EnterLopez.
Oho!my good Signior DonJohn, you are mistaken in your Man; I am your humble Valet, 'tis true, and I am to obey you; but when you have got the Devil in your Body, and are upon your Rantipole Adventures, you shallQuixoteit by yourself, forLopez. Yonder he is, waiting for poorGuzman, with a Sword of a Fathom and a Half; a Dagger for close engagement; and (if I don't mistake) a Pocket-pistol for extraordinary Occasions. I think I am not in the wrong to keep a little out of the Way: These Matters will end in a Court of Justice, or I'm wrong in my Foresight: Now that being a Place where I am pretty well known, and not over-much reputed, I believe 'tis best, neither to come in for Prisoner nor Evidence. But hold; yonder comes anotherToledo! DonGuzmanI presume, but I presume wrong, it is—who is it? DonPedro, by all the Powers! What the Pox does he here, or what the Pox do I here? I'm sure as Matters stand, Iought to fly him like a Creditor; but he sees me, 'tis too late to slip him.
Enter DonPedro.
DonPed.How now,Lopez; where are you going?
Lop.I'm going, Sir, I——I'm going—if you please——I'm going about my Business.
DonPed.From whence do you come?
Lop.Only, only, Sir, from—taking the Air a little, I'm mightily muddled with a Whur——round about in my Head, for this Day or two; I'm going home to be let Blood, as fast as I can, Sir.
DonPed.Hold, Sir; I'll let you Blood here.
This Rascal may have borne some Part in this late Adventure: He's a Coward; I'll try to frighten it out of him.
[Seizing him by the Collar, and drawing his Poniard.
You Traitor, you, y' are dead.
Lop.Mercy, DonPedro!
DonPed.Are you not a Villain?
[Lop.kneeling.
Lop.Yes; if you please.
DonPed.Is there so great a one upon Earth?
Lop.With respect to my Master——No.
DonPed.Prepare then to die!
Lop.Give me but Time, and I will. But, noble DonPedro, just DonPedro, generous DonPedro, what is it I have done?
DonPed.What, if thou dar'st deny, I'll plunge this Dagger deep into thy Throat, and drive the Falsehood to thy Heart again. Therefore, take heed, and on thy Life declare, didst thou not this last night open my Doors to let DonGuzmanin?
Lop.DonGuzman!
DonPed.DonGuzman! Yes, DonGuzman, Traitor; him.
Lop.Now may the Sky crush me, if I let in DonGuzman.
DonPed.Who did let you in then? It was not your Master, sure! If it was him, you did your Duty; I have no more to say.
Lop.Why then, if I let in any Body else, I'm a Son of a Whore.
[Rising.
DonPed.Did he order you beforehand, or did you do it upon his knocking?
Lop.Why he—I'll tell you, Sir, he——pray put up that Brilliant, it sparkles so in my Eyes, it almost blinds me—thank you, Sir.
[DonPed.puts it up.
Why, Sir, I'll tell you just how the Matter was, but I hope you won't consider me as a Party.
DonPed.Go on; thou art safe.
Lop.Why then, Sir, when (for our Sins) you had left us, says my Master to me,Lopez, says he, go and stay at old DonFelix's House, till DonPedroreturns; they'll pass thee for his Servant, and think he has order'd thee to stay there. And then, says he, dost hear, open me the Door byLeonora's Apartment to-night, for I have a little Business, says he, to do there.
DonPed.[Aside.] Perfidious Wretch!
Lop.Indeed, I was at first a little resty, and stood off; being suspicious (for I knew the Man) that there might be some ill Intentions. But he knew me too, takes me upon the weak Side, whips out a long Sword, and by the same Means makes me do the Thing, as you have made me discover it.—[Aside.] There's neither Liberty nor Property in this Land, since the Blood of theBourbonscame amongst us.
DonPed.Then you let him in, as he bid you?
Lop.I did: If I had not, I had never lived to tell you the Story. Yes, I let him in.
DonPed.And what follow'd?
Lop.Why, he follow'd.
DonPed.What?
Lop.His Inclinations.
DonPed.Which Way?
Lop.The old Way:—To a Woman.
DonPed.. Confound him!
Lop.In short, he got to Madam's Chamber, and before he had been there long, (tho' you know, Sir, a little Time goes a great Way in some Matters) I heard such a clutter of small Shot, Murder, Murder, Murder, Rape, Fire, Help, and so forth—But hold, here he comeshimself, and can give you a more circumstantial Account of the Skirmish.
Don Ped.I thank thee, Heaven, at last, for having pointed me to the Victim I am to sacrifice.
[Ex.Lop.
Enter DonJohn.
[Drawing.] Villain, defend thyself.
DonJohn.What do you mean?
DonPed.To punish a Traitor.
DonJohn.Where is he?
DonPed.In the Heart of a sworn Friend.
DonJohn.[Aside.] I sawLopez, go from him, without doubt he has told him all.
[To DonPed.
Of what am I suspected?
DonPed.Of betraying the greatest Trust that Man cou'd place in Man.
DonJohn.And by whom am I accus'd?
DonPed.By me: Have at thy Traitor's Heart!
DonJohn.Hold! And be not quite a Madman.—Pedro, you know me well: You know I am not backward upon these Occasions, nor shall I refuse you any Satisfaction you'll demand; but first, I will be heard, and tell you, That for a Man of Sense, you are pleas'd to make very odd Conclusions.
DonPed.Why, what is it possible thou canst invent to clear thyself?
DonJohn.To clear myself! Of what? I'm to be thank'd for what I have done, and not reproach'd. I find I have been an Ass, and push'd my Friendship to that Point, you find not Virtue in yourself enough to conceive it in another. But henceforward, I shall be a better Husband of it.
Don Ped.I shou'd be loth to find Ingratitude cou'd e'er be justly charg'd upon me: But after what your Servant has confess'd——
DonJohn.My Servant! Right, my Servant! The very Thing I guess'd. Fye, fye, DonPedro; is it from a Servant's Mouth a Friend condemns a Friend? Or can Servants always judge at what their Master's outward Actions point? But some Allowances I shou'dmake for the wild Agitation you must needs be in. I'm therefore calm, and thus far pass all by.
DonPed.If you are innocent, Heaven be my Aid, that I may find you so. But still——
DonJohn.But still you wrong me, if you still suspect. Hear then, in short, my part of this Adventure. In order to acquit myself of the Charge you laid upon me in your Absence, I went last night, just as 'twas dark, to view the several Approaches of the House where you had left your Wife; and I observ'd not far from one of the back Doors, two Persons in close eager Conference: I was disguis'd, so ventur'd to pass near 'em, and by a Word or two I heard, I found 'twasGuzmantalking toJacinta. My Concern for your Honour, made me at first resolve to call him to an immediate Account. But then reflecting that I might possibly over-hear some Part of their Discourse, and by that judge ofLeonora's Thoughts, I rein'd my Passion in; and by the help of an advancing Buttress, which kept me from their Sight, I learnt the black Conspiracy. DonGuzmansaid, he had great Complaint to make; and since his honourable Love had been so ill return'd, he could with ease forgive himself, if by some rougher Means he should procure, what Prayers and Tears and Sighs had urg'd in vain.
DonPed.Go on.
DonJohn.His kind Assistant clos'd smoothly with him, and inform'd him with what ease that very Night she'd introduce him to her Chamber. At last, they parted, with this Agreement, that at some Overture in a Wall, he should expect her to inform him whenLeonorawas in Bed, and all the Coast was clear.
DonPed.Dispatch the rest—Is't possible after all he should be innocent!
DonJohn.I must confess the Resolution taken, made me tremble for you: How to prevent it now and for ever, was my next Care. I immediately order'dLopezto go lie at DonFelix's, and to open me the Door when all the Family were in Bed. He did as I directed him. I enter'd, and in the dark found my way toLeonora'sApartment. I found the Door open, at which I was surpriz'd. I thought I heard some stirring in her Chamber, and in an Instant heard her cry for Aid. At this I drew, and rush'd into the Room, whichGuzman, alarm'd at, cry'd out to her Assistance. His ready Impudence, I must confess, at first quite struck me speechless; but in a Moment I regain'd my Tongue, and loud proclaim'd the Traitor.
DonPed.Is't possible?
DonJohn.Yet more: your Arrival hindring me at that Time from taking Vengeance for your Wrong, I at this Instant expect him here, to punish him (with Heaven's righteous Aid) for daring to attempt my Ruin with the Man, whose Friendship I prefer to all the Blessings Heaven and Earth dispense. And now, DonPedro, I have told you this, if still you have a Mind to take my Life, I shall defend it with the self-same Warmth I intended to expose it in your Service.
[Draws.
DonPed.[Aside.] If I did not know he was in love withLeonora, I could be easily surpriz'd with what he has told me. But—But yet 'tis certain he has destroyed the Proofs against him; and if I only hold him guilty as a Lover; why must DonGuzmanpass for innocent? Good Gods, I am again returning to my Doubts!
DonJohn.[Aside.] I have at last reduc'd him to a Balance, but one Lye more tost in, will turn the Scale.
To DonPed.] One Obligation more, my Friend, you owe me; I thought to have let it pass, but it shall out. Know then, I lov'd, like you, the beauteousLeonora; but from the Moment I observ'd how deep her Dart had pierc'd you, tore my Passion from my bleeding Heart, and sacrific'd my Happiness to yours. Now, I have no more to plead; if still you think your Vengeance is my due, come pay it me.
DonPed.Rather ten thousand Poignards strike me dead! OAlvarada! can you forgive a wild distracted Friend? Gods! Whither was my jealous Frenzy leading me? Can you forget this barbarous Injury?
DonJohn.I can: No more. But for the future, think me what I am, a faithful and a zealous Friend.—Retire, and leave me here. In a few Moments I hope to bring you further Proofs on't.GuzmanI instantly expect, leave me to do you Justice on him.
DonPed.That must not be. My Revenge can ne'er be satisfy'd by any other Hand but this.
DonJohn.Then let That do't. You'll in a Moment have an Opportunity.
DonPed.You mistake; he won't be here.
DonJohn.How so?
DonPed.He has not had your Challenge. His Sister intercepted it, and desired I wou'd come to prevent the Quarrel.
DonJohn.What then is to be done?
DonPed.I'll go and find him out immediately.
DonJohn.Very well: Or hold——[Aside.] I must hinder 'em from talking. Gossiping may discover me. Yes: let's go and find him: Or, let me see——Aye,——'twill do better.
DonPed.What?
DonJohn.Why——That the Punishment should suit the Crime.
DonPed.Explain.
DonJohn.Attack him by his own Laws of War— 'Twas in the Night he would have had your Honour, and in the Night you ought to have his Life.
DonPed.His Treason cannot take the Guilt from mine.
DonJohn.There is no Guilt in fair Retaliation. When 'tis a Point of Honour sounds the Quarrel, the Laws of Sword-Men must be kept, 'tis true: But if a Thief glides in to seize my Treasure, methinks I may return the Favour on my Dagger's Point, as well as with my Sword of Ceremony six Times as long.
DonPed.Yet still the nobler Method I wou'd choose; it better satisfies the Vengeance of a Man of Honour.
DonJohn.I own it, were you sure you shou'd succeed: But the Events of Combats are uncertain. Your Enemy may 'scape you: You perhaps may only wound him; you may be parted. Believe me,Pedro, the Injury's too great for a Punctilio Satisfaction.
DonPed.Well, guide me as you please, so you direct me quickly to my Vengeance. What do you propose?
DonJohn.That which is as easy, as 'tis just to execute. The Wall he passed, to attempt your Wife, let us get over to prevent his doing so any more. 'Twill let us into a private Apartment by his Garden, where every Evening in his amorous Solitudes he spends some Time alone, and where I guess his late fair Scheme was drawn. The Deed done, we can retreat the Way we enter'd; let me be your Pilot, 'tis now e'en dark, and the most proper Time.
DonPed.Lead on; I'll follow you.
DonJohn.[Aside.] How many Villanies I'm forc'd to act, to keep one secret!
[Exeunt.
DonGuzman, sitting solus.
Withwhat Rigour does this unfaithful Woman treat me! Is't possible it can be me, who appeared to love me with so much Tenderness? How little stress is to be laid upon a Woman's Heart! Sure they're not worth those anxious Cares they give. [Rising.] Then burst my Chains, and give me Room to search for nobler Pleasures. I feel my Heart begin to mutiny for Liberty; there is a Spirit in it yet, will struggle hard for Freedom: but Solitude's the worst of Seconds. Ho!Sancho,Galindo, who waits there? Bring some Lights.—Where are you?
EnterGalindo, rubbing his Eyes, and drunk.
Galin.I can't well tell. Do you want me, Sir?
DonGuz.Yes, Sir, I want you. Why am I left in the dark? What were you doing?
Gal.Doing, Sir! I was doing——what one does when one sleeps, Sir.
DonGuz.Have you no Light without?
Galin.[Yawning.] Light!—--No, Sir,——I have no Light. I'm us'd to Hardship, I can sleep in the dark.
DonGuz.You have been drinking, you Rascal, you are drunk.
Gal.I have been drinking, Sir, 'tis true, but I am not drunk. Every Man that is drunk, has been drinking, confess'd. But every Man that has been drinking, is not drunk.——Confess that too.
DonGuz.Who is't has put you in this Condition, you Sot?
Galin.A very honest Fellow: MadamLeonora's Coachman, nobody else. I have been making a little debauch with MadamLeonora's Coachman; yes.
DonGuz.How came you to drink with him, Beast?
Gal.OnlyperComplaisance, Sir. The Coachman was to be drunk upon Madam's Wedding; and I being a Friend, was desired to take Part.
DonGuz.And so, you Villain, you can make yourself merry, with what renders me miserable.
Galin.No, Sir, no; 'twas the Coachman was merry; I drank with Tears in my Eyes. The remembrance of your Misfortunes made me so sad, so sad, that every Cup I swallow'd was like a Cup of Poison to me.
DonGuz.Without doubt.
Galin.Yes; and to mortify myself upon melancholy Matters, I believe I took down fifty; yes.
DonGuz.Go fetch some Lights, you drunken Sot, you.
Galin.I will, if I can find the [Feeling for the Door and running against it.] Door, that's so say——The Devil's in the Door; I think 'tis grown too little for me——Shrunk this wet Weather, I presume.
[Ex.Galin.
DonGuzmanalone.
Absence, the old Remedy for Love, must e'en be mine: to stay and brave the Danger, were Presumption: FarewelValencia, then, and farewel,Leonora. And if thou can'st, my Heart, redeem thy Liberty, secure it by a Farewel eternal to her Sex.
Re-enterGalindowith a Candle, he falls, and puts it out.
Galin.Here's light, Sir——So,——
DonGuz.Well done. You sottish [Passing angrily into another Chamber.] Rascal, come no more in my Sight.
[Ex. DonGuz.
Galin.These Boards are so uneven—— You shall see now I shall neither find [Rising and feeling about for the Candle.] the Candle——nor the Candlestick; It shan't be for want of searching, however.
----O ho, have I got you? Enough, I'll look for your Companion to-morrow.
Enter DonPedroand DonJohn.
DonPed.Where are we now?
DonJohn.We are in the Apartment I told you of——Softly——I hear something stir——Ten to one but 'tis he.
Galin.Don't I hear, somewhat?——No——when one has Wine in one's Head, one has such a bustle in one's Ears.
DonPedro.[To DonJohn.] Who is that is talking to himself?
DonJohn.'Tis his Servant, I know his Voice, keep still.
Galin.Well; since my Master has banished me his Sight, I'll redeem by my Obedience, what I have lost by my Debauch. I'll go sleep twelve Hours in some melancholy Hole where the Devil Shan't find me; yes.
[ExitGalindo.
DonJohn.He's gone; but hush, I hear somebody coming.
DonGuz.Ho there! will nobody bring Light?
[Behind the Scene.
DonPed.'TisGuzman.
DonJohn.'Tis so, prepare.
DonPed.Shall I own my Weakness? I feel an inward Check; I wish this could be done some other way.
DonJohn.Distraction all! Is this a Time to balance? Think on the Injury he would have done you, 'twill fortify your Arm, and guide your Dagger to his Heart.
DonPed.Enough, I'll hesitate no more; be satisfy'd; hark! he's coming.
DonGuzmanpasses the Stage.
DonGuz.I think these Rogues are resolved to leave me in the dark all Night.
[Exit DonGuz.
DonJohn.Now's your Time, follow him and strike home.
DonPed.To his Heart, if my Dagger will reach it.
[DonPedrofollows him.
DonJohn.[Aside.] If one be kill'd, I'm satisfy'd; 'tis no great Matter which.
Re-enter DonGuzman, DonPedrofollowing him, with his Dagger ready to strike.
DonGuz.[Aside.] My Chamber Door's lock'd, and I think I hear somebody tread——Who's there?——Nobody answers. But still I hear something stir. Hola there!Sancho, are you all drunk? Some Lights here, quickly.
[Exit.
DonGuzmanpasses by the Corner whereDon Johnstands, and goes of the Stage; DanPedrofollowing him, stabs DonJohn.
DonPed.[Aside.] I think I'm near him now:——Traitor, take that, my Wife has sent it thee.
DonJohn.Ah, I'm dead!
DonPed.Then thou hast thy Due.
DonJohn.I have, indeed; 'tis I that have betray'd thee.
DonPed.And 'tis I that am reveng'd on thee for doing it.
DonJohn.I wou'd have forc'd thy Wife.
DonPed.Die then with the Regret to have fail'd in thy Attempt.
DonJohn.Farewel, if thou can'st forgive me—
[Dies.
DonPed.I have done the Deed, there's nothing left but to make our Escape. DonJohn, where are you? Let's begone, I hear the Servants coming.
Lopezknocks hard at the Door.
Lop.Open there quickly, open the Door.
DonPed.That'sLopez, we shall be discover'd. But 'tis no great Matter, the Crime will justify the Execution; but where's DonJohn? DonJohn, where are you?
Lopezknocks again.
Lop.Open the Door there, quickly. Madam, I saw 'em both pass the Wall; the Devil's in't if any good comes on't.
Leo.I am frightened out of my Senses: ho,Isabella!
DonPed.'TisLeonora. She's welcome. With her own Eyes let her see herGuzmandead.
Enter DonGuzman,Leonora,Isabella,JacintaandLopez, with Lights.
DonPed.Ha! what is't I see?Guzmanalive? Then who art thou?
[Looking on DonJohn.
DonGuz.Guzmanalive! Yes,Pedro,Guzmanis alive.
DonPed.Then Heaven is just, and there's a Traitor dead.
Isabella weeps.] Alas, DonJohn!
Lop.[Looking upon DonJohn.]Bonus Nocius.
DonGuz.What has produced this bloody Scene?
DonPed.'Tis I have been the Actor in't;——my Poignard,Guzman, I intended in your Heart.——I thought your Crime deserv'd it: but I did you wrong, and my Hand in searching the Innocent, has by Heaven's justice been directed to the Guilty. DonJohn, with his last Breath, confess'd himself the Offender.—Thus my Revenge is satisfied, and you are clear'd.
DonGuz.Good Heaven, how equitable are thy Judgments!
DonPed.[ToLeo.] Come, Madam, my Honour now is satisfied, and if you please my Love may be so too.
Leo.If it is not,
You to yourself alone shall owe your Smart,For where I've given my Hand, I'll give my Heart.
You to yourself alone shall owe your Smart,For where I've given my Hand, I'll give my Heart.