Chapter 2

ACT III. SCENE I.

Aurelia'sLodgings.EnterAurelia, Florella.Aur.Oh! how I tremble for my dearBassino!Haste, fly,Florella, bring me News he lives,Or else expect to see thy Mistress die.Flor.Madam, be patient——Consult your Reputation, and considerThat the least Noise you make on this Occasion,Reflects upon your Virtue——Aur.Away, away——Talk not of Reputation,When Love's in t'other Scale—But what can shock myReputation;Heaven's my Witness, I ne'er lodg'd a Thought,For CountBassinothat could wrong my Virtue.Perhaps the Gods pursue me with their Hatred,Because I break my Promise toAlonzo.But then, why did they not secure me his?Why must weak Mortals be expos'd to Passions,Which are not in our Power to subdue,And yet account for what they prompt us to?But I will think no more——Almighty Love,Now hear my last Resolve——if angry HeavenRefused to guard my dearBassino's Life,Aureliatoo shall fall, and leave his MurdererAccurst for ever——EnterAlonzo.Flor.Oh! Heaven! where will this end?Aur.Ha——[Aside.The Gods have sent him to decide my Fate,How now! how dare you meet my angry View?Or think I'll e'er forgive the base AffrontThis very Day you offer'd to my Fame?Alon.Just Heaven refuses not a Penitent,Therefore I cannot think that fairAurelia,Whose Charms are all divine, should fail in Goodness.Oh! let my Love atone for my rash Deed:The Count and I are Friends, why shouldAureliabemore severe?Aur.He lives, blest News!Do then rash Actions speak your Love to me?Must I in publick bear with your InsultsBefore I'm yours? what must I then expectWhen the strict Ties of Marriage shall confirmYour jealous Passions?No, you have taught me to avoid the ShelfI was just running on——know, baseAlonzo,That from this Moment I resume my Freedom,I disengage you from your former Vows,And will henceforth be Mistress of myself.Alon.Ha——[Aside.This sudden Coldness has another SpringThan my rash Carriage——Oh! my jealous Fears;But I'm resolv'd to trace her winding Thoughts,And fetch the Secret forth——Madam, I hope you do but try my Love:I cannot thinkAureliawould be false.Besides, you can't recal what's register'd in Heaven.Aur.Then stay till we come there——There you'llhave Witness.Alon.Witness!Oh! faithless, perjur'd Woman, can'st thou thinkUpon thyself, and bid me call my Witness?Yes, you are mine——By all the Gods you are.And shall there be a Power on this Side Heaven,To stop my Bliss? No——by my Love I swear.I now can guess at your perfidious Meaning,And tho' that cowardly Villain slily thoughtTo blind me with a Tale his Guilt had fram'd,'Tis plain he is your Minion——yet wants CourageTo own his Treachery.Aur.Detracting, slanderous Villain!How dare you treat me thus?Oh! for the Look of a fierce Basilisk,To punish this audacious Insolence!Alon.Marry thee! No——by Heavens, I'd ratherBe rack'd to Death——And for thy vile Injustice,None shall enjoy thee, while this Sword is mine.[Lays hold on his Sword.Nor shall your Lover 'scape, to serve your Lust,Till he has forc'd a Passage thro' this Breast.[Points to his Breast.Aur.Oh! myBassino.[Aside.Oh! cruel Man! Are not you then contentedTo wreak your Spite on poorAurelia?Why must your Rage involve the Innocent?Oh! let me fall your Passion's Sacrifice;Let my Blood wash the Stain you fix on me,But do not blast your Name with base Revenge.——Alon.By Heaven! she doats on him! Oh! cunning Woman!But this Pretence won't serve to save his Life;I'll not be caught again——No,Syren, no.Bassinodies——Nor will I leave to FortuneThe vengeful Stroke, but take a safer Way.Aur.Oh! Heaven![Kneels.What Words shall I invent to soothe his Rage,[Aside.And save my dearBassino? Oh!Alonzo.My once-lov'd Dear, will you not hear me speak?Oh! I conjure you by our plighted Loves,Whose Purity outshone the Stars above,Hear me this Time, then use me as you please.Alon.Oh! Woman, Woman!Aur.If e'erAureliaSo much as in her Thoughts did wrongAlonzo,May sudden Death pursue her perjur'd Steps:Heaven forgive[Aside.The Perjury, since I've no other wayTo saveBassino'sLife.——Alon.Aurelia, rise——[Raising her.Oh! could I credit this, how happy wereAlonzo!But something tells me that thou art forsworn;And yet thou seem'st as fair as Truth itself;How is it possible that Guilt can lookWith so divine a Face?Aur.Oh! kill me instantly: kill me, I beg you, kill me;Let me not linger out an Age in Pain,For such is every Moment of your Anger;I cannot bear to live in your Displeasure.Alon.By Heaven she's true——Hence frivolous Fears be gone——she's only mine.Come to my Breast, my brightAurelia, come.[Embraces her.To that soft Shrine that holds that Sacred Image,Which triumphs o'er my Soul, and grasps it all,I knew my boundless Treasure, and the ThoughtOf losing thee had rais'd my Love to Madness.But now I'm calm—No more shall that fierce Passion,Rude Jealousy, disturb my peaceful Mind.Do but forgive the Faults my Rage committed,And you will find our Loves will grow the purer;Just as the Sky looks brighter when the StormIs chas'd away, andPhœbussmiles again.Aur.Since both have been to blame, let it suffice,We both repent, and will offend no more.Alon.Oh! never, never,I'll ne'er suspect you more—Only resolve me this—Aur.What is it?Alon.Why wasBassinoAdmitted to your View, and I denied?Aur.He came to take his Leave, and 't had been rudeNot to admit a Man of his high BirthOn this Occasion; nor was you denied,But thro' Woman's Fears of your Suspicions.She thought you would misconstrue the Count's Visit,As you have really done——I blam'd her for it,Indeed, this is the Truth—I hopeAlonzoBelieves me now——Alon.Believe Thee! Yes——As willingly as MartyrsA State of endless Joy.I will so love, my Dear, that all MankindShall look with Envy on our mutual Bliss.I'm like a Merchant tost at Sea by Storms,Who his last Course with Pray'rs and Toil performs;And the rich Cargo safely brought on Shore,He hugs it thus, and vows to part no more.[Embraces her.Aur.So in a flow'ry Mead a Serpent lurks,And the unwary Traveller surprizes,Where he suspects least Danger! Cursed Cheat.[Aside.Oh! that I could disclose the fatal Story!But it must never out——I beg,Alonzo,You'd leave me for a while, and rest secure,You have my Love——Alon.Then the bright Sun in all his circling Turn,Cannot behold a Man more truly happy,What you command, I readily obey.Farewel, my Dear.[ExitAlonzo.Aur.Where art thou now,Aurelia?How wilt thou 'scape that dreadful Precipice,On which thou art hurried on by thy fatal Passion?With conscious Horror I deceiv'dAlonzo;I hate this base Treachery, but 'twas unavoidable:The Truth had been more fatal——More fatal!——No——For I must never wedMy dearBassino, whilstAlonzolives.Oh! the distracting Thought! what shall I do?Why! dieAurelia: That's the only Way,To keep thy Vows to both—Ha——die, said I?But whether then? who knows what Punishment,Just Heav'n prepares for guilty Souls like mine.But I must think no more, lest I grow mad with Thought,If there's a Power that guards us here below,Oh! look with pitying Eyes on poorAurelia:Appease the Tumults of my anxious Fear,And load me with no more than I can bear.[ExeuntAurelia, Florella.SCENE II.LadyPizalta'sLodgings.Enter LadyPizalta, Lucy.L.Piz.Well, thou'rt an admirable Girl! What would half the Ladies inVenicegive for such a Servant?Lucy.(Aside.) Truly you have Reason to say so, for 'tis not the first Intrigue I have manag'd for you——Oh! dear Madam, your Ladyship does me too much Honour——But how do you like your new Servant, Madam?L.Piz.Oh! above all Men living,Lucy: He has the most bewitching Conversation I ever met with——Say, is there no way to contrive a second Meeting? For I'm impatient till I see the dear Man again——The End of the Carnival draws near, which is indeed the End of Life to me: For then must I be coop'd up with Age: Condemned to an eternal Coughing, Spitting, Snoring and Ill-nature——Then let me make the best of Life——since Hell cannot have a worse Plague in Store than I have felt already.Luc.Indeed, Madam, I pity you: And wish 'twere in my Power to free you from this old wither'd Log, but tho' that's impossible, yet I may do you some little Services to make Life's tedious Journey pleasant——Let me see, I have it——What would you say now, Madam, if I should contrive a Way to have your Lover in yourownChamber?L.Piz.That were worth a King's Revenue——Speak, quickly, how, how, goodLucy?Luc.Why, thus: He shall put on my Cloaths, and in my Place attend you.L.Piz.Rare Contrivance! but my Husband,Lucy?Luc.Oh! let me alone, Madam, to manage him: He is defective in Sight, you know; and not mistrusting any thing, will not be over curious: But if he should, I have a way to bring you off——My Life on't——This Plot may be of Use to my design, I'll manage it with care.[Aside.L.Piz.Oh! the Pleasure of hearing my Husband lie coughing and calling me to Bed: And my answering him, I'm coming, Dear; and while he imagines me in the next Room undressing, I'm happy in the Arms of myLudovico. Certainly there's as much Satisfaction in deceiving a dull jealous Husband, as in getting a new Gallant; were it not grown so common—each Tradesman's Wife must have her Gallant too——and sometimes makes a Journeyman of the Apprentice e'er his Indentures be half out——'Tis an insufferable Fault, that Quality can have no Pleasure above the Vulgar, except it be in not paying their Debts. Well, dearLucy, I admire thy Contrivance——About it instantly——Lucy.(Aside.) About it instantly! is that all? I must have my t'other Fee first.——I will, Madam; and you may expect your Lover instantly. But, Madam, what's to be done with your brocade Night-Gown you tore last Night? it can ne'er be mended handsomely.L.Piz.Nothing to be done without a Bribe I find, in Love as well as Law——Well,Lucy, if you manage this Intrigue with Care and Secrecy, the Gown is yours.EnterPage.Page.Madam, my Lord desires to speak with you.Lucy.Madam, I'll go about your Business: Your Ladyship's very humble Servant.[ExitLucy.L.Piz.Tell him I'm coming——[ExitPage.] Now by way of Mortification, must I go entertain my old jealous Husband.[Exit LadyPizalta.SCENE III.The Piazza.EnterLudovicosinging.Give me but Wine, that Liquor of Life,And a Girl that is wholesome and clean,Two or three Friends, but the Devil a Wife,And I'd not change State with a King.EnterLucy.Lucy.What singing, Signior! Well you're a pleasant Gentleman——Lud.Ah! my little femaleMercury, what Message bring'st thou? Ha——will thy Lady bless me with another Sight——Ha——How——When? where? I am all in a Flame.Lucy.Come along with me, Sir, I'll help you to an Extinguisher presently.Lud.If thou meanest thy Lady, with all my Heart—But I can tell thee, she'll rather prove Oil, than what you speak of——But, say, where am I to see my lovely Charmer?Lucy.In her Chamber——Lud.Good! But how the Devil can that be done?Lucy.Nay, without the Help of a Conjuror, I assure you; if you dare take me for your Pilot, I'll warrant you Success in your Voyage——I'll set you safe in the Island of Love; 'tis your Business to improve the Soil.Lud.I warrant thee, Girl; do you but bring me there once, and if I play not my Part, may I never more know the Pleasure of an Intrigue.Lucy.Which, if I mistake not, is the streatest Curse can fall on you——Well, you must suffer a small Metamorphosis: What think you of personating me a little? That is, dressing in my Cloaths, and waiting on your Mistress in her Bed-chamber—Ha——Lud.Egad, I'm afraid I shall make but an aukward Chamber-maid, I'm undisciplin'd in dressing a Lady's Head——Lucy.Oh! Sir, your Commission won't reach so high as the Head: I believe my Lady will excuse little Matters: You can undress, I suppose.Lud.Oh! the best and the quickest of any Man inVenice. But a Pox on't—Can'st find no other way?——I, I, I,——I like Petticoats in their proper Places, but I don't care to have my Legs in 'em.Lucy.And so you resolve against it? Ha——Lud.No, not absolutely resolve, Child: But—a——Lucy.But what, Sir!Lud.Nothing—I will follow thy Directions, whatever comes on't. Now lead the way, for nothing suits better with my Humour than a Friend, a Bottle, a new Mistress and a convenient Place.[ExitLucy, Ludovico.SCENE IV.Pizalto'sLodgings.EnterPizaltowith a Bond in his Hand.Piz.Well—My Wife's a fine Woman! a very fine Woman! But a Pox she's a Wife still, and this young Jade runs in my Head plaguily: Well——here 'tis under my Hand; a Thousand Pistoles——A great Sum for a Maidenhead, as Maidenheads go now-a-days——Ah, had I been young now.A Fiddle and a Treat had bore the Prize away,But when we old Fools doat, they make us pay.EnterLucy.Oh! are you come! Here, here,Lucy: Here's a Fortune for thee, worth twenty Maidenheads, adod! I have not so much Money by me at present, but there's Security.[Gives her the Bond.Lucy.Your Lordship's Bond's sufficient——Well, but that I am satisfied my Reputation is safe with your Lordship, or twice the Sum should not have prevail'd—Go to my Chamber, my Lord, I'll but step and see if my Lady wants any thing, and I'll be with you instantly.Piz.You won't stay,Lucy? Ah, Girl, buss thy Lady's Chucky; now, do now——Lucy.Oh! Lord! not here, we shall be discovered.Piz.Well, thou art a cunning Sinner: make haste,Lucy, dost hear?[ExitPizalto.Lucy.You're in mighty Haste, old Gentleman! but I shall deceive you,My End is gain'd; I have my Fortune made,Man has not me, but I have Man betray'd.The End of theThird Act.

Aurelia'sLodgings.EnterAurelia, Florella.

Aur.Oh! how I tremble for my dearBassino!Haste, fly,Florella, bring me News he lives,Or else expect to see thy Mistress die.

Flor.Madam, be patient——Consult your Reputation, and considerThat the least Noise you make on this Occasion,Reflects upon your Virtue——

Aur.Away, away——Talk not of Reputation,When Love's in t'other Scale—But what can shock myReputation;Heaven's my Witness, I ne'er lodg'd a Thought,For CountBassinothat could wrong my Virtue.Perhaps the Gods pursue me with their Hatred,Because I break my Promise toAlonzo.But then, why did they not secure me his?Why must weak Mortals be expos'd to Passions,Which are not in our Power to subdue,And yet account for what they prompt us to?But I will think no more——Almighty Love,Now hear my last Resolve——if angry HeavenRefused to guard my dearBassino's Life,Aureliatoo shall fall, and leave his MurdererAccurst for ever——

EnterAlonzo.

Flor.Oh! Heaven! where will this end?

Aur.Ha——[Aside.The Gods have sent him to decide my Fate,How now! how dare you meet my angry View?Or think I'll e'er forgive the base AffrontThis very Day you offer'd to my Fame?

Alon.Just Heaven refuses not a Penitent,Therefore I cannot think that fairAurelia,Whose Charms are all divine, should fail in Goodness.Oh! let my Love atone for my rash Deed:The Count and I are Friends, why shouldAureliabemore severe?

Aur.He lives, blest News!Do then rash Actions speak your Love to me?Must I in publick bear with your InsultsBefore I'm yours? what must I then expectWhen the strict Ties of Marriage shall confirmYour jealous Passions?No, you have taught me to avoid the ShelfI was just running on——know, baseAlonzo,That from this Moment I resume my Freedom,I disengage you from your former Vows,And will henceforth be Mistress of myself.

Alon.Ha——[Aside.This sudden Coldness has another SpringThan my rash Carriage——Oh! my jealous Fears;But I'm resolv'd to trace her winding Thoughts,And fetch the Secret forth——Madam, I hope you do but try my Love:I cannot thinkAureliawould be false.Besides, you can't recal what's register'd in Heaven.

Aur.Then stay till we come there——There you'llhave Witness.

Alon.Witness!Oh! faithless, perjur'd Woman, can'st thou thinkUpon thyself, and bid me call my Witness?Yes, you are mine——By all the Gods you are.And shall there be a Power on this Side Heaven,To stop my Bliss? No——by my Love I swear.I now can guess at your perfidious Meaning,And tho' that cowardly Villain slily thoughtTo blind me with a Tale his Guilt had fram'd,'Tis plain he is your Minion——yet wants CourageTo own his Treachery.

Aur.Detracting, slanderous Villain!How dare you treat me thus?Oh! for the Look of a fierce Basilisk,To punish this audacious Insolence!

Alon.Marry thee! No——by Heavens, I'd ratherBe rack'd to Death——And for thy vile Injustice,None shall enjoy thee, while this Sword is mine.[Lays hold on his Sword.Nor shall your Lover 'scape, to serve your Lust,Till he has forc'd a Passage thro' this Breast.[Points to his Breast.

Aur.Oh! myBassino.[Aside.Oh! cruel Man! Are not you then contentedTo wreak your Spite on poorAurelia?Why must your Rage involve the Innocent?Oh! let me fall your Passion's Sacrifice;Let my Blood wash the Stain you fix on me,But do not blast your Name with base Revenge.——

Alon.By Heaven! she doats on him! Oh! cunning Woman!But this Pretence won't serve to save his Life;I'll not be caught again——No,Syren, no.Bassinodies——Nor will I leave to FortuneThe vengeful Stroke, but take a safer Way.

Aur.Oh! Heaven![Kneels.What Words shall I invent to soothe his Rage,[Aside.And save my dearBassino? Oh!Alonzo.My once-lov'd Dear, will you not hear me speak?Oh! I conjure you by our plighted Loves,Whose Purity outshone the Stars above,Hear me this Time, then use me as you please.

Alon.Oh! Woman, Woman!

Aur.If e'erAureliaSo much as in her Thoughts did wrongAlonzo,May sudden Death pursue her perjur'd Steps:Heaven forgive[Aside.The Perjury, since I've no other wayTo saveBassino'sLife.——

Alon.Aurelia, rise——[Raising her.Oh! could I credit this, how happy wereAlonzo!But something tells me that thou art forsworn;And yet thou seem'st as fair as Truth itself;How is it possible that Guilt can lookWith so divine a Face?

Aur.Oh! kill me instantly: kill me, I beg you, kill me;Let me not linger out an Age in Pain,For such is every Moment of your Anger;I cannot bear to live in your Displeasure.

Alon.By Heaven she's true——Hence frivolous Fears be gone——she's only mine.Come to my Breast, my brightAurelia, come.[Embraces her.To that soft Shrine that holds that Sacred Image,Which triumphs o'er my Soul, and grasps it all,I knew my boundless Treasure, and the ThoughtOf losing thee had rais'd my Love to Madness.But now I'm calm—No more shall that fierce Passion,Rude Jealousy, disturb my peaceful Mind.Do but forgive the Faults my Rage committed,And you will find our Loves will grow the purer;Just as the Sky looks brighter when the StormIs chas'd away, andPhœbussmiles again.

Aur.Since both have been to blame, let it suffice,We both repent, and will offend no more.

Alon.Oh! never, never,I'll ne'er suspect you more—Only resolve me this—

Aur.What is it?

Alon.Why wasBassinoAdmitted to your View, and I denied?

Aur.He came to take his Leave, and 't had been rudeNot to admit a Man of his high BirthOn this Occasion; nor was you denied,But thro' Woman's Fears of your Suspicions.She thought you would misconstrue the Count's Visit,As you have really done——I blam'd her for it,Indeed, this is the Truth—I hopeAlonzoBelieves me now——

Alon.Believe Thee! Yes——As willingly as MartyrsA State of endless Joy.I will so love, my Dear, that all MankindShall look with Envy on our mutual Bliss.I'm like a Merchant tost at Sea by Storms,Who his last Course with Pray'rs and Toil performs;And the rich Cargo safely brought on Shore,He hugs it thus, and vows to part no more.

[Embraces her.

Aur.So in a flow'ry Mead a Serpent lurks,And the unwary Traveller surprizes,Where he suspects least Danger! Cursed Cheat.[Aside.Oh! that I could disclose the fatal Story!But it must never out——I beg,Alonzo,You'd leave me for a while, and rest secure,You have my Love——

Alon.Then the bright Sun in all his circling Turn,Cannot behold a Man more truly happy,What you command, I readily obey.Farewel, my Dear.[ExitAlonzo.

Aur.Where art thou now,Aurelia?How wilt thou 'scape that dreadful Precipice,On which thou art hurried on by thy fatal Passion?With conscious Horror I deceiv'dAlonzo;I hate this base Treachery, but 'twas unavoidable:The Truth had been more fatal——More fatal!——No——For I must never wedMy dearBassino, whilstAlonzolives.Oh! the distracting Thought! what shall I do?Why! dieAurelia: That's the only Way,To keep thy Vows to both—Ha——die, said I?But whether then? who knows what Punishment,Just Heav'n prepares for guilty Souls like mine.But I must think no more, lest I grow mad with Thought,If there's a Power that guards us here below,Oh! look with pitying Eyes on poorAurelia:Appease the Tumults of my anxious Fear,And load me with no more than I can bear.

[ExeuntAurelia, Florella.

SCENE II.LadyPizalta'sLodgings.Enter LadyPizalta, Lucy.

L.Piz.Well, thou'rt an admirable Girl! What would half the Ladies inVenicegive for such a Servant?

Lucy.(Aside.) Truly you have Reason to say so, for 'tis not the first Intrigue I have manag'd for you——Oh! dear Madam, your Ladyship does me too much Honour——But how do you like your new Servant, Madam?

L.Piz.Oh! above all Men living,Lucy: He has the most bewitching Conversation I ever met with——Say, is there no way to contrive a second Meeting? For I'm impatient till I see the dear Man again——The End of the Carnival draws near, which is indeed the End of Life to me: For then must I be coop'd up with Age: Condemned to an eternal Coughing, Spitting, Snoring and Ill-nature——Then let me make the best of Life——since Hell cannot have a worse Plague in Store than I have felt already.

Luc.Indeed, Madam, I pity you: And wish 'twere in my Power to free you from this old wither'd Log, but tho' that's impossible, yet I may do you some little Services to make Life's tedious Journey pleasant——Let me see, I have it——What would you say now, Madam, if I should contrive a Way to have your Lover in yourownChamber?

L.Piz.That were worth a King's Revenue——Speak, quickly, how, how, goodLucy?

Luc.Why, thus: He shall put on my Cloaths, and in my Place attend you.

L.Piz.Rare Contrivance! but my Husband,Lucy?

Luc.Oh! let me alone, Madam, to manage him: He is defective in Sight, you know; and not mistrusting any thing, will not be over curious: But if he should, I have a way to bring you off——My Life on't——This Plot may be of Use to my design, I'll manage it with care.[Aside.

L.Piz.Oh! the Pleasure of hearing my Husband lie coughing and calling me to Bed: And my answering him, I'm coming, Dear; and while he imagines me in the next Room undressing, I'm happy in the Arms of myLudovico. Certainly there's as much Satisfaction in deceiving a dull jealous Husband, as in getting a new Gallant; were it not grown so common—each Tradesman's Wife must have her Gallant too——and sometimes makes a Journeyman of the Apprentice e'er his Indentures be half out——'Tis an insufferable Fault, that Quality can have no Pleasure above the Vulgar, except it be in not paying their Debts. Well, dearLucy, I admire thy Contrivance——About it instantly——

Lucy.(Aside.) About it instantly! is that all? I must have my t'other Fee first.——I will, Madam; and you may expect your Lover instantly. But, Madam, what's to be done with your brocade Night-Gown you tore last Night? it can ne'er be mended handsomely.

L.Piz.Nothing to be done without a Bribe I find, in Love as well as Law——Well,Lucy, if you manage this Intrigue with Care and Secrecy, the Gown is yours.

EnterPage.

Page.Madam, my Lord desires to speak with you.

Lucy.Madam, I'll go about your Business: Your Ladyship's very humble Servant.[ExitLucy.

L.Piz.Tell him I'm coming——[ExitPage.] Now by way of Mortification, must I go entertain my old jealous Husband.[Exit LadyPizalta.

SCENE III.The Piazza.EnterLudovicosinging.

Give me but Wine, that Liquor of Life,And a Girl that is wholesome and clean,Two or three Friends, but the Devil a Wife,And I'd not change State with a King.EnterLucy.

EnterLucy.

Lucy.What singing, Signior! Well you're a pleasant Gentleman——

Lud.Ah! my little femaleMercury, what Message bring'st thou? Ha——will thy Lady bless me with another Sight——Ha——How——When? where? I am all in a Flame.

Lucy.Come along with me, Sir, I'll help you to an Extinguisher presently.

Lud.If thou meanest thy Lady, with all my Heart—But I can tell thee, she'll rather prove Oil, than what you speak of——But, say, where am I to see my lovely Charmer?

Lucy.In her Chamber——

Lud.Good! But how the Devil can that be done?

Lucy.Nay, without the Help of a Conjuror, I assure you; if you dare take me for your Pilot, I'll warrant you Success in your Voyage——I'll set you safe in the Island of Love; 'tis your Business to improve the Soil.

Lud.I warrant thee, Girl; do you but bring me there once, and if I play not my Part, may I never more know the Pleasure of an Intrigue.

Lucy.Which, if I mistake not, is the streatest Curse can fall on you——Well, you must suffer a small Metamorphosis: What think you of personating me a little? That is, dressing in my Cloaths, and waiting on your Mistress in her Bed-chamber—Ha——

Lud.Egad, I'm afraid I shall make but an aukward Chamber-maid, I'm undisciplin'd in dressing a Lady's Head——

Lucy.Oh! Sir, your Commission won't reach so high as the Head: I believe my Lady will excuse little Matters: You can undress, I suppose.

Lud.Oh! the best and the quickest of any Man inVenice. But a Pox on't—Can'st find no other way?——I, I, I,——I like Petticoats in their proper Places, but I don't care to have my Legs in 'em.

Lucy.And so you resolve against it? Ha——

Lud.No, not absolutely resolve, Child: But—a——

Lucy.But what, Sir!

Lud.Nothing—I will follow thy Directions, whatever comes on't. Now lead the way, for nothing suits better with my Humour than a Friend, a Bottle, a new Mistress and a convenient Place.[ExitLucy, Ludovico.

SCENE IV.Pizalto'sLodgings.EnterPizaltowith a Bond in his Hand.

Piz.Well—My Wife's a fine Woman! a very fine Woman! But a Pox she's a Wife still, and this young Jade runs in my Head plaguily: Well——here 'tis under my Hand; a Thousand Pistoles——A great Sum for a Maidenhead, as Maidenheads go now-a-days——Ah, had I been young now.

A Fiddle and a Treat had bore the Prize away,But when we old Fools doat, they make us pay.EnterLucy.

EnterLucy.

Oh! are you come! Here, here,Lucy: Here's a Fortune for thee, worth twenty Maidenheads, adod! I have not so much Money by me at present, but there's Security.

[Gives her the Bond.

Lucy.Your Lordship's Bond's sufficient——Well, but that I am satisfied my Reputation is safe with your Lordship, or twice the Sum should not have prevail'd—Go to my Chamber, my Lord, I'll but step and see if my Lady wants any thing, and I'll be with you instantly.

Piz.You won't stay,Lucy? Ah, Girl, buss thy Lady's Chucky; now, do now——

Lucy.Oh! Lord! not here, we shall be discovered.

Piz.Well, thou art a cunning Sinner: make haste,Lucy, dost hear?

[ExitPizalto.

Lucy.You're in mighty Haste, old Gentleman! but I shall deceive you,

My End is gain'd; I have my Fortune made,Man has not me, but I have Man betray'd.

The End of theThird Act.

ACT IV. SCENE I.

Armando'sLodgings.EnterArmando, Placentia.Pla.Oh!Armando!Thou more than Friend to the distress'dPlacentia!Say, how shall I regain my lostBassino,My false, perfidious Husband?[Weeps.Arm.Dear Madam, moderate your Sorrow:Reserve those Tears to moveBassino's Heart,Mine is all Pity: You may rest secureOf all the Arguments a Friend can useTo bring him back to your endearing Arms.Virtue's not quite extinguish'd in his Breast,Therefore I hope the sight of brightPlacentiaWill rouze his slumb'ring Reason——Pla.Oh!Bassino! Bassino!Oh! wretched Woman! Oh! that I had dy'dE'er I had known him false: Then I were happy:And tho' contented with his second Choice,He with a pitying Sigh, perhaps, had grac'dMy Memory——Oh! all ye Powers that virtuous Love inspire,Assist me now: Inform my vocal OrgansWith angel Eloquence, such as can meltHis Heart of Flint, and move his former Kindness.(Aside.) But if that fail, I will remove the CauseOf both our Woes——Yes, that happy Charmer,That Rival of my Love shall surely die.Arm.Doubt not of the Success; What Heart of SteelCould e'er resist such Beauty dress'd in Tears?Enter a Servant.Serv.Sir, CountBassinoenquires if you are within.Pla.Oh! Heavens! how I tremble!Arm.Lucky Opportunity——shew him up.Madam, be pleas'd to step into that Closet.Till I can sound the utmost of his Thoughts,And shew him naked to your secret View,Then when he's in the height of impious Passion,You like a Bolt from Heav'n shall rush on him,And strike his Folly dumb.Pla.Almighty Powers, whose providential CareIs ever kind to virtuous Innocence,Oh! help me now in this Extremity.[ExitPlacentia.EnterBassino.Bass.How does my FriendArmando?Arm.My Lord,Armando's well,And wishes you were so.Bass.Dost thou discover aught that gives thee Cause To doubt I am not well? Indeed I think I am in perfect Health——Arm.My Lord, I should be glad To find that Fever of your Mind abated In which I left you last——Bass.(Aside.) I must dissemble now,Else I'll ne'er gain my Ends—my dearArmando,That Fever thou speak'st of, is now succeededBy a cold Ague-Fit: The bare RemembranceOf my unlawful Passion shakes my Soul.Arm.Such sudden Cures have often prov'd pernicious, And we have Reason to suspect a Wound Too quickly heal'd——Bass.Not when thou know'st what Balsam I applied.Arm.There's scarce a Balm for the deep Wounds of Love, Besides Possession, and I cannot think You have enjoy'dAurelia.Bass.I swear I have not——But I enjoy my Reason, my free Reason:And who possesses that, can never cherishA Thought against himself: For such I callWhatsoever keeps me from my lawful Wife,My dearPlacentia, to whose Arms I'll flyWith all the eager Haste of a fond Bridegroom.There I shall revel in the virtuous PleasuresOf a chaste Bed—Oh! my FriendArmando!My dearPlacentia's Friend! can'st thou forgive?Indeed I'm penitent, and will offend no more.Arm.My Lord, these are the Words you spoke before:What greater Reason have I now to thinkYou'll keep your Promise?Bass.Pride, Honour, Justice are come to my Aid,And Love too feeble to withstand 'em all,Has left the Field to my victorious Reason.Pride, with the Prospect of my future Greatness,Allures me to return with Speed toTurin,T'obey my Prince's Orders.Honour and Justice tell me I'mPlacentia's,And thatAureliaisAlonzo's Bride.To him she gave her Virgin Vows: Nay, more,To him her dying Father did bequeath her;He loves her too, and shall not be depriv'd:My Passion is subdu'd, and I'm resolv'dMyself to giveAureliatoAlonzo.Arm.If this be true, then you are my Friend again:But how came you to learnAurelia'sEngagement toAlonzo?Bass.I have it from himself, who an Hour since,With eager Fury sought to 'venge on meHis injur'd Love, and challeng'd me to fight:I chose with Justice to defend my Life,And quitAurelia, rather than to vanquishIn such a Cause—Alonzostrait embrac'd me,Call'd me his Friend, and vow'd I should not go,Till I had seen him join'd in solemn MarriageWith brightAurelia——This I readily granted.Canst thou believe me true?Arm.My Lord, I do believe you——And am o'erjoy'd to hear your Resolution:By Heaven! there's more Glory in subduingOur wild Desires, than an embattl'd Foe.Now do I wish his Wife had never come.[Aside.Bass.Armando, thou'rt my Friend, and on that ScoreI must desire you to repair toTurin,With all the Speed you can, to bear these LettersTo our great Prince, and beg he will excuseMy stay for three Days more——And here this LetterBear toPlacentia——speak to her the kindestThe softest Things thy Fancy can suggest.I shall make good thy Promise——My dearPlacentia! Oh! that she were here,Panting and warm within these longing Arms!'Tis a long Age since I did see her last!But come, my Friend, you must this Hour set forward.Arm.With all my Heart: But 'twill not be amiss,Before I go, to fix the Victory,Which conquering Virtue in your Breast has gain'd;And if what you pretend be real Truth,I have a welcome Present forBassino.Madam, come forth——EnterPlacentia.Bass.What do I see! my Wife! This was a lucky Plot:[Aside.Hypocrisy did ne'er befriend me more.This was not like a Friend—why shouldArmandoDisturb her soft Tranquility of Mind,And give her ocular Proofs of my Disloyalty?Oh! myPlacentia! my beloved Wife![Embraces her.Oh! that I should e'er think to wrong my Dear!Pla.My Lord, waste not a Sigh on my Account:My Joys are infinite, since you are mine,And what is past I easily forget.Nay, let me beg for Pardon: For I knowI have offended you in coming hither.I should have waited this Return of Virtue:Or, if abandon'd, silently have mourn'dMy Loss, without upbraiding my lov'd Lord,All this I should have done, but mighty Love,Too powerful for Duty to withstand,Guided my Steps toVenice——In hopes my Presence would retrieve your Heart.Bass.Gods! that this Woman wereAurelia![Aside.Thou Wonder of thy Sex! thou best of Women!I blush to think that thou hast heard my Folly:Yet since your Love cancels your just Complaints,You make me doubly blest: And I'll rewardThis excellent Goodness with eternal Fondness.Oh! that thou hadst been here! Not all the BeautiesThatVeniceholds could have diverted me;No, not one Moment from my dearPlacentia.Long Absence is the Bane of new-born Love,But Fate shall ne'er have Power to part us more.Pla.Oh! my dear Lord, your Goodness is too great:And I'm o'er paid for all my Sorrows past.Armando, say, is not he wondrous kind?Arm.Madam, I told you VirtueWas struggling in his Breast; and that it mightO'ercome his vicious Love, I thought your PresenceWas requisite——And now, my Lord, I hopeYou will forgive me, since all the EndeavoursI us'd before had been in vain. I onceDesign'd to letAureliaknow your Marriage;But then perhaps she would not have believ'd me:Let this plead my Excuse in sending forPlacentiaWithout your Knowledge.Bass.I must not let him see I am concern'd.[Aside.I know 'twas Friendship all, well-meaning Friendship:I only am to blame: But I'll retrieveMy Credit in your Heart, and still deserveThe Name of Friend—And thou, the best of Wives,Shalt ne'er have Cause to doubt my constant Love.Pla.Oh! myBassino! this Excess of KindnessExalts me o'er all Mortals, if you're true,There's not a Blast within the Power of FortuneCan shock my Happiness.Bass.Thou shalt ne'er find me false, I swear thou shalt not.Oh! that I could engageShe would return toTurinwithArmando;[Aside.For if she stays, I never can enjoyMy brightAurelia, and by Heaven I will,Altho' ten thousand Lives should pay the Purchase.Pla.My Lord, you seem disturb'd.Bass.It troubles meYou can't appear inVenicewith a TrainThat may bespeak the Rank you hold inSavoy.Pla.toArm.Oh!Armando!He is so kind, I with I ne'er had come!What if I offer to return with you?Arm.Madam, you will do well;For I myself cannot suspect him now.Pla.My Lord, let not my Presence here disturb you,I doubt your Love no more, and to convince you,I will go back before 'tis known I'm here.Besides, 'tis fit I should prepare all thingsTo welcome you at home.Bass.(aside.) Blest Opportunity!Fortune I thank thee: Would my Dear then leave meSo very soon? Alas! 'twill be an AgeE'er I return toTurin: Three long Days!No, my Dear, no; I will not part from thee,At least this Night, my Love——Pla.Will thenArmandostay?Bass.No, my best Hopes, he instantly departsWith Letters to my Prince.Pla.Then suffer me to go this very Moment.Three Days will soon be o'er, and your Return,Shall make me fully blest——If I should stay'Twould look like base Distrust, and I can't thinkBassinowould be false——Bass.(aside.) Oh! Heaven that I were not!Arm.Indeed, my Lord, I think you're truly happy.Scarce does any Age produce so good a Wife.Bass.Oh! that I could reward this wondrous Goodness!Pla.My Lord, what makes you sigh?Bass.To part from thee: But since 'tis your Desire,It shall be so.Armando, to thy ChargeI here commit the Treasure of my Soul,Take Care of her, and think that on her SafetyMy Life depends.Arm.My Lord, I hope you do not doubt my Care.Bass.Dear Friend, I do not——May Heaven's Blessings still attend my Love,My dearPlacentia.[Embraces, and goes to lead her off.Pla.As many more guard myBassino.Bass.(aside.) A sudden Horror seizes all my Limbs:I tremble at the Thought of this base Deed——[Pulls out his Handkerchief and drops a Letter, whichArmandotakes up.Ha——Tears uncall'd for bathe my guilty Eyes——Gods! either give me Virtue to withstandThis impious Love, or Courage to pursue itWithout Remorse; for I'm but half a Villain.[ExeuntBassino, Placent.Arm. opens the Letter.A Letter! and toAurelia! now Curiosity prompts me to know the Subject——What's here?Reads.I have dispatch'dArmandoto the Court ofSavoy,and found Pretence to stay behind——False treacherous Man!This Night I give a Mask at my Lodgings, which, I hope, will divertAlonzo,till the Priest has joined our Hands; and while all the Company are engaged in Mirth, I'll steal to the dear Arms of my divineAurelia.Oh! Villain, Villain! Monstrous Villain!Oh! poorPlacentia! But I will preventHis Policy, and break his wicked Measures.[ExitArmando.SCENE II. Pizalto'sLodgings.EnterPizaltosolus.Piz.Why, what makes this young Jade stay so long? Adod, this is to pay before hand——Ha——methinks I hear a Laughing and Giggling in my Wife's Apartment; I must know whence their Mirth proceeds. Ho! here'sLucycoming——Harkee you, pray, why did you make me wait so long? Nay, I'm resolved you shan't escape me now——[Goes to the Door, and pulls inLudovicoinLucy's Cloaths, whose Commode falls off in the Struggle, and discovers his bald Head.] Oh! Benedicite! What have we here? A Man disguis'd in my Wife's Chamber! and I unarm'd! Oh! Curst Minute!——Speak, thou wicked Prophet, thou Son of Iniquity, what camest thou here for? Ha——Thou Priest ofBaal, to offer Sacrifices on the Altar of my Wife? Oh! my Head! my Horns weigh it down to the Ground already——Within there, bring me my Sword and Pistols.Lud.A Pox on all Petticoats——What a Devil shall I say now? Oh! for a Sword! that would be of more Use to me now than my Tongue.Enter LadyPizalto.Piz.Oh! thou wicked fallacious Woman!L.Piz.What ails my dear Chucky? Why dost thou call for Arms, Deary?Piz.To cut down that vile Creeper which over-runs thy Garden of Virtue——L.Piz.[aside.] Now Impudence assist me.Ah! Heavens! What's here? A Man in Disguise? A Thief it must be——Raise the Servants——Oh! Heaven! we might have had all our Throats cut in our Beds———Now forLucy, for I am at a Loss to come off.[Aside.Piz.No, no, I warrant, you know he is more gentle in Bed.Lud.[aside.] Oh! the Devil, what does she mean? Death, Hell and Furies! if I come off now, catch me at this Sport again, and hang me——EnterLucy.L.Piz.Oh! are you there. Mistress? How came this Man here in your Cloaths? Ha! Gentlewoman—Lucy.[aside.] How confidently she asks the Question, poor Lady? as if she knew nothing of it! Now must I bring her off—For Reasons you must not know, Madam.Piz.Ah! Thou wicked Pair of Bellows to blow the Fire of Iniquity! Why, thou art the very Casement thro' which thy Mistress sucks the Air of Abomination—Tell me, I say, how he came here, and for what——and be sure it be a substantial Lie, or 'twill not pass.Lucy.[aside] All my Hopes are in her Impudence.LucytoPizal. Harkee, Sir, one Word with you——Do you remember our Agreement To-night?Piz.Why, what of that? ha——Lucy.Then imagine what I design'd that Gentleman for; I'm honest, Sir, that's all——Piz.I'm honest, Sir, that's all—[Mimicking her Tone.] Honest! with a Pox——What! and so you honestly provided a Companion for my Wife in my Absence—ha——Lucy.No, Sir, I design'd him for your Companion in my Absence——This is the Business he was drest for: Therefore no more Words, but believe my Lady honest, or all shall out.Piz.Oh! the Devil! this shan't pass, Hussy——Do you think I'll be cuckolded, jilted, bubbled, and let it pass for aChristmasGambol. Adod, give me my Bond again, or——or——[Holds up his Cane.Lucy.No——hold there, Sir: Women and Lawyers ne'er refund a fee: But 'tis your best Way to be patient now, I'll not take Blows.L.Piz.Why all this Whispering? Why mayn't I know the Business?Piz.I am mistaken if you have not known too much Business already: But I am right enough serv'd——I had more Ground before than I could manage; I had no Need of my Neighbour's.Lucy.Right, my Lord; Ground that lies fallow will breed Weeds in Time; but you'rs is clear yet.Piz.Damn your Jests; I shall expect a better Account, do you hear? I'll find a Servant to see you out of Doors. [ToLudovico.[ExeuntPizaltoand Lady.Lud.Well, this was an admirable Lift at a Pinch—She has brought me off now——And if e'er they catch me at this Music again, I'll give 'em Leave to make anItalianSinger of me——No more Intrigues in Disguise——if it had not been for the Waiting-Woman now, I might have been hang'd for a Thief.Lucy.What all amort, Signior, no Courage left?Lud.Faith, not much——I think I have lost my Manhood with my Breeches——This Transformation may suit with Gods, but not with Mortals of my Humour——Come, prithee, good MistressLucy, help me to my proper Shape again; for tho' I have a natural Inclination to Petticoats, I hate 'em upon my own back.[A Flourish of Music Within.Lucy.Hark! I hear CountBassino's Music: He gives a Mask To-night; you are already drest for Masquerade, won't you stay and take a Dance?Lud.Egad, I'd rather dance a Jig with thee elsewhere: Faith thou'rt a pretty Girl—and hast a good deal of Wit too——But then, Pox on't, thour't honest, thou sayeth, thou cannot swallow a Pill, except 'tis gilded over with Matrimony.Lucy.And that turns your Stomach, I warrant.Lud.Why, Ay: Faith my Stomach is damn'd squeemish in these matters: Yet, egad, if I could find one with half as much Money as thou hast Wit and Beauty, I'd marry, and live honest.Lucy.That is, you'd marry her Money——Lud.One with the other, Child: There's no living upon Love thou knowest——Tho' Faith I could live well enough too.Lucy.Well, suppose I help you to a Lady with a round Sum; you'd keep your Word, and marry her?Lud.I am a Gentleman, I scorn to break my Word.Lucy.Well, Sir, come to the Mask, and I'll engage you a Mistress, if you are not over-curious.Lud.With all my Heart:I'm now resolv'd to leave this Wenching-Trade;For no man's safe upon a Hackney Jade;Th' Allay of Danger makes the Pleasure Pain,A Virtuous Wife will always be same.The End of the Fourth Act.

Armando'sLodgings.EnterArmando, Placentia.

Pla.Oh!Armando!Thou more than Friend to the distress'dPlacentia!Say, how shall I regain my lostBassino,My false, perfidious Husband?[Weeps.

Arm.Dear Madam, moderate your Sorrow:Reserve those Tears to moveBassino's Heart,Mine is all Pity: You may rest secureOf all the Arguments a Friend can useTo bring him back to your endearing Arms.Virtue's not quite extinguish'd in his Breast,Therefore I hope the sight of brightPlacentiaWill rouze his slumb'ring Reason——

Pla.Oh!Bassino! Bassino!Oh! wretched Woman! Oh! that I had dy'dE'er I had known him false: Then I were happy:And tho' contented with his second Choice,He with a pitying Sigh, perhaps, had grac'dMy Memory——Oh! all ye Powers that virtuous Love inspire,Assist me now: Inform my vocal OrgansWith angel Eloquence, such as can meltHis Heart of Flint, and move his former Kindness.(Aside.) But if that fail, I will remove the CauseOf both our Woes——Yes, that happy Charmer,That Rival of my Love shall surely die.

Arm.Doubt not of the Success; What Heart of SteelCould e'er resist such Beauty dress'd in Tears?

Enter a Servant.

Serv.Sir, CountBassinoenquires if you are within.

Pla.Oh! Heavens! how I tremble!

Arm.Lucky Opportunity——shew him up.Madam, be pleas'd to step into that Closet.Till I can sound the utmost of his Thoughts,And shew him naked to your secret View,Then when he's in the height of impious Passion,You like a Bolt from Heav'n shall rush on him,And strike his Folly dumb.

Pla.Almighty Powers, whose providential CareIs ever kind to virtuous Innocence,Oh! help me now in this Extremity.[ExitPlacentia.

EnterBassino.

Bass.How does my FriendArmando?

Arm.My Lord,Armando's well,And wishes you were so.

Bass.Dost thou discover aught that gives thee Cause To doubt I am not well? Indeed I think I am in perfect Health——

Arm.My Lord, I should be glad To find that Fever of your Mind abated In which I left you last——

Bass.(Aside.) I must dissemble now,Else I'll ne'er gain my Ends—my dearArmando,That Fever thou speak'st of, is now succeededBy a cold Ague-Fit: The bare RemembranceOf my unlawful Passion shakes my Soul.

Arm.Such sudden Cures have often prov'd pernicious, And we have Reason to suspect a Wound Too quickly heal'd——

Bass.Not when thou know'st what Balsam I applied.

Arm.There's scarce a Balm for the deep Wounds of Love, Besides Possession, and I cannot think You have enjoy'dAurelia.

Bass.I swear I have not——But I enjoy my Reason, my free Reason:And who possesses that, can never cherishA Thought against himself: For such I callWhatsoever keeps me from my lawful Wife,My dearPlacentia, to whose Arms I'll flyWith all the eager Haste of a fond Bridegroom.There I shall revel in the virtuous PleasuresOf a chaste Bed—Oh! my FriendArmando!My dearPlacentia's Friend! can'st thou forgive?Indeed I'm penitent, and will offend no more.

Arm.My Lord, these are the Words you spoke before:What greater Reason have I now to thinkYou'll keep your Promise?

Bass.Pride, Honour, Justice are come to my Aid,And Love too feeble to withstand 'em all,Has left the Field to my victorious Reason.Pride, with the Prospect of my future Greatness,Allures me to return with Speed toTurin,T'obey my Prince's Orders.Honour and Justice tell me I'mPlacentia's,And thatAureliaisAlonzo's Bride.To him she gave her Virgin Vows: Nay, more,To him her dying Father did bequeath her;He loves her too, and shall not be depriv'd:My Passion is subdu'd, and I'm resolv'dMyself to giveAureliatoAlonzo.

Arm.If this be true, then you are my Friend again:But how came you to learnAurelia'sEngagement toAlonzo?

Bass.I have it from himself, who an Hour since,With eager Fury sought to 'venge on meHis injur'd Love, and challeng'd me to fight:I chose with Justice to defend my Life,And quitAurelia, rather than to vanquishIn such a Cause—Alonzostrait embrac'd me,Call'd me his Friend, and vow'd I should not go,Till I had seen him join'd in solemn MarriageWith brightAurelia——This I readily granted.Canst thou believe me true?

Arm.My Lord, I do believe you——And am o'erjoy'd to hear your Resolution:By Heaven! there's more Glory in subduingOur wild Desires, than an embattl'd Foe.Now do I wish his Wife had never come.[Aside.

Bass.Armando, thou'rt my Friend, and on that ScoreI must desire you to repair toTurin,With all the Speed you can, to bear these LettersTo our great Prince, and beg he will excuseMy stay for three Days more——And here this LetterBear toPlacentia——speak to her the kindestThe softest Things thy Fancy can suggest.I shall make good thy Promise——My dearPlacentia! Oh! that she were here,Panting and warm within these longing Arms!'Tis a long Age since I did see her last!But come, my Friend, you must this Hour set forward.

Arm.With all my Heart: But 'twill not be amiss,Before I go, to fix the Victory,Which conquering Virtue in your Breast has gain'd;And if what you pretend be real Truth,I have a welcome Present forBassino.Madam, come forth——

EnterPlacentia.

Bass.What do I see! my Wife! This was a lucky Plot:[Aside.Hypocrisy did ne'er befriend me more.This was not like a Friend—why shouldArmandoDisturb her soft Tranquility of Mind,And give her ocular Proofs of my Disloyalty?Oh! myPlacentia! my beloved Wife![Embraces her.Oh! that I should e'er think to wrong my Dear!

Pla.My Lord, waste not a Sigh on my Account:My Joys are infinite, since you are mine,And what is past I easily forget.Nay, let me beg for Pardon: For I knowI have offended you in coming hither.I should have waited this Return of Virtue:Or, if abandon'd, silently have mourn'dMy Loss, without upbraiding my lov'd Lord,All this I should have done, but mighty Love,Too powerful for Duty to withstand,Guided my Steps toVenice——In hopes my Presence would retrieve your Heart.

Bass.Gods! that this Woman wereAurelia![Aside.Thou Wonder of thy Sex! thou best of Women!I blush to think that thou hast heard my Folly:Yet since your Love cancels your just Complaints,You make me doubly blest: And I'll rewardThis excellent Goodness with eternal Fondness.Oh! that thou hadst been here! Not all the BeautiesThatVeniceholds could have diverted me;No, not one Moment from my dearPlacentia.Long Absence is the Bane of new-born Love,But Fate shall ne'er have Power to part us more.

Pla.Oh! my dear Lord, your Goodness is too great:And I'm o'er paid for all my Sorrows past.Armando, say, is not he wondrous kind?

Arm.Madam, I told you VirtueWas struggling in his Breast; and that it mightO'ercome his vicious Love, I thought your PresenceWas requisite——And now, my Lord, I hopeYou will forgive me, since all the EndeavoursI us'd before had been in vain. I onceDesign'd to letAureliaknow your Marriage;But then perhaps she would not have believ'd me:Let this plead my Excuse in sending forPlacentiaWithout your Knowledge.

Bass.I must not let him see I am concern'd.[Aside.I know 'twas Friendship all, well-meaning Friendship:I only am to blame: But I'll retrieveMy Credit in your Heart, and still deserveThe Name of Friend—And thou, the best of Wives,Shalt ne'er have Cause to doubt my constant Love.

Pla.Oh! myBassino! this Excess of KindnessExalts me o'er all Mortals, if you're true,There's not a Blast within the Power of FortuneCan shock my Happiness.

Bass.Thou shalt ne'er find me false, I swear thou shalt not.Oh! that I could engageShe would return toTurinwithArmando;[Aside.For if she stays, I never can enjoyMy brightAurelia, and by Heaven I will,Altho' ten thousand Lives should pay the Purchase.

Pla.My Lord, you seem disturb'd.

Bass.It troubles meYou can't appear inVenicewith a TrainThat may bespeak the Rank you hold inSavoy.

Pla.toArm.Oh!Armando!He is so kind, I with I ne'er had come!What if I offer to return with you?Arm.Madam, you will do well;For I myself cannot suspect him now.

Pla.My Lord, let not my Presence here disturb you,I doubt your Love no more, and to convince you,I will go back before 'tis known I'm here.Besides, 'tis fit I should prepare all thingsTo welcome you at home.

Bass.(aside.) Blest Opportunity!Fortune I thank thee: Would my Dear then leave meSo very soon? Alas! 'twill be an AgeE'er I return toTurin: Three long Days!No, my Dear, no; I will not part from thee,At least this Night, my Love——

Pla.Will thenArmandostay?

Bass.No, my best Hopes, he instantly departsWith Letters to my Prince.

Pla.Then suffer me to go this very Moment.Three Days will soon be o'er, and your Return,Shall make me fully blest——If I should stay'Twould look like base Distrust, and I can't thinkBassinowould be false——

Bass.(aside.) Oh! Heaven that I were not!

Arm.Indeed, my Lord, I think you're truly happy.Scarce does any Age produce so good a Wife.

Bass.Oh! that I could reward this wondrous Goodness!

Pla.My Lord, what makes you sigh?

Bass.To part from thee: But since 'tis your Desire,It shall be so.Armando, to thy ChargeI here commit the Treasure of my Soul,Take Care of her, and think that on her SafetyMy Life depends.

Arm.My Lord, I hope you do not doubt my Care.

Bass.Dear Friend, I do not——May Heaven's Blessings still attend my Love,My dearPlacentia.

[Embraces, and goes to lead her off.

Pla.As many more guard myBassino.

Bass.(aside.) A sudden Horror seizes all my Limbs:I tremble at the Thought of this base Deed——

[Pulls out his Handkerchief and drops a Letter, whichArmandotakes up.

Ha——Tears uncall'd for bathe my guilty Eyes——Gods! either give me Virtue to withstandThis impious Love, or Courage to pursue itWithout Remorse; for I'm but half a Villain.

[ExeuntBassino, Placent.

Arm. opens the Letter.A Letter! and toAurelia! now Curiosity prompts me to know the Subject——What's here?

Reads.I have dispatch'dArmandoto the Court ofSavoy,and found Pretence to stay behind——

False treacherous Man!

This Night I give a Mask at my Lodgings, which, I hope, will divertAlonzo,till the Priest has joined our Hands; and while all the Company are engaged in Mirth, I'll steal to the dear Arms of my divineAurelia.

Oh! Villain, Villain! Monstrous Villain!Oh! poorPlacentia! But I will preventHis Policy, and break his wicked Measures.

[ExitArmando.

SCENE II. Pizalto'sLodgings.EnterPizaltosolus.

Piz.Why, what makes this young Jade stay so long? Adod, this is to pay before hand——Ha——methinks I hear a Laughing and Giggling in my Wife's Apartment; I must know whence their Mirth proceeds. Ho! here'sLucycoming——Harkee you, pray, why did you make me wait so long? Nay, I'm resolved you shan't escape me now——[Goes to the Door, and pulls inLudovicoinLucy's Cloaths, whose Commode falls off in the Struggle, and discovers his bald Head.] Oh! Benedicite! What have we here? A Man disguis'd in my Wife's Chamber! and I unarm'd! Oh! Curst Minute!——Speak, thou wicked Prophet, thou Son of Iniquity, what camest thou here for? Ha——Thou Priest ofBaal, to offer Sacrifices on the Altar of my Wife? Oh! my Head! my Horns weigh it down to the Ground already——Within there, bring me my Sword and Pistols.

Lud.A Pox on all Petticoats——What a Devil shall I say now? Oh! for a Sword! that would be of more Use to me now than my Tongue.

Enter LadyPizalto.

Piz.Oh! thou wicked fallacious Woman!

L.Piz.What ails my dear Chucky? Why dost thou call for Arms, Deary?

Piz.To cut down that vile Creeper which over-runs thy Garden of Virtue——

L.Piz.[aside.] Now Impudence assist me.Ah! Heavens! What's here? A Man in Disguise? A Thief it must be——Raise the Servants——Oh! Heaven! we might have had all our Throats cut in our Beds———Now forLucy, for I am at a Loss to come off.[Aside.

Piz.No, no, I warrant, you know he is more gentle in Bed.

Lud.[aside.] Oh! the Devil, what does she mean? Death, Hell and Furies! if I come off now, catch me at this Sport again, and hang me——

EnterLucy.

L.Piz.Oh! are you there. Mistress? How came this Man here in your Cloaths? Ha! Gentlewoman—

Lucy.[aside.] How confidently she asks the Question, poor Lady? as if she knew nothing of it! Now must I bring her off—For Reasons you must not know, Madam.

Piz.Ah! Thou wicked Pair of Bellows to blow the Fire of Iniquity! Why, thou art the very Casement thro' which thy Mistress sucks the Air of Abomination—Tell me, I say, how he came here, and for what——and be sure it be a substantial Lie, or 'twill not pass.

Lucy.[aside] All my Hopes are in her Impudence.

LucytoPizal. Harkee, Sir, one Word with you——Do you remember our Agreement To-night?

Piz.Why, what of that? ha——

Lucy.Then imagine what I design'd that Gentleman for; I'm honest, Sir, that's all——

Piz.I'm honest, Sir, that's all—[Mimicking her Tone.] Honest! with a Pox——What! and so you honestly provided a Companion for my Wife in my Absence—ha——

Lucy.No, Sir, I design'd him for your Companion in my Absence——This is the Business he was drest for: Therefore no more Words, but believe my Lady honest, or all shall out.

Piz.Oh! the Devil! this shan't pass, Hussy——Do you think I'll be cuckolded, jilted, bubbled, and let it pass for aChristmasGambol. Adod, give me my Bond again, or——or——

[Holds up his Cane.

Lucy.No——hold there, Sir: Women and Lawyers ne'er refund a fee: But 'tis your best Way to be patient now, I'll not take Blows.

L.Piz.Why all this Whispering? Why mayn't I know the Business?

Piz.I am mistaken if you have not known too much Business already: But I am right enough serv'd——I had more Ground before than I could manage; I had no Need of my Neighbour's.

Lucy.Right, my Lord; Ground that lies fallow will breed Weeds in Time; but you'rs is clear yet.

Piz.Damn your Jests; I shall expect a better Account, do you hear? I'll find a Servant to see you out of Doors. [ToLudovico.

[ExeuntPizaltoand Lady.

Lud.Well, this was an admirable Lift at a Pinch—She has brought me off now——And if e'er they catch me at this Music again, I'll give 'em Leave to make anItalianSinger of me——No more Intrigues in Disguise——if it had not been for the Waiting-Woman now, I might have been hang'd for a Thief.

Lucy.What all amort, Signior, no Courage left?

Lud.Faith, not much——I think I have lost my Manhood with my Breeches——This Transformation may suit with Gods, but not with Mortals of my Humour——Come, prithee, good MistressLucy, help me to my proper Shape again; for tho' I have a natural Inclination to Petticoats, I hate 'em upon my own back.

[A Flourish of Music Within.

Lucy.Hark! I hear CountBassino's Music: He gives a Mask To-night; you are already drest for Masquerade, won't you stay and take a Dance?

Lud.Egad, I'd rather dance a Jig with thee elsewhere: Faith thou'rt a pretty Girl—and hast a good deal of Wit too——But then, Pox on't, thour't honest, thou sayeth, thou cannot swallow a Pill, except 'tis gilded over with Matrimony.

Lucy.And that turns your Stomach, I warrant.

Lud.Why, Ay: Faith my Stomach is damn'd squeemish in these matters: Yet, egad, if I could find one with half as much Money as thou hast Wit and Beauty, I'd marry, and live honest.

Lucy.That is, you'd marry her Money——

Lud.One with the other, Child: There's no living upon Love thou knowest——Tho' Faith I could live well enough too.

Lucy.Well, suppose I help you to a Lady with a round Sum; you'd keep your Word, and marry her?

Lud.I am a Gentleman, I scorn to break my Word.

Lucy.Well, Sir, come to the Mask, and I'll engage you a Mistress, if you are not over-curious.

Lud.With all my Heart:I'm now resolv'd to leave this Wenching-Trade;For no man's safe upon a Hackney Jade;Th' Allay of Danger makes the Pleasure Pain,A Virtuous Wife will always be same.

The End of the Fourth Act.

ACT V. SCENE I.

A Mask inBassino's Lodgings.Bassino, Alonzo, Armando,in a Disguise; PlacentiainMan's Cloaths, SigniorPizalto,LadyPizalta, Lucy, &c.An Entry of three Men and three Women of several Nations.Bass.I can't imagine where I dropt my Letter:Pray Heaven it be where none can ever find it.Gods! Let me once enjoy her, then call on meYour Store of Plagues, and I will meet 'em all.EnterLudovico,singing.Lud.Ah! MistressLucy! I'm come thou see'st——I expect thou shalt be as good as thy Word, Child——is the Lady here?Lucy.The Lady is forth-coming, if you are still in the same Mind?L.Piz.My Lover here! Harkee,Lucy.Lucy.By and by, Madam, I am catering for myself now——Well, Sir, will two thousand Pistoles do?Lud.I must humour her——[Aside.] Ay Child.Lucy.Why then I take you at your Word, Sir, and can produce the aforesaid Sum——[ToPiz.] With a little of your Assistance, My Lord.Lud.(aside.) Hum——A pretty Wife I am like to have——Catch me there if you can——Piz.Ha——How's that?Lud.How! MistressLucy, worth two thousand Pistoles?Lucy.Ay: And I have a very good Pay-master for one Half of it too—Do you know this Hand, my Lord? [ToPizalto.] (Shews the Bond.)Piz.(aside.) Confound your jilting Sneer.Lud.Ha, ha, ha——What, a thousand Pistoles a Dish, my Lord? I hope you don't change often, ha——ha——Piz.Hussy, I'll be reveng'd——'Tis all false, 'tis counterfeit.Lucy.Ha—ha—But it had been current Coin, if I had suffer'd you to put your Stamp upon't——in my Bed-chamber, my Lord——L.Piz.How, Mistress, have you trick'd my Husband out of a thousand Pistoles, and never told me of it?Lucy.Nay, Madam, don't frown——Remember you have trick'd him out of something too, which I never told him of—Don't urge me to more Discoveries.Lud.(aside.) So——Here's Trick upon Trick: But, Faith, you shall never trick me out of my Liberty. I'm not so fond of a Wife to marry a Chamber-maid, tho' with ten Times as much Money: And so, sweet MistressAbigail, your humble Servant.[ExitLudovico.L.Piz.(aside.]) The Jade has me upon the Hip—I must be silent.She who has her Husband's Bed abus'd,Can ne'er expect she should be better us'd.[Exit.Lucy.Ha——What! my Lover gone! With all my Heart: Better now than after; for whilst I have my Fortune in my own Hands, I must have no Need to sue for a separate Maintenance, and get nothing for it neither.Arm.toPla.Now, Madam, go: May Heaven be propitiousTo your Designs: I'll stay and watchBassino:And when he goes, will follow withAlonzo.Pla.Oh! my sick Fancy frames a thousand Forms,Which tell me that our Meeting will prove fatal.And warn me not to go, what shall I do?Must I bear calmly myBassino's Loss?Why do I tremble thus?Sure it can't be the Fear of Death——No, for ifI go not I must lose him, and that's moreThan Death to me——and if I go, I can but fall,And Life without him is the greater Woe,Therefore I'll on, I'll use the softest WordsThat Tongue can frame to sooth her into Pity,And dissuade her from this impious Marriage.If I succeed I am compleatly happy,If not, I'd rather die than live with Hate,But first, curst Rival, thou shalt share my Fate.[ExitPlacentia.A Flourish of Musick.Bass.'Tis now the Time——but whither do I go?Shall I a Maid, a Wife, a Friend betray?No matter——All Arguments are vain, where Love bears Sway.[ExitBassino.A SONG.When the Winds rage, and the Seas grow high,They bid Mankind beware,But when they smooth and calm the Sky,'Tis then they would ensnare.So the brightThaisKindness shows,By frowning on her Lovers,For Ruin only from her flows,When she her Charms discovers.Piz.Come now, Gentlemen and Ladies, be pleas'd to walk into the next Room, and take a small Collation—But where's my LordBassino? Come, Gentlemen, he's gone before us.Arm.Where we will quickly follow. (Aside.)Alonzo, a Word with you—[Exit Omnes.SCENE II.A Chamber inAurelia'sHouse.Two Arm-Chairs.Aureliasola.Aur.I wonder much at myBassino's Stay:Oh! Love! how swiftly fly thy Hours awayWhen we are blest! How tedious are thy MinutesWhen cruel Absence parts two longing Lovers!EnterFlorella.Is myBassinocome? speak——Flor.No, Madam, a young Stranger desires to speak with you: He says, you are not acquainted with his Name, but will soon with his Business, which is something of great Import, that can be told to none but yourself.Aur.A Stranger Business with me! I know of noneI have with Strangers—Heaven! what's this?I feel a sudden Throbbing in my Heart,As if 'twas conscious of some fatal News—[Aside.Womanish Fears——Admit him—(ExitFlorella) it must beOne ofBassino's Friends, whom he intrustsTo be a Witness of our Marriage Vows.EnterPlacentia,in Man's Cloaths.Pla.Madam, I was inform'd that CountBassinoWas to be here—and having Things t'impartThat much concern him, I made bold to come——Aur.Sir, I expect him straight—if you're his FriendI will account you mine—Be pleas'd to sit.[Both sit.Pla.My Brother, Madam, is extremely happyIn being favour'd by so fair a Lady——Aur.Your Brother, Sir! is then my Lord your brother?Pla.Madam, he is.Aur.Then I may call you Brother too;For all the solemn Vows of Love have pass'd'Twixt him and me—And blissfulHymenwaitsWith lighted Torch to tie the sacred Knot,Which shall be done this Hour——Pla.This Hour! say you? Oh! Madam, have a Care:You tread inchanted Ground, and e'er you knowWhat Path you take, you're hurried to Destruction.Aur.Where lies the Danger?Pla.Oh! 'Tis a fatal Tale, yet you must hear it;Therefore summon your Courage to your Aid,For you will need it all, whilst I relateThe fatal Story——Aur.Ah! how I tremble!Say, is he dead? has any murderous VillainKill'd myBassino?Pla.No—he is well in Health: but his distemper'd MindIs of a wild and feverish Disposition,Longing to taste, what tasted will undo him.Aur.Your Speech is all a Riddle: Pray speak plainer:But yet, e'er you proceed, if CountBassinolives,I care not what must follow, since he's mine.Pla.No, he's not yours—Nor ever must.Aur.'Tis false——There's not a Pow'r on Earthcan part us:Perhaps,You think my Blood too base to mix with yours——But, Sir, your Brother loves me, and in LoveAll Ranks are equal——Pla.No——I wish that were all:But there's a greater Obstacle——He—is—married—Oh! Gods! unfortunately married!Aur.Married!Pla.Yes,——Married——to my Sister,To my unfortunate, abandon'd Sister.Oh! do not you conspire t'undo her quite;It is enough, she's falseBassino's Wife.Aur.Gods! Married!And is it possible! Oh! faithless Men!Oh! Truth! Oh! Justice! Whither are you fled?Now all my Fears and Horrors are explain'd.Pla.I'm glad I reach'd this Place in Time, to hinderThose Ills that must have waited on your Marriage,Now it is in your Power, both to be happy,And, in some Measure, make my Sister so.[Both rise.Aur.A Paradox in Nature——BidAureliaBe happy, when you rob her of her Heaven!Her dearBassino!Indeed your Sister may be counted happy,If she's his Wife—Ha—Wife—by Heaven! 'tis false—No, no—He has no other Wife but me——He is not married, you bely him basely——He cannot be so treacherous——Pla.Madam, I swear, whate'er I said is Truth—Do but defer this Marriage for a Day,And if I don't produce convincing Proofs,May all the Plagues a Woman can inventFall on my perjur'd Head——Aur.Defer our Marriage—No, by Heaven I will not.I can't suspect him—Neither do I thinkYou durst maintain this Story to his Face.Pla.Madam, I dare; nay, which is more, I'll die,Or vindicate my injur'd Sister's Honour——Aur.Bold Arrogance!Oh! That he were but here to answer the Affront!Perhaps he may have wrong'd your Family:Debauch'd your Sister; for which you would force himTo marry her?——But, I must tell thee, Boy,He's mine already: nor would he forsake meTo hold Command o'er all the Universe.Pla.Oh! Heaven! must I bear this!Aur.Nay, expect more, if he should find you here,'Tis not your being Brother to his Mistress,That will secure you from his just Revenge.Pla.Revenge! Nay, then away with all Disguise,Pity be gone——And in its Room fell RageTake place, that I may dash that haughty InsolenceThat dares to treat me thus—Know, Madam,I am his Wife—his lawful wedded Wife.With borrow'd Shape I came to try your Virtue,Which I have found so light that the least PuffOf wanton Love will blast it——Else my VisitHad met a better Welcome—Here with Sword in HandI'll wait his coming,[Draws.And as he enters, pierce thy haughty Breast.I know he loves thee, and therefore 'tis braveRevenge to let him see thy dying Pangs:Thy parting Sighs will rack him worse than Hell.Aur.His Wife! Oh! Insolence!In vain you waste your Breath, it moves not me:So much I love him, so much I'm belov'd,That should an Angel from yon Heaven descend,To tell me he's marry'd, I'd not credit him,Kill me if you dare—He will revenge my Death:That pleasing Thought gives Courage to my Soul:To live without him would be Death indeed!No—he'll ne'er leave me for a common Thing,For such I'm sure thou art——Pla.Common! Proud Wretch——by Heaven thatWord gives WingsTo my Revenge—Vile Creature, die—[Stabs her.Aur.Help,—Murder, murder——EnterBassino.Bass.Ha—That to thy Heart——[KillsPlac.] Wer'tthou a Demi-godAnd durst attempt this Shrine, thus should'st thou fall—Pla.(Falling.) Oh!Bassino! Oh!Aur.Oh! hold, my Lord, what has your Rashness done?I only should have dy'd——I'll not upbraidYour Treachery—No, 'tis the Hand of HeavenThat guides the Stroke that takes my guilty Life,For being faithless toAlonzo.Bass.Talk not of Death, my fair, my dearAurelia;That very Sound does harrow up my Soul.But who art thou, whose sacrilegious HandDurst to profane the Temple of my Love?Pla.I am your Wife—Your loving WifePlacentia.Oh! pardon this rash Deed; blame jealous Love—And grace me with a Sigh, that I may die contented.Bass.My Wife! and kill'd by me!Under what Load of Miseries I stand!Oh! Horror! Horror! Infinity of Guilt!Hurl now your vengeful Bolts, Almighty Powers,On my devoted Head!Oh! I have wrong'd you both: Deceiv'd you basely:Thus prostrate on the Ground, let me beg Pardon:[Throws himself on the Ground.I do not ask it with Design to live.Aur.Oh! dearBassinolive:And try to save her, for she's innocent:We only are in Fault——I urg'd my wretched Fate with impious Language,For which I beg Forgiveness: Generous Lady,Let not my Soul depart with Guilt opprest.Pla.As I forgive you, so may Heaven me.Bass.Oh!Placentia! Oh! my Wife!Aur.One thing more, and I'm happy——Were butAlonzohere, that I might askForgiveness for my Falshood! But, alas!My Spirits faint within my frozen Veins,And every Thing seems double to my Sight:Oh! How I dread the uncertain future State!Bass.Unhappy Maid! Oh! my once dearAurelia!Curst, CurstBassino! Oh! my Wife! How dareI stand the View of both these injured Women!Oh! Heaven! Why name I Heaven! Heaven will not hearA Wretch like me——No, even Hell wants TormentProportion'd to my Guilt—Oh! myPlacentia! Oh!Pla.Oh! my dear Lord, Icannotsee you thus:Live, live, my Lord; be happy when I'm dead.Nay, for your Sake, I withAureliatooMay live to make you happy——Bass.Oh! Hold!Heap not more Curses on me by your Kindness;I wish that she might live, but not for me.Only to clear me from her guilty Blood——Oh!Placentia!Pla.Rise, my Lord, rise: Do not indulge your Woe,Your Sighs atone for all, and make e'en Death a pleasure——I see him coming, he will soon be here——Bass.No, I will never rise: ne'er see the Day.The Sun would blush to shine on such an impious Wretch.Here let me lie, and tear with these curst Hands[Tears the Ground in a distracted Manner.A Passage thro' the Earth, and hide my Face for ever.Alon.(Within.) Where where's this Villain? Where'sBassino?Aur.'TisAlonzo's Voice.Oh! fly, my Lord, fly from his just Revenge.EnterAlonzohastily.Bass.Fly——Where shall I fly from Justice? No, Heaven is kindIn sending him to help my Journey forward.Alon.Where'sBassino?Bass.(Rising.) Here Sir, I stand.Alon.Then there stands a Villain——Ha—whatDo I see!——Aureliamurder'd!Oh! treacherous Maid, thy Love has cost thee dear,Think on thy broken Vows, and call to Heaven for Mercy.Thy Death I will revenge, because I lov'd thee once.Aur.Oh!Alonzo, pardon me.Alon.toBass.Now Villain, now what Story, what PretenceCanst thou invent to avoid my just Revenge?Oh! that I ne'er had list'ned to thy Tongue!Thy base perfidious Tongue! Then all these MurdersHad been prevented, and thou curst in Hell——Thou monstrous Fiend——Bass.You talk too much—Let's see what you can do:Thus I return your Villain——Alon.Take thy Reward.[They fight, Bassinofalls.EnterArmando.Arm.Hold! hold: Oh Gods! I'm come too late,What has my fatal Friendship done!Ha——Placentiatoo—curst Letter!Bass.My FriendArmando! Oh! I blush to see thee:But let me have your Pardon——now I need it.Arm.Oh! first pardon me——For I have been the Cause of all this Mischief.Whilst my officious Friendship strives to save you,I bring you all to this unhappy End.Say, can you pardon me?Bass.I do——And Oh! my Friend! had Virtue been my Guide,As it was thine, I still were truly happy.Aur.Where am I?Why do I hover thus 'twixt Rest and Misery?Oh! goodAlonzo, say you pardon me,And let me die in Peace, else full of HorrorMy guilty Soul must wander in the ShadesOf gloomy Night, and never, never rest.Alon.Thou hast my Pardon, and with it this PromiseNever to love again——Aur.Oh! you're——too——kind—and I want—Breath to thank——you——Farewel,[Dies.Bass.Oh!Placentia![Embraces her.Thus in thy Arms my Thread of Life shall break.Pla.My Lord, my Husband, Oh! come nearer yet,That I may take a parting Kiss, to smoothMy Passage to the Realms of endless Night.[Kissing him.So—Now—I die——much happier than I lived.Farewel——[Dies.Bass.Farewel, fair Excellence! Thou best of Wives!But I shall quickly follow—Yet before I go,I beg,Alonzo, let my Death atoneFor all the Injuries my Life has done you.Oh! spare my Memory, when I'm no more.Alon.By Heaven!I see such Virtue struggling in thy Breast,As makes me wish I could prevent the FlightOf thy departing Soul——Bass.No, No——I would not live:Hadst thou not come, my Hand had set me free,But now I fell more nobly, and less guilty.My Friend, my dearArmando,Haste to inform my Prince,Bassinorests;But hide, if possible, my Shame: And letOne Grave hold both this wretched Corps and mine,Oh! myPlacentia——[Dies.Alon.Unhappy Pair! But far more wretched me!For I must live, and live withoutAurelia!Tho' I'm convinc'd she lov'd me not, I can'tBanish her Image from my Love-sick Mind.Oh! that I ne'er had seen the charming Fair!Arm.The Gods are just in all their Punishments:And by this single Act, we plainly seeThat Vengeance always treads on Perjury;And tho' sometimes no Bolts be at us hurl'd,Whilst we enjoy the Pleasures of this World;Yet a Day awaits, a Day of general Doom,When guilty Souls must to an Audit come;Then that we may not tremble, blush, or fear,Let our Desires be just; our Lives unsullied here.[Exeunt omnes.

A Mask inBassino's Lodgings.Bassino, Alonzo, Armando,in a Disguise; PlacentiainMan's Cloaths, SigniorPizalto,LadyPizalta, Lucy, &c.An Entry of three Men and three Women of several Nations.

Bass.I can't imagine where I dropt my Letter:Pray Heaven it be where none can ever find it.Gods! Let me once enjoy her, then call on meYour Store of Plagues, and I will meet 'em all.

EnterLudovico,singing.

Lud.Ah! MistressLucy! I'm come thou see'st——I expect thou shalt be as good as thy Word, Child——is the Lady here?

Lucy.The Lady is forth-coming, if you are still in the same Mind?

L.Piz.My Lover here! Harkee,Lucy.

Lucy.By and by, Madam, I am catering for myself now——Well, Sir, will two thousand Pistoles do?

Lud.I must humour her——[Aside.] Ay Child.

Lucy.Why then I take you at your Word, Sir, and can produce the aforesaid Sum——[ToPiz.] With a little of your Assistance, My Lord.

Lud.(aside.) Hum——A pretty Wife I am like to have——Catch me there if you can——

Piz.Ha——How's that?

Lud.How! MistressLucy, worth two thousand Pistoles?

Lucy.Ay: And I have a very good Pay-master for one Half of it too—Do you know this Hand, my Lord? [ToPizalto.] (Shews the Bond.)

Piz.(aside.) Confound your jilting Sneer.

Lud.Ha, ha, ha——What, a thousand Pistoles a Dish, my Lord? I hope you don't change often, ha——ha——

Piz.Hussy, I'll be reveng'd——'Tis all false, 'tis counterfeit.

Lucy.Ha—ha—But it had been current Coin, if I had suffer'd you to put your Stamp upon't——in my Bed-chamber, my Lord——

L.Piz.How, Mistress, have you trick'd my Husband out of a thousand Pistoles, and never told me of it?

Lucy.Nay, Madam, don't frown——Remember you have trick'd him out of something too, which I never told him of—Don't urge me to more Discoveries.

Lud.(aside.) So——Here's Trick upon Trick: But, Faith, you shall never trick me out of my Liberty. I'm not so fond of a Wife to marry a Chamber-maid, tho' with ten Times as much Money: And so, sweet MistressAbigail, your humble Servant.[ExitLudovico.

L.Piz.(aside.]) The Jade has me upon the Hip—I must be silent.

She who has her Husband's Bed abus'd,Can ne'er expect she should be better us'd.

[Exit.

Lucy.Ha——What! my Lover gone! With all my Heart: Better now than after; for whilst I have my Fortune in my own Hands, I must have no Need to sue for a separate Maintenance, and get nothing for it neither.

Arm.toPla.Now, Madam, go: May Heaven be propitiousTo your Designs: I'll stay and watchBassino:And when he goes, will follow withAlonzo.

Pla.Oh! my sick Fancy frames a thousand Forms,Which tell me that our Meeting will prove fatal.And warn me not to go, what shall I do?Must I bear calmly myBassino's Loss?Why do I tremble thus?Sure it can't be the Fear of Death——No, for ifI go not I must lose him, and that's moreThan Death to me——and if I go, I can but fall,And Life without him is the greater Woe,Therefore I'll on, I'll use the softest WordsThat Tongue can frame to sooth her into Pity,And dissuade her from this impious Marriage.If I succeed I am compleatly happy,If not, I'd rather die than live with Hate,But first, curst Rival, thou shalt share my Fate.[ExitPlacentia.

A Flourish of Musick.

Bass.'Tis now the Time——but whither do I go?Shall I a Maid, a Wife, a Friend betray?No matter——All Arguments are vain, where Love bears Sway.[ExitBassino.

A SONG.When the Winds rage, and the Seas grow high,They bid Mankind beware,But when they smooth and calm the Sky,'Tis then they would ensnare.So the brightThaisKindness shows,By frowning on her Lovers,For Ruin only from her flows,When she her Charms discovers.

A SONG.

Piz.Come now, Gentlemen and Ladies, be pleas'd to walk into the next Room, and take a small Collation—But where's my LordBassino? Come, Gentlemen, he's gone before us.

Arm.Where we will quickly follow. (Aside.)Alonzo, a Word with you—[Exit Omnes.

SCENE II.A Chamber inAurelia'sHouse.Two Arm-Chairs.Aureliasola.

Aur.I wonder much at myBassino's Stay:Oh! Love! how swiftly fly thy Hours awayWhen we are blest! How tedious are thy MinutesWhen cruel Absence parts two longing Lovers!

EnterFlorella.

Is myBassinocome? speak——

Flor.No, Madam, a young Stranger desires to speak with you: He says, you are not acquainted with his Name, but will soon with his Business, which is something of great Import, that can be told to none but yourself.

Aur.A Stranger Business with me! I know of noneI have with Strangers—Heaven! what's this?I feel a sudden Throbbing in my Heart,As if 'twas conscious of some fatal News—[Aside.Womanish Fears——Admit him—(ExitFlorella) it must beOne ofBassino's Friends, whom he intrustsTo be a Witness of our Marriage Vows.

EnterPlacentia,in Man's Cloaths.

Pla.Madam, I was inform'd that CountBassinoWas to be here—and having Things t'impartThat much concern him, I made bold to come——

Aur.Sir, I expect him straight—if you're his FriendI will account you mine—Be pleas'd to sit.[Both sit.

Pla.My Brother, Madam, is extremely happyIn being favour'd by so fair a Lady——

Aur.Your Brother, Sir! is then my Lord your brother?

Pla.Madam, he is.

Aur.Then I may call you Brother too;For all the solemn Vows of Love have pass'd'Twixt him and me—And blissfulHymenwaitsWith lighted Torch to tie the sacred Knot,Which shall be done this Hour——

Pla.This Hour! say you? Oh! Madam, have a Care:You tread inchanted Ground, and e'er you knowWhat Path you take, you're hurried to Destruction.

Aur.Where lies the Danger?

Pla.Oh! 'Tis a fatal Tale, yet you must hear it;Therefore summon your Courage to your Aid,For you will need it all, whilst I relateThe fatal Story——

Aur.Ah! how I tremble!Say, is he dead? has any murderous VillainKill'd myBassino?

Pla.No—he is well in Health: but his distemper'd MindIs of a wild and feverish Disposition,Longing to taste, what tasted will undo him.

Aur.Your Speech is all a Riddle: Pray speak plainer:But yet, e'er you proceed, if CountBassinolives,I care not what must follow, since he's mine.

Pla.No, he's not yours—Nor ever must.

Aur.'Tis false——There's not a Pow'r on Earthcan part us:Perhaps,You think my Blood too base to mix with yours——But, Sir, your Brother loves me, and in LoveAll Ranks are equal——

Pla.No——I wish that were all:But there's a greater Obstacle——He—is—married—Oh! Gods! unfortunately married!

Aur.Married!

Pla.Yes,——Married——to my Sister,To my unfortunate, abandon'd Sister.Oh! do not you conspire t'undo her quite;It is enough, she's falseBassino's Wife.

Aur.Gods! Married!And is it possible! Oh! faithless Men!Oh! Truth! Oh! Justice! Whither are you fled?Now all my Fears and Horrors are explain'd.

Pla.I'm glad I reach'd this Place in Time, to hinderThose Ills that must have waited on your Marriage,Now it is in your Power, both to be happy,And, in some Measure, make my Sister so.[Both rise.

Aur.A Paradox in Nature——BidAureliaBe happy, when you rob her of her Heaven!Her dearBassino!Indeed your Sister may be counted happy,If she's his Wife—Ha—Wife—by Heaven! 'tis false—No, no—He has no other Wife but me——He is not married, you bely him basely——He cannot be so treacherous——

Pla.Madam, I swear, whate'er I said is Truth—Do but defer this Marriage for a Day,And if I don't produce convincing Proofs,May all the Plagues a Woman can inventFall on my perjur'd Head——

Aur.Defer our Marriage—No, by Heaven I will not.I can't suspect him—Neither do I thinkYou durst maintain this Story to his Face.

Pla.Madam, I dare; nay, which is more, I'll die,Or vindicate my injur'd Sister's Honour——

Aur.Bold Arrogance!Oh! That he were but here to answer the Affront!Perhaps he may have wrong'd your Family:Debauch'd your Sister; for which you would force himTo marry her?——But, I must tell thee, Boy,He's mine already: nor would he forsake meTo hold Command o'er all the Universe.

Pla.Oh! Heaven! must I bear this!

Aur.Nay, expect more, if he should find you here,'Tis not your being Brother to his Mistress,That will secure you from his just Revenge.

Pla.Revenge! Nay, then away with all Disguise,Pity be gone——And in its Room fell RageTake place, that I may dash that haughty InsolenceThat dares to treat me thus—Know, Madam,I am his Wife—his lawful wedded Wife.With borrow'd Shape I came to try your Virtue,Which I have found so light that the least PuffOf wanton Love will blast it——Else my VisitHad met a better Welcome—Here with Sword in HandI'll wait his coming,[Draws.And as he enters, pierce thy haughty Breast.I know he loves thee, and therefore 'tis braveRevenge to let him see thy dying Pangs:Thy parting Sighs will rack him worse than Hell.

Aur.His Wife! Oh! Insolence!In vain you waste your Breath, it moves not me:So much I love him, so much I'm belov'd,That should an Angel from yon Heaven descend,To tell me he's marry'd, I'd not credit him,Kill me if you dare—He will revenge my Death:That pleasing Thought gives Courage to my Soul:To live without him would be Death indeed!No—he'll ne'er leave me for a common Thing,For such I'm sure thou art——

Pla.Common! Proud Wretch——by Heaven thatWord gives WingsTo my Revenge—Vile Creature, die—[Stabs her.

Aur.Help,—Murder, murder——

EnterBassino.

Bass.Ha—That to thy Heart——[KillsPlac.] Wer'tthou a Demi-godAnd durst attempt this Shrine, thus should'st thou fall—

Pla.(Falling.) Oh!Bassino! Oh!

Aur.Oh! hold, my Lord, what has your Rashness done?I only should have dy'd——I'll not upbraidYour Treachery—No, 'tis the Hand of HeavenThat guides the Stroke that takes my guilty Life,For being faithless toAlonzo.

Bass.Talk not of Death, my fair, my dearAurelia;That very Sound does harrow up my Soul.But who art thou, whose sacrilegious HandDurst to profane the Temple of my Love?

Pla.I am your Wife—Your loving WifePlacentia.Oh! pardon this rash Deed; blame jealous Love—And grace me with a Sigh, that I may die contented.

Bass.My Wife! and kill'd by me!Under what Load of Miseries I stand!Oh! Horror! Horror! Infinity of Guilt!Hurl now your vengeful Bolts, Almighty Powers,On my devoted Head!Oh! I have wrong'd you both: Deceiv'd you basely:Thus prostrate on the Ground, let me beg Pardon:[Throws himself on the Ground.I do not ask it with Design to live.

Aur.Oh! dearBassinolive:And try to save her, for she's innocent:We only are in Fault——I urg'd my wretched Fate with impious Language,For which I beg Forgiveness: Generous Lady,Let not my Soul depart with Guilt opprest.

Pla.As I forgive you, so may Heaven me.

Bass.Oh!Placentia! Oh! my Wife!

Aur.One thing more, and I'm happy——Were butAlonzohere, that I might askForgiveness for my Falshood! But, alas!My Spirits faint within my frozen Veins,And every Thing seems double to my Sight:Oh! How I dread the uncertain future State!

Bass.Unhappy Maid! Oh! my once dearAurelia!Curst, CurstBassino! Oh! my Wife! How dareI stand the View of both these injured Women!Oh! Heaven! Why name I Heaven! Heaven will not hearA Wretch like me——No, even Hell wants TormentProportion'd to my Guilt—Oh! myPlacentia! Oh!

Pla.Oh! my dear Lord, Icannotsee you thus:Live, live, my Lord; be happy when I'm dead.Nay, for your Sake, I withAureliatooMay live to make you happy——

Bass.Oh! Hold!Heap not more Curses on me by your Kindness;I wish that she might live, but not for me.Only to clear me from her guilty Blood——Oh!Placentia!

Pla.Rise, my Lord, rise: Do not indulge your Woe,Your Sighs atone for all, and make e'en Death a pleasure——I see him coming, he will soon be here——

Bass.No, I will never rise: ne'er see the Day.The Sun would blush to shine on such an impious Wretch.Here let me lie, and tear with these curst Hands[Tears the Ground in a distracted Manner.A Passage thro' the Earth, and hide my Face for ever.

Alon.(Within.) Where where's this Villain? Where'sBassino?

Aur.'TisAlonzo's Voice.Oh! fly, my Lord, fly from his just Revenge.

EnterAlonzohastily.

Bass.Fly——Where shall I fly from Justice? No, Heaven is kindIn sending him to help my Journey forward.

Alon.Where'sBassino?

Bass.(Rising.) Here Sir, I stand.

Alon.Then there stands a Villain——Ha—whatDo I see!——Aureliamurder'd!Oh! treacherous Maid, thy Love has cost thee dear,Think on thy broken Vows, and call to Heaven for Mercy.Thy Death I will revenge, because I lov'd thee once.

Aur.Oh!Alonzo, pardon me.

Alon.toBass.Now Villain, now what Story, what PretenceCanst thou invent to avoid my just Revenge?Oh! that I ne'er had list'ned to thy Tongue!Thy base perfidious Tongue! Then all these MurdersHad been prevented, and thou curst in Hell——Thou monstrous Fiend——

Bass.You talk too much—Let's see what you can do:Thus I return your Villain——

Alon.Take thy Reward.

[They fight, Bassinofalls.

EnterArmando.

Arm.Hold! hold: Oh Gods! I'm come too late,What has my fatal Friendship done!Ha——Placentiatoo—curst Letter!

Bass.My FriendArmando! Oh! I blush to see thee:But let me have your Pardon——now I need it.

Arm.Oh! first pardon me——For I have been the Cause of all this Mischief.Whilst my officious Friendship strives to save you,I bring you all to this unhappy End.Say, can you pardon me?

Bass.I do——And Oh! my Friend! had Virtue been my Guide,As it was thine, I still were truly happy.

Aur.Where am I?Why do I hover thus 'twixt Rest and Misery?Oh! goodAlonzo, say you pardon me,And let me die in Peace, else full of HorrorMy guilty Soul must wander in the ShadesOf gloomy Night, and never, never rest.

Alon.Thou hast my Pardon, and with it this PromiseNever to love again——

Aur.Oh! you're——too——kind—and I want—Breath to thank——you——Farewel,[Dies.

Bass.Oh!Placentia![Embraces her.Thus in thy Arms my Thread of Life shall break.

Pla.My Lord, my Husband, Oh! come nearer yet,That I may take a parting Kiss, to smoothMy Passage to the Realms of endless Night.[Kissing him.So—Now—I die——much happier than I lived.Farewel——[Dies.

Bass.Farewel, fair Excellence! Thou best of Wives!But I shall quickly follow—Yet before I go,I beg,Alonzo, let my Death atoneFor all the Injuries my Life has done you.Oh! spare my Memory, when I'm no more.

Alon.By Heaven!I see such Virtue struggling in thy Breast,As makes me wish I could prevent the FlightOf thy departing Soul——

Bass.No, No——I would not live:Hadst thou not come, my Hand had set me free,But now I fell more nobly, and less guilty.My Friend, my dearArmando,Haste to inform my Prince,Bassinorests;But hide, if possible, my Shame: And letOne Grave hold both this wretched Corps and mine,Oh! myPlacentia——[Dies.

Alon.Unhappy Pair! But far more wretched me!For I must live, and live withoutAurelia!Tho' I'm convinc'd she lov'd me not, I can'tBanish her Image from my Love-sick Mind.Oh! that I ne'er had seen the charming Fair!

Arm.The Gods are just in all their Punishments:And by this single Act, we plainly seeThat Vengeance always treads on Perjury;And tho' sometimes no Bolts be at us hurl'd,Whilst we enjoy the Pleasures of this World;Yet a Day awaits, a Day of general Doom,When guilty Souls must to an Audit come;Then that we may not tremble, blush, or fear,Let our Desires be just; our Lives unsullied here.

[Exeunt omnes.

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