Love! gay illusion!Pleasing delusion,With sweet intrusion,Possesses the mind.Love with love meeting,Passion is fleeting;Vows in repeatingWe trust to the wind.Faith to faith plighted,Love may be blighted;Hearts often slightedWill cease to be kind.
Love! gay illusion!Pleasing delusion,With sweet intrusion,Possesses the mind.
Love! gay illusion!
Pleasing delusion,
With sweet intrusion,
Possesses the mind.
Love with love meeting,Passion is fleeting;Vows in repeatingWe trust to the wind.
Love with love meeting,
Passion is fleeting;
Vows in repeating
We trust to the wind.
Faith to faith plighted,Love may be blighted;Hearts often slightedWill cease to be kind.
Faith to faith plighted,
Love may be blighted;
Hearts often slighted
Will cease to be kind.
EnterVasquez.
Vas.Madam—my master and Don Fernando.
Isab.Has Don Fernando a servant with him?
Vas.No, madam.
Isab.Oh, when he comes, take notice of him.
EnterDon ScipioandFernando.
Don Scipio.Oh, my darling dame, and my delicate daughter, bless your stars that you see poor old Scipio alive again—Behold my son-in-law and the preserver of my life—Don Fernando, there's your spouse, and this is Donna Isabella, a lady of vast merit, of which my heart is sensible.
Don Fer.Madam!
[Salutes.
Isab.What an impudent fellow!
[Aside.
Don Scipio.Dear Fernando, you are as welcome to this castle as flattery to a lady, but there she is—bill and coo—embrace—caress her.
[FernandosalutesLorenza.
Lor.If I had never seen Ramirez, I should think the man tolerable enough!
[Aside.
Don Scipio.Ha! ha! this shall be the happy night—Eh, Dame Isabel, by our agreement, before the lark sings, I take possession of this noble tenement.
Don Fer.Don Scipio, I hoped to have the honour of seeing your son.
Don Scipio.My son! Who, Cæsar? Oh, lord! He's—He was a—turned out a profligate—Sent him to Italy—got into bad company—don't know what's become of him—My dear friend, if you would not offend me, never mention Don Cæsar in my hearing.Egad—Eh, my dainty dame, is not Don Fernando a fine fellow?
Isab.Yes, he's well enough for a trumpeter.
Don Scipio.Trumpeter![With surprise.]what the devil do you mean by that? Oh, because I sound his praise; but, madam, he's a cavalier of noble birth, title, fortune, and valour—
Isab.Don Scipio, a word if you please.
[Takes him aside.
Lor.[ToFernando.]Si—Signor, our castle here is rather a gloomy mansion, when compared to the beautiful cassinos on the banks of the Arno.
Don Fer.Arno! true, Don Scipio said in his letter, that his daughter had been bred at Florence.
Lor.You have had an unpleasant journey, signor?
Don Fer.I have encountered some difficulties by the way, it is true, madam; but am amply repaid by the honour and happiness I now enjoy.
[Bows.
Lor.Sir!—I swear he's a polite cavalier![Aside.]Won't you please to sit, sir? I fancy you must be somewhat weary.
[Sits.
Don Scipio.What the devil! Eh, sure—what this fellow only Don Fernando's footman! how! it can't be!
Isab.A fact; and presently you'll see Don Fernando himself in livery.
Don Scipio.Look at the impudent son of a gipsy—Sat himself down—Zounds! I'll—
Isab.Hold! let him play off a few of his airs.
Don Scipio.A footman! Ay, this accounts for his behaviour in the forest—Don Fernando would never have accepted my purse—[Taps his Shoulder.]—Hey, what, you've got there!
Don Fer.Will you please to sit, sir?
[Rises.
Don Scipio.Yes, he looks like a trumpeter.[Aside.]You may sit down, friend.
[With contempt.
Don Fer.A strange old gentleman!
EnterVasquez.
Vas.Sir, your servant Pedrillo is arrived.
[ExitVasquez.
Isab.Servant Pedrillo! Ay, this is Fernando himself.
[Apart, joyfully toScipio.
Don Fer.Oh, then the fellow has found his way at last. Don Scipio—Ladies—excuse me a moment.
[ExitFernando.
Lor.What a charming fellow!
Don Scipio.What an impudent rascal!
Ped.[Without.]Is my master this way?
Don Scipio.Master! ay, this is Fernando.
EnterPedrillo, with a Portmanteau.
Ped.Oh dear! I've got among the gentlefolks—I ask pardon.
Isab.How well he does look and act the servant!
Don Scipio.Admirable; yet I perceive the grandee under the livery.
Isab.Please to sit, sir.
[With great respect.
Lor.A livery servant sit down by me!
Don Scipio.Pray sit down, sir.
[Ceremoniously.
Ped.Sit down![Sits.]Oh, these must be the upper servants of the family—her ladyship here is the housekeeper, I suppose—the young tawdry tit, lady's maid—(Hey, her mistress throws off good clothes,) and Old Whiskers, Don Scipio's butler.
[Aside.
EnterDon Fernando.
Don Fer.Pedrillo! how! seated! what means this disrespect?
Ped.Sir,[Rises to him.]Old Whiskers, the butler there, asked me to sit down by Signora the waiting-maid here.
Don Fer.Sirrah!
Ped.Yes, sir.
Don Scipio.Sir and sirrah! how rarely they act their parts! I'll give them an item, though, that I understand the plot of their comedy.
[Aside.
D. Scipio.Signor![ToPedrillo.]Your wits must be keener,Our prudence to elude,Your fine plot,Tho' so pat,Will do you little good.Ped.My fine plot!I'm a sot,If I know whatThese gentlefolks are at.Fer.Past the perils of the night,Tempests, darkness, rude alarms;Phœbus rises clear and bright,In the lustre of your charms.Lor.O, charming, I declare,So polite a cavalier!He understands the dutyAnd homage due to beauty.D. Scipio.Bravo! O bravissimo!Lor.Caro! O carissimo!How sweet his honey words,How noble is his mien!D. Scipio.Fine feathers make fine birds,The footman's to be seen.But both deserve a basting!Ped.Since morning I've been fasting.D. Scipio.Yet I could laugh for anger.Ped.Oh, I could cry for hunger.D. Scipio.I could laugh.Ped.I could cry.D. Scipio.I could quaff.Ped.So could I.D. Scipio.Ha! ha! ha! I'm in a fit.Ped.Oh, I could pick a little bit.D. Scipio.Ha! ha! ha!Ped.Oh! oh! oh!Lor.A very pleasant party!D. Fer.A whimsical reception!D. Scipio.A whimsical deception!But master and man, accept a welcome hearty.D. Fer.Ped.}Accept our thanks sincere, for such a welcome hearty.
D. Scipio.Signor![ToPedrillo.]Your wits must be keener,Our prudence to elude,Your fine plot,Tho' so pat,Will do you little good.
D. Scipio.
Signor![ToPedrillo.]
Your wits must be keener,
Our prudence to elude,
Your fine plot,
Tho' so pat,
Will do you little good.
Ped.My fine plot!I'm a sot,If I know whatThese gentlefolks are at.
Ped.
My fine plot!
I'm a sot,
If I know what
These gentlefolks are at.
Fer.Past the perils of the night,Tempests, darkness, rude alarms;Phœbus rises clear and bright,In the lustre of your charms.
Fer.
Past the perils of the night,
Tempests, darkness, rude alarms;
Phœbus rises clear and bright,
In the lustre of your charms.
Lor.O, charming, I declare,So polite a cavalier!He understands the dutyAnd homage due to beauty.
Lor.
O, charming, I declare,
So polite a cavalier!
He understands the duty
And homage due to beauty.
D. Scipio.Bravo! O bravissimo!
D. Scipio.
Bravo! O bravissimo!
Lor.Caro! O carissimo!How sweet his honey words,How noble is his mien!
Lor.
Caro! O carissimo!
How sweet his honey words,
How noble is his mien!
D. Scipio.Fine feathers make fine birds,The footman's to be seen.But both deserve a basting!
D. Scipio.
Fine feathers make fine birds,
The footman's to be seen.
But both deserve a basting!
Ped.Since morning I've been fasting.
Ped.
Since morning I've been fasting.
D. Scipio.Yet I could laugh for anger.
D. Scipio.
Yet I could laugh for anger.
Ped.Oh, I could cry for hunger.
Ped.
Oh, I could cry for hunger.
D. Scipio.I could laugh.
D. Scipio.
I could laugh.
Ped.I could cry.
Ped.
I could cry.
D. Scipio.I could quaff.
D. Scipio.
I could quaff.
Ped.So could I.
Ped.
So could I.
D. Scipio.Ha! ha! ha! I'm in a fit.
D. Scipio.
Ha! ha! ha! I'm in a fit.
Ped.Oh, I could pick a little bit.
Ped.
Oh, I could pick a little bit.
D. Scipio.Ha! ha! ha!
D. Scipio.
Ha! ha! ha!
Ped.Oh! oh! oh!
Ped.
Oh! oh! oh!
Lor.A very pleasant party!
Lor.
A very pleasant party!
D. Fer.A whimsical reception!
D. Fer.
A whimsical reception!
D. Scipio.A whimsical deception!But master and man, accept a welcome hearty.
D. Scipio.
A whimsical deception!
But master and man, accept a welcome hearty.
D. Fer.Ped.}Accept our thanks sincere, for such a welcome hearty.
D. Fer.Ped.}
Accept our thanks sincere, for such a welcome hearty.
An antique Apartment in the Castle.
EnterDon Cæsar, with Precaution.
Don Cæsar.Thus far I've got into the castle unperceived—I'm certain Sanguino means the old gentleman a mischief, which nature bids me endeavour to prevent. I saw the rascal slip in at the postern below; but where can he have got to![A sliding Panel opens in the Wainscot, andSanguinocomes out.]Yes, yonder he issues, like a rat or a spider.—How now, Sanguino!
Sang.Captain Ramirez!
Don Cæsar.On enterprize without my knowledge! What's your business here?
Sang.Revenge! Look—[Shows a Stilletto.]if I meet Don Scipio—
Don Cæsar.A stilletto! I command you to quit your purpose.
Sang.What, no satisfaction for my wound last night, and lose my booty too!
Don Cæsar.Your wound was chance—Put up—We shall have noble booty here, and that's our business—But you seem to know your ground here, Sanguino?
Sang.I was formerly master of the horse to Count D'Olivi, the last resident here, so am well acquainted with the galleries, lobbies, windings, turnings, and every secret lurking place in the castle.
Don Cæsar.I missed Spado at the muster this morning—did he quit the cave with you?
Spado.[Without.]As sure as I'm alive, it's fact, sir.—
Don Cæsar.Isn't that Spado's voice?
Sang.Impossible!
Don Cæsar.Hush!
[They retire.
EnterDon ScipioandSpado.
Don Scipio.Yes, I've heard of such places; but you say you have been in the cave where these ruffian banditti live?
Spado.Most certainly, sir: for, after having robbed me of five hundred doubloons, the wicked rogues barbarously stripped, and tied me neck and heels, threw me across a mule, like a sack of corn, and led me blindfold to their cursed cavern.
Don Scipio.Ah, poor fellow!
Spado.There, sir, in this sculking hole the villains live in all manner of debauchery, and dart out upon the innocent traveller, like beasts of prey.
Don Scipio.Oh, the tigers! just so they fastened upon me last night, but your sham Fernando, and I,made them run like hares; I gave him my purse for his trouble.
Spado.And he took it! what a mean fellow!—you ought not to have ventured out unarmed—I always take a blunderbuss when I go upon the road—the rascal banditti are most infernal cowards.
Don Scipio.What a glorious thing to deliver these reprobates into the hands of justice!
Spado.Ah, sir, 'twould be a blessed affair—Oh, I'd hang them up like mad dogs!
Don Scipio.Well, you say you know the cave?
Spado.Yes, yes, I slipped the handkerchief from my eyes and took a peep, made particular observations of the spot; so get a strong guard, and I'll lead you to the very trap-door of their den.
Don Scipio.'Egad, then we'll surprise them, and you'll have the prayers of the whole country, my honest friend.
Spado.Heaven knows, sir, I have no motives for this discovery but the public good, so I expect the country will order me a hundred pistoles, as a reward for my honesty.
Don Cæsar.Here's a pretty dog!
[Apart.
Sang.Ay, ay, he ha'n't long to live.
[Apart.
Don Scipio.An hundred pistoles!
Spado.Sir, have an eye upon their captain, as they call him, he's the most abandoned, impudent profligate—[Suddenly turning seesCæsar, who shows a Pistol.]Captain did I say?[Terrified.]Oh, no; the captain's a very worthy good-natured fellow—I meant a scoundrel, who thinks he ought to be captain, one Sanguino, the most daring, wicked, and bloody villain that—[Turning the other may, perceivesSanguinowith a Pistol.]but indeed, I found Sanguino an honest, good-natured fellow too—
[With increased terror.
Don Scipio.Hey, a bloody, wicked, honest, good-natured fellow! what is all this?
Spado.Yes; then, sir, IthoughtI saw these twogentlemen, and at that instant, Ithoughtthey looked so terrible, that with the fright Iawoke.
Don Scipio.Awoke! what the devil then, is all this but a dream you have been telling me?
Spado.Ay, sir, and the most frightful dream I ever had in my life. I'm at this instant frightened out of my wits.
Don Scipio.You do look frightened indeed—poor man! I thought this cave was—
Spado.Don't mention cave, or I faint—heigho!
EnterVasquez.
Vas.Dame Isabel wants to speak with you, sir.
Don Scipio.I'll wait on her.
Spado.Yes, I'll wait on her.
[Going hastily.
Don Scipio.You! she don't want you.
Spado.Dear sir, she can't do without me at this time.[ExitScipio.]I come.
[Going.
Don Cæsar.No, you stay.—
[Pulls him back.
Spado.Ah, my dear captain.[Affecting surprise and joy.]What, and my little Sanguino too! Who could have thought of your finding me out here?
Don Cæsar.Yes, you are found out.
[Significantly.
Spado.Such discoveries as I have made in the castle!—
Don Cæsar.You're to make discoveries in the forest too.
Sang.Our cave!
Spado.Oh, you overheard that! Didn't I hum the old fellow finely? Ha! ha! ha!
Sang.And for your reward, traitor, take this to your heart.
[Offers to stab him.
Don Cæsar.Hold, Sanguino.
Spado.Nay, my dear Sanguino, stay! What the devil—So here I can't run a jest upon a silly old man, but I must be run through with a stilletto!
Don Cæsar.Come, Spado, confess what really brought you here.
Spado.Business, my dear sir, business; all in our own way too, for I designed to let every man of you into the castle this very night, when all the family are in bed, and plunder's the word—Oh, such a delicious booty! pyramids of plate, bags of gold, and little chests of diamonds!
Sang.Indeed!
Spado.Sanguino, look at the closet.
Sang.Well!
Spado.A glorious prize!
Sang.Indeed!
Spado.Six chests of massy plate! Look, only look into the closet; wait here a moment, and I'll fetch a master key that shall open every one of them.
Don Cæsar.Hey! Let's see those chests.
Sang.Massy plate! Quick, quick, the master key.
Spado.I'll fetch it.
Sang.Do but make haste, Spado.
Spado.I will, my dear boy.
[ExeuntSanguinoandDon Cæsar.
My good—honest—Oh, you two thieves!
[Aside.
EnterDon Scipio.
Don Scipio.Now, Spado, I—hey, where is my little dreamer? but why is this door open? this closet contains many valuables—Why will they leave it open? Let's see—
[Goes into the Closet.
EnterSpadowith a Portmanteau.
Spado.[As entering.]I have no key—However, I have stolen Don Fernando's portmanteau as a peace-offering for these two rascals! Are you there? What a pity the coming of my fellow-rogues! I should have had the whole castle to myself—Oh, what a charming seat of work for a man of my industry—[Speaking at Closet Door.]You find the chests there—you mayconvey them out at night, and as for cutting Don Scipio's throat—that I leave to—
EnterDon Scipio.
Don Scipio.Cut my throat!—What, are you at your dreams again?
Spado.[Aside.]Oh, zounds!—Yes, sir, as I was telling you.
Don Scipio.Of a little fellow you have the worst dreams I ever heard.
Spado.Shocking, sir—then I thought—
Don Scipio.Hold, hold, let me hear no more of your curst dreams.
Spado.I've got off, thanks to his credulity.
[Aside.
Don Scipio.What portmanteau's that?
Spado.'Sdeath, I'm on again!
[Aside.
Don Scipio.Fernando's, I think.
Spado.[Affecting surprise.]What, my master's?—'egad so it is—But I wonder who could have brought it here.—Ay, ay, my fellow servant Pedrillo is now too grand to mind his business;—and my master, I find, though he has taken the habit, scorns the office of a servant—So I must look after the things myself.
Don Scipio.Ay, ay, take care of them.
Spado.Yes, sir, I'll take care of them!
Don Scipio.Ha! ha! ha! what a strange whimsical fellow this master of yours! with his plots and disguises.—Think to impose upon me too.—But I think I'm far from a fool.
Spado.[Looking archly at him.]That's more than I am.
Don Scipio.So he pretends not to know you, though he has sent you here as a spy, to see what you can pick up?
Spado.Yes, sir, I came here to see what I can pick up.
[Takes up the Portmanteau.
Don Scipio.What an honest servant!—he has an eye to every thing!
[ExitDon Scipio.
Spado.But before I turn honest, I must get somewhat to keep me so.
In the forest here hard by,A bold robber late was I,Sword and blunderbuss in hand,When I bid a trav'ler stand;Zounds, deliver up your cash,Or straight I'll pop and slash,All among the leaves so green-o!Damme, sir,If you stir,Sluice your veins,Blow your brains,Hey down,Ho down,Derry, derry down,All amongst the leaves so green-o.II.Soon I'll quit the roving trade,When a gentleman I'm made;Then so spruce and debonnaire,'Gad, I'll court a lady fair;How I'll prattle, tattle, chat,How I'll kiss her, and all that,All amongst the leaves so green-o!How d'ye do?How are you?Why so coy?Let us toy,Hey down,Ho down,Derry, derry down,All amongst the leaves so green-o.III.But ere old, and grey my pate,I'll scrape up a snug estate:With my nimbleness of thumbs,I'll soon butter all my crumbs.When I'm justice of the peace,Then I'll master many a lease,All amongst the leaves so green-o.Wig profound,Belly round,Sit at ease,Snatch the fees,Hey down,Ho down,Derry, derry down,All amongst the leaves so green-o.
In the forest here hard by,A bold robber late was I,Sword and blunderbuss in hand,When I bid a trav'ler stand;Zounds, deliver up your cash,Or straight I'll pop and slash,All among the leaves so green-o!Damme, sir,If you stir,Sluice your veins,Blow your brains,Hey down,Ho down,Derry, derry down,All amongst the leaves so green-o.
In the forest here hard by,
A bold robber late was I,
Sword and blunderbuss in hand,
When I bid a trav'ler stand;
Zounds, deliver up your cash,
Or straight I'll pop and slash,
All among the leaves so green-o!
Damme, sir,
If you stir,
Sluice your veins,
Blow your brains,
Hey down,
Ho down,
Derry, derry down,
All amongst the leaves so green-o.
II.Soon I'll quit the roving trade,When a gentleman I'm made;Then so spruce and debonnaire,'Gad, I'll court a lady fair;How I'll prattle, tattle, chat,How I'll kiss her, and all that,All amongst the leaves so green-o!How d'ye do?How are you?Why so coy?Let us toy,Hey down,Ho down,Derry, derry down,All amongst the leaves so green-o.
II.
Soon I'll quit the roving trade,
When a gentleman I'm made;
Then so spruce and debonnaire,
'Gad, I'll court a lady fair;
How I'll prattle, tattle, chat,
How I'll kiss her, and all that,
All amongst the leaves so green-o!
How d'ye do?
How are you?
Why so coy?
Let us toy,
Hey down,
Ho down,
Derry, derry down,
All amongst the leaves so green-o.
III.But ere old, and grey my pate,I'll scrape up a snug estate:With my nimbleness of thumbs,I'll soon butter all my crumbs.When I'm justice of the peace,Then I'll master many a lease,All amongst the leaves so green-o.Wig profound,Belly round,Sit at ease,Snatch the fees,Hey down,Ho down,Derry, derry down,All amongst the leaves so green-o.
III.
But ere old, and grey my pate,
I'll scrape up a snug estate:
With my nimbleness of thumbs,
I'll soon butter all my crumbs.
When I'm justice of the peace,
Then I'll master many a lease,
All amongst the leaves so green-o.
Wig profound,
Belly round,
Sit at ease,
Snatch the fees,
Hey down,
Ho down,
Derry, derry down,
All amongst the leaves so green-o.
[Exit.
An Apartment.
EnterDon Fernando.
Don Fer.A wild scheme of my father's, to think of an alliance with this mad family; yes, Don Scipio's brain is certainly touched beyond cure, his daughter, my cara sposa of Italy, don't suit my idea of what a wife should be—no, the lovely novice, this poor relation of Dame Isabel, has caught my heart. I'm told to-morrow she's to be immured in a convent; what if I ask Dame Isabel, if—but she, and indeed Don Scipio, carry themselves very strangely towards me—I can't imagine what's become of my rascal Pedrillo.
EnterPedrillo, in an elegant Morning Gown, Cap and Slippers.
Ped.Strange, the respect I meet in this family. I hope we don't take horse after my master's wedding. I should like to marry here myself,—before I unrobe I'll attack one of the maids!—Faith, a very modish dress to go courting in,—hide my livery, and I am quite gallant.
Don Fer.Oh here's a gentleman I ha'n't seen before!
Ped.Tol de rol!
Don Fer.Pray, sir, may I—Pedrillo,[Surprised.]where have you—hey! what, ha! ha! ha! what's the matter with you?
Ped.Matter!—Why, sir, I don't know how it was, but somehow or other last night, I happened to sit down to a supper of only twelve covers, cracked two bottles of choice wine, slept in an embroider'd bed, where I sunk in down, and lay till this morning like a diamond in cotton.—So, indeed, sir, I don't know what's the matter with me.
Don Fer.I can't imagine how, or what it all means.
Ped.Why, sir, Don Scipio, being a gentleman of discernment, perceives my worth, and values it.
Don Fer.Then, sir, if you are a gentleman of such prodigious merit, be so obliging, with submission to your cap and gown, as to—pull off my boots.
EnterVasquez.
Vas.Sir, the ladies wait breakfast for you.
[ToPedrillo, with great respect.
Don Fer.My respects, I attend them.
Vas.You! I mean his honour here.
Ped.Oh, you mean my honour here.
Don Fer.Well, but perhaps, my good friend, I may like a dish of chocolate as well as his honour here.
Vas.Chocolate, ha! ha! ha!
[With a sneer.
Fed.Chocolate, ha! ha! ha!
Don Fer.I'll teach you to laugh, sirrah!
[BeatsPedrillo.
Ped.Teach me to laugh! you may be a good master, but you've a very bad method—But, hey for chocolate and the ladies.
[ExeuntPedrilloandVasquez.
Don Fer.Don Scipio shall render me an account for this treatment; bear his contempt, and become the butt for the jests of his insolent servants! As I don't like his daughter, I have now a fair excuse, and indeed a just cause, to break my contract, and quit his castle; but then, I leave behind the mistress of my soul—Suppose I make her a tender of my heart—but that might offend, as she must know my hand is engaged to another—When I looked, she turned her lovely eyes averted—Doom'd to a nunnery!
My fair one, like the blushing rose,Can sweets to every sense disclose:Those sweets I'd gather, but her scornThen wounds me like the sharpest thorn.With sighs each grace and charm I seeThus doom'd to wither on the tree,Till age shall chide the thoughtless maid,When all those blooming beauties fade.
My fair one, like the blushing rose,Can sweets to every sense disclose:Those sweets I'd gather, but her scornThen wounds me like the sharpest thorn.
My fair one, like the blushing rose,
Can sweets to every sense disclose:
Those sweets I'd gather, but her scorn
Then wounds me like the sharpest thorn.
With sighs each grace and charm I seeThus doom'd to wither on the tree,Till age shall chide the thoughtless maid,When all those blooming beauties fade.
With sighs each grace and charm I see
Thus doom'd to wither on the tree,
Till age shall chide the thoughtless maid,
When all those blooming beauties fade.
Hey, who comes here? this is the smart little girl who seems so much attached to the beautiful novice—No harm to speak with her—
EnterCatilina.
So my pretty primrose!
Catil.How do you do, Mr—[Pert and familiar.]I don't know your name.
Don Fer.Not know my name! You must know who I am though, and my business here, child?
Catil.Lord, man, what signifies your going about to sift me, when the whole family knows you're Don Fernando's footman.
Don Fer.Am I faith? Ha! ha! ha! I'll humour this—Well then, my dear, you know that I am only Don Fernando's footman?
Catil.Yes, yes, we know that, notwithstanding your fine clothes.
Don Fer.But where's my master?
Catil.Don Fernando! he's parading the gallery yonder, in his sham livery and morning gown.
Don Fer.Oh, this accounts for twelve covers at supper and the embroider'd bed; but who could have set such a jest going? I'll carry it on though—[Aside.]So then after all I am known here?
Catil.Ay, and if all the impostors in the castle were as well known, we shou'd have no wedding to-morrow night.
Don Fer.Something else will out—I'll seem to be in the secret, and perhaps may come at it—[Aside.]Ay, ay, that piece of deceit is much worse than ours.
Catil.That! what, then you know that this Italian lady is not Don Scipio's daughter, but Dame Isabel's, and her true name Lorenza?
Don Fer.Here's a discovery![Aside.]O yes, I know that.
Catil.You do! Perhaps you know too, that the young lady you saw me speak with just now is the real Donna Victoria?
Don Fer.Is it possible! Here's a piece of villany![Aside.]Charming! let me kiss you, my dear girl.
[Kisses her.
Catil.Lord! he's a delightful man!
Don Fer.My little angel, a thousand thanks for this precious discovery.
Catil.Discovery!—Well, if you did not know it before, marry hang your assurance, I say—but I must about my business, can't play the lady as you played the gentleman, I've something else to do; so I desire you won't keep kissing me here all day.
[Exit.
Don Fer.Why what a villain is this Don Scipio! ungrateful to—but I scorn to think of the services I rendered him last night in the forest; a false friend to my father, an unnatural parent to his amiable daughter! here my charmer comes.
[Retires.
EnterVictoria.
Vict.Yes, Catilina must be mistaken, it is impossible he can be the servant,—no, no; that dignity of deportment, and native elegance of manner, can never be assumed; yonder he walks, and my fluttering heart tells me this is really the amiable Fernando, that I must resign to Dame Isabel's daughter.
Don Fer.Stay, lovely Victoria!
Vict.Did you call me, sir?—Heavens, what have I said![Confused.]I mean, signor, would you wish to speak with Donna Victoria? I'll inform her, sir.
[Going.
Don Fer.Oh, I could speak to her for ever, for ever gaze upon her charms, thus transfixed with wonder and delight.
Vict.Pray, signor, suffer me to withdraw.
Don Fer.For worlds I would not offend! but think not, lady, 'tis the knowledge of your quality that attracts my admiration.
Vict.Nay, signor.
Don Fer.I know you to be Don Scipio's daughter, the innocent victim of injustice and oppression; therefore I acknowledge to you, and you alone, that, whatever you may have heard to the contrary, I really am Fernando de Zelva.
Vict.Signor, how you became acquainted with the secret of my birth I know not; but, from an acquaintance so recent, your compliment I receive as a mode of polite gallantry without a purpose.
Don Fer.What your modesty regards as cold compliments, are sentiments warm with the dearest purpose; I came hither to ratify a contract with Don Scipio's daughter; you are she, the beautiful Victoria, destined for the happy Fernando.
Vict.Pray rise, signor:—My father perhaps, even to himself, cannot justify his conduct to me: But to censure that, or to pervert his intentions, would, in me, be a breach of filial duty.
By woes thus surrounded, how vain the gay smileOf the little blind archer, those woes to beguile!Though skilful, he misses, his aim it is cross'd,His quiver exhausted, his arrows are lost.Your love, though sincere, on the object you lose,[Aside]How sweet is the passion! Ah, must I refuse?If filial affection that passion should sway,Then love's gentle dictates I cannot obey.
By woes thus surrounded, how vain the gay smileOf the little blind archer, those woes to beguile!Though skilful, he misses, his aim it is cross'd,His quiver exhausted, his arrows are lost.Your love, though sincere, on the object you lose,[Aside]How sweet is the passion! Ah, must I refuse?If filial affection that passion should sway,Then love's gentle dictates I cannot obey.
By woes thus surrounded, how vain the gay smile
Of the little blind archer, those woes to beguile!
Though skilful, he misses, his aim it is cross'd,
His quiver exhausted, his arrows are lost.
Your love, though sincere, on the object you lose,
[Aside]How sweet is the passion! Ah, must I refuse?
If filial affection that passion should sway,
Then love's gentle dictates I cannot obey.
Don Fer.And do you, can you, wish me to espouse Donna Lorenza, Isabella's daughter?—Say, you do not, do but satisfy me so far.
Vict.Signor, do not despise me if I own, that, before I saw in you the husband of Don Scipio's daughter, I did not once regret that I had lost that title.
Don Fer.A thousand thanks for this generous, this amiable condescension.—Oh, my Victoria! if fortune but favours my design, you shall yet triumph over the malice of your enemies.
Vict.Yonder is Dame Isabel, if she sees you speaking to me, she'll be early to frustrate whateveryou may purpose for my advantage. Signor, farewell!
Don Fer.My life, my love, adieu!
Don Fer.So faithful to my fair I'll prove,Vict.So kind and constant to my love,Don Fer.I'd never range,Vict.I'd never change,Both.Nor time, nor chance, my faith shall move.Vict.No ruby clusters grace the vine,Don Fer.Ye sparkling stars forget to shine,Vict.Sweet flowers to spring,Don Fer.Gay birds to sing,Both.Those hearts then part that love shall join.
Don Fer.So faithful to my fair I'll prove,Vict.So kind and constant to my love,Don Fer.I'd never range,Vict.I'd never change,Both.Nor time, nor chance, my faith shall move.
Don Fer.
So faithful to my fair I'll prove,
Vict.
So kind and constant to my love,
Don Fer.
I'd never range,
Vict.
I'd never change,
Both.
Nor time, nor chance, my faith shall move.
Vict.No ruby clusters grace the vine,Don Fer.Ye sparkling stars forget to shine,Vict.Sweet flowers to spring,Don Fer.Gay birds to sing,Both.Those hearts then part that love shall join.
Vict.
No ruby clusters grace the vine,
Don Fer.
Ye sparkling stars forget to shine,
Vict.
Sweet flowers to spring,
Don Fer.
Gay birds to sing,
Both.
Those hearts then part that love shall join.
[Exeunt.
EnterFernando.
Don Fer.This is fortunate; the whole family, except Victoria, are firmly possessed with the idea that I am but the servant.—Well, since they will have me an impostor, they shall find me one: In Heaven's name, let them continue in their mistake, and bestow their mock Victoria upon my sham Fernando. I shall have a pleasant and just revenge for their perfidy; and, perhaps, obtain Don Scipio's real, lovely daughter, the sum of my wishes.—Here comes Don Scipio—Now to begin my operations.
EnterDon Scipio.
[As wishingDon Scipioto overhear him.]I'm quite weary of playing the gentleman, I long to get into my livery again.
Don Scipio.Get into his livery!
[Aside.
Don Fer.These clothes fall to my share, however; my master will never wear them after me.
Don Scipio.His master! ay, ay.
[Aside.
Don Fer.I wish he'd own himself, for I'm certain Don Scipio suspects who I am.
Don Scipio.Suspect? I know who you are,[Advancing to him.]so get into your livery again as fast as you can.
Don Fer.Ha, my dear friend, Don Scipio, I was—
Don Scipio.Friend! you impudent rascal! I'll break your head, if you make so free with me. None of your swaggering, sirrah—How the fellow acts! it wasn't for nothing he was among the strolling players; but, hark ye, my lad, be quiet, for you're blown here, without the help of your trumpet.
Don Fer.Lord, your honour, how came you to know that I am Pedrillo?
Don Scipio.Why, I was told of it by your fellow—hold, I must not betray my little dreamer though—[Aside.]—No matter who told me; I—but here comes your master.
Don Fer.Pedrillo! The fellow will spoil all; I wish I had given him his lesson before I began with Don Scipio.
[Aside.
Don Scipio.I hope he'll now have done with his gambols.
Don Fer.Sir, my master is such an obstinate gentleman, as sure as you stand here, he'll still deny himself to be Don Fernando.
Don Scipio.Will he? then I'll write his father an account of his vagaries.
EnterPedrillo.
Ped.Master, shall I shave you this morning?
Don Scipio.Shave! Oh, my dear sir, time to give over your tricks and fancies.
Ped.[Surprised.]My tricks and fancies!
Don Fer.Yes, sir, you are found out.
Ped.I am found out!
Don Scipio.So you may as well confess.
Ped.What the devil shall I confess?
Don Scipio.He still persists! Hark ye, young gentleman, I'll send your father an account of your pranks, and he'll trim your jacket for you.
Ped.Nay, sir, for the matter of that, my father could trim your jacket for you.
Don Scipio.Trim my jacket, young gentleman!
Ped.Why, he's the best tailor in Cordova.
Don Scipio.His father's a tailor in Cordova!
Don Fer.Ay, he'll ruin all—[Aside.]—Let me speak to him. Tell Don Scipio you are the master.
[Apart toPedrillo.
Ped.I will, sir—Don Scipio, you are the master.
Don Scipio.What!
Don Fer.Stupid dog!—[Apart toPedrillo.]—Say you are Fernando, and I am Pedrillo.
Ped.I will—Sir, you are Fernando, and I am Pedrillo.
Don Fer.Dull rogue![Aside.]I told you, sir, he'd persist in it.
[Apart toDon Scipio.
Don Scipio.Yes, I see it; but I tell you what, Don Fernando.—[Lorenzasings without.]My daughter! Zounds! don't let your mistress see you any more in this cursed livery.—Look at the gentleman, hold up your head—egad, Pedrillo's acting was better than your natural manner.
Don Fer.Ah, sir, if you were to see my master dressed—the livery makes such an alteration!
Don Scipio.True! curse the livery.
Ped.It's bad enough; but my master gives new liveries on his marriage.
Don Fer.An insensible scoundrel!
[Aside.
EnterLorenza.
Lor.Oh, caro, signor, every body says that you are[ToDon Fernando.]not Don Fernando.
Don Scipio.Every body's right, for here he stands like a young tailor of Cordova.
[ToPedrillo.
Lor.Oh, what? then this is Pedrillo?
[ToFernando.
Don Fer.At your service, ma'am.
[Bowing.
Ped.That Pedrillo! then, who the devil am I?
Don Fer.Here, rogue, this purse is yours—say you are Don Fernando.
[Apart toPedrillo.
Ped.Oh, sir—now I understand you.—True, Don Scipio, I am all that he says.
Don Scipio.Hey! Now that's right and sensible, and like yourself; but I'll go bustle about our business, for we'll have all our love affairs settled this evening.
[ExeuntDon ScipioandFernando.
Lor.So, then, you're to be my husband, ha! ha! ha!
Ped.Eh!
Lor.Well, if not, I can be as cold as you are indifferent.