EnterCamilloandIsabella.
Isabella.
Howcan you doubt my secrecy? Have you not proofs of it?
Cam.Nay I am determin'd to trust you; but are we safe here? can no body over-hear us?
Isab.Much safer than in a room. No body can come within hearing, before we see them.
Cam.And yet how hard 'tis for me to break silence!
Isab.Your secret sure must be of great importance.
Cam.You may be sure it is, when I confess 'tis with regret I own it e'en to you; and were it possible, you should not know it.
Isab.'Tis frankly own'd, indeed; but 'tis not kind, perhaps not prudent; after what you know I already am acquainted with. Have not I been bred up with you? And am I ignorant of a secret, which were it known——
Cam.Would be my ruin; I confess it would. I own you know why both my birth and sex are thus disguised; you know how I was taken from my cradle to secure the estate, which had else been lost by youngCamillo's death; but which is now safe in my supposed father's hands, by my passing for his son; and 'tis because you know all this, I have resolved to open farther wonders to you. But before I say any more, you must resolve one doubt, which often gives me great disturbance;whether DonAlvarezever was himself privy to the Mystery which has disguised my sex, and made me pass for his son?
Isab.What you ask me, is a thing has often perplex'd my thoughts, as well as yours, nor could my mother ever resolve the doubt. You know when that young childCamillody'd, in whom was wrapt up so much expectation, from the great estate his uncle's will (even before he came into the world) had left him; his mother made a secret of his death to her husbandAlvarez, and readily fell in with a proposal made her to take you (who then was justCamillo's Age) and bring you up in his room. You have heard how you were then at nurse with my mother, and how your own was privy and consenting to the plot; but DonAlvarezwas never led into it by 'em.
Cam.Don't you then think it probable his wife might after tell him?
Isab.'Twas ever thought nothing but a death-bed repentance cou'd draw it from her to any one; and that was prevented by the suddenness of her exit to t'other world, which did not give her even time to call Heaven's mercy on her. And yet now I have said all this, I own the correspondence and friendship I observe he holds with your real mother, gives me some suspicion, and the presents he often makes her (which people seldom do for nothing) confirm it. But since this is all I can say to you on that point, pray let us come to the secret, which you have made me impatient to hear.
Cam.Know then, that tho'Cupidis blind, he is not to be deceived: I can hide my sex from the world but not from him; his dart has found the way thro' the manly garb I wear to pierce a virgin's tender heart——I love——
Isab.How!
Cam.Nay be'nt surpriz'd at that, I have other wonders for you.
Isab.Quick, let me hear 'em.
Cam.I loveLorenzo.
Isab.Lorenzo! Most nicely hit. The very man fromwhom your imposture keeps this vast estate; and who on the first knowledge of your being a woman wou'd enter into possession of it. This is indeed a wonder.
Cam.Then wonder still, I am his wife.
Isab.Ha! his wife!
Cam.His wife,Isabella; and yet thou hast not all my wonders, I am his wife without his knowledge: he does not even know I am a woman.
Isab.Madam, your humble servant; if you please to go on, I won't interrupt you, indeed I won't.
Cam.Then hear how these strange things have past;Lorenzo, bound unregarded in my sister's chains, seem'd in my eyes a conquest worth her care. Nor cou'd I see him treated with contempt, without growing warm in his interest: I blam'dLeonorafor not being touch'd with his merit; I blam'd her so long, 'till I grew touch'd with it myself: and the reasons I urg'd to vanquish her heart, insensibly made a conquest of my own: 'Twas thus, my friend, I fell. What was next to be done my passion pointed out; my heart I felt was warm'd to a noble enterprize, I gave it way, and boldly on it led me.Leonora's name and voice, in the dark shades of night, I borrow'd, to engage the object of my wishes. I met him,Isabella, and so deceived him; he cannot blame me sure, for much I blest him. But to finish this strange story: in short I own, I long had lov'd, but finding my father most averse to my desires, I at last had forc'd myself to this secret correspondence; I urg'd the mischiefs would attend the knowledge on't, I urg'd them so, he thought them full of weight, so yielded to observe what rules I gave him: they were, to pass the day in cold indifference, to avoid even signs or looks of intimacy, but gather for the still, the secret night, a flood of love to recompence the losses of the day. I will not trouble you with lovers cares, nor what contrivances we form'd to bring this toying to a solid bliss. Know only, when three nights we thus had pass'd, the fourth it was agreed should make us one for ever; each kept their promise, and last night has join'd us.
Isab.Indeed your talents pass my poor extent; you serious ladies are well form'd for business: What wretched work a poor coquet had made on't! But still there's that remains will try your skill; you have your man, but——
Cam.Lovers think no farther, the object of that passion possesses all desire; however I have open'd to you my wond'rous situation. If you can advise me in my difficulties to come, you will. But see——My husband!
EnterLorenzo.
Lor.You look as if you were busy, pray tell me if I interrupt you, I'll retire.
Cam.No, no, you have a right to interrupt us, since you were the subject of our discourse.
Lor.Was I?
Cam.You were; nay, I'll tell you how you entertain'd us too.
Lor.Perhaps I had as good avoid hearing that.
Cam.You need not fear, it was not to your disadvantage; I was commending you and saying, if I had been a woman I had been in danger; nay I think I said I shou'd infallibly have been in love with you.
Lor.While such an If is in the way, you run no great risque in declaring; but you'd be finely catch'd now, shou'd some wonderful transformation give me a claim to your heart.
Cam.Not sorry for't at all, for I ne'er expect to find a mistress please me half so well as you would do if I were yours.
Lor.Since you are so well inclin'd to me in your wishes, Sir, I suppose (as the fates have ordain'd it) you wou'd have some pleasure in helping me to a mistress, since you can't be mine yourself.
Cam.Indeed I shou'd not.
Lor.Then my obligation is but small to you.
Cam.Why, wou'd you have a woman, that is in love with you herself, employ her interest to help you to another?
Lor.No, but you being no woman might.
Cam.Sir, 'tis as a woman I say what I do, and I suppose myself a woman when I design all these favours to you: therefore out of that supposition, I have no other good intentions to you than you may expect from one that says he's——Sir, your humble servant.
Lor.So unless Heaven is pleas'd to work a miracle, and from a sturdy young fellow, make you a kind-hearted young lady, I'm to get little by your good opinion of me.
Cam.Yes; there is one means yet left (on this side a miracle) that wou'd perhaps engage me, if with an honest oath you could declare, were I woman, I might dispute your heart even with the first of my pretending sex.
Lor.Then solemnly and honestly I swear, that had you been a woman, and I the master of the world, I think I should have laid it at your feet.
Cam.Then honestly and solemnly I swear, henceforwards all your interest shall be mine.
Lor.I have a secret to impart to you will quickly try your friendship.
Cam.I've a secret to unfold to you will put you even to a fiery trial.
Lor.What do you mean,Camillo?
Cam.I mean that I love, where I never durst yet own it, yet where 'tis in your power to make me the happiest of——
Lor.Explain,Camillo; and be assur'd if your happiness is in my power, 'tis in your own.
Cam.Alas! you promise me you know not what.
Lor.I promise nothing but what I will perform; name the person.
Cam.'Tis one who is very near to you.
Lor.If 'tis my sister, why all this pain in bringing forth the secret?
Cam.Alas! it is your——
Lor.Speak!
Cam.I cannot yet; farewel.
Lor.Hold! Pray speak it now.
Cam.I must not: but when you tell me your secret, you shall know mine.
Lor.Mine is not in my power, without the consent of another.
Cam.Get that consent, and then we'll try who best will keep their oaths.
Lor.I am content.
Cam.And I. Adieu.
Lor.Farewel.
[ExitLorenzo.
EnterLeonoraandJacinta.
Leo.'Tis enough: I will revenge myself this way; if it does but torment him, I shall be content to find no other pleasure in it. Brother, you'll wonder at my change; after all my ill usage ofLorenzo, I am determined to be his wife.
Cam.How, sister! so sudden a turn? This inequality of temper indeed is not commendable.
Leo.Your change, brother, is much more justly surprizing; you hitherto have pleaded for him strongly, accus'd me of blindness, cruelty, and pride; and now I yield to your reasons, and resolve in his favour, you blame my compliance, and appear against his interest.
Cam.I quit his service for what's dearer to me, yours. I have learn'd from sure intelligence, the attack he made on you was but a feint, and that his heart is in another's chain; I would not therefore see you expos'd, to offer up yourself to one who must refuse you.
Leo.If that be all, leave me my honour to take care of; I am no stranger to his wishes, he won't refuse me, brother, nor I hope will you, to tell him of my resolution: if you do, this moment with my own tongue (thro' all the virgin's blushes) I'll own to him I am determin'd in his favour——You pause as if you'd let the task lie on me.
Cam.Neither on you, nor me; I have a reason you are yet a stranger to: know then there is a virgin young and tender, whose peace and happiness so much are mine, I cannot see her miserable; she loves him withthat torrent of desire, that were the world resign'd her in his stead, she'd still be wretched: I will not pique you to a female strife, by saying you have not charms to tear him from her; but I would move you to a female softness, by telling you her death wou'd wait your conquest. What I have more to plead is as a brother, I hope that gives me some small interest in you; whate'er it is, you see how I'd employ it.
Leo.You ne'er cou'd put it to a harder service. I beg a little time to think: pray leave me to myself a while.
Cam.I shall; I only ask that you wou'd think, and then you won't refuse me.
[ExitCam.
Jacin.Indeed, Madam, I'm of your brother's mind, tho' for another cause; but sure 'tis worth thinking twice on for your own sake: you are too violent.
Leo.A slighted woman knows no bounds. Vengeance is all the cordial she can have, so snatches at the nearest. Ungrateful wretch! to use me with such insolence.
Jacin.You see me as much enrag'd at it, as you are yourself, yet my brain is roving after the cause, for something there must be: never letter was receiv'd by man with more passion and transport; I was almost as charming a goddess as yourself, only for bringing it. Yet when in a moment after I come with a message worth a dozen on't, never was witch so handled; something must have pass'd between one and t'other, that's sure.
Leo.Nothing cou'd pass worth my enquiring after, since nothing cou'd happen that can excuse his usage of me; he had a letter under my hand which own'd him master of my heart; and till I contradicted it with my mouth, he ought not to doubt the truth on't.
Jacin.Nay I confess, madam, I han't a word to say for him, I'm afraid he's a rogue at bottom, as well as my shameless that attends him; we are bit, by my troth, and haply well enough serv'd, for list'ning to the glib tongues of the rascals: but be comforted, Madam; they'll fall into the hands of some foul sluts or other, before they die, that will set our account even with e'm.
Leo.Well: let him laugh; let him glory in what he has done: he shall see I have a spirit can use him as I ought.
Jacin.And let one thing be your comfort by the way, Madam, that in spite of all your dear affections to him, you have had the grace to keep him at arms length. You han't thank'd me for't; but good faith 'twas well I did not stir out of the chamber that fond night. For there are times the stoutest of us are in danger, the rascals wheedle so.
Leo.In short, my very soul is fir'd with his treatment: and if ever that perfidious monster should relent, though he should crawl like a poor worm beneath my feet, nay plunge a dagger in his heart, to bleed for pardon; I charge thee strictly, charge thee on thy life, thou do not urge a look to melt me toward him, but strongly buoy me up in brave resentment; and if thou see'st (which heav'ns avert) a glance of weakness in me, rouse to my memory the vile wrongs I've borne, and blazon them with skill in all their glaring colours.
Jacin.Madam, never doubt me; I'm charged to the mouth with fury, and if ever I meet that fat traitor of mine, such a volley will I pour about his ears——Now heav'n prevent all hasty vows; but in the humour I am, methinks I'd carry my maiden-head to my cold grave with me, before I'd let it simper at the rascal. But soft; here comes your father.
EnterAlvarez.
Alv.Leonora, I'd have you retire a little, and send your brother's tutor to me,Metaphrastus.
[ExitLeo.andJacin.
Solus.
I'll try if I can discover, by his tutor, what it is that seems so much to work his brain of late; for something more than common there plainly does appear, yet nothing sure that can disturb his soul, like what I have to torture mine upon his account. Sure nothing in this world is worth a troubled mind: what racks has avarice stretch'd me on! I wanted nothing, kind heav'nhad given me a plenteous lot, and seated me in great abundance; why then approve I of this imposture? What have I gain'd by it? Wealth and misery. I have barter'd peaceful days for restless nights; a wretched bargain! and he that merchandises thus, must be undone at last.
EnterMetaphrastus.
Metaph.Mandatum tuum curo diligenter.
Alv.Master, I had a mind to ask you——
Metaph.The title, master, comes fromMagisandTer, which is as much, to say,thrice worthy.
Alv.I never heard so much before, but it may be true for ought I know: but, master——
Metaph.Go on.
Alv.Why so I will if you'll let me, but don't interrupt me then.
Metaph.Enough, proceed.
Alv.Why then, master, for a third time, my sonCamillogives me much uneasiness of late; you know I love him, and have many careful thoughts about him.
Metaph.'Tis true.Filio non potest præferri nisi filius.
Alv.Master, when one has business to talk on, these scholastic expressions are not of use; I believe you a great Latinist; possibly you may understandGreek: those who recommended you to me, said so, and I am willing it should be true: but the thing I want to discourse you about at present, does not properly give you an occasion to display your learning. Besides, to tell you truth, 'twill at all times be lost upon me; my father was a wise man, but he taught me nothing beyond common sense; I know but one tongue in the world, which luckily being understood by you as well as me, I fancy whatever thoughts we have to communicate to one another, may reasonably be convey'd in that, without having recourse to the language ofJulius Cæsar.
Metaph.You are wrong, but may proceed.
Alv.I thank you: what is the matter, I do not know; but tho' it is of the utmost consequence to me to marrymy son, what match soever I propose to him, he still finds some pretence or other to decline it.
Metaph.He is, perhaps, of the humour of a brother ofMarcus Tullius, who——
Alv.Dear master, leave theGreeks, and theLatins, and theScotch, and theWelsh, and let me go on in my business; what have those people to do with my son's marriage?
Metaph.Again you are wrong; but go on.
Alv.I say then, that I have strong apprehensions from his refusing all my proposals, that he may have some secret inclination of his own; and to confirm me in this fear, I yesterday observed him (without his knowing it) in a corner of the grove, where nobody comes——
Metaph.A place out of the way, you would say; a place of retreat.
Alv.Why, the corner of the grove, where nobody comes, is a place of retreat, is it not?
Metaph.InLatin,secessus.
Alv.Ha!
Metaph.AsVirgilhas it.Est in secessu locus.
Alv.How couldVirgilhave it, when I tell you no soul was there but he and I?
Metaph.Virgilis a famous author, I quote his saying as a phrase more proper to the occasion than that you use, and not as one who was in the wood with you.
Alv.And I tell you, I hope to be as famous as anyVirgilof 'em all, when I have been dead as long, and have no need of a better phrase than my own to tell you my meaning.
Metaph.You ought however to make choice of the words most us'd by the best authors.Tu vivendo bonos, as they say,scribendo sequare peritos.
Alv.Again!
Metaph.'TisQuintilian's own precept.
Alv.Oons——
Metaph.And he hath something very learned upon it, that may be of service to you to hear.
Alv.You son of a whore, will you hear me speak?
Metaph.What may be the occasion of this unmanly passion? What is it you would have with me?
Alv.What you might have known an hour ago, if you had pleas'd.
Metaph.You would then have me hold my peace.——I shall.
Alv.You will do very well.
Metaph.You see I do; well, go on.
Alv.Why then, to begin once again, I say my sonCamillo——
Metaph.Proceed; I shan't interrupt you.
Alv.I say, my sonCamillo——
Metaph.What is it you say of your sonCamillo?
Alv.That he has got a dog of a tutor, whose brains I'll beat out, if he won't hear me speak.
Metaph.That dog is a philosopher, contemns passion, and yet will hear you.
Alv.I don't believe a word on't, but I'll try once again; I have a mind to know from you, whether you have observ'd any thing in my son——
Metaph.Nothing that is like his father. Go on.
Alv.Have a care.
Metaph.I do not interrupt you; but you are long in coming to a conclusion.
Alv.Why, thou hast not let me begin yet.
Metaph.And yet 'tis high time to have made an end.
Alv.Dost thou know thy danger? I have not——thus much patience left.
[Shewing the end of his finger.
Metaph.Mine is already consum'd. I do not use to be thus treated; my profession is to teach, and not to hear, yet I have hearken'd like a school-boy, and am not heard, altho' a master.
Alv.Get out of the room.
Metaph.I will not. If the mouth of a wise man be shut, he is, as it were, a fool; for who shall know his understanding? Therefore a certain philosopher said well, Speak, that thou may'st be known; great talkers, without knowledge, are as the winds that whistle; but they who have learning, should speak aloud. If this benot permitted, we may expect to see the whole order of nature o'erthrown; hens devour foxes, and lambs destroy wolves, nurses suck children, and children give suck; generals mend stockings, and chambermaids take towns; we may expect, I say——
Alv.That, and that, and that, and——
[Strikes him, and kicks him; and then follows him off with a bell at his ear.
Metaph. O tempora! O mores!