffered to proceed,The next will be to treat the royal maidAs coarsely, as she were some suburb girl.Gar.[To Vera.]Had I not your permission, sir?Vera.You had.But these, Alphonso, are thy ruffian manners.How dar'st thou, boy, to break my orders,And then asperse thy sister with thy crime?Alph.She said his presence was unpleasing to her.Vera.Come, thou beliest her innocence and duty:She did not, durst not say it.Alph.If she did not,I dare, and will maintain to all the world,That Garcia is not worthy of my sister.Vera.Not worthy!Alph.No; I say once more, not worthy.Gar.Not in myself; for who deserves Victoria?But, since her royal father bids me hope,Not less unworthy than another prince:—And none, with your permission, sir, shall dare[ToVer.To interpose betwixt my love and me.Alph.Sure a less price, than our infanta's bed,Might pay thee for thy mercenary troops.Vera.Peace, insolent; too long I have enduredThy haughty soul, untamed and turbulent:But, if I live, this shall not pass unpunished;Darkness and chains are medicines for a madman.Xim.My lord, I humbly beg you, spare your son;And add not fury to a raging fire.He soon will recollect his scattered reason,Which heat of youth, and sickness and fatigues,Have dissipated in his boiling blood.Give him but time, and then his temperate humourWill soon return into the native channel,And, unopposed, be calm.Vera.No; never more.The moon has rolled above his head, and turned it;As peals of thunder sour the generous wine.—Hence from my presence, thou no more my son![ToAlph.Xim.If he be mad, be madness his excuse;And pardon nature's error, not his own.Vera.Ximena, you have fondled him to this:I prophesied; and now 'tis come to pass.Gar.Perhaps I interrupted him too rudely;And, since I caused myself that ill reception,Forgive our mutual faults.Vera.You shall prevail;Though he deserves not such an intercessor.—[ToAlph.]Retire, Alphonso, to your inmost lodgings,And there inclose yourself, and mourn your crimes.Be this your last relapse; the next is fatal.Alph.I will retire:But, if I am a madman, as you say,And as I half believe, expect no cureBut in Alphonso's death.[Alphonsogoes in.Xim.[Aside.]It works apace;But whither it will tend, heaven only knows.[Vera.sees the Book upon the Ground,and takes it up.Vera.This book he left; go bear it after him.—Yet stay; I know not why, but somewhat prompts meTo read this folded page.—[ToGarcia.]Go, royal youth:I would myself conduct you to Victoria,But lovers need no guide to their desires;And love no witness, but himself, requires.[Exeunt the King and Queen one Way, with their Attendants; andDon Garciawith his, another.

Vict.If on your private business I intrude,

Forgive the excess of love, that makes me rude.

I hope your sickness has not reached your heart,

But come to bear a suffering sister's part;

Yet, lest I should offend you by my stay,

Command me to depart, and I obey.

Alph.The patient, who has passed a sleepless night,Is far less pleased with his physician's sight.Welcome, thou pleasing, but thou short reprieve,To ease my death, but not to make me live.Welcome, but welcome as a winter's sun,That rises late, and is too quickly gone.

Alph.The patient, who has passed a sleepless night,

Is far less pleased with his physician's sight.

Welcome, thou pleasing, but thou short reprieve,

To ease my death, but not to make me live.

Welcome, but welcome as a winter's sun,

That rises late, and is too quickly gone.

}{Vict.You are the star of day, the public light;{And I am but your sister of the night;{Eclipsed, when you are absent from my sight.

}

{Vict.You are the star of day, the public light;

{And I am but your sister of the night;

{Eclipsed, when you are absent from my sight.

Alph.Death will for ever take me from your eyes;But grieve not you, for, when I set, you rise:}{Don Garcia has deserved to be your choice,{And 'tis a brother's duty to rejoice.

Alph.Death will for ever take me from your eyes;

But grieve not you, for, when I set, you rise:

}

{Don Garcia has deserved to be your choice,

{And 'tis a brother's duty to rejoice.

{Vict.And yet, methought, you gave him not your voice.

Alph.You saw a sudden sickness left me weak;I had no joy to give, nor tongue to speak:And therefore I withdrew, to seek reliefIn books, the fruitless remedies of grief.

Alph.You saw a sudden sickness left me weak;

I had no joy to give, nor tongue to speak:

And therefore I withdrew, to seek relief

In books, the fruitless remedies of grief.

Vict.But tell me what philosopher you found,To cure your pain?

Vict.But tell me what philosopher you found,

To cure your pain?

Alph.The fittest for my wound,Who best the gentle passions knows to move;Ovid, the soft philosopher of love.His Love Epistles for my friends I chose;For there I found the kindred of my woes.

Alph.The fittest for my wound,

Who best the gentle passions knows to move;

Ovid, the soft philosopher of love.

His Love Epistles for my friends I chose;

For there I found the kindred of my woes.

Vict.His nymphs the vows of perjured men deplore;One in the woods, and one upon the shore:All are at length forsaken or betrayed;And the false hero leaves the faithful maid.

Vict.His nymphs the vows of perjured men deplore;

One in the woods, and one upon the shore:

All are at length forsaken or betrayed;

And the false hero leaves the faithful maid.

Alph.Not all; for, Linus kept his constancy;And one, perhaps, who more resembled me.

Alph.Not all; for, Linus kept his constancy;

And one, perhaps, who more resembled me.

Vict.That letter would I view; in hope to findSome features of the fair that rules your mind.

Vict.That letter would I view; in hope to find

Some features of the fair that rules your mind.

Alph.Read, for the guilty page is doubled down;The love too soon will make the lover known.[Giving her the Book.Read, if you dare; and, when the crime you see,Accuse my cruel fate, but pity me.

Alph.Read, for the guilty page is doubled down;

The love too soon will make the lover known.[Giving her the Book.

Read, if you dare; and, when the crime you see,

Accuse my cruel fate, but pity me.

Vict.[Aside.]'Tis what I feared, the unhappy Canace!—Read you; for, to a brother 'twas designed,[To him.And sent him by a sister much too kind.[Alphonsotakes the Book, and reads.

Vict.[Aside.]'Tis what I feared, the unhappy Canace!—

Read you; for, to a brother 'twas designed,[To him.

And sent him by a sister much too kind.

[Alphonsotakes the Book, and reads.

Why did thy flames beyond a brother's move?Why loved I thee with more than sister's love?[He looks upon her, and she holds down her head. He reads again.My cheeks no longer did their colour boast;My food grew loathsome, and my strength I lost;Still, ere I spoke, a sigh would stop my tongue;Short were my slumbers, and my nights were long.I knew not from my love those griefs did grow,Yet was, alas! the thing I did not know.[She looks on him, and he holds down his Head.Forced at the last, my shameful pain I tell.

Why did thy flames beyond a brother's move?

Why loved I thee with more than sister's love?

[He looks upon her, and she holds down her head. He reads again.

My cheeks no longer did their colour boast;

My food grew loathsome, and my strength I lost;

Still, ere I spoke, a sigh would stop my tongue;

Short were my slumbers, and my nights were long.

I knew not from my love those griefs did grow,

Yet was, alas! the thing I did not know.

[She looks on him, and he holds down his Head.

Forced at the last, my shameful pain I tell.

Vict.No more; we know our mutual love too well.[Both look up, and meet each other's Eyes.

Vict.No more; we know our mutual love too well.

[Both look up, and meet each other's Eyes.

Alph.Two lines in reading had escaped my sight;Shall I go back, and do the poet right?

Alph.Two lines in reading had escaped my sight;

Shall I go back, and do the poet right?

Vict.Already we have read too far, I fear;But read no more than modesty may bear.

Vict.Already we have read too far, I fear;

But read no more than modesty may bear.

Alphonso reading.

For I loved too, and, knowing not my wound,A secret pleasure in thy kisses found.[He offers to kiss her, and she turns her head away.May we not represent the kiss we read?

For I loved too, and, knowing not my wound,

A secret pleasure in thy kisses found.

[He offers to kiss her, and she turns her head away.

May we not represent the kiss we read?

Vict.Alphonso, no:—brother, I should have said!

Alphonso reading again.When half denying, more than half content,Embraces warmed me to a full consent;Then, with tumultuous joys my heart did beat,And guilt, that made them anxious, made them great.[She snatches the Book, and throws it down, then rises and walks; he rises also.

Alphonso reading again.

When half denying, more than half content,

Embraces warmed me to a full consent;

Then, with tumultuous joys my heart did beat,

And guilt, that made them anxious, made them great.

[She snatches the Book, and throws it down, then rises and walks; he rises also.

Vict.Incendiary book, polluted flame,Dare not to tempt the chaste Victoria's fame!I love, perhaps, more than a sister should;And nature prompts, but heaven restrains my blood.Heaven was unkind, to set so strict a bound.And love would struggle to forbidden ground.Oh let us gain a Parthian victory!Our only way to conquer, is to fly.

Vict.Incendiary book, polluted flame,

Dare not to tempt the chaste Victoria's fame!

I love, perhaps, more than a sister should;

And nature prompts, but heaven restrains my blood.

Heaven was unkind, to set so strict a bound.

And love would struggle to forbidden ground.

Oh let us gain a Parthian victory!

Our only way to conquer, is to fly.

Alph.No more, Victoria; though my love aspiresMore high than yours, and fiercer are my fires,I cannot bear your looks; new flames ariseFrom every glance, and kindle from your eyes.Pure are the beams which from those suns you dart;But gather blackness from my sooty heart.Then let us each with hasty steps remove;Nor spread contagion, where we meant but love.

Alph.No more, Victoria; though my love aspires

More high than yours, and fiercer are my fires,

I cannot bear your looks; new flames arise

From every glance, and kindle from your eyes.

Pure are the beams which from those suns you dart;

But gather blackness from my sooty heart.

Then let us each with hasty steps remove;

Nor spread contagion, where we meant but love.

Vict.Hear, heaven and earth, and witness to my vows;And Love, thou greatest power that nature knows!This heart, Alphonso, shall be firmly thine;This hand shall never with another join:Or if, by force, my father makes me wed,Then Death shall be the bridegroom of my bed.Now let us both our shares of sorrow take;And both be wretched for each other's sake.

Vict.Hear, heaven and earth, and witness to my vows;

And Love, thou greatest power that nature knows!

This heart, Alphonso, shall be firmly thine;

This hand shall never with another join:

Or if, by force, my father makes me wed,

Then Death shall be the bridegroom of my bed.

Now let us both our shares of sorrow take;

And both be wretched for each other's sake.

Alph.By those relentless powers that rule the skies,And by a greater power, Victoria's eyes,No love but yours shall touch Alphonso's heart;Nor time, nor death, my vowed affections part:Nor shall my hated rival live to seeThat hour which envious fate denies to me.Now seal we both our vows with one dear kiss.

Alph.By those relentless powers that rule the skies,

And by a greater power, Victoria's eyes,

No love but yours shall touch Alphonso's heart;

Nor time, nor death, my vowed affections part:

Nor shall my hated rival live to see

That hour which envious fate denies to me.

Now seal we both our vows with one dear kiss.

Vict.No; 'tis a hot, and an incestuous bliss!Let both be satisfied with what we swore;I dare not give it, lest I give you more.[ExitVictoria,looking back on him, and he gazing on her.

Vict.No; 'tis a hot, and an incestuous bliss!

Let both be satisfied with what we swore;

I dare not give it, lest I give you more.

[ExitVictoria,looking back on him, and he gazing on her.

Alph.Oh raging, impious, and yet hopeless fire!Not daring to possess what I desire;Condemned to suffer what I cannot bear;Tortured with love, and furious with despair.Of all the pains which wretched mortals prove,The fewest remedies belong to love:But ours has none; for, if we should enjoy,Our fatal cure must both of us destroy.Oh dear Victoria! cause of all my pain;Oh dear Victoria! whom I would not gain;Victoria, for whose sake I would survive!Victoria, for whose sake I dare not live!

Alph.Oh raging, impious, and yet hopeless fire!

Not daring to possess what I desire;

Condemned to suffer what I cannot bear;

Tortured with love, and furious with despair.

Of all the pains which wretched mortals prove,

The fewest remedies belong to love:

But ours has none; for, if we should enjoy,

Our fatal cure must both of us destroy.

Oh dear Victoria! cause of all my pain;

Oh dear Victoria! whom I would not gain;

Victoria, for whose sake I would survive!

Victoria, for whose sake I dare not live!

EnterGarciawith Attendants. The two Princes salute,butAlphonsovery coldly.

Gar.I come to show my grief for your distemper;For, if my noble brother saw my heart,There should you find a plain, a holy friendship,Unmixt with interest, equally partakingOf what affects you, both of good and ill.

Gar.I come to show my grief for your distemper;

For, if my noble brother saw my heart,

There should you find a plain, a holy friendship,

Unmixt with interest, equally partaking

Of what affects you, both of good and ill.

Alph.I thank you; but my malady increasesAt your approach. I have no more to say;But wish you better health than I can boast,And to myself a lonely privacy.

Alph.I thank you; but my malady increases

At your approach. I have no more to say;

But wish you better health than I can boast,

And to myself a lonely privacy.

Gar.I find I am not welcome to your sight;But know not from what cause.

Gar.I find I am not welcome to your sight;

But know not from what cause.

Alph.[Angrily.]My surest remedy is in your absence.'Tis hard my lodgings cannot be my own,But importuned with visits undesired;And therefore, I must tell you, troublesome.

Alph.[Angrily.]My surest remedy is in your absence.

'Tis hard my lodgings cannot be my own,

But importuned with visits undesired;

And therefore, I must tell you, troublesome.

Gar.'Tis an odd way of entertaining friends;But, since I find you discomposed with sickness,That shall excuse your humours; where I go,I hope for better welcome.

Gar.'Tis an odd way of entertaining friends;

But, since I find you discomposed with sickness,

That shall excuse your humours; where I go,

I hope for better welcome.

Alph.Sir, I must ask, whom you pretend to visit?

Gar.My mistress, prince.

Alph.Your mistress! who's that mistress?

Gar.What need I name Victoria?

Alph.Who? my sister!

Gar.Whom else could you imagine?

Alph.Any other.

Gar.And why not her?

Alph.Because I know not if she will admit you.

Gar.Her father has allowed it.

Alph.But not she;Or, if both have, yet my consent is wanting.You take upon you in a foreign kingdom,As if you were at home in your Navarre.

Alph.But not she;

Or, if both have, yet my consent is wanting.

You take upon you in a foreign kingdom,

As if you were at home in your Navarre.

Gar.And you, methinks,As if you had no father, or no king.Farewell, I will not stay.

Gar.And you, methinks,

As if you had no father, or no king.

Farewell, I will not stay.

Alph.You shall not go:Thus as I am, thus single, thus unarmed,And you with guards attended—

Alph.You shall not go:

Thus as I am, thus single, thus unarmed,

And you with guards attended—

Gar.You teach me to forget the rule of manners.

Alph.I mean to teach you better.

[AsGarciais going to pass by him,Alphonsoruns to one of his Attendants, and snatches his Sword away, then steps betweenGarciaand the Door.

EnterVeramondandXimena,attended.

Vera.What means this rude behaviour in my court?As if our Arragon were turned to Thrace,Unhospitable to her guests, and thou,Alphonso, a Lycurgus.

Vera.What means this rude behaviour in my court?

As if our Arragon were turned to Thrace,

Unhospitable to her guests, and thou,

Alphonso, a Lycurgus.

Alph.He would pass,Without my sister's leave, into her lodgings.By heaven, if this be suffered to proceed,The next will be to treat the royal maidAs coarsely, as she were some suburb girl.

Alph.He would pass,

Without my sister's leave, into her lodgings.

By heaven, if this be suffered to proceed,

The next will be to treat the royal maid

As coarsely, as she were some suburb girl.

Gar.[To Vera.]Had I not your permission, sir?

Vera.You had.But these, Alphonso, are thy ruffian manners.How dar'st thou, boy, to break my orders,And then asperse thy sister with thy crime?

Vera.You had.

But these, Alphonso, are thy ruffian manners.

How dar'st thou, boy, to break my orders,

And then asperse thy sister with thy crime?

Alph.She said his presence was unpleasing to her.

Vera.Come, thou beliest her innocence and duty:She did not, durst not say it.

Vera.Come, thou beliest her innocence and duty:

She did not, durst not say it.

Alph.If she did not,I dare, and will maintain to all the world,That Garcia is not worthy of my sister.

Alph.If she did not,

I dare, and will maintain to all the world,

That Garcia is not worthy of my sister.

Vera.Not worthy!

Alph.No; I say once more, not worthy.

Gar.Not in myself; for who deserves Victoria?But, since her royal father bids me hope,Not less unworthy than another prince:—And none, with your permission, sir, shall dare[ToVer.To interpose betwixt my love and me.

Gar.Not in myself; for who deserves Victoria?

But, since her royal father bids me hope,

Not less unworthy than another prince:—

And none, with your permission, sir, shall dare[ToVer.

To interpose betwixt my love and me.

Alph.Sure a less price, than our infanta's bed,Might pay thee for thy mercenary troops.

Alph.Sure a less price, than our infanta's bed,

Might pay thee for thy mercenary troops.

Vera.Peace, insolent; too long I have enduredThy haughty soul, untamed and turbulent:But, if I live, this shall not pass unpunished;Darkness and chains are medicines for a madman.

Vera.Peace, insolent; too long I have endured

Thy haughty soul, untamed and turbulent:

But, if I live, this shall not pass unpunished;

Darkness and chains are medicines for a madman.

Xim.My lord, I humbly beg you, spare your son;And add not fury to a raging fire.He soon will recollect his scattered reason,Which heat of youth, and sickness and fatigues,Have dissipated in his boiling blood.Give him but time, and then his temperate humourWill soon return into the native channel,And, unopposed, be calm.

Xim.My lord, I humbly beg you, spare your son;

And add not fury to a raging fire.

He soon will recollect his scattered reason,

Which heat of youth, and sickness and fatigues,

Have dissipated in his boiling blood.

Give him but time, and then his temperate humour

Will soon return into the native channel,

And, unopposed, be calm.

Vera.No; never more.The moon has rolled above his head, and turned it;As peals of thunder sour the generous wine.—Hence from my presence, thou no more my son![ToAlph.

Vera.No; never more.

The moon has rolled above his head, and turned it;

As peals of thunder sour the generous wine.—

Hence from my presence, thou no more my son![ToAlph.

Xim.If he be mad, be madness his excuse;And pardon nature's error, not his own.

Xim.If he be mad, be madness his excuse;

And pardon nature's error, not his own.

Vera.Ximena, you have fondled him to this:I prophesied; and now 'tis come to pass.

Vera.Ximena, you have fondled him to this:

I prophesied; and now 'tis come to pass.

Gar.Perhaps I interrupted him too rudely;And, since I caused myself that ill reception,Forgive our mutual faults.

Gar.Perhaps I interrupted him too rudely;

And, since I caused myself that ill reception,

Forgive our mutual faults.

Vera.You shall prevail;Though he deserves not such an intercessor.—[ToAlph.]Retire, Alphonso, to your inmost lodgings,And there inclose yourself, and mourn your crimes.Be this your last relapse; the next is fatal.

Vera.You shall prevail;

Though he deserves not such an intercessor.—

[ToAlph.]Retire, Alphonso, to your inmost lodgings,

And there inclose yourself, and mourn your crimes.

Be this your last relapse; the next is fatal.

Alph.I will retire:But, if I am a madman, as you say,And as I half believe, expect no cureBut in Alphonso's death.[Alphonsogoes in.

Alph.I will retire:

But, if I am a madman, as you say,

And as I half believe, expect no cure

But in Alphonso's death.[Alphonsogoes in.

Xim.[Aside.]It works apace;But whither it will tend, heaven only knows.[Vera.sees the Book upon the Ground,and takes it up.

Xim.[Aside.]It works apace;

But whither it will tend, heaven only knows.

[Vera.sees the Book upon the Ground,and takes it up.

Vera.This book he left; go bear it after him.—Yet stay; I know not why, but somewhat prompts meTo read this folded page.—[ToGarcia.]Go, royal youth:I would myself conduct you to Victoria,But lovers need no guide to their desires;And love no witness, but himself, requires.

Vera.This book he left; go bear it after him.—

Yet stay; I know not why, but somewhat prompts me

To read this folded page.—

[ToGarcia.]Go, royal youth:

I would myself conduct you to Victoria,

But lovers need no guide to their desires;

And love no witness, but himself, requires.

[Exeunt the King and Queen one Way, with their Attendants; andDon Garciawith his, another.

EnterCarlosbeforeDon Lopez'sDoor.Carl.That is the door of Lopez, and Sancho must come out this way. Now, fool, sit fast, for thou shalt not want for pestilent advice: but first,I must know how far thou hast proceeded with the father and the daughter, that I may know what drugs I must prepare for the present condition of my patient.—Oh, the door opens already, and he bolts out single, as I wished.EnterSancho,picking his Teeth.San.What, Carlos, you have dined before me; but, it may be, you have not fared so well.Carl.The best part of your entertainment, I suppose, was the desert of the fair Dalinda after dinner; and how, and how go matters?San.Better than thou wouldst have them; thou wouldst have put a spoke in my wheel, I know it.Carl.No; fortune always sets those of your admirable understanding uppermost. But, remember, Dalinda was once mine, however.San.Thou wouldst not have me give the box away, when I have thrown seven? Come, set upon it what thou darest, and I'll give thee leave to do thy worst.Carl.You are very confident of your good luck.San.Thou knowest I have a perpetual ascendant over thee.Carl.And you are sure to carry her?San.She is fond of my person; she ogled me all dinner-time; she put her foot under the table, and trod upon mine; and if these are not certain symptoms of passion, the devil's in womankind.Carl.And her father?San.The goodest old man! he drank my health to his daughter; and I, to comply with my obligation, answered the challenge. There, I think, I was with her again.Carl.You have no more to do but to take out a licence.San.Indeed, I have her licence for it.Carl.What, quibbling too in your prosperity? If you let another, I shall be enraged. But you have not told me that her father is consenting.San.In a manner; but—Carl.But what? is he not absolutely yours?San.There is a small demur upon the matter: in short, he hit me in the teeth with a damnable rich old Conde; who, I find, has been dabbling with this covetous old hunks; but, bating him, Don Lopez tells me I shall be the welcomest man alive.Carl.Do you know that Conde's name?San.Don something de Cardona, whom the devil confound!Carl.My old acquaintance; he charged with me in the battle, but what became of him I know not. If he be the man, despair betimes, Sancho; he'll revenge my quarrel, and carry her in spite of you.San.I am cunning, you know; and I believe he named that cursed Conde, only to draw me on the faster.Carl.And do you think a gentleman can succeed against a Conde with a woman?San.Why not?Carl.No more than a Conde against a duke, and so upwards;—abandon her, I say.San.No; I am resolute.Carl.To be the shoeing-horn for the Conde?San.I confess I would not be the shoeing-horn, to draw him on.Carl.No, for that's to be a pimp for him.San.Right; therefore I will leave her.Carl.Then go back, and quarrel with her and her father; go, I say, immediately, before your virtue cools.San.I'll give them their own, I'll warrant them.What, make a shoeing-horn of a man of honour?[ExitSancho.Carl.[alone]If the Conde be in love, then why should Lopez admit of Sancho for a suitor? if not, the fool is in the right, that it was only feigned, to draw him on. However, my advice will strike on both sides; for, if Sancho quarrels, he's discarded; and for the Conde—stay a little—what, if I should play this Conde? I know him, and can mimic him exactly; 'tis but a jest if I am discovered; and if the Conde loves her, and she him, then I marry her in his shape.—Oh, they are coming out to quarrel in the open air, for the house is grown too hot for them; but I dare not stay to see the battle, for fear of getting blows on both sides.[ExitCarlos.EnterLopez,Dalinda,andSancho.Lop.I'll wait upon you out of my house, however.San.Father-in-law, that might have been, no more ceremonies; I'll be no shoeing-horn for any man.Lop.You would not be my daughter's hindrance?San.There's no more to be said on't; but either a bargain, or no bargain.Lop.A bargain, if the Conde comes not on.San.Then, as he comes on, I must go off, with a pox to you and to your daughter!Dal.At least it shall not be a pox of your giving.San.The Conde's pox take you then! that's an honourable pox, descended in a right line from Don Roderic the Goth, I'll warrant you.Lop.Indeed, if your estate were as great as his—San.Nay, for that matter, I can drop gold with him, as little as I care for her.Dal.But then his title?San.I have more gold yet, to weigh down his parchment: and then my wit against a Conde's wit; that's for overplus; for, though I say it—Lop.Who should not say it—San.Yet I do say it, and will say it, especially as lords go now. Come, there's no more to be said, Lopez; but take back your trumpery, I mean your daughter; or I'll send for the scavenger with a dung-cart.Lop.This is insufferable; and by this honourable beard—San.Which I'll pull off by handfuls, if you swagger—Lop.[Aside, toDal.]What shall we do with this madman, daughter?Dal.You should send for an alguazil to order him, if I were sure that the Conde would come on again; but, since that's uncertain, go in, father, and let me alone with him: if I make him your son-in-law, that's punishment sufficient for him.Lop.Well, cavalier, you may chance to hear of me.[ExitLopez.San.Yes, and of your daughter too, in the next lampoon, I doubt not.—[ToDalinda.]Why don't you follow him? What do you and I together, madam countess?Dal.Nay, I know not.San.Nor I neither.Dal.I hope you will not beat me.[She looks languishingly upon him.San.I can't tell that; thou hast a damnable kind of leer, that would provoke me to somewhat—I say not what.Dal.Beat me with my own hand, if I deserve it; there 'tis for you.[Gives him her hand, and squeezes his.San.If I should beat thee now, as thou hast deserved richly, I could make thee satisfaction.Dal.Indeed they say an old man should never beat a young woman, because he cannot make her satisfaction.San.Abominable chuck! if I did not hate thee mortally, I could be content to love thee for a quarter of an hour or so.—Why, what's here to do? you are at your old tricks again. Pr'ythee, sweet devil, do not ogle me, nor squeeze my palm so feelingly; thou dear infernal, do not.Dal.Why, do I hurt you?San.No, but thou ticklest me to the very heart-strings, most wickedly.Dal.You command me then to leave you?[Seems to be going.San.Not command you neither, not absolutely.Dal.I go then—San.Then I do command thee. I mean to stay a little longer. Thou hast fired my blood most horribly with that squeezing: hast not thou the itch? speak, damnation! I think I have got the infection of thee.[He shakes his hands.Dal.I'll go and comfort my old father for the affronts you gave him.San.No, perverseness; I'll make thee stay: in very spite of thy proud sex, I'll humble thee.Dal.But was not you a grievous man to use him so? you shall tell me, or I break your fingers.San.Not a word, to save thee from perdition; I am as dumb as a heathen oracle.Dal.Then I must squeeze it out of you.[Pressing his hand again.San.Ah, ha! it runs through me like wild-fire.[Panting.Dal.Did not Carlos give you this naughty counsel?San.I should not answer thee, I know it. Hartlykins! this is just cramping a man when he's asleep, to make him tell his dream. Let go my hand, and Carlos did not advise me; but hold it, and he did:—now, will you be at quiet with me?Dal.Not till you promise me to be friends with my father.San.Well, confound thee, I am friends with him.Dal.And to banish Carlos for an evil counsellor.San.Upon condition you'll discharge the count from seeing you.Dal.No conditions: either surrender upon discretion, or I'll put you to the sword.San.Pox on thee for being so tyrannical; but I can't help myself, and therefore I totally submit.Dal.Now, then, you shall perceive how gracious a princess I intend to be. My father doats upon this count, but I despise him.San.That's a good girl; for love of me, I'll warrant you.Dal.You think I coax you now.San.No, I know my own merit too well for that.Dal.Then do what I advise you. My father has not often seen this count; what if you should pass for him?San.Hum! I do not apprehend thee.Dal.A man of your wit, and be so stupid! you shall counterfeit the count.San.Counterfeit the count! that's a pure quibble; but I can make no more on't.Dal.He's an old fellow, and a fool: now, you shall take upon you to be this count, to deceivemy father; and I'll keep your counsel, and teach you how to represent him.San.Oh, now I understand you! but 'tis impossible for me to counterfeit a fool.Dal.I'll warrant you; trust nature.San.A man of my sense can never hide his parts.Dal.No, but you may shew them. Go back to your lodgings; I'll provide you clothes, and send you directions in writing how to behave yourself before my father.—One word more; be sure you manage this in private, and shut out Carlos, lest he should discover our intrigue.San.Well, I will strive for once to get the better of my wit, and play the natural as naturally as I can: but you had better come yourself and teach me, for you have put me in a pure way of taking your instructions.[ExitSancho.Dal.[Alone.]When I consider what has passed between the count and me, there's little reason to believe a man should put on a foul shirt again, when he has put it off already, and has change of linen by him. However, my father shall know nothing of this disguise; for he, that sold my first maidenhead to the lord, may sell my second to the fool; and that would be too much in conscience, that a woman, once in twice, should not have the letting her own freehold. And therefore I will have the selling of myself, and Sancho shall have the refusal of the bargain.

EnterCarlosbeforeDon Lopez'sDoor.

Carl.That is the door of Lopez, and Sancho must come out this way. Now, fool, sit fast, for thou shalt not want for pestilent advice: but first,I must know how far thou hast proceeded with the father and the daughter, that I may know what drugs I must prepare for the present condition of my patient.—Oh, the door opens already, and he bolts out single, as I wished.

EnterSancho,picking his Teeth.

San.What, Carlos, you have dined before me; but, it may be, you have not fared so well.

Carl.The best part of your entertainment, I suppose, was the desert of the fair Dalinda after dinner; and how, and how go matters?

San.Better than thou wouldst have them; thou wouldst have put a spoke in my wheel, I know it.

Carl.No; fortune always sets those of your admirable understanding uppermost. But, remember, Dalinda was once mine, however.

San.Thou wouldst not have me give the box away, when I have thrown seven? Come, set upon it what thou darest, and I'll give thee leave to do thy worst.

Carl.You are very confident of your good luck.

San.Thou knowest I have a perpetual ascendant over thee.

Carl.And you are sure to carry her?

San.She is fond of my person; she ogled me all dinner-time; she put her foot under the table, and trod upon mine; and if these are not certain symptoms of passion, the devil's in womankind.

Carl.And her father?

San.The goodest old man! he drank my health to his daughter; and I, to comply with my obligation, answered the challenge. There, I think, I was with her again.

Carl.You have no more to do but to take out a licence.

San.Indeed, I have her licence for it.

Carl.What, quibbling too in your prosperity? If you let another, I shall be enraged. But you have not told me that her father is consenting.

San.In a manner; but—

Carl.But what? is he not absolutely yours?

San.There is a small demur upon the matter: in short, he hit me in the teeth with a damnable rich old Conde; who, I find, has been dabbling with this covetous old hunks; but, bating him, Don Lopez tells me I shall be the welcomest man alive.

Carl.Do you know that Conde's name?

San.Don something de Cardona, whom the devil confound!

Carl.My old acquaintance; he charged with me in the battle, but what became of him I know not. If he be the man, despair betimes, Sancho; he'll revenge my quarrel, and carry her in spite of you.

San.I am cunning, you know; and I believe he named that cursed Conde, only to draw me on the faster.

Carl.And do you think a gentleman can succeed against a Conde with a woman?

San.Why not?

Carl.No more than a Conde against a duke, and so upwards;—abandon her, I say.

San.No; I am resolute.

Carl.To be the shoeing-horn for the Conde?

San.I confess I would not be the shoeing-horn, to draw him on.

Carl.No, for that's to be a pimp for him.

San.Right; therefore I will leave her.

Carl.Then go back, and quarrel with her and her father; go, I say, immediately, before your virtue cools.

San.I'll give them their own, I'll warrant them.What, make a shoeing-horn of a man of honour?[ExitSancho.

Carl.[alone]If the Conde be in love, then why should Lopez admit of Sancho for a suitor? if not, the fool is in the right, that it was only feigned, to draw him on. However, my advice will strike on both sides; for, if Sancho quarrels, he's discarded; and for the Conde—stay a little—what, if I should play this Conde? I know him, and can mimic him exactly; 'tis but a jest if I am discovered; and if the Conde loves her, and she him, then I marry her in his shape.—Oh, they are coming out to quarrel in the open air, for the house is grown too hot for them; but I dare not stay to see the battle, for fear of getting blows on both sides.[ExitCarlos.

EnterLopez,Dalinda,andSancho.

Lop.I'll wait upon you out of my house, however.

San.Father-in-law, that might have been, no more ceremonies; I'll be no shoeing-horn for any man.

Lop.You would not be my daughter's hindrance?

San.There's no more to be said on't; but either a bargain, or no bargain.

Lop.A bargain, if the Conde comes not on.

San.Then, as he comes on, I must go off, with a pox to you and to your daughter!

Dal.At least it shall not be a pox of your giving.

San.The Conde's pox take you then! that's an honourable pox, descended in a right line from Don Roderic the Goth, I'll warrant you.

Lop.Indeed, if your estate were as great as his—

San.Nay, for that matter, I can drop gold with him, as little as I care for her.

Dal.But then his title?

San.I have more gold yet, to weigh down his parchment: and then my wit against a Conde's wit; that's for overplus; for, though I say it—

Lop.Who should not say it—

San.Yet I do say it, and will say it, especially as lords go now. Come, there's no more to be said, Lopez; but take back your trumpery, I mean your daughter; or I'll send for the scavenger with a dung-cart.

Lop.This is insufferable; and by this honourable beard—

San.Which I'll pull off by handfuls, if you swagger—

Lop.[Aside, toDal.]What shall we do with this madman, daughter?

Dal.You should send for an alguazil to order him, if I were sure that the Conde would come on again; but, since that's uncertain, go in, father, and let me alone with him: if I make him your son-in-law, that's punishment sufficient for him.

Lop.Well, cavalier, you may chance to hear of me.[ExitLopez.

San.Yes, and of your daughter too, in the next lampoon, I doubt not.—[ToDalinda.]Why don't you follow him? What do you and I together, madam countess?

Dal.Nay, I know not.

San.Nor I neither.

Dal.I hope you will not beat me.[She looks languishingly upon him.

San.I can't tell that; thou hast a damnable kind of leer, that would provoke me to somewhat—I say not what.

Dal.Beat me with my own hand, if I deserve it; there 'tis for you.

[Gives him her hand, and squeezes his.

San.If I should beat thee now, as thou hast deserved richly, I could make thee satisfaction.

Dal.Indeed they say an old man should never beat a young woman, because he cannot make her satisfaction.

San.Abominable chuck! if I did not hate thee mortally, I could be content to love thee for a quarter of an hour or so.—Why, what's here to do? you are at your old tricks again. Pr'ythee, sweet devil, do not ogle me, nor squeeze my palm so feelingly; thou dear infernal, do not.

Dal.Why, do I hurt you?

San.No, but thou ticklest me to the very heart-strings, most wickedly.

Dal.You command me then to leave you?[Seems to be going.

San.Not command you neither, not absolutely.

Dal.I go then—

San.Then I do command thee. I mean to stay a little longer. Thou hast fired my blood most horribly with that squeezing: hast not thou the itch? speak, damnation! I think I have got the infection of thee.[He shakes his hands.

Dal.I'll go and comfort my old father for the affronts you gave him.

San.No, perverseness; I'll make thee stay: in very spite of thy proud sex, I'll humble thee.

Dal.But was not you a grievous man to use him so? you shall tell me, or I break your fingers.

San.Not a word, to save thee from perdition; I am as dumb as a heathen oracle.

Dal.Then I must squeeze it out of you.[Pressing his hand again.

San.Ah, ha! it runs through me like wild-fire.[Panting.

Dal.Did not Carlos give you this naughty counsel?

San.I should not answer thee, I know it. Hartlykins! this is just cramping a man when he's asleep, to make him tell his dream. Let go my hand, and Carlos did not advise me; but hold it, and he did:—now, will you be at quiet with me?

Dal.Not till you promise me to be friends with my father.

San.Well, confound thee, I am friends with him.

Dal.And to banish Carlos for an evil counsellor.

San.Upon condition you'll discharge the count from seeing you.

Dal.No conditions: either surrender upon discretion, or I'll put you to the sword.

San.Pox on thee for being so tyrannical; but I can't help myself, and therefore I totally submit.

Dal.Now, then, you shall perceive how gracious a princess I intend to be. My father doats upon this count, but I despise him.

San.That's a good girl; for love of me, I'll warrant you.

Dal.You think I coax you now.

San.No, I know my own merit too well for that.

Dal.Then do what I advise you. My father has not often seen this count; what if you should pass for him?

San.Hum! I do not apprehend thee.

Dal.A man of your wit, and be so stupid! you shall counterfeit the count.

San.Counterfeit the count! that's a pure quibble; but I can make no more on't.

Dal.He's an old fellow, and a fool: now, you shall take upon you to be this count, to deceivemy father; and I'll keep your counsel, and teach you how to represent him.

San.Oh, now I understand you! but 'tis impossible for me to counterfeit a fool.

Dal.I'll warrant you; trust nature.

San.A man of my sense can never hide his parts.

Dal.No, but you may shew them. Go back to your lodgings; I'll provide you clothes, and send you directions in writing how to behave yourself before my father.—One word more; be sure you manage this in private, and shut out Carlos, lest he should discover our intrigue.

San.Well, I will strive for once to get the better of my wit, and play the natural as naturally as I can: but you had better come yourself and teach me, for you have put me in a pure way of taking your instructions.[ExitSancho.

Dal.[Alone.]When I consider what has passed between the count and me, there's little reason to believe a man should put on a foul shirt again, when he has put it off already, and has change of linen by him. However, my father shall know nothing of this disguise; for he, that sold my first maidenhead to the lord, may sell my second to the fool; and that would be too much in conscience, that a woman, once in twice, should not have the letting her own freehold. And therefore I will have the selling of myself, and Sancho shall have the refusal of the bargain.

Wise heaven, in pity to the sex, designedFools for the last relief of womankind.Two married wits no quiet can enjoy;Two fools together would the house destroy:But providence, to level human life,Made the fool husband for the witty wife.[ExitDalinda.

Wise heaven, in pity to the sex, designed

Fools for the last relief of womankind.

Two married wits no quiet can enjoy;

Two fools together would the house destroy:

But providence, to level human life,

Made the fool husband for the witty wife.[ExitDalinda.

EnterAlphonso,with Music.A Song is sung; when it is beginning,Victoriaenters.SONG OF JEALOUSY.

EnterAlphonso,with Music.

A Song is sung; when it is beginning,Victoriaenters.

SONG OF JEALOUSY.

What state of life can be so blestAs love, that warms a lover's breast?Two souls in one, the same desireTo grant the bliss, and to require!But if in heaven a hell we find,'Tis all from thee,O Jealousy!'Tis all from thee,O Jealousy!Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy,Thou tyrant of the mind!All other ills, though sharp they prove,Serve to refine, and perfect love:In absence, or unkind disdain,Sweet hope relieves the lover's pain.But, ah! no cure but death we find,To set us freeFrom Jealousy:O Jealousy!Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy,Thou tyrant of the mind.False in thy glass all objects are,Some set too near, and some too far;Thou art the fire of endless night,The fire that burns, and gives no light.All torments of the damned we findIn only thee,O Jealousy!Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy,Thou tyrant of the mind![Exeunt Musicians.Alph.'Tis true, my tyrant father has confined me;But love, who traverses the world at will,Who knows not awe, nor law, nor parentage,Has broke my tedder, and enlarged my bounds.Vict.Retire betimes; the court is full of eyes,As eagles sharp, fatal as basilisks,Who live on looking, and who see no death[58].Alph.I come but to depart, and go for ever,Because denied the common rights of nature,Which the first brother and first sister had.Why were not you and I that happy pair?But nature doats with age.Vict.Whate'er it be, 'tis past redress, Alphonso.Alph.But, then, shall Garcia take thee in his arms,Glutted with joys which I would die to taste!No, let me stab the wretch in every vein,And leave him dry of pleasure, ere we part.Vict.Alphonso, no; you cannot kill Don Garcia,But you declare the cause, and own your love.Alph.And what care I, what after ages sayAlphonso did, to make Alphonso happy?But oh, you love! and would preserve his lifeTo be for ever his.Vict.My dearest brother,I hate your rival, and I die for you:All but my spotless honour shall be yours.Alph.By heaven!—but that word heaven comescross my thoughts—Vict.Beware: for by my own I guess your passion.You would, I fear—Alph.Enjoy my heaven one moment—Vict.And part with it for ever: Think on that.Alph.That moment were eternity in little:A mighty sum, but taken on content,To save the tedious telling o'er and o'er.Vict.Oh, we are too long together.Alph.Fear you that?Vict.I ought to fear it, but I trust my virtue.Depart, my soul,—I will not ask you whither,For fear I should repent of my repentance,And follow you to death.Alph.I go, Victoria,For love's cold fit of jealousy returns.You must not be Don Garcia's; swear you will not.Vict.I swear I will not, by my own consent.Alph.You may be forced;—oh, cursed jealousy,Thou bastard son of Love, unlike thy father,Why dost thou still torment me?Vict.Trust my honour.Alph.That may be chafed into a warmth, Victoria.Talk, seeing, touching, are incendiaries;And these may mount your young desires like straw,To meet the jett that draws you.Vict.Trust my love.Alph.I swear I trust it, but I fear your beauty:'Tis a fair fruit that hangs upon the bough,Tempts, and is tempted.Vict.'Tis indeed a fruit.Seen and desired by all, while yet unpulled,But can be gathered by one only hand.Alph.That one is Garcia;—still the fit returns:I wish my jealousy could quench my love.Vict.It cannot, if I measure yours by mine;Or, if extinguished, like a trail of smokeFrom a wax taper, soon would light again.Alph.'Tis so; for when I say I will not love,Then I love most. Farewell, my only joy!I go to hide me from the world and you.Vict.As, when the sun is down,His light is clipt into a thousand stars,So your sweet image, though you shine not on me,Will gild the horror of the night, and makeA pleasing scene of solitary grief.EnterVeramondandXimena,he with an Ovid in his hand.Vera.How darest thou, rebel, thus provoke my patienceBeyond all sufferance, and transgress thy bounds?Alph.When kings and fathers, on their sons and subjectsExact intolerable things to bear,Nature and self-defence dispense with duty.Vera.Oh, heaven! what horrid sin have I committedThat I was punished to beget this son?Alph.I could ask heaven another question too,But that 'tis not so decent. In few words;Hither I came to take my latest leaveOf dear Victoria, then depart for ever;And, buried in some solitary cave,Forgetting and forgotten, end my days.Vera.'Tis what thou hast deserved: perform thypenance.Xim.So hard a sentence for so small a fault?Are you a father, sir!Vera.Is he a son?Thou knowest not his offence.But mark the glowing blood, the guilty flushUpon Victoria's face, and read it there.Xim.I know not what you mean.VeraVictoria, speak,And clear yourself:—she answers not a word.Nay, then my fears are true, on both sides guilty.Vict.'Tis found, and we are lost.[Aside.Vera.But what needs more conviction? know you this?[Shewing the Ovid toAlph.This book, the tutor of incestuous love?The page is doubled down, and points thee to thy crime.I feared, before, from every rolling glance,How quick they shot upon thy sister's face;And she received them all, like smoking flax;Confessed the fire, and answered to the flame.Vict.I love my brother, and avow that fire!His love to me has raised his noble thoughtsTo brave achievements for your crown and you:For love's the steel that strikes upon the flint;Gives coldness heat, exerts the hidden flame,And spreads the sparkles round, to warm the world.Vera.Oh, heavens, she makes a merit of her crime!Victoria, I would yet think better of thee,And therefore dare I not enquire too far,Willing to doubt the guilt I fear to find.Depart, and answer not.—[ExitVict.For thee, whom I abhor to call my son,[ToAlph.And wish thou wert a stranger to my blood—Xim.That was a happy hint, I must improve it.[Aside.Vera.One way, and only one, remains to clear thee:If with a holy fire thou lov'st thy sister,Aspiring but to fame, not sinking downInto the abyss of lust unnatural,Consent that she may be Don Garcia's wife;Else give the lie to all thy fair pretences,And stand exposed a monster of mankind.Foul as the fiends which fell from heaven's high towers,Fall thou from empire so; and from my sightDepart, accursed for ever.Alph.Gladly I leave you, but shall go more lightly,If eased of this your dreadful imprecation:O let me go unloaded with your curse,And I will bless you for my banishment!Vera.So may that blessing or that curse o'ertake thee,As thou obeyest or disobeyest my will.Alph.Guiltless of sin, with conscience to my friend,I go, to shun that fatal hour, that shews meVictoria married, and Alphonso lost.[He is going.Xim.Stay yet, Alphonso, for one moment stay:For somewhat, if I durst, I have to speak,Which would at least take half thy load away,And free thy shoulders from the weight of sin.Vera.Ximena, darest thou hope to palliate incest,And gild so black a crime?Xim.I gild it not; but, if I prove it none,You may be kind, Alphonso may be happy,And these domestic jars for ever cease.Vera.Explain yourself.Xim.Afford me then your patience.A mighty secret labours in my soul,And, like a rushing stream, breaks down the dam;This day must give it vent. It rests in youTo make it end in a tempestuous night,Or in a glorious evening.Vera.No more preface.Xim.You wonder at Alphonso's haughty carriage,His fiery temper, and his awless mind.Vera.Too true, Ximena.Xim.And he wonders moreAt your harsh nature, and your rugged usage,On each side unbecoming son and father;And yet the cause of both is to be found.But, ere I farther shall proceed to speak,Command your royal prisoner to be brought;For I must be confronted with Ramirez,And in his presence tell you wonderous things,Which if he vouch not, let Ximena die.Vera.I sent for him to hear his final doom,And think he waits without.—Admit the prisoner.[He goes to the door, and speaks.EnterRamirez,guarded.Now, sir, is yet your haughty soul resolvedTo quit your empty title for your freedom?Xim.Ramirez, answer not to raise his passion:For now the important secret of our livesMust come to public view; and on that hingeDepends thy crown, thy liberty, and life,My honour, and thy son's.Alph.What means my mother?[Aside.Vera.A son, Ramirez!Ram.Yes, a son I had.Vera.He died an infant here in Saragossa.Ram.A living son I have; and, since the queenIs pleased to expose my lifeBefore a judge so prejudiced as you,Undaunted, in the face of death, I speak,And claim Alphonso mine.Vera.There needs no more: I spare thee all the rest;My wife's adultery, thy foul interloping,My own dishonour, and that bastard's birth.Xim.Injurious words, unfitting you to speak,And me, my lord, and those concerned, to hear.Alph.[ToVer.]Though I would give whate'er the sun beholdsNot to be yours, yet, when my mother's fameIs questioned, none shall wrong her innocence;Nor shall Ramirez goUnpunished for that infamous aspersion.Ram.Alphonso, peace; your father bids you peace.Vera.Then, what am I?Ram.His foster-father.Vera.Impudently said;And yet I hope 'tis true. So much I hate him,That I could buy the public scorn, to beAn alien to his blood.Xim.Have patience, sir,And you shall have your wish on cheaper terms;But hear me speak.Vera.Good heaven, then give me patience!Xim.When you and brave Ramirez, then your friend,Me and my sister married, four full yearsWe passed in barren wedlock, childless both;Ramirez, you remember, brought his queenTo Saragossa on a friendly visit;Then, as we both were married on one day,We both conceived together.Vera.I observe it,—That, when Ramirez came, you both conceived!Mark that, and, if thou hast the face, proceed.Xim.My lord, I dare:—You took me once aside, and, as your rageInspired your soul, spoke thus: Ximena, know,That, if the fruit thou bear'st be not a son,Henceforth no more my queen, we part for ever.The word was hard, I bore it as I could;I prayed, and heaven, in pity, heard my vows:Two boys, in one fair morning, were disclosedBy me, and by my sister;And both the fathers equally were blest.Vera.Say one was blest with two, and speak more truly.Xim.Forbear this language, sir, or I am dumb.It seems that you deserved not him you had,For in seven days heaven ravished your Alphonso;My sister's little Veramond survived,And she's a living witness of this truth.Great was my grief, but greater was my fear,From your, alas! too much experienced anger.Thus low reduced, and urged by anxious thoughtsOf what I might expect from your unkindness,—Now, speak, Ramirez, and relate the rest;For my tongue faulters, and denies its office,So much I fear my lord should take offence.Ram.Then, like or disapprove it, thus it was:She told my wife and me this mournful story;Her fears, for thy resentment of thy loss,If, by misfortune, it should reach thy ears,Begged secrecy, and then implored our aidTo substitute the living for the dead,And make our Veramond pass for thy Alphonso.A hard request, but, with compassion moved,At length twas granted.Vera.Is this true, Ximena?Xim.So heaven and you forgive my pious fraud,As what he says is certain.Alph.O joyful news! Oh happy day! too goodTo end in night—My father, and my king![Runs toRamirez,kneels to him, and kisses his hand.My soul foreknew you, with a sure presageOf native duty, and instinctive love.Ram.Arise, my son.Vera.You own him, then?Ram.I do.Vera.A welcome riddance.Meantime, in prospect of a double crown,You gave the sparrow leave to brood uponThe cuckoo's egg.Ram.The advantage was to you:He proved his blood upon me, when we fought;Fierce eagles never procreate fearful doves.I sent him word he was my son beforeThe battle, but the hand of fate was in it,The note miscarried, and we blindly met.Xim.Past accidents embitter both your minds;Think forward on your mutual interest.Alphonso loves Victoria:I saw it in the seeds, before disclosedTo other eyes; connived at it, approved it.Vera.A most commodious mother!Xim.Blame me not.Guilt there was none, but in their apprehension;And both their virtues barred ill consequences.Now take the blest occasion by the foretop,And on their marriage found a lasting peace.Ram.A trivial accident begot this war;Some paltry bounds of ill distinguished earth,A clod that lay betwixt us unascertained,And royal pride, on both sides, drew our swords:Thus monarchs quarrel, and their subjects bleed.Remove your land-marks, set them where you please;Stretch out your Arragon on my Castile;And be once more my brother.Alph.I implore it;And, prostrate, beg your pardon and your grace.I have offended in my proud behaviour;But make Victoria mine, and what your sonIn duty wanted, by your son-in-lawShall doubly be supplied.Xim.What would you more?Vera.[To her.]Are you the mediatrix of this peace?Xim.It well becomes the softness of my sexTo mediate for sweet peace, the best of blessings;And, like a Sabine wife, to run betwixtRelations' lifted swords.Ver.A rare chaste Sabine, you!To save the adulterer of thy husband's bed.See there, Alphonso's father, that old goat,Who on two sisters propagated lust,And got two children, for himself and me.Suppose thee chaste,—a favourable guessTo any of thy sex,—these are my foes;[ToRamirez.]Thou first, the former sharer of my sheets,A king without a kingdom; Thine is conquered,And Garcia with Victoria shall enjoy it.Ram.So monstrously you wrong your wife and me—Vera.No more, my will is law.Ram.So tyrants say.Vera.I will not hear thee speak.—Conduct him hence,And stow him in the dungeon's depth with toads.[The Guards carry offRamirez.[ToAlph.]For thee, the worthy son of such a father—[Walks by himself.Xim.[ToAlph.]'Tis desperate now; and I, with ill-timed zeal,Have hastened your destruction.Alph.[To her.]You have saved me.Vera.[Aside.]Say I should put the ungrateful wretch to death;—He's thought my son, and, whilst so thought, 'tis dangerousTo imprison him; the people might rebel.He's popular, and I am ill beloved.—Then banish him;—that's best, but yet unsafe:He may with foreign aid reconquer all.—I'll venture that, with Garcia to my friend;He shall recall his troops, mine are at hand,And ready prest for service.[He comes toAlph.andXimena.Xim.Now the storm.Vera.[ToAlph.]Thy doom's resolved; too gentle for thy crimes.I spare thy life, depart to banishment;To-morrow leave the realm, this day the town,And, like the scape-goat driven into the desart,Bear all ill omens with thee.Alph.Proud of my exile, with erected face,I leave your court, your town, and your dominions.Pleased that I love at least without a crime.Lighter by what I lost, I tread in air,Unhappy, but triumphant in despair.[ExitAlphonso.Vera.Behold how haughtily he strides away,Lofty and bold; as if not banished hence,But seeking for some other place to reign.I think he cannot hope; but, lest he should,Victoria soon shall be Don Garcia's bride.—[ToXimena.]Go, madam, for I know you are in haste,To greet your daughter with this goodly news.Tell her, Alphonso is no more my son;But tell her too, he shall not be her husband.Bid her prepare herself to wed Navarre;Whether by force, or by consent, I care not;To-morrow shall determine that affair.Nor shall my will be frustrate, or delayed;Kings are not kings, unless they be obeyed.[Exeunt.

What state of life can be so blest

As love, that warms a lover's breast?

Two souls in one, the same desire

To grant the bliss, and to require!

But if in heaven a hell we find,

'Tis all from thee,

O Jealousy!

'Tis all from thee,

O Jealousy!

Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy,

Thou tyrant of the mind!

All other ills, though sharp they prove,Serve to refine, and perfect love:In absence, or unkind disdain,Sweet hope relieves the lover's pain.But, ah! no cure but death we find,To set us freeFrom Jealousy:O Jealousy!Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy,Thou tyrant of the mind.

All other ills, though sharp they prove,

Serve to refine, and perfect love:

In absence, or unkind disdain,

Sweet hope relieves the lover's pain.

But, ah! no cure but death we find,

To set us free

From Jealousy:

O Jealousy!

Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy,

Thou tyrant of the mind.

False in thy glass all objects are,Some set too near, and some too far;Thou art the fire of endless night,The fire that burns, and gives no light.All torments of the damned we findIn only thee,O Jealousy!Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy,Thou tyrant of the mind![Exeunt Musicians.

False in thy glass all objects are,

Some set too near, and some too far;

Thou art the fire of endless night,

The fire that burns, and gives no light.

All torments of the damned we find

In only thee,

O Jealousy!

Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy,

Thou tyrant of the mind![Exeunt Musicians.

Alph.'Tis true, my tyrant father has confined me;But love, who traverses the world at will,Who knows not awe, nor law, nor parentage,Has broke my tedder, and enlarged my bounds.

Alph.'Tis true, my tyrant father has confined me;

But love, who traverses the world at will,

Who knows not awe, nor law, nor parentage,

Has broke my tedder, and enlarged my bounds.

Vict.Retire betimes; the court is full of eyes,As eagles sharp, fatal as basilisks,Who live on looking, and who see no death[58].

Vict.Retire betimes; the court is full of eyes,

As eagles sharp, fatal as basilisks,

Who live on looking, and who see no death[58].

Alph.I come but to depart, and go for ever,Because denied the common rights of nature,Which the first brother and first sister had.Why were not you and I that happy pair?But nature doats with age.

Alph.I come but to depart, and go for ever,

Because denied the common rights of nature,

Which the first brother and first sister had.

Why were not you and I that happy pair?

But nature doats with age.

Vict.Whate'er it be, 'tis past redress, Alphonso.

Alph.But, then, shall Garcia take thee in his arms,Glutted with joys which I would die to taste!No, let me stab the wretch in every vein,And leave him dry of pleasure, ere we part.

Alph.But, then, shall Garcia take thee in his arms,

Glutted with joys which I would die to taste!

No, let me stab the wretch in every vein,

And leave him dry of pleasure, ere we part.

Vict.Alphonso, no; you cannot kill Don Garcia,But you declare the cause, and own your love.

Vict.Alphonso, no; you cannot kill Don Garcia,

But you declare the cause, and own your love.

Alph.And what care I, what after ages sayAlphonso did, to make Alphonso happy?But oh, you love! and would preserve his lifeTo be for ever his.

Alph.And what care I, what after ages say

Alphonso did, to make Alphonso happy?

But oh, you love! and would preserve his life

To be for ever his.

Vict.My dearest brother,I hate your rival, and I die for you:All but my spotless honour shall be yours.

Vict.My dearest brother,

I hate your rival, and I die for you:

All but my spotless honour shall be yours.

Alph.By heaven!—but that word heaven comescross my thoughts—

Alph.By heaven!—but that word heaven comes

cross my thoughts—

Vict.Beware: for by my own I guess your passion.You would, I fear—

Vict.Beware: for by my own I guess your passion.

You would, I fear—

Alph.Enjoy my heaven one moment—

Vict.And part with it for ever: Think on that.

Alph.That moment were eternity in little:A mighty sum, but taken on content,To save the tedious telling o'er and o'er.

Alph.That moment were eternity in little:

A mighty sum, but taken on content,

To save the tedious telling o'er and o'er.

Vict.Oh, we are too long together.

Alph.Fear you that?

Vict.I ought to fear it, but I trust my virtue.Depart, my soul,—I will not ask you whither,For fear I should repent of my repentance,And follow you to death.

Vict.I ought to fear it, but I trust my virtue.

Depart, my soul,—I will not ask you whither,

For fear I should repent of my repentance,

And follow you to death.

Alph.I go, Victoria,For love's cold fit of jealousy returns.You must not be Don Garcia's; swear you will not.

Alph.I go, Victoria,

For love's cold fit of jealousy returns.

You must not be Don Garcia's; swear you will not.

Vict.I swear I will not, by my own consent.

Alph.You may be forced;—oh, cursed jealousy,Thou bastard son of Love, unlike thy father,Why dost thou still torment me?

Alph.You may be forced;—oh, cursed jealousy,

Thou bastard son of Love, unlike thy father,

Why dost thou still torment me?

Vict.Trust my honour.

Alph.That may be chafed into a warmth, Victoria.Talk, seeing, touching, are incendiaries;And these may mount your young desires like straw,To meet the jett that draws you.

Alph.That may be chafed into a warmth, Victoria.

Talk, seeing, touching, are incendiaries;

And these may mount your young desires like straw,

To meet the jett that draws you.

Vict.Trust my love.

Alph.I swear I trust it, but I fear your beauty:'Tis a fair fruit that hangs upon the bough,Tempts, and is tempted.

Alph.I swear I trust it, but I fear your beauty:

'Tis a fair fruit that hangs upon the bough,

Tempts, and is tempted.

Vict.'Tis indeed a fruit.Seen and desired by all, while yet unpulled,But can be gathered by one only hand.

Vict.'Tis indeed a fruit.

Seen and desired by all, while yet unpulled,

But can be gathered by one only hand.

Alph.That one is Garcia;—still the fit returns:I wish my jealousy could quench my love.

Alph.That one is Garcia;—still the fit returns:

I wish my jealousy could quench my love.

Vict.It cannot, if I measure yours by mine;Or, if extinguished, like a trail of smokeFrom a wax taper, soon would light again.

Vict.It cannot, if I measure yours by mine;

Or, if extinguished, like a trail of smoke

From a wax taper, soon would light again.

Alph.'Tis so; for when I say I will not love,Then I love most. Farewell, my only joy!I go to hide me from the world and you.

Alph.'Tis so; for when I say I will not love,

Then I love most. Farewell, my only joy!

I go to hide me from the world and you.

Vict.As, when the sun is down,His light is clipt into a thousand stars,So your sweet image, though you shine not on me,Will gild the horror of the night, and makeA pleasing scene of solitary grief.

Vict.As, when the sun is down,

His light is clipt into a thousand stars,

So your sweet image, though you shine not on me,

Will gild the horror of the night, and make

A pleasing scene of solitary grief.

EnterVeramondandXimena,he with an Ovid in his hand.

Vera.How darest thou, rebel, thus provoke my patienceBeyond all sufferance, and transgress thy bounds?

Vera.How darest thou, rebel, thus provoke my patience

Beyond all sufferance, and transgress thy bounds?

Alph.When kings and fathers, on their sons and subjectsExact intolerable things to bear,Nature and self-defence dispense with duty.

Alph.When kings and fathers, on their sons and subjects

Exact intolerable things to bear,

Nature and self-defence dispense with duty.

Vera.Oh, heaven! what horrid sin have I committedThat I was punished to beget this son?

Vera.Oh, heaven! what horrid sin have I committed

That I was punished to beget this son?

Alph.I could ask heaven another question too,But that 'tis not so decent. In few words;Hither I came to take my latest leaveOf dear Victoria, then depart for ever;And, buried in some solitary cave,Forgetting and forgotten, end my days.

Alph.I could ask heaven another question too,

But that 'tis not so decent. In few words;

Hither I came to take my latest leave

Of dear Victoria, then depart for ever;

And, buried in some solitary cave,

Forgetting and forgotten, end my days.

Vera.'Tis what thou hast deserved: perform thypenance.

Vera.'Tis what thou hast deserved: perform thy

penance.

Xim.So hard a sentence for so small a fault?Are you a father, sir!

Xim.So hard a sentence for so small a fault?

Are you a father, sir!

Vera.Is he a son?Thou knowest not his offence.But mark the glowing blood, the guilty flushUpon Victoria's face, and read it there.

Vera.Is he a son?

Thou knowest not his offence.

But mark the glowing blood, the guilty flush

Upon Victoria's face, and read it there.

Xim.I know not what you mean.

VeraVictoria, speak,And clear yourself:—she answers not a word.Nay, then my fears are true, on both sides guilty.

VeraVictoria, speak,

And clear yourself:—she answers not a word.

Nay, then my fears are true, on both sides guilty.

Vict.'Tis found, and we are lost.[Aside.

Vera.But what needs more conviction? know you this?[Shewing the Ovid toAlph.This book, the tutor of incestuous love?The page is doubled down, and points thee to thy crime.I feared, before, from every rolling glance,How quick they shot upon thy sister's face;And she received them all, like smoking flax;Confessed the fire, and answered to the flame.

Vera.But what needs more conviction? know you this?[Shewing the Ovid toAlph.

This book, the tutor of incestuous love?

The page is doubled down, and points thee to thy crime.

I feared, before, from every rolling glance,

How quick they shot upon thy sister's face;

And she received them all, like smoking flax;

Confessed the fire, and answered to the flame.

Vict.I love my brother, and avow that fire!His love to me has raised his noble thoughtsTo brave achievements for your crown and you:For love's the steel that strikes upon the flint;Gives coldness heat, exerts the hidden flame,And spreads the sparkles round, to warm the world.

Vict.I love my brother, and avow that fire!

His love to me has raised his noble thoughts

To brave achievements for your crown and you:

For love's the steel that strikes upon the flint;

Gives coldness heat, exerts the hidden flame,

And spreads the sparkles round, to warm the world.

Vera.Oh, heavens, she makes a merit of her crime!Victoria, I would yet think better of thee,And therefore dare I not enquire too far,Willing to doubt the guilt I fear to find.Depart, and answer not.—[ExitVict.For thee, whom I abhor to call my son,[ToAlph.And wish thou wert a stranger to my blood—

Vera.Oh, heavens, she makes a merit of her crime!

Victoria, I would yet think better of thee,

And therefore dare I not enquire too far,

Willing to doubt the guilt I fear to find.

Depart, and answer not.—[ExitVict.

For thee, whom I abhor to call my son,[ToAlph.

And wish thou wert a stranger to my blood—

Xim.That was a happy hint, I must improve it.[Aside.

Vera.One way, and only one, remains to clear thee:If with a holy fire thou lov'st thy sister,Aspiring but to fame, not sinking downInto the abyss of lust unnatural,Consent that she may be Don Garcia's wife;Else give the lie to all thy fair pretences,And stand exposed a monster of mankind.Foul as the fiends which fell from heaven's high towers,Fall thou from empire so; and from my sightDepart, accursed for ever.

Vera.One way, and only one, remains to clear thee:

If with a holy fire thou lov'st thy sister,

Aspiring but to fame, not sinking down

Into the abyss of lust unnatural,

Consent that she may be Don Garcia's wife;

Else give the lie to all thy fair pretences,

And stand exposed a monster of mankind.

Foul as the fiends which fell from heaven's high towers,

Fall thou from empire so; and from my sight

Depart, accursed for ever.

Alph.Gladly I leave you, but shall go more lightly,If eased of this your dreadful imprecation:O let me go unloaded with your curse,And I will bless you for my banishment!

Alph.Gladly I leave you, but shall go more lightly,

If eased of this your dreadful imprecation:

O let me go unloaded with your curse,

And I will bless you for my banishment!

Vera.So may that blessing or that curse o'ertake thee,As thou obeyest or disobeyest my will.

Vera.So may that blessing or that curse o'ertake thee,

As thou obeyest or disobeyest my will.

Alph.Guiltless of sin, with conscience to my friend,I go, to shun that fatal hour, that shews meVictoria married, and Alphonso lost.[He is going.

Alph.Guiltless of sin, with conscience to my friend,

I go, to shun that fatal hour, that shews me

Victoria married, and Alphonso lost.[He is going.

Xim.Stay yet, Alphonso, for one moment stay:For somewhat, if I durst, I have to speak,Which would at least take half thy load away,And free thy shoulders from the weight of sin.

Xim.Stay yet, Alphonso, for one moment stay:

For somewhat, if I durst, I have to speak,

Which would at least take half thy load away,

And free thy shoulders from the weight of sin.

Vera.Ximena, darest thou hope to palliate incest,And gild so black a crime?

Vera.Ximena, darest thou hope to palliate incest,

And gild so black a crime?

Xim.I gild it not; but, if I prove it none,You may be kind, Alphonso may be happy,And these domestic jars for ever cease.

Xim.I gild it not; but, if I prove it none,

You may be kind, Alphonso may be happy,

And these domestic jars for ever cease.

Vera.Explain yourself.

Xim.Afford me then your patience.A mighty secret labours in my soul,And, like a rushing stream, breaks down the dam;This day must give it vent. It rests in youTo make it end in a tempestuous night,Or in a glorious evening.

Xim.Afford me then your patience.

A mighty secret labours in my soul,

And, like a rushing stream, breaks down the dam;

This day must give it vent. It rests in you

To make it end in a tempestuous night,

Or in a glorious evening.

Vera.No more preface.

Xim.You wonder at Alphonso's haughty carriage,His fiery temper, and his awless mind.

Xim.You wonder at Alphonso's haughty carriage,

His fiery temper, and his awless mind.

Vera.Too true, Ximena.

Xim.And he wonders moreAt your harsh nature, and your rugged usage,On each side unbecoming son and father;And yet the cause of both is to be found.But, ere I farther shall proceed to speak,Command your royal prisoner to be brought;For I must be confronted with Ramirez,And in his presence tell you wonderous things,Which if he vouch not, let Ximena die.

Xim.And he wonders more

At your harsh nature, and your rugged usage,

On each side unbecoming son and father;

And yet the cause of both is to be found.

But, ere I farther shall proceed to speak,

Command your royal prisoner to be brought;

For I must be confronted with Ramirez,

And in his presence tell you wonderous things,

Which if he vouch not, let Ximena die.

Vera.I sent for him to hear his final doom,And think he waits without.—Admit the prisoner.[He goes to the door, and speaks.

Vera.I sent for him to hear his final doom,

And think he waits without.—

Admit the prisoner.[He goes to the door, and speaks.

EnterRamirez,guarded.

Now, sir, is yet your haughty soul resolvedTo quit your empty title for your freedom?

Now, sir, is yet your haughty soul resolved

To quit your empty title for your freedom?

Xim.Ramirez, answer not to raise his passion:For now the important secret of our livesMust come to public view; and on that hingeDepends thy crown, thy liberty, and life,My honour, and thy son's.

Xim.Ramirez, answer not to raise his passion:

For now the important secret of our lives

Must come to public view; and on that hinge

Depends thy crown, thy liberty, and life,

My honour, and thy son's.

Alph.What means my mother?[Aside.

Vera.A son, Ramirez!

Ram.Yes, a son I had.

Vera.He died an infant here in Saragossa.

Ram.A living son I have; and, since the queenIs pleased to expose my lifeBefore a judge so prejudiced as you,Undaunted, in the face of death, I speak,And claim Alphonso mine.

Ram.A living son I have; and, since the queen

Is pleased to expose my life

Before a judge so prejudiced as you,

Undaunted, in the face of death, I speak,

And claim Alphonso mine.

Vera.There needs no more: I spare thee all the rest;My wife's adultery, thy foul interloping,My own dishonour, and that bastard's birth.

Vera.There needs no more: I spare thee all the rest;

My wife's adultery, thy foul interloping,

My own dishonour, and that bastard's birth.

Xim.Injurious words, unfitting you to speak,And me, my lord, and those concerned, to hear.

Xim.Injurious words, unfitting you to speak,

And me, my lord, and those concerned, to hear.

Alph.[ToVer.]Though I would give whate'er the sun beholdsNot to be yours, yet, when my mother's fameIs questioned, none shall wrong her innocence;Nor shall Ramirez goUnpunished for that infamous aspersion.

Alph.[ToVer.]Though I would give whate'er the sun beholds

Not to be yours, yet, when my mother's fame

Is questioned, none shall wrong her innocence;

Nor shall Ramirez go

Unpunished for that infamous aspersion.

Ram.Alphonso, peace; your father bids you peace.

Vera.Then, what am I?

Ram.His foster-father.

Vera.Impudently said;And yet I hope 'tis true. So much I hate him,That I could buy the public scorn, to beAn alien to his blood.

Vera.Impudently said;

And yet I hope 'tis true. So much I hate him,

That I could buy the public scorn, to be

An alien to his blood.

Xim.Have patience, sir,And you shall have your wish on cheaper terms;But hear me speak.

Xim.Have patience, sir,

And you shall have your wish on cheaper terms;

But hear me speak.

Vera.Good heaven, then give me patience!

Xim.When you and brave Ramirez, then your friend,Me and my sister married, four full yearsWe passed in barren wedlock, childless both;Ramirez, you remember, brought his queenTo Saragossa on a friendly visit;Then, as we both were married on one day,We both conceived together.

Xim.When you and brave Ramirez, then your friend,

Me and my sister married, four full years

We passed in barren wedlock, childless both;

Ramirez, you remember, brought his queen

To Saragossa on a friendly visit;

Then, as we both were married on one day,

We both conceived together.

Vera.I observe it,—That, when Ramirez came, you both conceived!Mark that, and, if thou hast the face, proceed.

Vera.I observe it,—

That, when Ramirez came, you both conceived!

Mark that, and, if thou hast the face, proceed.

Xim.My lord, I dare:—You took me once aside, and, as your rageInspired your soul, spoke thus: Ximena, know,That, if the fruit thou bear'st be not a son,Henceforth no more my queen, we part for ever.The word was hard, I bore it as I could;I prayed, and heaven, in pity, heard my vows:Two boys, in one fair morning, were disclosedBy me, and by my sister;And both the fathers equally were blest.

Xim.My lord, I dare:—

You took me once aside, and, as your rage

Inspired your soul, spoke thus: Ximena, know,

That, if the fruit thou bear'st be not a son,

Henceforth no more my queen, we part for ever.

The word was hard, I bore it as I could;

I prayed, and heaven, in pity, heard my vows:

Two boys, in one fair morning, were disclosed

By me, and by my sister;

And both the fathers equally were blest.

Vera.Say one was blest with two, and speak more truly.

Xim.Forbear this language, sir, or I am dumb.It seems that you deserved not him you had,For in seven days heaven ravished your Alphonso;My sister's little Veramond survived,And she's a living witness of this truth.Great was my grief, but greater was my fear,From your, alas! too much experienced anger.Thus low reduced, and urged by anxious thoughtsOf what I might expect from your unkindness,—Now, speak, Ramirez, and relate the rest;For my tongue faulters, and denies its office,So much I fear my lord should take offence.

Xim.Forbear this language, sir, or I am dumb.

It seems that you deserved not him you had,

For in seven days heaven ravished your Alphonso;

My sister's little Veramond survived,

And she's a living witness of this truth.

Great was my grief, but greater was my fear,

From your, alas! too much experienced anger.

Thus low reduced, and urged by anxious thoughts

Of what I might expect from your unkindness,—

Now, speak, Ramirez, and relate the rest;

For my tongue faulters, and denies its office,

So much I fear my lord should take offence.

Ram.Then, like or disapprove it, thus it was:She told my wife and me this mournful story;Her fears, for thy resentment of thy loss,If, by misfortune, it should reach thy ears,Begged secrecy, and then implored our aidTo substitute the living for the dead,And make our Veramond pass for thy Alphonso.A hard request, but, with compassion moved,At length twas granted.

Ram.Then, like or disapprove it, thus it was:

She told my wife and me this mournful story;

Her fears, for thy resentment of thy loss,

If, by misfortune, it should reach thy ears,

Begged secrecy, and then implored our aid

To substitute the living for the dead,

And make our Veramond pass for thy Alphonso.

A hard request, but, with compassion moved,

At length twas granted.

Vera.Is this true, Ximena?

Xim.So heaven and you forgive my pious fraud,As what he says is certain.

Xim.So heaven and you forgive my pious fraud,

As what he says is certain.

Alph.O joyful news! Oh happy day! too goodTo end in night—My father, and my king![Runs toRamirez,kneels to him, and kisses his hand.My soul foreknew you, with a sure presageOf native duty, and instinctive love.

Alph.O joyful news! Oh happy day! too good

To end in night—My father, and my king!

[Runs toRamirez,kneels to him, and kisses his hand.

My soul foreknew you, with a sure presage

Of native duty, and instinctive love.

Ram.Arise, my son.

Vera.You own him, then?

Ram.I do.

Vera.A welcome riddance.Meantime, in prospect of a double crown,You gave the sparrow leave to brood uponThe cuckoo's egg.

Vera.A welcome riddance.

Meantime, in prospect of a double crown,

You gave the sparrow leave to brood upon

The cuckoo's egg.

Ram.The advantage was to you:He proved his blood upon me, when we fought;Fierce eagles never procreate fearful doves.I sent him word he was my son beforeThe battle, but the hand of fate was in it,The note miscarried, and we blindly met.

Ram.The advantage was to you:

He proved his blood upon me, when we fought;

Fierce eagles never procreate fearful doves.

I sent him word he was my son before

The battle, but the hand of fate was in it,

The note miscarried, and we blindly met.

Xim.Past accidents embitter both your minds;Think forward on your mutual interest.Alphonso loves Victoria:I saw it in the seeds, before disclosedTo other eyes; connived at it, approved it.

Xim.Past accidents embitter both your minds;

Think forward on your mutual interest.

Alphonso loves Victoria:

I saw it in the seeds, before disclosed

To other eyes; connived at it, approved it.

Vera.A most commodious mother!

Xim.Blame me not.Guilt there was none, but in their apprehension;And both their virtues barred ill consequences.Now take the blest occasion by the foretop,And on their marriage found a lasting peace.

Xim.Blame me not.

Guilt there was none, but in their apprehension;

And both their virtues barred ill consequences.

Now take the blest occasion by the foretop,

And on their marriage found a lasting peace.

Ram.A trivial accident begot this war;Some paltry bounds of ill distinguished earth,A clod that lay betwixt us unascertained,And royal pride, on both sides, drew our swords:Thus monarchs quarrel, and their subjects bleed.Remove your land-marks, set them where you please;Stretch out your Arragon on my Castile;And be once more my brother.

Ram.A trivial accident begot this war;

Some paltry bounds of ill distinguished earth,

A clod that lay betwixt us unascertained,

And royal pride, on both sides, drew our swords:

Thus monarchs quarrel, and their subjects bleed.

Remove your land-marks, set them where you please;

Stretch out your Arragon on my Castile;

And be once more my brother.

Alph.I implore it;And, prostrate, beg your pardon and your grace.I have offended in my proud behaviour;But make Victoria mine, and what your sonIn duty wanted, by your son-in-lawShall doubly be supplied.

Alph.I implore it;

And, prostrate, beg your pardon and your grace.

I have offended in my proud behaviour;

But make Victoria mine, and what your son

In duty wanted, by your son-in-law

Shall doubly be supplied.

Xim.What would you more?

Vera.[To her.]Are you the mediatrix of this peace?

Xim.It well becomes the softness of my sexTo mediate for sweet peace, the best of blessings;And, like a Sabine wife, to run betwixtRelations' lifted swords.

Xim.It well becomes the softness of my sex

To mediate for sweet peace, the best of blessings;

And, like a Sabine wife, to run betwixt

Relations' lifted swords.

Ver.A rare chaste Sabine, you!To save the adulterer of thy husband's bed.See there, Alphonso's father, that old goat,Who on two sisters propagated lust,And got two children, for himself and me.Suppose thee chaste,—a favourable guessTo any of thy sex,—these are my foes;[ToRamirez.]Thou first, the former sharer of my sheets,A king without a kingdom; Thine is conquered,And Garcia with Victoria shall enjoy it.

Ver.A rare chaste Sabine, you!

To save the adulterer of thy husband's bed.

See there, Alphonso's father, that old goat,

Who on two sisters propagated lust,

And got two children, for himself and me.

Suppose thee chaste,—a favourable guess

To any of thy sex,—these are my foes;

[ToRamirez.]Thou first, the former sharer of my sheets,

A king without a kingdom; Thine is conquered,

And Garcia with Victoria shall enjoy it.

Ram.So monstrously you wrong your wife and me—

Vera.No more, my will is law.

Ram.So tyrants say.

Vera.I will not hear thee speak.—Conduct him hence,And stow him in the dungeon's depth with toads.[The Guards carry offRamirez.

Vera.I will not hear thee speak.—Conduct him hence,

And stow him in the dungeon's depth with toads.

[The Guards carry offRamirez.

[ToAlph.]For thee, the worthy son of such a father—[Walks by himself.

Xim.[ToAlph.]'Tis desperate now; and I, with ill-timed zeal,Have hastened your destruction.

Xim.[ToAlph.]'Tis desperate now; and I, with ill-timed zeal,

Have hastened your destruction.

Alph.[To her.]You have saved me.

Vera.[Aside.]Say I should put the ungrateful wretch to death;—He's thought my son, and, whilst so thought, 'tis dangerousTo imprison him; the people might rebel.He's popular, and I am ill beloved.—Then banish him;—that's best, but yet unsafe:He may with foreign aid reconquer all.—I'll venture that, with Garcia to my friend;He shall recall his troops, mine are at hand,And ready prest for service.[He comes toAlph.andXimena.

Vera.[Aside.]Say I should put the ungrateful wretch to death;—

He's thought my son, and, whilst so thought, 'tis dangerous

To imprison him; the people might rebel.

He's popular, and I am ill beloved.—

Then banish him;—that's best, but yet unsafe:

He may with foreign aid reconquer all.—

I'll venture that, with Garcia to my friend;

He shall recall his troops, mine are at hand,

And ready prest for service.

[He comes toAlph.andXimena.

Xim.Now the storm.

Vera.[ToAlph.]Thy doom's resolved; too gentle for thy crimes.I spare thy life, depart to banishment;To-morrow leave the realm, this day the town,And, like the scape-goat driven into the desart,Bear all ill omens with thee.

Vera.[ToAlph.]Thy doom's resolved; too gentle for thy crimes.

I spare thy life, depart to banishment;

To-morrow leave the realm, this day the town,

And, like the scape-goat driven into the desart,

Bear all ill omens with thee.

Alph.Proud of my exile, with erected face,I leave your court, your town, and your dominions.Pleased that I love at least without a crime.Lighter by what I lost, I tread in air,Unhappy, but triumphant in despair.[ExitAlphonso.

Alph.Proud of my exile, with erected face,

I leave your court, your town, and your dominions.

Pleased that I love at least without a crime.

Lighter by what I lost, I tread in air,

Unhappy, but triumphant in despair.[ExitAlphonso.

Vera.Behold how haughtily he strides away,Lofty and bold; as if not banished hence,But seeking for some other place to reign.I think he cannot hope; but, lest he should,Victoria soon shall be Don Garcia's bride.—[ToXimena.]Go, madam, for I know you are in haste,To greet your daughter with this goodly news.Tell her, Alphonso is no more my son;But tell her too, he shall not be her husband.Bid her prepare herself to wed Navarre;Whether by force, or by consent, I care not;To-morrow shall determine that affair.Nor shall my will be frustrate, or delayed;Kings are not kings, unless they be obeyed.[Exeunt.

Vera.Behold how haughtily he strides away,

Lofty and bold; as if not banished hence,

But seeking for some other place to reign.

I think he cannot hope; but, lest he should,

Victoria soon shall be Don Garcia's bride.—

[ToXimena.]Go, madam, for I know you are in haste,

To greet your daughter with this goodly news.

Tell her, Alphonso is no more my son;

But tell her too, he shall not be her husband.

Bid her prepare herself to wed Navarre;

Whether by force, or by consent, I care not;

To-morrow shall determine that affair.

Nor shall my will be frustrate, or delayed;

Kings are not kings, unless they be obeyed.[Exeunt.

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