Enter DonGuzman, andGalindo.
DonGuz.Galindo!
[Musing.
Gal.Sir.
DonGuz.Try if you can seeJacinta, let her privately know I wou'd fain speak with her.
Gal.It shall be done, Sir.
[Exit.Gal.
DonGuzmansolus.
Sure Villainy and Impudence were never on the Stretch before! This Traitor has racked them tillthey crack. To what a Plunge the Villain'sTourhas brought me.Pedro's Resentment must at last be pointed here: But that's a Trifle; had he not ruin'd me withLeonora, I easily had pass'd him by the rest.——What's to be done? Which Way shall I convince her of my Innocence? The Blood of him who has dar'd declare me Guilty, may satisfy my Vengeance, but not aid my Love. No; I'm lost with her for ever——
EnterJacinta.
Speak: is't not so,Jacinta? Am I not ruin'd with the virtuousLeonora?
Jacin.One of you, I suppose, is.
DonGuz.Which dost thou think?
Jacin.Why he that came to spoil all; who shou'd it be?
DonGuz.Pr'ythee be serious with me if thou can'st, for one small Moment, and advise me which Way I shall take to convince her of my Innocence, that it was I that came to do her Service.
Jacin.Why, you both came to do her Service, did not you?
DonGuz.Still trifling.
Jacin.No, by my Troth, not I.
DonGuz.Then turn thy Thoughts to ease me in my Torment, and be my faithful Witness to her, that Heaven and Hell and all their Wrath I imprecate, if ever once I knew one fleeting Thought that durst propose to me so impious an Attempt. No,Jacinta, I love her well; but love with that Humility, whatever Misery I feel, my Torture ne'er shall urge me on to seize more than her Bounty gives me leave to take.
Jacin.And the Murrain take such a Lover, and his Humility both, say I. Why, sure, Sir, you are not in earnest in this Story; are you?
DonGuz.Why dost thou question it?
Jacin.Because I really and seriously thought you innocent.
DonGuz.Innocent! What dost thou mean?
Jacin.Mean! Why, what shou'd I mean? I mean that I concluded you lov'd my Lady to that Degree,you cou'd not live without her: And that the Thought of her being given up to another, made your Passion flame out like MountEtna: That upon this your Love got the Bridle in his Teeth, and ran away with you into her Chamber, where that impertinent Spy upon her and you, DonJohn, follow'd, and prevented farther Proofs of your Affection.
DonGuz.Why, sure——
Jacin.Why, sure, thus I thought it was, and thus she thinks it is. If you have a Mind in the Depth of your Discretion, to convince her of your Innocence—May your Innocence be your Reward! I'm sure were I in her Place, you shou'd never have any other from me.
DonGuz.Was there then no Merit in flying to her Assistance when I heard her Cries?
Jacin.As much as the Constable and the Watch might have pretended to—something to drink.
DonGuz.This is all Raillery; 'tis, impossible she can be pleas'd with such an Attempt.
Jacin.'Tis impossible she can be pleas'd with being reduc'd to make the Attempt upon you.
DonGuz.But was this a proper Way to save her Blushes?
Jacin.'Twas in the dark; that's one Way.
DonGuz.But it must look like downright Violation.
Jacin.If it did not feel like it, what did that signify? Come, Sir, Waggery apart: You know I'm your Servant; I have given you Proofs on't. Therefore, don't distrust me now, if I tell you, this Quarrel may be made up with the Wife, tho' perhaps not with the Husband. In short, she thinks you were first in her Chamber, and has not the worse Opinion of you for it; she makes Allowance for your Sufferings, and has still Love enough for you, not to be displeas'd with the utmost Proofs you can give, that you have still a warm Remain for her.
DonGuz.If this be true, and that she thought 'twas me, why did me cry out to expose me?
Jacin.Because at this Time she did not think 'twas you. Will that content you? And now she does think'twas you, your Business is to let her think so on; for, in a Word, I can see she's concern'd at the Danger she has brought you into, and, I believe, wou'd be heartily glad to see you well out on't.
DonGuz.——'Tis impossible she can forgive me.
Jacin.Oons—Now Heaven forgive me, for I had a great Oath upon the very Tip of my Tongue; you'd make one mad with your Impossibles, and your Innocence, and your Humilities. 'Sdeath, Sir, do you think a Woman makes no Distinction between the Assaults of a Man she likes and one she don't? My Lady hates DonJohn, and if she thought 'twas he had done this Job, she'd hang him for't in her own Garters; she likes you, and if you shou'd do such another, you might still die in your Bed like a Bishop, for her.
DonGuz.Well, I'll dispute no farther. I put myself into thy Hands. What am I to do next?
Jacin.Why, do as she bids you; be in the Way at the old Rendezvous, she'll take the first Occasion she can to speak to you; and when you meet, do as I bid you, and instead of your Innocent and Humble, be Guilty and Resolute. Your Mistress is now marry'd, Sir; consider that. She has chang'd her Situation, and so must you your Battery. Attack a Maid gently, a Wife warmly, and be as rugged with a Widow as you can. Good bye t'ye, Sir.
[Exeunt several Ways.
Enter DonPedrosolus.
Inwhat Distraction have I past this Night! Sure I shall never close my Eyes again! No Rack can equal what I feel. Wounded in both my Honour and my Love; they have pierc'd me in two tender Parts. Yet cou'd I take my just Revenge, it wou'd in some Degree assuage my Smart. O! guide me Heaven to that Cordial drop.——Hold! A Glance of Light I think begins to——Yes——Right. When Yesterday I brought DonJohnhither, was not DonFelixmuch disturb'd?——He was; and why?——That may be worth enquiring. But something more occurs. At my Arrival in this City, was I not told that two Cavalierswere warm in the Pursuit ofLeonora? One I remember well, they nam'd, 'twasGuzman: The other, I am yet a Stranger to. I fear I shall not be so long——'TisAlvarada! O the Traitor! yet I may wrong him much. I haveGuzman's own Confession that he past the Wall to come toLeonora——O! but 'twas to her Assistance——And so it might, and he a Villain still.—There are Assistances of various Sorts——What were her Wants?—That's dark—But whatsoe'er they were, he came to her Assistance. Death be his Portion, for his ready Service.
Enter DonFelix.
DonFel.You avoid me, DonPedro; 'tis not well. Am I not your Father, have you not Reason to believe I am your Friend?
DonPed.I have.
DonFel.Why do you not then treat me like a Father and a Friend? The Mystery you make to me of last Night's Disturbance, I take unkindly from you.—Come, tell me your Grief, that if I can I may assuage it.
DonPed.Nothing but Vengeance can give me ease.
DonFel.If I desire to know your Wrongs, 'tis to assist you in revenging 'em.
DonPed.Know then, that last Night in this Apartment I found DonGuzmanand DonJohn.
DonFel.GuzmanandAlvarada?
DonPed.Yes; andLeonoraalmost naked between them, crying out for Aid.
DonFel.Were they both guilty?
DonPed.One was come to force her, t'other to rescue her.
DonFel.Which was the Criminal?
DonPed.Of that I am yet ignorant. They accuse each other.
DonFel.Can't your Wife determine it?
DonPed.The Darkness of the Night put it out of her Power.
DonFel.But I perhaps may bring some Light to aid you. I have Part in the Affront: And tho' my Arm's too old and weak to serve you, my Counsel may be useful to your Vengeance. Know then, that DonGuzmanhas a long Time pursu'd my Daughter; and I as resolutely refus'd his Suit; which, however, has not hindered him from searching all Occasions to see and speak to her. DonJohn, on his Side——
DonPed.DonJohn's my Friend, and I am confident——
DonFel.That Confidence destroys you. Hear my Charge, and be yourself his Judge. He too has been a pressing Suitor to my Daughter.
DonPed.Impossible!
DonFel.To me myself, he has own'd his Love to her.
DonPed.. Good Gods! Yet still this leaves the Mystery where it was; this Charge is equal.
DonFel.'Tis true; but yonder's one (if you can make her speak) I have Reason, to believe can tell us more.——Ho,Jacinta!
EnterJacinta.
Jacin.Do you call me, Sir?
DonFel.Yes; DonPedrowou'd speak with you. [To DonPedroaside.] I'll leave you with her; press her; press her both by Threats and Promises, and if you find your Wife in Fault, old as I am, her Father too, I'll raise my Arm to plunge this Dagger in her Breast, and by that Firmness convince the world, my Honour's dearer to me than my Child.
[Exit DonFel.
DonPed.[Aside.] Heaven grant me Power to stifle my Rage, till 'tis Time to let my Vengeance fly.Jacinta, come near: I have some Business with you.
Jacin.[Aside.] His Business with me at this Time can be good for nothing, I doubt.
Jacin.[To DonPed.] What Commands have you, Sir, for me? I'm not very well.
DonPed.What's your Disorder?
Jacin.A little Sort of a something towards an Ague, I think.
DonPed.You don't seem so ill, but you may tell me—
Jacin.O, I can tell you nothing, Sir, I assure you.
DonPed.You answer me before yon hear my Question. That looks as if you knew——
Jacin.I know that what you are going to ask me, is a Secret I'm out at.
DonPed.[Offering her a Purse.] Then this shall let thee into it.
Jacin.I know nothing of the Matter.
DonPed.Come, tell me all, and take thy Reward.
Jacin.I know nothing of the Matter, I say.
DonPed.[Drawing his Sword.] Speak; or by all the Flame and Fire of Hell Eternal—
Jacin.O Lard, O Lard, O Lard!
DonPed.Speak, or th'art dead.
Jacin.But if I do speak, shan't I be dead for all that?
DonPed.Speak, and thou art safe.
Jacin.Well—O Lard—I'm so frighted—But if I must speak then—O dear Heart—give me the Purse.
DonPed.There.
Jacin.Why truly, between a Purse in one's Hand—and—a Sword in one's Guts, I think there's little room left for Debate.
DonPed.Come begin, I'm impatient.
Jacin.Begin! let me see, where shall I begin? At DonGuzman, I think.
DonPed.What of him?
Jacin.Why he has been in love with my Lady these six Years.
DonPed.I know it; but how has she received him?
Jacin.Receive him! Why—as young Maids use to receive handsome Fellows; at first ill, afterwards better.
DonPed.[Aside.] Furies! Did they ever meet?
Jacin.A little.
DonPed.By Day or Night?
Jacin.Both.
DonPed.Distraction! Where was their Rendezvous?
Jacin.Where they cou'd not do one another much good.
DonPed.As how?
Jacin.As through a Hole in a Wall.
DonPed.The Strumpet banters me: Be serious, Insolence, or I shall spoil your Gaiety; I'm not dispos'd to Mirth.
Jacin.Why I am serious, if you like my Story the better for't.
DonPed.[Aside.] How miserable a Wretch am I!
Jacin.I tell you there's a Wall parts their two Houses, and in that Wall there's a Hole. How the Wall came by the Hole, I can't tell; mayhap by chance, mayhap by no chance; but there 'tis, and there they use to prattle.
DonPed.And this is Truth?
Jacin.I can't bate you a Word on't, Sir.
DonPed.When did they meet there last?
Jacin.Yesterday; I suppose 'twas only to bid one another adieu.
DonPed.Ah,Jacinta, thou hast pierced my Soul!
Jacin.[Aside.] And yet I han't told you half I cou'd tell you, my Don.
DonPed.Where is this Place you speak of?
Jacin.There 'tis, if you are curious.
DonPed.When they wou'd speak with one another; what's the Call?
Jacin.Tinkle, Tinkle.
DonPed.A Bell?
Jacin.It is.
DonPed.Ring.
Jacin.What do you mean, Sir?
DonPed.[Hastily.] Ring.
Jacin.'Tis done.
DonPed.[Aside.] I'll make use of her to examine him. Does he come?
Jacin.Not yet.
DonPed.Pull again.
Jacin.You must give him Time, Sir: My Lady always does so.
DonPed.I hear something.
Jacin.'Tis he.
DonGuz.[Within.] Who's there?
DonPed... [Softly.] Say you areLeonora.
[Dumb Shew of her Unwillingness and his Threatning.
Jacin.[Softly.] 'TisLeonora.
DonGuz.What are your Commands, Madam? Is it possible so unfortunate a Wretch as I can be capable of serving you?
[DonPed. whispersJacinta, who seems backwards to speak.
Jacin.I come to ask you, how cou'd you so far forget that infinite Regard you have professed, as to make an Attempt so dangerous both to yourself and me; and which, with all the Esteem and Love I have ever borne you, you scarce cou'd hope I ever shou'd forgive you.
DonGuz.Alas! my Hopes and Fears were vanish'd too. My Counsel was my Love and my Despair. If they advis'd me wrong, of them complain, for it was you who made 'em my Directors.
DonPed.[Aside.] The Villain owns the Fact. It seems he thinks he has not so much to fear from her Resentment.——O Torture!
EnterLeonora.
Jacin.[Aside.] So, she's here; that's as I expected: now we are blown up.
Leo.[Aside, not seeing them.] If I don't mistake, I heard DonGuzman's Call. I can't refuse to answer it. Forgive me, Gods, and let my Woman's Weakness plead my Cause.—How! my Husband here! Nay then——
DonPed.You seem disorder'd, Madam; pray, what may be the Cause?
Leo.[Confus'd.] I don't know, really; I'm not——I don't know that——
DonPed.You did not know that I was here, I guess?
Leo.Yes, I did, and——came to speak with you.
DonPed.I'm not at present in a talking Humour, but if your Tongue is set to Conversation, there's one behind the Wall will entertain you.
DonGuz.But is it possible, fairLeonora, that you can pardon my Attempt?
DonPed.[To Leo.] You hear him, Madam; he dares own it to you.
Leo.[Aside.]Jacintawinks; I guess what Scene they have been acting here. My Part is now to play.
[To DonPed.] I see, Sir, he dares own it: Nor is he the first lover has pressum'd beyond the Countenance he ever has receiv'd. Pray draw near, and hear what he has more to say: It is my Interest you shou'd know the Depth of all has ever passed between us.
Leo.[To DonGuz.] I fain wou'd know, DonGuzman, whether in the whole Conduct of my Life, you have known one step, that cou'd encourage you to hope I ever cou'd be yours, but on the Terms of Honour which you sought me?
DonGuz.Not one.
Leo.Why then should you believe I cou'd forgive the taking that by Force, which you already were convinc'd I valu'd more the keeping, than my Life?
DonGuz.Had my Love been as temperate as yours, I with your Reason had perhaps debated. But not in Reason, but in Flames, I flew toLeonora.
Leo.If strong Temptation be allow'd a Plea, Vice, in the worst of Shapes, has much to urge:—No, cou'd any Thing have shaken me in Virtue, it must have been the Strength of it in you. Had you shone bright enough to dazzle me, I blindly might have missed the Path I meant to tread: But now you have clear'd my Sight for ever. If, therefore, from this Moment more you dare to let me know one Thought of Love, though in the humblest Stile, expect to be a Sacrifice to him you attempt to wrong.——Farewel!
[She retires from him.
DonGuz.O stay and hear me!—I have wrong'd myself; I'm innocent!—--By all that's sacred, just and good, I'm innocent!
DonPed.[Aside.] What does he mean?
DonGuz.I have own'd a Fact I am not guilty of!Jacintacan inform you; she knows I never——
Jacin.I know! The Man's mad: Pray, begone, Sir, my Lady will hear no more; I'll shut him out, Madam, shan't I?
[She shuts the Hole.
Leo.I have no farther Business with him.
EnterIsabellahastily.
Isab.O Heavens,Leonora, where are you? DonPedro, you can assist me better.
Leo.What's the Matter?
DonPed.What is it, Madam, I can serve you in?
Isab.In what the Peace of my whole Life consists; the Safety of my Brother! DonJohn's Servant has this Moment left me a Letter for him, which I have open'd, knowing there is an Animosity of some Time between 'em.
DonPed.Well, Madam!
Isab.O dear, it is a Challenge, and what to do I know not; if I shew it my Brother, he'll immediately fly to the Place appointed; and if I don't, he'll be accus'd of Cowardice. One way I risque his Life, t'other I ruin his Honour.
DonPed.What wou'd you have me do, Madam?
Isab.I'll tell you, Sir: I only beg you'll go to the Place where DonJohnexpects him; tell him I have intercepted his Letter, and make him promise you he'll send no more: By this generous Charity you may hinder two Men (whose, Piques are on a frivolous Occasion) from murdering one another! And by this good Office, you'll repay the small Debt you owe my Brother, for flying last Night toLeonora's Succour; and doubly pay the Obligation you have to me, upon the same Occasion.
DonPed.What Obligation, Madam? I am ignorant; pray inform me.
Isab.'Twas I, Sir, that first heardLeonora's Cries, and rais'd my Brother to her Aid. Pray let me receive the same Assistance from your Prudence, which you have had from my Care, and my Brother's Generosity. But, pray lose no Time. DonJohnis perhaps already on the Spot, and not meeting my Brother, may send a second Message, which may be fatal.
DonPed.Madam, be at rest; you shall be satisfy'd, I'll go this Moment. I'll only ask you first whether you are sure you heard my Wife call out for Succour, before your Brother past the Wall?
Isab.I did; why do you ask that Question?
DonPed.I have a Reason, you may be sure. [Aside.] Just Heaven, I adore thee! The Truth at last shines clear, and by that VillainAlvaradaI'm betray'd. But enough; I'll make Use of this Occasion for my Vengeance. [ToIsab.] Where, Madam, is it, DonJohnis waiting?
Isab.But here, in a small Field, behind the Garden.
DonPed.[Aside.] His Blood shall do me Reason for his Treachery.
Isab.Will you go there directly?
DonPed.I will. Be satisfy'd.
[Ex.Don Ped.
Leo.You weep,Isabella?
Isab.You see my Trouble for a Brother for whom I wou'd die, and a Lover for whom I wou'd live. They both are Authors of my Grief.
Leo.They both are Instruments of my Misfortune.
[Exeunt.