SCENE,the Street.
EnterLopez.
Assoon as it is night, says my master to me, tho' it cost me my life, I'll enterLeonora's lodgings; therefore make haste,Lopez, prepare every thing necessary, three pair of pocket pistols, two wide-mouth'd blunderbusses, some six ells of sword-blade and a couple of dark lanthorns. When my Master said this to me; Sir, said I to my master, (that is, I would have said it, if I had not been in such a fright, I could say nothing, however I'll say it to him now, and shall probably have a quiet hearing;) look you, Sir, by dint of reason I intend to confound you: you are resolv'd, you say, to get intoLeonora's lodgings, tho' the Devil stand in the door-way?——Yes,Lopez, that's my resolution——Very well, and what do you intend to do when you are there?——Why, what an injur'd man shou'd do; make her sensible of——Make her sensible of a pudding, don't you see she's a jade? She'll raise the house about your ears, arm the whole family, set the great dog at you.——Were there legions of Devils to repulse me, in such a cause I could disperse them all——Why then you have no occasion for help, Sir, you may leave me at home to lay the cloth.——No; thou art my ancient friend, my fellow-traveller, and to reward thy faithful services, this night thou shalt partake my danger and my glory.——Sir, I have got glory enough under you already, to content any reasonable servant for his life——Thy modesty makes me willing to double my bounty; this night maybring eternal honour to thee and thy family.——Eternal honour, Sir, is too much in conscience for a serving-man; besides ambition has been many a great soul's undoing——I doubt thou art afraid, myLopez, thou shalt be arm'd with back, with breast and headpiece——They will encumber me in my retreat.——Retreat! my hero! Thou never shalt retreat.——Then by my troth I'll never go, Sir.——But here he comes.
EnterLorenzo.
Lor.Will it never be night? sure 'tis the longest day the sun e'er travell'd.
Lop.Would 'twere as long as those inGreenland, Sir, that you might spin out your life t'other half year. I don't like these nightly projects; a man can't see what he does: we shall have some scurvy mistake or other happen; a brace of bullets blunder thro' your head in the dark perhaps, and spoil all your intrigue.
Lor.Away, you trembling wretch, away.
Lop.Nay, Sir, what I say is purely for your safety: for as to myself——Uds-death, I no more value the losing a quart of blood, than I do drinking a quart of wine. Besides, my veins are too full, my physician advis'd me yesterday to let go twenty ounces for my health. So you see, Sir, there's nothing of that in the case.
Lor.Then let me hear no other objections: for 'till I seeLeonoraI must lie upon the rack. I cannot bear her resentment, and will pacify her this night, or not live to see to-morrow.
Lop.Well, Sir, since you are so determin'd, I shan't be impertinent with any farther advice; but I think you have laid your design to——[He coughs.] (I have got such a cold to-day) to get in privately, have you not?
Lor.Yes; and have taken care to be introduced as far as her chamber-door with all secrecy.
Lop.[He coughs.]——This unlucky cough, I had rather have had a fever at another time. Sir, I should be sorry to do you more harm than good upon this occasion: if this cough shou'd come upon me in the midst of the action, [Coughs.] and give the alarm to the family, I shou'd not forgive myself as long as I liv'd.
Lor.I have greater ventures than that to take my chance for, and can't dispense with your attendance, Sir.
Lop.This 'tis to be a good servant, and make one's self necessary.
EnterToledo.
Tol.Sir,——I am glad I have found you. I am a man of honour, you know, and do always profess losing my life upon a handsome occasion: sir, I come to offer you my service. I am inform'd from unquestionable hands, that DonCarlosis enrag'd against you to a dangerous degree; and that oldAlvarezhas given positive directions to break the legs and arms of your servantLopez.
Lop.Look you there, now, I thought what 'twou'd come to; what do they meddle with me for? What have I to do in my Master's amours? The old Don's got out of his senses, I think, have I married his daughter?
Lor.Fear nothing, we'll take care o'thee——Sir, I thank you for the favour of your intelligence, 'tis nothing however but what I have expected and am provided for.
Tol.Sir, I wou'd advise you to provide yourself with good friends, I desire the honour to keep your back hand myself.
Lop.'Tis very kind indeed. Pray, Sir, have you never a servant with you cou'd hold a racket for me too?
Tol.I have two friends fit to head two armies; and yet——a word in your ear, they shan't cost you above a ducat a-piece.
Lop.Take 'em by all means, Sir, you were never offer'd a better pennyworth in your life.
Tol.Ah, Sir,——littleDiego——you have heard of him; he'd have been worth a legion upon this occasion: you know, I suppose, how they have serv'd him——They have hang'd him, but he made a noble execution; they clapp'd the rack and the priest to him at once, but cou'd neither get a word of confession, nor a groan of repentance; he died mighty well truly.
Lor.Such a man is indeed much to be regretted: As for the rest of your escorte, captain, I thank you for 'em, but shall not use 'em.
Tol.I'm sorry for't, Sir, because I think you go in very great danger; I'm much afraid your rival won't give you fair play.
Lop.If he does, I'll be hang'd; he's a damn'd passionate fellow, and cares not what mischief he does.
Lor.I shall give him a very good opportunity: for I'll have no other guards about me but you, Sir. So come along.
Lop.Why, Sir, this is the sin of presumption; setting heaven at defiance, making a Jack-pudding of a blunderbuss.
Lor.No more, but follow. Hold! turn this way; I seeCamillothere. I wou'd avoid him, 'till I see what part he takes in this odd affair of his sister's. For I wou'd not have the quarrel fix'd with him, if it be possible to avoid it.
[ExitLorenzo.
Lop.Sir——CaptainToledo, one word if you please, Sir; I'm mighty sorry to see my Master won't accept of your friendly offer; look ye, I'm not very rich; but as far as the expences of a dollar went, if you'd be so kind to take a little care of me, it shou'd be at your service.
Tol.Let me see:——A dollar you say? but suppose I'm wounded?
Lop.Why you shall be put to no extraordinary charge upon that: I have been 'prentice to a barber; and will be your surgeon myself.
Tol.'Tis too cheap in conscience; but my land estate is ill paid this war-time——
Lop.That a little industry may be commendable; so say no more, that matter's fix'd.
[ExeuntLop.andTol.
EnterCamillo.
Cam.How miserable a perplexity have I brought myself into! Yet why do I complain? since with all thedreadful torture I endure, I can't repent of one wild step I've made. O Love! what tempests canst thou raise, what storms canst thou assuage! To all thy cruelties I am resign'd: Long years thro' seas of torment I'm content to roll, so thou wilt guide me to the happy port of myLorenzo's arms, and bless me there with one calm day at last.
EnterIsabella.
Cam.What news, dearIsabella? methinks there's something chearful in your looks may give a trembling lover hopes. If you have comfort for me, speak, for I indeed have need of it.
Isab.Were your wants yet still greater than they are, I bring a plentiful supply.
Cam.O Heav'ns! is it possible?
Isab.New mysteries are out, and if you can find charms to weanLorenzofrom your sister, no other obstacle is in the way to all your wish.
Cam.Kind messenger from Heaven, speak on.
Isab.Know then, that you are daughter toAlvarez.
Cam.How! daughter toAlvarez?
Isab.You are: The truth this moment's come to light; and till this moment he, altho' your father, was a stranger to it; nay, did not even know you were a woman. In short, the great estate, which has occasion'd these uncommon accidents, was left but on condition of a son; great hopes of one there was, when you destroy'd 'em, and to your parents came a most unwelcome guest: To repair the disappointment, you were exchang'd for that youngCamillo, who few months after dy'd. Your father then was absent, but your mother quick in contrivance, bold in execution, during that infant's sickness, had resolv'd his death shou'd not deprive her family of those advantages his life had given it; so order'd things with such dexterity, that once again there past a change between you: of this (for reasons yet unknown to me) she made a secret to her husband, and took such wise precautions, that 'till thishour 'twas so to all the world, except the person from whom I now have heard it.
Cam.This news indeed affords a view of no unhappy termination; yet there are difficulties still may be of fatal hindrance.
Isab.None, except that one I just now nam'd to you; for to remove the last, know I have already unfolded all, both to Alvarez and Don Felix.
Cam.And how have they receiv'd it?
Isab.To your wishes both. As forLorenzo, he is yet a stranger to all has past, and the two old fathers desire he may some moments longer continue so. They have agreed to be a little merry with the heat he is in, and engage you in a family-quarrel with him.
Cam.I doubt,Isabella, I shall act that part but faintly.
Isab.No matter, you'll make amends for it in the scene of reconciliation.
Cam.Pray heaven it be my lot to act it with him.
Isab.Here comes DonFelixto wish you joy.
Enter DonFelix.
DonFel.Come near, my daughter, and with extended arms of great affection let me receive thee. [Kisses her.] Thou art a dainty wench, good faith thou art, and 'tis a mettled action thou hast done; ifLorenzodon't like thee the better for't, Cods my life, he's a pitiful fellow, and I shan't believe the bonny old man had the getting of him.
Cam.I'm so encourag'd by your forgiveness, Sir, methinks I have some flattering hopes of his.
DonFel.Of his! I'gad, and he had best, I believe he'll meet with his match if he don't. What dost think of trying his courage a little, by way of a joke or so?
Isab.I was just telling her your design, Sir.
DonFel.Why I'm in a mighty witty way upon this whimsical occasion; but I see him coming. You must not appear yet; go your way in to the rest of the people there, and I'll inform him what a squabble he has work'd himself into here.
[ExeuntCamilloandIsabella.
EnterLorenzoandLopez.
Lop.Pray, Sir, don't be so obstinate now, don't affront Heaven at this rate. I had a vision last night about this business on purpose to forwarn you; I dreamt of goose-eggs, a blunt knife, and the snuff of a candle; I'm sure there's mischief towards.
Lor.You cowardly rascal, hold your tongue.
DonFel.Lorenzo, come hither, my boy, I was just going to send for thee. The honour of our ancient family lies in thy hands; there is a combat preparing, thou must fight, my son.
Lop.Look you there, now, did not I tell you? O dreams are wond'rous things, I never knew that snuff of a candle fail yet.
Lor.Sir, I do not doubt butCarlosseeks my life, I hope he'll do it fairly.
Lop.Fairly, do you hear, fairly! Give me leave to tell you, Sir, folks are not fit to be trusted with lives, that don't know how to look better after them. Sir, you gave it him, I hope you'll make him take a little more care on't.
DonFel.My care shall be to make him do as a man of honour ought to do.
Lop.What, will you let him fight, then? let your own flesh and blood fight?
DonFel.In a good cause, as this is.
Lop.O monstrum horrendum!Now I have that humanity about me, that if a man but talks to me of fighting, I shiver at the name on't.
Lor.What you do, on this occasion Sir, is worthy of you: And had I been wanting to you, in my due regards before, this noble action wou'd have stamp'd that impression, which a grateful son ought to have for so generous a father.
Lop.Very generous, truly! gives him leave to be run thro' the guts, for his posterity to brag on a hundred years hence.
[Aside.
Lor.I think, Sir, as things now stand, it won't be right for me to wait forCarlos's call; I'll, if you please, prevent him.
Lop.Ay, pray, Sir, do prevent him by all means, 'tis better made up, as you say, a thousand times.
DonFel.Hold your tongue, you impertinent Jackanapes, I will have him fight, and fight like a fury too; If he don't, he'll be worsted, I can tell him that. For know, son, your antagonist is not the person you name, it is an enemy of twice his force.
Lop.O dear, O dear, O dear! and will nobody keep 'em asunder?
Lor.Nobody shall keep us asunder, if once I know the man I have to deal with.
DonFel.Thy man then is——Camillo.
Lor.Camillo!
DonFel.'Tis he, he'll suffer no body to decide this quarrel but himself.
Lop.Then there are no seconds, Sir.
DonFel.None.
Lop.He's a brave man.
DonFel.No, he says nobody's blood shall be spilt upon this occasion, but theirs who have a title to it.
Lop.I believe he'll scarce have a law-suit upon the claim.
DonFel.In short, he accuses thee of a shameful falshood, in pretending his sisterLeonorawas thy wife; and has upon it prevailed with his father, as thou has done with thine, to let the debate be ended by the sword 'twixt him and thee.
Lop.And pray, Sir, with submission, one short question if you please; what may the gentleLeonorasay of this business?
DonFel.She approves of the combat, and marriesCarlos.
Lop.Why, God a-mercy.
Lor.Is it possible? Sure she's a devil, not a woman.
Lop.I——cod, Sir, the Devil and a woman both, I think.
DonFel.Well, thou sha't have satisfaction of some of 'em. Here they all come.
EnterAlvarez,Leonora,Carlos,Sancho, andJacinta.
Alv.Well, DonFelix, have you prepared your son? for mine, he's ready to engage.
Lor.And so is his. My wrongs prepare me for a thousand combats. My hand has hitherto been held by the regard I've had to every thing of kin toLeonora; but since the monstrous part she acts has driven her from my heart, I call for reparation from her family.
Alv.You'll have it, Sir;Camillowill attend you instantly.
Lop.O lack! O lack! will no body do a little something to prevent bloodshed? Why, Madam, have you no pity, no bowels? [ToLeonora.] stand and see one of your husbands stoter'd before your face? 'Tis an arrant shame.
Leo.If widowhood be my fate, I must bear it as I can.
Lop.Why, did you ever hear the like?
Lor.Talk to her no more. Her monstrous impudence is no otherwise to be replied to, than by a dagger in her brother's heart.
Leo.Yonder he's coming to receive it. But have a care, brave Sir, he does not place it in another's.
Lor.It is not in his power. He has a rotten cause upon his sword, I'm sorry he's engag'd in't; but since he is, he must take his fate. For you, my bravo, expect me in your turn.
[ToCarlos.
Car.You'll find Camillo, Sir, will set your hand out.
Lor.A beardless boy. You might have match'd me better, Sir: but prudence is a virtue.
DonFel.Nay, son, I wou'd not have thee despise thy adversary neither; thou'lt find Camillo will put thee hardly to't.
Lor.I wish we were come to the trial. Why does he not appear?
Jacin.Now do I hate to hear people brag thus. Sir, with my lady's leave, I'll hold a ducat he disarms you.
[They laugh.
Lor.Why, what!—I think I'm sported with. Take heed, I warn you all; I am not to be trifled with.
EnterCamilloandIsabella.
Leo.You shan't, Sir, here's one will be in earnest with you.
Lor.He's welcome: tho' I had rather have drawn my sword against another. I'm sorry,Camillo, we should meet on such bad terms as these; yet more sorry your sister should be the wicked cause on't: but since nothing will serve her but the blood either of a husband or brother, she shall be glutted with't. Draw.
Lop.Ah Lard, ah Lard, ah Lard!
Lor.And yet before I take this instrument of death into my fatal hand, hear me,Camillo; hearAlvarez; all! I imprecate the utmost powers of heaven to shower upon my head the deadliest of its wrath; I ask that all hell's torments may unite to round my soul with one eternal anguish, if wickedLeonoraben't my wife.
Omnes.O Lord, O Lord, O Lord!
Leo.Why then may all those curses pass him by, and wrap me in their everlasting pains, if ever once I had a fleeting thought of making him my husband.
Lop.O Lord, O Lord, O Lord!
Leo.Nay more; to strike him dumb at once, and shew what men with honest looks can practise, know he's married to another.
Alv.andFel.How!
Leo.The truth of this is known to some here.
Jacin.Nay, 'tis certainly so.
Isab.'Tis to a friend of mine.
Car.I know the person.
Lor.'Tis false, and thou art a villain for thy testimony.
Cam.Then let me speak; what they aver is true, and I myself was in disguise, a witness of its doing.
Lor.Death and confusion! he a villain too! have at thy heart.
[He draws.
Lop.Ah!—--I can't bear the sight on't.
Cam.Put up that furious thing, there's no business for't.
Lor.There's business for a dagger, strippling; 'tis that should be thy recompence.
Cam.Why then to shew thee naked to the world, and close thy mouth for ever——I am myself thy wife.——
Lor.What does the dog mean?
Cam.To fall upon the earth and sue for mercy.
[Kneels and lets her perriwig fall off.
Lor.A woman!
Lop.Ay——cod, and a pretty one too; you wags you.
Lor.I'm all amazement. Rise,Camillo, (if I am still to call you by that name) and let me hear the wonders you have for me.
Isab.That part her modesty will ask from me: I'm to inform you then, that this disguise hides other mysteries besides a woman; a large and fair estate was cover'd by it, which with the lady now will be resigned to you. 'Tis true, in justice it was yours before; but 'tis the God of Love has done you right. To him you owe this strange discovery, thro' him you are to know the trueCamillo's dead, and that this fair adventurer is daughter toAlvarez.
Lor.Incredible! but go on; let me hear more.
DonFel.She'll tell thee the rest herself, the next dark night she meets thee in the garden.
Lor.Ha!—Was itCamillothen, that I——
Isab.It wasCamillowho there made you happy: And who has virtue, beauty, wit and love——enough to make you so, while life shall last you.
Lor.The proof she gives me of her love, deserves a large acknowledgment indeed. Forgive me therefore,Leonora, if what I owe this goodness and these charms, I with my utmost care, my life, my soul, endeavour to repay.
Cam.Is it then possible you can forgive me?
Lor.Indeed I can; few crimes have such a claim to mercy; but join with me then, dearCamillo, (for still I know you by no other name) join with me to obtain your father's pardon: yours,Leonora, too, I must implore; and yours, my friend, for now we may be such. [ToCarlos.] Of all I ask forgiveness. And since there is so fair a cause of all my wild mistakes, I hope I by her interest shall obtain it.
Alv.You have a claim to mine,Lorenzo, I wish I had so strong a one to yours; but if by future services, (tho' I lay down my life amongst 'em) I may blot out of your remembrance a fault (I cannot name) I then shall leave the world in peace.
Lor.In peace then, Sir, enjoy it; for from this very hour, whate'er is past with me, is gone for ever. Your daughter is too fair a mediatrix to be refus'd his pardon, to whom she owes the charms she pleads with for it.
From this good day, then, let all discord cease;Let those to come be harmony and peace;Henceforth let all our diff'rent interests join,}Let fathers, lovers, friends, let all combine,}To make each other's days as blest, as she will mine.}
From this good day, then, let all discord cease;Let those to come be harmony and peace;Henceforth let all our diff'rent interests join,}Let fathers, lovers, friends, let all combine,}To make each other's days as blest, as she will mine.}
[Exeunt.