Chapter 2

ACT III. SCENE Ithe Street.EnterEugenio.

ACT III. SCENE Ithe Street.

EnterEugenio.

Eug.Thus in Disguise I shall discover all,And find the Cause of my reported Death,Which does so much amaze me.A Month ago my Father sent me Word, that I shou'd hasten my Journey toPalermo; and I met the Post upon the Road, that gave me a Letter, wherein he strictly charges me not to come this three Months: No sooner had I enter'd the Town, but I met the Rumour of my Death, which still surpris'd me more; but this Letter shall help me to the Knowledge of the Truth.[Shews a Letter, goes to the Door and knocks.EnterRosco.Rosc.Who'd you speak with Friend?Eug.With the LordGravello, if you please, Sir.Ros.Marry gap, and can't I serve your Turn? Nothing but my Lord, good lack! I guess he knows you not; pray what's your Business? What's your Name? From whence come you? What do ye want? I believe you are of no such Extraction, that you shou'd be introduc'd to my Lord; let me be judge, whether your Affair requires his Lordship's Ear, else, Friend, I shall bring you but a scurvy Answer; either he's busy, or a-sleep, or gone abroad, any of these are sufficient for your Quality, I suppose.Eug.Thus great Men always are abus'd, because there's no Access, but through such Knaves as thee? then I'll return my Message back unto his Son, and bid him employ a finer Fellow, if he expects that he should see his Father.[Going.Ros.Ha! his Son! stay, Sir, and forgive me; here comes my Lord.Enter CountGravello, Roscogoes and whispers him.Grav.Wou'd you ought with me, Friend?Eug.If you be the LordGravello.Grav.The same.Eug.I came fromRome, my Lord; laden, I hope, with happy Tidings, and after the sad Report I have met with, I dare say, welcome; your SonEugeniolives, and with his Duty, recommends this Letter to your Lordship's Perusal.Grav.How! does my Boy live? Oh! I'm overjoy'd, for I thought him dead.Rosco, reward him for his Tidings, reward him largely,Rosco.Ros.There's a Pistole for you, eat like an Emperor, d'ye hear, till that be out.Grav.He writes me Word that you are a Gentleman fallen to Decay, and begs that I would take you into my Service: I have no Place vacant at present, but the first that falls worth your Acceptance, shall be yours; in the mean Time command my House. [I must not let him suspect I knewEugeniowas alive] the happy News that thou hast brought me, has rais'd me from the Vale of Death; but tell me, Friend, hast thou reveal'd this to any inPalermo, but myself?Eug.To none. For tho' I met the tragic Story in every Street through which I pass'd, still I conceal'd the Truth, intending your Lordship's Ear should first receive it.Grav.Thou hast done exceeding well;Rosco, give him a double Reward, a double Welcome; I have some private Reasons to myself, that it should still be kept a Secret, which if thou'rt faithful, thou in Time shalt know.Eug.Fear not, my Lord, I am no Blab; I ever thought a slippery Tongue Mankind's Shame. What can this mean?[Aside.Ros.This is a notable Fellow.Grav. Rosco, bid him welcome; tell him my House is his, bid him be free.Ros.As long as you have Occasion for him——Sir, I am your most obedient, most devoted, and thrice humble Serviteur; command the Pantry, Cellar, Maids, Chambers——for in these I rule, and these are at your Service, Sir.[Bowing low.Eug.I thank you my quondam Friend; but a quiet Residence in my Lord's House, the Time I stay, satisfies my Desires.Ros.A worthy Man, upon my Faith. Oh! my Lord, here comes the Bridegroom, I know by this Fellow's being out of Breath.Enter a Servant.Serv.My Lord CountPirroso fine, so brisk, so ugly.Grav.How, how, Sirrah, ugly?Serv.So handsome, I mean, Sir; Pox on't, how came my Head to run so of Ugliness?Ros.Seeing the Count, I warrant theeJack.Grav.Be gone, Varlet, and attend his coming.[Exeunt.Eug.Ha! CountPirro, the Bridegroom—and, my Life a Secret; I begin to find the Cause.[Aside.Enter CountPirro.Pir.I came my Lord, to claim your Promise, and receive into my Arms the beautifulLucasia.Grav.And I'll acquit myself instantly. Within there—callLucasia.EnterLaura.Laura.My Lord.Grav.My——call your Lady; what does your Flurtship do here? I want your Mistress——why don't the Wench stir?Laura.My Lord, I don't know.——Grav.What don't you know? nay, no grinding between your Teeth, speak out.Laura.Why then, my Lord, I don't know where she is.Grav.'Tis false, 'tis impossible; when went she out? and whither? Speak ye confederate Mischief; how long ago, I say? Confess, or I'll have ye rack'd.Laura.She would not take me with her to prevent Suspicion; and now all must out, for my Limbs will never bear stretching, that's certain.[Aside.Grav.What are you inventing a Lye——don't stand muttering your Devil's Pater-noster there, but speak quickly—or—[Draws his Sword.Laura.Oh hold, it was, my Lord, my Lord, a, a, a——Grav.What was it? speak.Laura.It was a great while ago, my Lord.Grav.Ha, speak to the Purpose, or thou dy'st.Laura.No, no, no, my Lord, it was——it was just now; what shall I say to save my unhappy Mistress?[Aside.Pirro.You terrify the Creature so, that we shall never learn the Truth, my Lord; don't tremble so, Sweetheart, but tell when went your Lady out, and whither?Grav.Away my Lord, my Sword shall fetch the Secret forth; Huzzy, speak, or by this Hand, this Minute is thy last.[Holds his Sword to her Breast.Laura.Oh, hold Sir, and I will tell you all; I do confess.Grav.What?Laura.It must out; that my Lady's fled to meetPalantein the Eastern Grove, and I believe, by this, they are married.Grav.Fly and escape my Fury, thou more than Devil.[Straps her with his Sword, she shrieks and runs off.Now, my Lord ofPirro, you that so kindly came this Day to comfort me, how shall I look you in the Face? or what Reparation can I make you, if my Daughter's lost? Within there! raise the House, take Officers immediately, I charge you; fly to the Eastern Grove, and seize my Daughter and all that you find with her: We'll have Revenge, my Lord, at least.Pirro.There's yet a Pleasure left in that, and I'm resolv'd my Arm shall give him Death; let's to the Grove, my Lord.Rosco.Do you consider, my Lord, the Danger of your rash Attempt, the Law will do you right; 'tis present Death inSicily, to steal an Heiress without her Friends consent; first secure him, and his Lifes yours.Eug.'Tis as I suppose; oh Treachery![Aside.Grav. Rosco, thou art an Oracle, that Way the Revenge is more secure and certain. I'll after 'em, and see the Traitor brought to condign Punishment.[Exit withRosco.Pirro.I'll to the Governor, and prepare him for the Judgment, my Interest there will surely sign his Death.[Going.Eug.Am I alive? do I breathe? can I have a human Soul, and suffer this injustice to proceed? PoorPalante, must thou die, because Fortune has not blest thee with her Favours; No, something I will do to save thee; and yet, if possible not discover who I am. My Lord——[Pulls CountPirroby the Sleeve as he goes out.Pirro.What art thou?Eug.A poor Poet, my Lord, little beholden to Fortune.Pirro.None of thy Profession are, take up some more thriving Occupation; turn Pimp, Solicitor, Gamester, any Thing will do better than Rhiming; there's something for thee, I'm in Haste now.Eug.My Lord, I thank you for your Charity, and your good Advice; but I have some for you too.Pirro.For me! what is't?Eug.I understand, my Lord, that you are to marry my LordGravello's Daughter.Pirro.Yes, an Heiress——Eug.No Heiress, my Lord, her Brother is alive.Pirro.The Fellow's mad.Eug.What I say is certain Truth; and to my Knowledge, his Father gives out the Report of his Death only as a Bait for you.Pirro.Ha! where is he?Eug.In this Town conceal'd till your Marriage be over; know I hate this Family, and that makes me discover it.Pirro.Does he hate the Family? then perhaps he has only forg'd this Lye to hinderLucasiafrom marrying into mine; I'll try him farther.[Aside.Art thou sure he is alive?Eug.As sure as that I live myself; my Lord, I saw him not two Hours ago; I wish he was not, for your Lordship's sake: I am his Domestic, and come now to learn Intelligence; I loath my Servitude, detest the proud Family, and shou'd rejoice to see 'em ruin'd.Pirro.From whence proceeds thy Hate? the World reportsEugenioa Man of Honour, Honesty and Courage.Eug.That Part of the World that thinks him such, sees thro' the wrong End of the Prospective; his Honour's but Pretence, his Honesty Hypocrisy, and his Courage Lewdness; he ravisht a Sister of mine atRome, for which I never can forgive him.Pirro.This Fellow, I find is ripe for Mischief; and if I durst trust him, wou'd, for a large Reward, removeEugenio, and makeLucasiaindeed an Heiress; and 'twere but just, since CountGravellodid design to wrong me of his Estate, why shou'd not I rob him of his Son? where could be the Danger of this Act; I can't fore-see any, for he has already given it out he's dead, and therefore dares not search into the Matter; but is it safe to trust this Stranger, he may betray my Purpose, or not do it; yet 'tis reasonable to think the contrary, for he hates him for his Sister's Rape, and therefore would be glad to meet Occasion to revenge it, especially when usher'd in by a great Sum: I'm resolv'd to break it to him. [Aside.] What is your Name, Friend?Eug. Irus, my Lord.Pirro.Your Name as well as Habit speak you poor.Eug.I'm poor enough, my Lord.Pirro.Very poor?Eug.Very poor, my Lord.Pirro.Would you not gladly mend your Fortunes.Eug.I wish your Lordship would shew me the Way.Pirro.What think you now of taking Revenge for your Sister's Rape, ha?Eug.Alas! my Lord, that I wou'd have done long ago, but Want prevented my Escape.Pirro.Say'st thou so? my Friend: well, poison thisEugenio, and thou shalt not want; for thy Reward, a thousand Crowns are thine.Eug.Think it done, my Lord, nor will I receive my Hire till I have brought you a certain ProofEugeniois no more; all I ask is but your Hand to the Agreement, my Lord, that I may be sure of my Reward.Pirro.I'll give it thee——We must be safe, for his Father will be asham'd to prosecute, after his reported Death. I must confess I lov'dLucasiaas an Heiress, but was she ten times as fair, I would not marry her without the Dowry, therefore make sure my Fortune by thy Master's Death.Eug.He dies this Night.SCENEchanges to the Grove.EnterPalante, Lucasia,andClerimont.Pal.'Tis done, 'tis done, the Sacred Knot is ty'd,And brightLucasiais for ever mine.I ne'er till now did taste the Sweets of Life;Or the transporting Extasy of Joy.Burst not ye feeble Ministers of Nature,With the vast Excess of swelling Pleasure.Oh! my Friend, what shall I say to thee?Cler.This is no Time for Talk or Transports,Make Use of my Fortune, and fly till the Pursuit is over.Pal.Oh!Clerimont, I'm bankrupt every Way,Both to thee, and to my fairLucasia.Still thou art sad, my Love.Luc.My Sadness does proceed from Fear for thee,Take your Friend's Counsel, let us fly this Place.Hark! What Noise is that? ha me, we're lost.EnterGravello, Eugenio, Rosco,and Officers.Grav.Fall on Officers, there they are.Cler.Thieves.Pal.Villains!Grav.Thou art thyself the Thief and Villain too;Give me my Daughter thou Ranter.Pal.First take my Life.Grav.Fall on, I say; down with 'em if they resist.Luc.Oh! we are undone, wicked, wickedLaura.Pal.Come on, Slaves.Cler.We shall not surrender tamely.[They fight, but are disarm'd by the Multitude.Grav.So, keep 'em fast, we'll have 'em faster shortly.For you, Minion, I shall secure you from a second 'Scape.Luc.Yet do but hear me, Father.Grav.Call me not Father, thou disobedient Wretch,Thou Vagabond, thou art no Child of mine;My Daughter was bred up to Virtue.Luc.For you my Mother wou'd have done as much:If Need had so required;Think not that my Mind e'er stray'd from Virtue;Oh! listen to the Voice of my Prayer, and CrownIt with rich Mercy.Grav.Off, Strumpet, Officers away with the Criminals,They both shall die.Pal.Now I must speak, oh spare my Friend, for heIs innocent.Cler.If thou must die,Palante, I have noOther Wish, but to suffer with thee.Grav.That Wish assure thyself thou shalt obtain.Luc.Oh, stay blood-thirsty Men, stay and hear meBut a Word, and that shall be my final Resolution.If thou, my cruel Father wilt not hear,But dost proceed to spill the Blood of himIn whom my Life subsists, remember, Sir,I am your Daughter, once you did love me;Oh! tell me then, what Fault can be so greatTo make a Father murderer of his Child?For so you are in taking his dear Life;Do not think that I will stay behind him.No, whilst there's Asps, and Knives, and burning Coals;NoRomanDame's Example shall outgoMy Love.Pal.Oh! myLucasia, thou hast touch'd my Soul!Barely but to imagine thou must die,Will make me restless in my silent Grave.Is not my Death sufficient, barbarous Man?But mustLucasia's Woe be added too?Dry up those Tears, my Wife, my lovely Bride,Or thou wilt make me truly miserable,Preserve thy Life, that I may after Death,In thee my better Part survive.For thee and for my Friend my only Prayers shall be,If you both live,Palantedies with Pleasure.Grav.Away with 'em, and let the Law decide it.Luc.I too alike am guilty;O let me share the Punishment with them,Thou shalt not go alone, take me with thee;Here are my willing Hands, quick bind 'em fast,[Runs and claspsPalante.Else here I'll hold 'till my last Breath expires.Grav.Ungracious Viper, let go the Traitor.Luc.What to die? Oh, never!Pal.Had I a hundred Lives, the Venture hadBeen small for such a Prize.A Face not half so fair as thine has arm'dWhole Nations in the Field for Battle ripe:And brought a thousand Sail toTenedos,To sack lamentedTroy, and shou'd I fearTo hazard one poor Life for thee, my Fair?A Life that had been lost without thy Love,For thou'rt both Life and Soul to thyPalante.Luc.I'll clasp him like the last Remains of Life.And struggle still with never dying Love.[Holds him.Grav.Then thus I dash thee from him, thou Stranger[Pushes her, and falls down.To my Blood, there lie and grovel on the Earth, and thank the Powers I do not kill thee; away to Justice with the Traitors.Pal.If there be a Torment beyond this Sight,Then lead me to it, that I may taste allThe Variety of Misery, andGrow compleatly wretched.Oh, inhuman Cruelty!Slaves give me Way, that swift as Lightning,I may dash him dead that wrong'dLucasia.You spiteful Powers, show'r all your Curses down,Augment the Weight, and sink me all at once.Grav.Away with the Traitor.Pal.Oh, let me first embrace my Love, my Wife.Grav.By Hell, he shall not.

[Shews a Letter, goes to the Door and knocks.

EnterRosco.

Rosc.Who'd you speak with Friend?

Eug.With the LordGravello, if you please, Sir.

Ros.Marry gap, and can't I serve your Turn? Nothing but my Lord, good lack! I guess he knows you not; pray what's your Business? What's your Name? From whence come you? What do ye want? I believe you are of no such Extraction, that you shou'd be introduc'd to my Lord; let me be judge, whether your Affair requires his Lordship's Ear, else, Friend, I shall bring you but a scurvy Answer; either he's busy, or a-sleep, or gone abroad, any of these are sufficient for your Quality, I suppose.

Eug.Thus great Men always are abus'd, because there's no Access, but through such Knaves as thee? then I'll return my Message back unto his Son, and bid him employ a finer Fellow, if he expects that he should see his Father.[Going.

Ros.Ha! his Son! stay, Sir, and forgive me; here comes my Lord.

Enter CountGravello, Roscogoes and whispers him.

Grav.Wou'd you ought with me, Friend?

Eug.If you be the LordGravello.

Grav.The same.

Eug.I came fromRome, my Lord; laden, I hope, with happy Tidings, and after the sad Report I have met with, I dare say, welcome; your SonEugeniolives, and with his Duty, recommends this Letter to your Lordship's Perusal.

Grav.How! does my Boy live? Oh! I'm overjoy'd, for I thought him dead.Rosco, reward him for his Tidings, reward him largely,Rosco.

Ros.There's a Pistole for you, eat like an Emperor, d'ye hear, till that be out.

Grav.He writes me Word that you are a Gentleman fallen to Decay, and begs that I would take you into my Service: I have no Place vacant at present, but the first that falls worth your Acceptance, shall be yours; in the mean Time command my House. [I must not let him suspect I knewEugeniowas alive] the happy News that thou hast brought me, has rais'd me from the Vale of Death; but tell me, Friend, hast thou reveal'd this to any inPalermo, but myself?

Eug.To none. For tho' I met the tragic Story in every Street through which I pass'd, still I conceal'd the Truth, intending your Lordship's Ear should first receive it.

Grav.Thou hast done exceeding well;Rosco, give him a double Reward, a double Welcome; I have some private Reasons to myself, that it should still be kept a Secret, which if thou'rt faithful, thou in Time shalt know.

Eug.Fear not, my Lord, I am no Blab; I ever thought a slippery Tongue Mankind's Shame. What can this mean?[Aside.

Ros.This is a notable Fellow.

Grav. Rosco, bid him welcome; tell him my House is his, bid him be free.

Ros.As long as you have Occasion for him——Sir, I am your most obedient, most devoted, and thrice humble Serviteur; command the Pantry, Cellar, Maids, Chambers——for in these I rule, and these are at your Service, Sir.

[Bowing low.

Eug.I thank you my quondam Friend; but a quiet Residence in my Lord's House, the Time I stay, satisfies my Desires.

Ros.A worthy Man, upon my Faith. Oh! my Lord, here comes the Bridegroom, I know by this Fellow's being out of Breath.

Enter a Servant.

Serv.My Lord CountPirroso fine, so brisk, so ugly.

Grav.How, how, Sirrah, ugly?

Serv.So handsome, I mean, Sir; Pox on't, how came my Head to run so of Ugliness?

Ros.Seeing the Count, I warrant theeJack.

Grav.Be gone, Varlet, and attend his coming.[Exeunt.

Eug.Ha! CountPirro, the Bridegroom—and, my Life a Secret; I begin to find the Cause.[Aside.

Enter CountPirro.

Pir.I came my Lord, to claim your Promise, and receive into my Arms the beautifulLucasia.

Grav.And I'll acquit myself instantly. Within there—callLucasia.

EnterLaura.

Laura.My Lord.

Grav.My——call your Lady; what does your Flurtship do here? I want your Mistress——why don't the Wench stir?

Laura.My Lord, I don't know.——

Grav.What don't you know? nay, no grinding between your Teeth, speak out.

Laura.Why then, my Lord, I don't know where she is.

Grav.'Tis false, 'tis impossible; when went she out? and whither? Speak ye confederate Mischief; how long ago, I say? Confess, or I'll have ye rack'd.

Laura.She would not take me with her to prevent Suspicion; and now all must out, for my Limbs will never bear stretching, that's certain.[Aside.

Grav.What are you inventing a Lye——don't stand muttering your Devil's Pater-noster there, but speak quickly—or—

[Draws his Sword.

Laura.Oh hold, it was, my Lord, my Lord, a, a, a——

Grav.What was it? speak.

Laura.It was a great while ago, my Lord.

Grav.Ha, speak to the Purpose, or thou dy'st.

Laura.No, no, no, my Lord, it was——it was just now; what shall I say to save my unhappy Mistress?[Aside.

Pirro.You terrify the Creature so, that we shall never learn the Truth, my Lord; don't tremble so, Sweetheart, but tell when went your Lady out, and whither?

Grav.Away my Lord, my Sword shall fetch the Secret forth; Huzzy, speak, or by this Hand, this Minute is thy last.

[Holds his Sword to her Breast.

Laura.Oh, hold Sir, and I will tell you all; I do confess.

Grav.What?

Laura.It must out; that my Lady's fled to meetPalantein the Eastern Grove, and I believe, by this, they are married.

Grav.Fly and escape my Fury, thou more than Devil.

[Straps her with his Sword, she shrieks and runs off.

Now, my Lord ofPirro, you that so kindly came this Day to comfort me, how shall I look you in the Face? or what Reparation can I make you, if my Daughter's lost? Within there! raise the House, take Officers immediately, I charge you; fly to the Eastern Grove, and seize my Daughter and all that you find with her: We'll have Revenge, my Lord, at least.

Pirro.There's yet a Pleasure left in that, and I'm resolv'd my Arm shall give him Death; let's to the Grove, my Lord.

Rosco.Do you consider, my Lord, the Danger of your rash Attempt, the Law will do you right; 'tis present Death inSicily, to steal an Heiress without her Friends consent; first secure him, and his Lifes yours.

Eug.'Tis as I suppose; oh Treachery![Aside.

Grav. Rosco, thou art an Oracle, that Way the Revenge is more secure and certain. I'll after 'em, and see the Traitor brought to condign Punishment.

[Exit withRosco.

Pirro.I'll to the Governor, and prepare him for the Judgment, my Interest there will surely sign his Death.[Going.

Eug.Am I alive? do I breathe? can I have a human Soul, and suffer this injustice to proceed? PoorPalante, must thou die, because Fortune has not blest thee with her Favours; No, something I will do to save thee; and yet, if possible not discover who I am. My Lord——

[Pulls CountPirroby the Sleeve as he goes out.

Pirro.What art thou?

Eug.A poor Poet, my Lord, little beholden to Fortune.

Pirro.None of thy Profession are, take up some more thriving Occupation; turn Pimp, Solicitor, Gamester, any Thing will do better than Rhiming; there's something for thee, I'm in Haste now.

Eug.My Lord, I thank you for your Charity, and your good Advice; but I have some for you too.

Pirro.For me! what is't?

Eug.I understand, my Lord, that you are to marry my LordGravello's Daughter.

Pirro.Yes, an Heiress——

Eug.No Heiress, my Lord, her Brother is alive.

Pirro.The Fellow's mad.

Eug.What I say is certain Truth; and to my Knowledge, his Father gives out the Report of his Death only as a Bait for you.

Pirro.Ha! where is he?

Eug.In this Town conceal'd till your Marriage be over; know I hate this Family, and that makes me discover it.

Pirro.Does he hate the Family? then perhaps he has only forg'd this Lye to hinderLucasiafrom marrying into mine; I'll try him farther.[Aside.

Art thou sure he is alive?

Eug.As sure as that I live myself; my Lord, I saw him not two Hours ago; I wish he was not, for your Lordship's sake: I am his Domestic, and come now to learn Intelligence; I loath my Servitude, detest the proud Family, and shou'd rejoice to see 'em ruin'd.

Pirro.From whence proceeds thy Hate? the World reportsEugenioa Man of Honour, Honesty and Courage.

Eug.That Part of the World that thinks him such, sees thro' the wrong End of the Prospective; his Honour's but Pretence, his Honesty Hypocrisy, and his Courage Lewdness; he ravisht a Sister of mine atRome, for which I never can forgive him.

Pirro.This Fellow, I find is ripe for Mischief; and if I durst trust him, wou'd, for a large Reward, removeEugenio, and makeLucasiaindeed an Heiress; and 'twere but just, since CountGravellodid design to wrong me of his Estate, why shou'd not I rob him of his Son? where could be the Danger of this Act; I can't fore-see any, for he has already given it out he's dead, and therefore dares not search into the Matter; but is it safe to trust this Stranger, he may betray my Purpose, or not do it; yet 'tis reasonable to think the contrary, for he hates him for his Sister's Rape, and therefore would be glad to meet Occasion to revenge it, especially when usher'd in by a great Sum: I'm resolv'd to break it to him. [Aside.] What is your Name, Friend?

Eug. Irus, my Lord.

Pirro.Your Name as well as Habit speak you poor.

Eug.I'm poor enough, my Lord.

Pirro.Very poor?

Eug.Very poor, my Lord.

Pirro.Would you not gladly mend your Fortunes.

Eug.I wish your Lordship would shew me the Way.

Pirro.What think you now of taking Revenge for your Sister's Rape, ha?

Eug.Alas! my Lord, that I wou'd have done long ago, but Want prevented my Escape.

Pirro.Say'st thou so? my Friend: well, poison thisEugenio, and thou shalt not want; for thy Reward, a thousand Crowns are thine.

Eug.Think it done, my Lord, nor will I receive my Hire till I have brought you a certain ProofEugeniois no more; all I ask is but your Hand to the Agreement, my Lord, that I may be sure of my Reward.

Pirro.I'll give it thee——We must be safe, for his Father will be asham'd to prosecute, after his reported Death. I must confess I lov'dLucasiaas an Heiress, but was she ten times as fair, I would not marry her without the Dowry, therefore make sure my Fortune by thy Master's Death.

Eug.He dies this Night.

SCENEchanges to the Grove.EnterPalante, Lucasia,andClerimont.

Pal.'Tis done, 'tis done, the Sacred Knot is ty'd,And brightLucasiais for ever mine.I ne'er till now did taste the Sweets of Life;Or the transporting Extasy of Joy.Burst not ye feeble Ministers of Nature,With the vast Excess of swelling Pleasure.Oh! my Friend, what shall I say to thee?

Cler.This is no Time for Talk or Transports,Make Use of my Fortune, and fly till the Pursuit is over.

Pal.Oh!Clerimont, I'm bankrupt every Way,Both to thee, and to my fairLucasia.Still thou art sad, my Love.

Luc.My Sadness does proceed from Fear for thee,Take your Friend's Counsel, let us fly this Place.Hark! What Noise is that? ha me, we're lost.

EnterGravello, Eugenio, Rosco,and Officers.

Grav.Fall on Officers, there they are.

Cler.Thieves.

Pal.Villains!

Grav.Thou art thyself the Thief and Villain too;Give me my Daughter thou Ranter.

Pal.First take my Life.

Grav.Fall on, I say; down with 'em if they resist.

Luc.Oh! we are undone, wicked, wickedLaura.

Pal.Come on, Slaves.

Cler.We shall not surrender tamely.

[They fight, but are disarm'd by the Multitude.

Grav.So, keep 'em fast, we'll have 'em faster shortly.For you, Minion, I shall secure you from a second 'Scape.

Luc.Yet do but hear me, Father.

Grav.Call me not Father, thou disobedient Wretch,Thou Vagabond, thou art no Child of mine;My Daughter was bred up to Virtue.

Luc.For you my Mother wou'd have done as much:If Need had so required;Think not that my Mind e'er stray'd from Virtue;Oh! listen to the Voice of my Prayer, and CrownIt with rich Mercy.

Grav.Off, Strumpet, Officers away with the Criminals,They both shall die.

Pal.Now I must speak, oh spare my Friend, for heIs innocent.

Cler.If thou must die,Palante, I have noOther Wish, but to suffer with thee.

Grav.That Wish assure thyself thou shalt obtain.

Luc.Oh, stay blood-thirsty Men, stay and hear meBut a Word, and that shall be my final Resolution.If thou, my cruel Father wilt not hear,But dost proceed to spill the Blood of himIn whom my Life subsists, remember, Sir,I am your Daughter, once you did love me;Oh! tell me then, what Fault can be so greatTo make a Father murderer of his Child?For so you are in taking his dear Life;Do not think that I will stay behind him.No, whilst there's Asps, and Knives, and burning Coals;NoRomanDame's Example shall outgoMy Love.

Pal.Oh! myLucasia, thou hast touch'd my Soul!Barely but to imagine thou must die,Will make me restless in my silent Grave.Is not my Death sufficient, barbarous Man?But mustLucasia's Woe be added too?Dry up those Tears, my Wife, my lovely Bride,Or thou wilt make me truly miserable,Preserve thy Life, that I may after Death,In thee my better Part survive.For thee and for my Friend my only Prayers shall be,If you both live,Palantedies with Pleasure.

Grav.Away with 'em, and let the Law decide it.

Luc.I too alike am guilty;O let me share the Punishment with them,Thou shalt not go alone, take me with thee;Here are my willing Hands, quick bind 'em fast,

[Runs and claspsPalante.

Else here I'll hold 'till my last Breath expires.

Grav.Ungracious Viper, let go the Traitor.

Luc.What to die? Oh, never!

Pal.Had I a hundred Lives, the Venture hadBeen small for such a Prize.A Face not half so fair as thine has arm'dWhole Nations in the Field for Battle ripe:And brought a thousand Sail toTenedos,To sack lamentedTroy, and shou'd I fearTo hazard one poor Life for thee, my Fair?A Life that had been lost without thy Love,For thou'rt both Life and Soul to thyPalante.

Luc.I'll clasp him like the last Remains of Life.And struggle still with never dying Love.[Holds him.

Grav.Then thus I dash thee from him, thou Stranger

[Pushes her, and falls down.

To my Blood, there lie and grovel on the Earth, and thank the Powers I do not kill thee; away to Justice with the Traitors.

Pal.If there be a Torment beyond this Sight,Then lead me to it, that I may taste allThe Variety of Misery, andGrow compleatly wretched.Oh, inhuman Cruelty!Slaves give me Way, that swift as Lightning,I may dash him dead that wrong'dLucasia.You spiteful Powers, show'r all your Curses down,Augment the Weight, and sink me all at once.

Grav.Away with the Traitor.

Pal.Oh, let me first embrace my Love, my Wife.

Grav.By Hell, he shall not.

Pal.So when a Ship by adverse Winds is tost,And all the Hopes to gain the Port is lost,The trembling Mariners to Heaven cry,And all in vain, for no Relief is nigh.Around fierce Terrors strike the aking Sight;So I when shut from that all-charming Light,Like them must plunge in everlasting Night.

[Exit. forc'd off.Grav.I'll to the Governor, and urge my injur'd Suit.RoscoandIrus, guard that wretched Woman; take Care that she neither sends nor receives a Message.[Exit.Rosco.Yes, my Lord.Eug.My very Heart bleeds to see two such faithful Lovers parted; methinks my Lord's too cruel in this Action.Ros.Ay, ay, Friend; but we are to obey, not to dispute his Will.Eug.I can scarce forbear revealing myself, but I will reserve it for a fitter Hour; her Grief's so great, I fear it has deprived her of her Senses; look up, Madam.Luc.Where's myPalante, gone to death? Oh Heav'n!Then shall I be mad, indeed? what are you,Officers of Justice! I'm ready, Sir.Eug.No, Madam, I am one my Lord your Father left to attend you.Luc.Attend me! alas, I need no Attendance.Eug.Do not reject my Service.Luc.All Service comes too late to miserable me;My Fortune's desperate grown.Eug.Believe me, Madam, I have a feeling Woe;A greater your own Brother could not have:Think not I'm suborn'd to do you wrong,By all the Pow'rs I'm your trusty Friend,Command me any Thing, and try my Faith.Ros.This is a rare spoken Fellow; I can't put in a Word.Luc.Oh! 'tis most prodigious;Cou'd I lose Pity in a Father's Breast,And find it in a Stranger's? I shall notLive to thank you, Sir, but my best Prayers goWith you.Eug.'Tis not for Thanks, nor for Reward I look,But the Sacred Love I bear to Virtue,Makes me offer this.Luc.Surely this poor Man is nobly bred, howe'erHis Habit speaks him.[Aside.]All Physic comes too late to my sick Mind,Since there's no Hopes of myPalante's Life.Eug.Unless the Governor will please to pardon him, 'twas good that he were mov'd.Ros.Be not so forward, Friend, I say; in my Conscience this Fellow will betrayEugeniolives.Eug.Peace, Fool.Ros.You are something free, methinks.Luc.Who shall dare to make that Supplication?My Father and the Count ofPirrorules;Yet I wou'd venture if I knew which Way.Eug.So meritorious is the Act, that I wou'd stand the Test in giving you the Liberty to sue.Ros.How, Sir?Eug.Peace, Muckworm, or my Sword shall stop thy Breath for ever.Ros.A desperate Fellow this, I dare not contradict him.

[Exit. forc'd off.

Grav.I'll to the Governor, and urge my injur'd Suit.RoscoandIrus, guard that wretched Woman; take Care that she neither sends nor receives a Message.[Exit.

Rosco.Yes, my Lord.

Eug.My very Heart bleeds to see two such faithful Lovers parted; methinks my Lord's too cruel in this Action.

Ros.Ay, ay, Friend; but we are to obey, not to dispute his Will.

Eug.I can scarce forbear revealing myself, but I will reserve it for a fitter Hour; her Grief's so great, I fear it has deprived her of her Senses; look up, Madam.

Luc.Where's myPalante, gone to death? Oh Heav'n!Then shall I be mad, indeed? what are you,Officers of Justice! I'm ready, Sir.

Eug.No, Madam, I am one my Lord your Father left to attend you.

Luc.Attend me! alas, I need no Attendance.

Eug.Do not reject my Service.

Luc.All Service comes too late to miserable me;My Fortune's desperate grown.

Eug.Believe me, Madam, I have a feeling Woe;A greater your own Brother could not have:Think not I'm suborn'd to do you wrong,By all the Pow'rs I'm your trusty Friend,Command me any Thing, and try my Faith.

Ros.This is a rare spoken Fellow; I can't put in a Word.

Luc.Oh! 'tis most prodigious;Cou'd I lose Pity in a Father's Breast,And find it in a Stranger's? I shall notLive to thank you, Sir, but my best Prayers goWith you.

Eug.'Tis not for Thanks, nor for Reward I look,But the Sacred Love I bear to Virtue,Makes me offer this.

Luc.Surely this poor Man is nobly bred, howe'erHis Habit speaks him.[Aside.]All Physic comes too late to my sick Mind,Since there's no Hopes of myPalante's Life.

Eug.Unless the Governor will please to pardon him, 'twas good that he were mov'd.

Ros.Be not so forward, Friend, I say; in my Conscience this Fellow will betrayEugeniolives.

Eug.Peace, Fool.

Ros.You are something free, methinks.

Luc.Who shall dare to make that Supplication?My Father and the Count ofPirrorules;Yet I wou'd venture if I knew which Way.

Eug.So meritorious is the Act, that I wou'd stand the Test in giving you the Liberty to sue.

Ros.How, Sir?

Eug.Peace, Muckworm, or my Sword shall stop thy Breath for ever.

Ros.A desperate Fellow this, I dare not contradict him.

Luc.A thousand Blessings on you for your Care,Yes, I will go, grant it ye Powers above;If you had e'er regard to injur'd Love:Teach me such Words as may his Pity move;Let it pierce deep into his stony Heart,In all my Sufferings make him feel a Part.Oh make him feel the Pangs of sharp Despair,That he may know what wretched Lovers bear:My Sighs and Tears shall with Intreaties join,That he would savePalante'sLife, or sentence mine:But if relentless to my Prayers he be,And he must fall, then welcome Destiny.Fate does our Lives so close together twine,Who cuts the Thread of his unravels mine.

[Exeunt.

SCENEthe Governor's House.Enter the Governor and CountPirro.

Gov.Welcome, my dearest Nephew, you are grown a Stranger to the Court of late, tho' you know my aged Sight receives no Joy without you; but I can forgive you since Love is the Cause: I hear you have the LordGravello's Consent to marry the fairLucasia.Pirro.I had, my Lord, but am unjustly robb'd of that fair Prize you mention; my promis'd Bride is stolen byPalante, LordEuphenes's Foster-Son, a Man far unworthy ofLucasia's Love; her Father with Officers are gone to apprehend 'em—and bring 'em here before you to receive their Doom: Oh, Uncle, if ever you had a Kindness for me; if the being ally'd to you by Blood, or aught I have done, or can hereafter do, let me intreat you to give the Law its utmost Course: YoungClerimonttoo assisted in the Rape.Gov.Fear not, Nephew, the Law shall have its Course, and they shall surely die.EnterEuphenesand CountGravelloat several Doors.Euph.My Lord, the Governor, I am come begging to you, forPalantemy Foster-Son, whom, Childless, I adopted for my own; for him I plead.Gov.What is his Offence?Euph.No heinous Crime, my Lord, no treasonable Plot against your Person or the State, for then these aged Cheeks wou'd blush to ask Pardon. No crying Murder stains his Hands, his Fault is only Love: Unfortunately he has married the Daughter and Heiress to that proud Lord that follows, and seeks the last Extremity.Grav.I seek no more than what the Law will give; I am abus'd, my Lord, my Daughter is stoll'n, the only Comfort of my Age: Justice, my Lord, 'tis Justice that I ask.Pirro.To his just Suit I bend my Knees—be not biass'd by aught but Justice.Euph.Thou speakest like an Enemy, call it Revenge—not Justice——My Lord.——Gov.I'll hear no more, be silent; if the Law will save him, he shall live, if not, he dies; yes, my Lord, you shall have Justice——[Exeunt.SCENEchanges toGravello'sHouse.EnterLarich, Francisco,andLavinia.Lar.Body o'me! here's mad Work abroad, my Niece is stolen: I'm resolv'd to make sure of you; the Priest shall join you instantly.Fran.Haste, Sir, to consummate our Joy:I'll call the Muses from their sacred Hill,To emulate your Daughter's Beauty;And I'll, myself, in lofty Numbers sing my ownEpithalamium.Lar.First I'll punish that Impostor——Here, bring in the Prisoner.Lav.Oh! I fear we are undone,Francisco.Fran.Pray, Father, delay not my exorbitant Desires.Lar.But for a Moment, learn'd Son,And thy exorbitant Desires shall be satisfied.EnterSanchoandTristram,forc'd in by Servants.San.Hey-day! What's the Matter now: Is the old Gentleman grown generous? Must we take a Bottle in his own House, ha?Lar.Sirrah, you are a very impudent Impostor.San.Hey, what's here, Frank in my Cloaths? what is there a Play to be acted? ha? what Part must I play? I have acted a Part at the College e'er now, Pox on't, that College will run in my Head, pr'ythee what am I to play,Francisco.Fran.The Fool, Sir.San.That's something blunt tho'Frank.Lar.Ha! what do I hear?Francisco? sure that's the Fellow my Daughter is in Love with, I must enquire into this.Fran.My Reverend Patree, I hope you'll not credit this illiterate Idiot, you knew me by my Scholastic Breeding.San.Why what does he mean now? Breeding! why, why, why, you wer'nt half so long atSalamancaas I,Frank, if you go to thatTristram, where are my Books,Tristram? we'll soon see who's most learn'd.Γέρων πίθηκος ούχ άλίσνοται πάγιςYou must not think to catch old birds with Chaff.Δὶς διὰ πασῶν ἐςι ῶρὼ ἄλληλαHe knows not a Hawk from a Handsaw.Fran.The Man's distracted, Sir, away with him to Prison.San.To Prison! nay, then the Truth shall out, that Habit's mine, and these Cloaths are his, he told me that this Lady wou'd hate a Scholar, and taught me how to act the Bully, fackins he did now, askTristramelse.Lar.Here's strange juggling, I believe neither of you is SeigniorSancho's Son.Trist.Bless me, Sir, do you doubt my Master? why he's as like my old Master as if he was spit out of his Mouth.Lav.Methinks now by the Description, Father, this Scholar must needs be DonSancho, and this aukward Beau but a Pretender.Lar.Peace, I'll have none of your Judgment.San.A Pretender, odsbud, I find she is in Love with a Scholar, what a Sot was I to be persuaded to change my Habit, I shall be fobb'd of my Mistress, by and by, whyFrank, why thou wilt not fob me wilt thou.Lar.Right, that Project will take,——come who produces me a Letter from my Friend, I know the Hand, and that shall decide the Business.Trist.Here, here, Sir, here's Letters.[Pulls out a Leather Pouch with Letters, and gives it toLarich.San.That's my Father's Hand, I can assure you, Sir, but the Stile isSolomon's, they are freight with Wisdom, but my Father pays the Postage.Lav.Now we're undone, we are certainly betray'd.Fran.Have Courage, I will still be near thee, and prevent this Marriage or lose my Life.Lav.My Woman shall give you Notice of their Proceedings.Lar.I am convinc'd, and worthy Sir, I ask your Pardon, what an Escape have I had.San.Pr'ytheeFrankdon't frown so, faith I forgive thee with all my Heart.Fran.Away you Dolt——San.FackingsTristram, he's woundy out of Humour, I have fob'd him now Faith, he, he, he.Lar.Sir, I desire your scholastic Breeding wou'd quit my temporal Habitation [toFrancisco,] least I commit you to a closer Place, and thank this Gentleman for your Liberty, 'tis because he has some small Acquaintance with you, that I don't proceed in a rougher Manner.Fran.I am defenceless now, but I shall find a Time.[Exit.Lar.To be hang'd I hope, come Mrs. I suppose you had a Hand in this wise Plot, I'll prevent your Stratagems, I'll noose and fetter you in the Chains of Wedlock, then if you plot, letSancholook to't.

Pirro.I had, my Lord, but am unjustly robb'd of that fair Prize you mention; my promis'd Bride is stolen byPalante, LordEuphenes's Foster-Son, a Man far unworthy ofLucasia's Love; her Father with Officers are gone to apprehend 'em—and bring 'em here before you to receive their Doom: Oh, Uncle, if ever you had a Kindness for me; if the being ally'd to you by Blood, or aught I have done, or can hereafter do, let me intreat you to give the Law its utmost Course: YoungClerimonttoo assisted in the Rape.

Gov.Fear not, Nephew, the Law shall have its Course, and they shall surely die.

EnterEuphenesand CountGravelloat several Doors.

Euph.My Lord, the Governor, I am come begging to you, forPalantemy Foster-Son, whom, Childless, I adopted for my own; for him I plead.

Gov.What is his Offence?

Euph.No heinous Crime, my Lord, no treasonable Plot against your Person or the State, for then these aged Cheeks wou'd blush to ask Pardon. No crying Murder stains his Hands, his Fault is only Love: Unfortunately he has married the Daughter and Heiress to that proud Lord that follows, and seeks the last Extremity.

Grav.I seek no more than what the Law will give; I am abus'd, my Lord, my Daughter is stoll'n, the only Comfort of my Age: Justice, my Lord, 'tis Justice that I ask.

Pirro.To his just Suit I bend my Knees—be not biass'd by aught but Justice.

Euph.Thou speakest like an Enemy, call it Revenge—not Justice——My Lord.——

Gov.I'll hear no more, be silent; if the Law will save him, he shall live, if not, he dies; yes, my Lord, you shall have Justice——[Exeunt.

SCENEchanges toGravello'sHouse.EnterLarich, Francisco,andLavinia.

Lar.Body o'me! here's mad Work abroad, my Niece is stolen: I'm resolv'd to make sure of you; the Priest shall join you instantly.

Fran.Haste, Sir, to consummate our Joy:I'll call the Muses from their sacred Hill,To emulate your Daughter's Beauty;And I'll, myself, in lofty Numbers sing my ownEpithalamium.

Lar.First I'll punish that Impostor——Here, bring in the Prisoner.

Lav.Oh! I fear we are undone,Francisco.

Fran.Pray, Father, delay not my exorbitant Desires.

Lar.But for a Moment, learn'd Son,And thy exorbitant Desires shall be satisfied.

EnterSanchoandTristram,forc'd in by Servants.

San.Hey-day! What's the Matter now: Is the old Gentleman grown generous? Must we take a Bottle in his own House, ha?

Lar.Sirrah, you are a very impudent Impostor.

San.Hey, what's here, Frank in my Cloaths? what is there a Play to be acted? ha? what Part must I play? I have acted a Part at the College e'er now, Pox on't, that College will run in my Head, pr'ythee what am I to play,Francisco.

Fran.The Fool, Sir.

San.That's something blunt tho'Frank.

Lar.Ha! what do I hear?Francisco? sure that's the Fellow my Daughter is in Love with, I must enquire into this.

Fran.My Reverend Patree, I hope you'll not credit this illiterate Idiot, you knew me by my Scholastic Breeding.

San.Why what does he mean now? Breeding! why, why, why, you wer'nt half so long atSalamancaas I,Frank, if you go to thatTristram, where are my Books,Tristram? we'll soon see who's most learn'd.

Γέρων πίθηκος ούχ άλίσνοται πάγις

You must not think to catch old birds with Chaff.

Δὶς διὰ πασῶν ἐςι ῶρὼ ἄλληλα

He knows not a Hawk from a Handsaw.

Fran.The Man's distracted, Sir, away with him to Prison.

San.To Prison! nay, then the Truth shall out, that Habit's mine, and these Cloaths are his, he told me that this Lady wou'd hate a Scholar, and taught me how to act the Bully, fackins he did now, askTristramelse.

Lar.Here's strange juggling, I believe neither of you is SeigniorSancho's Son.

Trist.Bless me, Sir, do you doubt my Master? why he's as like my old Master as if he was spit out of his Mouth.

Lav.Methinks now by the Description, Father, this Scholar must needs be DonSancho, and this aukward Beau but a Pretender.

Lar.Peace, I'll have none of your Judgment.

San.A Pretender, odsbud, I find she is in Love with a Scholar, what a Sot was I to be persuaded to change my Habit, I shall be fobb'd of my Mistress, by and by, whyFrank, why thou wilt not fob me wilt thou.

Lar.Right, that Project will take,——come who produces me a Letter from my Friend, I know the Hand, and that shall decide the Business.

Trist.Here, here, Sir, here's Letters.

[Pulls out a Leather Pouch with Letters, and gives it toLarich.

San.That's my Father's Hand, I can assure you, Sir, but the Stile isSolomon's, they are freight with Wisdom, but my Father pays the Postage.

Lav.Now we're undone, we are certainly betray'd.

Fran.Have Courage, I will still be near thee, and prevent this Marriage or lose my Life.

Lav.My Woman shall give you Notice of their Proceedings.

Lar.I am convinc'd, and worthy Sir, I ask your Pardon, what an Escape have I had.

San.Pr'ytheeFrankdon't frown so, faith I forgive thee with all my Heart.

Fran.Away you Dolt——

San.FackingsTristram, he's woundy out of Humour, I have fob'd him now Faith, he, he, he.

Lar.Sir, I desire your scholastic Breeding wou'd quit my temporal Habitation [toFrancisco,] least I commit you to a closer Place, and thank this Gentleman for your Liberty, 'tis because he has some small Acquaintance with you, that I don't proceed in a rougher Manner.

Fran.I am defenceless now, but I shall find a Time.[Exit.

Lar.To be hang'd I hope, come Mrs. I suppose you had a Hand in this wise Plot, I'll prevent your Stratagems, I'll noose and fetter you in the Chains of Wedlock, then if you plot, letSancholook to't.

For when they are wed the Father's Care is done,Trist.And the poor doting Husband's just begun.

ACT IV. SCENEthe Governor'sHouse. The Governor in a Chair reading..

Gov.I Have been searching over all ourSicilianLaws, and know they cannot find one Clause to savePalante.Enter a Servant.Serv.A Lady without, my Lord will not be denied your Presence.Gov.Admit her.EnterLucasia.Luc.Pardon me, Sir, for pressing thus rudelyOn your Privacy, I know 'tis boldness.But I hope the Hour's propitious to me,Finding you alone, and free from Business,I promise myself I shall be heard with Patience.Gov.Were the Business of the World at stake, such Beauty would claim a Hearing, speak Madam.Luc.Thus low I beg for poorPalante's Life.Gov.Ha!Luc.Oh, Sir.If ever Pity touch'd your gen'rous Breast,If ever Virgin's Tears had Power to move,Or if you ever lov'd and felt the PangsThat other Lovers do, pity, great Sir,Pity and pardon two unhappy Lovers.Gov.Your Life is not in Question, Madam.Luc.IfPalantedies, I cannot live, for weHave but one Heart, and can have but one Fate.Gov.What I can do, I will to save him, but Law must have its Course, rise Madam.Luc.Never till——The gracious Word of Pardon raises me,There's Pity in your Eye, oh! shew it, Sir!And say that he shall live, 'tis but a Word,But oh, as welcome as the Breath of Life,Why will you part two Hearts that Heav'n has join'd?He is my Husband, Sir, and I his wedded Wife.Gov.That can plead no Excuse, for 'tis your Crime, but if I shou'd incline to pity you, what wou'd you return? what wou'd you do to purchase the Life of him you hold so dear?Luc.You cannot think the Thing I would not do.Speak, Sir, and lay it but in my Power,And even beyond my Power I will attempt.Gov.You wou'd be thankful then shou'd I pardon him?Luc.If I were ever thankful unto Heav'nFor all that I call mine, my Health and Being,Cou'd I then be unthankful unto you,For a Gift I value more than those?Without which all other Blessings will be tasteless.Gov.Those that are thankful study to requite, wou'd you do so?Luc.As far as I am capable I will,Tho' I can ne'er make ample Satisfaction,All my Services to you are Duty,But to those Pow'rs above that can requiteThat from their Wasteless Treasure daily heapRewards more out of Grace than merit onUs Mortals;To those I'll pray that they wou'd give you, Sir,More Blessings than I have Skill to ask.Gov.There rises one Way and but one to save him.Luc.Oh! name it, Sir, that——Swift as the Arrow from the Archer's HandMy trembling Feet may fly to save him,Oh! you have rais'd me from the Gulph of GriefTo that blest comfortable Region, Hope,My Senses all dance in the Cirque of Joy.My ravish'd Heart leaps up to hear your Words,And seems as 'twou'd come forth to thank you.Say, how, how shall I save him?Gov.Marry my NephewPirroandPalantelives.Luc.Oh! unexpected Turn of rigid Fate,Cruel, Sir, far more cruel than my Father.Why did you raise me to a Height of Joy?To sink me in a Moment down again,In what a sad Dilemma stands my Choice,Either to wed the Man my Soul most loaths,Or see him die for whom alone I live.To break my sacred Vows to Heav'n and him,To save a Life which he would scorn to takeOn Terms like those, name any Thing but that,You are more just than to enforce my Will,Why should I marry one I cannot love,And sure I am I cannot love CountPirro,Love him! no, I shou'd detest and loath him.The Cause that made him mine, wou'd hourly addFresh Matter for my Hate.Gov.You have your Choice, I swear by Heaven never to pardon him, but upon these Conditions.Luc.Oh! I am miserable.Gov.'Tis your own Fault, come consider Madam,Palantewill thank you for his Life, and if you let him die, you are the Tyrant.Luc.I shou'd be such if I shou'd save him thus.Since you have swore not to save him uponOther Terms, I'll shew a duteous CrueltyAnd rather follow him in Death than soTo buy his Life, no, I despise the Price.Why do I breathe my Woes, or beg for Mercy here;Or hope to find plain Honesty in Courts?No, their Ears are always stopp'd against Justice,Avarice and Pride supplies the Place of Pity.So may just Heav'n when you for Mercy sue,As you have pitied me so pardon you.[Exeunt severally.SCENECountGravello'sHouse.EnterLarich, Lavinia, SanchoandTristram.San.Is the Priest readyTristram?Trist.Yes, yes, Sir, a Priest and a Lawyer are always in Readiness, their Tongues are the chief Instrument belonging to their Trade, with which they commonly do more Mischief than all the Surgeons in the Kingdom can heal, he waits in the next Room, Sir, if you can get the Lady in the Mind.Lar.You are witty Sirrah, but no more of your Jests, do ye hear, least I make you experience, there's something else can do Mischief besides their Tongues, come Mistress what you are in the Dumps now, are you? dry up your Eyes and go about it chearfully, or I'll turn you out of Doors, I assure you.Lav.Good, Sir, consider.Lar.Consider! no I won't consider, nor shall you consider upon ought but what I'd have you.Lav.Sir, do you persuade him. [To Sanch.] think how unhappy I shall make you.San.Make me happy first, and then I'll do any Thing you'd have me.Trist.The wisest Bargain I ever heard my Master make.Lav.What wou'd you do, Sir, with me that cannot love you? Alas I was engaged long before I saw you, you may be happier far elsewhere, go court some Nymph whose Heart's intirely free, such only can be worthy of your Love.San.For my Part I don't know what to say.Lar.'Zdeath she'll persuade him by and by to quit his Pretences to her——come, come, come Mistress no more of your Cant. [Pulls her by the Arm.] It shall avail you nothing I'll promise you.Lav.Good, Sir, hold a little, DonSanchoseems disposed to hear Reason.San.Why ay truly, for my Part methinks 'tis a Pity to vex the Lady so.Lav.Besides, Sir, 'tis for his sake I do it, to make him easy, and to prevent his eternal Shame and Torture.San.Poor Fool, how hard it is, ay, ay, I know 'tis for my Sake, pray, Sir, hear her—pray do for my Sake as she says.Lar.Pooh Fool.San.Shall she say more for my Sake, than you'll hear Father that is to be.Lar.Well Huzzy, consider what you say, for if it be'nt to the Purpose, as I'm sure it won't——look to't!Lav.Before your hasty Rashness betrays me to eternal Woe, revoke your harsh Commands.Lar.Ay, I knew that would follow, and this is all you have to say, Mistress, ha? come, come Woe, I'll woe you.Lav.Something I have to speak, but know not in what Words to dress my Thoughts fit for me to speak, or you to hear, oh spare the poor Remains of my already too much violated Modesty,—Heav'n can I do this, but there is no other Way.[Aside.Lar.How? how? how's that? Modesty! why what a Duce is the Matter with your Modesty, ha?Lav.Oh! Sir, force me not to wrong a Man whose Father I have so often heard you say, you lov'd, think what sure Disgrace will follow, how will it reflect upon your Name and Family, when I shall be found no Virgin.Lar.Ha! no Virgin? take Heed Minion that you stain not the Honour of my House, for if you do, I swear by the best Blood inSicily, my Sword shall do me Justice.Lav.Now help me Courage, and forgive me Heaven my Resolutions, Death or myFrancisco.[Aside.I throw myself beneath your Feet, thus prostrate beg for Mercy, that I have deserved Death my guilty Blushes own, the mighty Secret hangs upon my Tongue, but Shame refuses Utterance to my Words.Lar.I'm all of a cold Sweat, Heav'ns! how I dread the End of her Discourse.San.Pray Father let her rise, or I shall weep too.Trist.Nay, I'll say that for my Master, he's as tractable as a Monkey, and generally does what he sees other People do.[Aside.Lav.Oh! let it still remain unknown, and rather banish me, confine me to some horrid Desart, there to live on Roots and withered Grass, and with the falling Dew, still quench my Thirst, and lastly to some savage Monster be a Prey, e'er I divulge my Shame.San.I can hold no longer.[Cries aloud.Lar.On, for I'll hear it all, tho' thou shalt live no longer than thou hast told thy Tale.Lav.Sure ne'er before was Maid thus wretched, OhFrancisco! I give thee here the greatest Proof of Love that ever Woman gave——if it must out, then with it take my Life, but Oh! spare the innocent Babe.Lar.Ha! the Babe?Lav.Oh! I am with Child.Lar.Then die both, and both be damn'd.[Offers to stab her, but is prevented bySanchoandTristram.Sanc.Oh, Lord, Sir, for Heavens Sake, Sir, are you mad, helpTristram.Lar.'Zdeath a Whore! Oh thou Scandal of my Blood.San.Egad I'm resolv'd to own the Child, and bully this old Fellow a little now——a Whore, Sir! who dares call my Wife a Whore? the Child is mine, Sir, let me see who has any Thing to say to't.Lar.Away, don't trifle with me, I shall not give you Credit.San.What care I whether you do or no, I say again the Child is mine, Madam, dry your Eyes, I like you ne'er the worse, and the World will like me the better for't, it will bring me into Reputation.Lav.Oh Heavens! what will come on me now, Oh! fly me, Sir, as you wou'd shun Contagion, cou'd you receive into your Arms a Wretch polluted by another.San.Pish, shaw, pish, shaw, 'tis the least Thing in a thousand, thou said thou didst it for my Sake just now, and sure I shou'd return the Kindness, Ingratitude is worse than the Sin of Witchcraft.Lar.Oh! the audacious Strumpet, give me Way, that I may punish the Offence as it deserves.[Franciscowithin.Fran.Slaves give me Way, he dies that bars my Entrance.Lav.Ha! 'tis myFrancisco's Voice—Oh! blest Minute.Lar.Ha! what Noise is that?[Help, Murder cry'd within.San.How Murder within and Murder without too, this is a barbarous House, I wish I was safe out on't.Tristramstand by thy Master.Tristr.Oh, Sir, I had rather run with you, for I hate Murder in cool Blood.EnterFranciscowith his Sword drawn.Lar.Help within there, murder, you won't murder me Sirrah, ha? [Enter three or four Servants.] run for the Corregidore, I shall be murder'd in my own House.Fran.No, Sir, this Sword can never hurt the Father ofLavinia, nor will my Arm guide it to any Act unjust, nor is it drawn for aught but to defend my Wife.Lar.Impudent Rascal, can'st thou look me in the Face, and know how thou hast injur'd me, thou hast dishonour'd my Daughter.San.Sir, I say no man has dishonour'd her but myself, and I wonder you shou'd tax this honest Gentleman with it.Fran.Ha, Villain! re-call what you have said, or by Heaven 'tis thy last, 'tis safer playing with a Lion, than with Lavinia's Fame.[Holding his Sword at his Teeth.San. Lavinia's Fame, what Fame, what makes you so choleric, I thought I shou'd do the Lady a Kindness in it.Trist.Many a Man wou'd have been glad to have got rid of it so.Lav.Humour my Father in what he says, for 'twas my last Stratagem to defer my Marriage.[Aside toFrancisco.Lar. Lavinia's Fame! No Monster, thou hast robb'd, robb'd her of her Fame.Fran.The Wrong my Love has done your fair Daughter, 'tis now too late to wish undone again, but if you please it may be clos'd up yet without Dishonour, I will marry her.Lar.Marry her? she'll have a mighty Bargain of that, marry a Beggar, what Jointure canst thou make her?Fran.I am poor, I must confess, in regard of your large Wealth, but I swear by all Things that can bind, 'twas not your Wealth was the Foundation of true-built Love, it was her single uncompounded self, her self without Addition that I lov'd, which shall ever in my Heart out-weigh all other Womens Fortunes with themselves, and were I great, great as I cou'd wish myself for her Advancement, no such Bar as Fortune's Inequality shou'd stand betwixt our Loves.Lar.Say you so, Sir, why then take her——there hang, drown'd or starve together, I care not which, but never come within my Doors more.[Throws her to him.[ExitLarich.San.Hey day, what have I lost my Mistress then, why what must I say to my Father,Tristram, who'll run stark mad without Hopes of a Grandson?Tristr.Oh, Sir, if this Gentleman had not put in his Claim, here had been one ready to his Hands.San.Ah Pox on't, 'tis damn'd unlucky, but come let's to the Tavern and drink away Sorrow.[Exeunt.Fran.Come my fairLavinia, and find a Father in thy Husband's Arms, oh thou charming Excellence, thou something better sure than ever Woman was, the matchless Proof that thou hast given of thy Love shall be recorded to Posterity——Lav.It is a matchless one indeed, and I struggled long e'er I cou'd bring myself to own a Deed so distant from my Heart, but it has serv'd my Purpose, and I glory in it now, but my Father's last Words methinks chills my Blood, how shall you like the Yoke without lining think you ha!Fran.Don't wrong my LoveLavinia, or think that I can want any Thing when possest of thee.Love shall make up what Fortune does deny,And Love alone shall all our Wants supply.[Exeunt.TheSCENEchanges to the Street, CountPirroand LordGravello.Grav.Now my Lord she's your's again,Palantedies.Pirro.So noble were the Carriage of the Youths that I could almost pity their hard Sentence.Grav.I admirePalante's Constancy, he seem'd regardless when the Jury pronounc'd his Sentence, as if he feared not Death, but when his Friends came on, I observed the Tears to fall.Pirro.He begg'd very hard to save his Friend.——Grav.And his Friend as eagerly to die with him, truly I thinkClerimont's Crime did not deserve Death, but ourSicilianLaws doom all to Death that have but the least Hand in stealing of an Heiress, but see the LordEuphenes, he sticking hard to save his Foster Son, let's avoid him, for I know he'll rail.[Exit.Enter LordEuphenes.Euph.Unhappy poorPalante, the Law has cast thee in Spite of all that I could do to save thee, I'd give my whole Estate to rescue thee from Death: In thee methought my lostLysanderliv'd, and in losing thee I'm childless now indeed. I lov'd thee like my own Son, I rescu'd thee from Pyrates, by which my Child was lost.EnterAlphonso.Alphon.Thus once again from twenty Years Exile.(Tost by the Storms of Fortune to and fro)Has gracious Heav'n giv'n me Leave to treadMy native Earth ofSicily, and drawThat Air that fed me in my Infancy.Euph.Ha! either my Eyes deceive me or 'tis my good old FriendAlphonso.Alph.My LordEuphenes?Euph. Alphonso, welcome toSicily, I thought thee dead with my unhappy Son, or what was worse, in Slavery, where no Intelligence cou'd find thee, for I have us'd my utmost Diligence.Alph.In part you have guess'd aright, for I have been twenty tedious Years in gauling Slavery, for when theArgivessurprized the Fort they hurried me on board, and because I made a brave Resistance, they ne'er wou'd give me Leave to offer at my Ransom, so violent was their Hate, but now worn out with Age, unfitting for their Labour, they turn'd me Home, an useless Drone, your Son they put on board another Ship, and by some I heard it rumoured, he being wondrous fair, that they design'd to breed him for the Sultan's Use, but some Years after I heard he was retaken on this Coast.Euph.Ha!Alph.I conceal'd his Name, least the many Conquests you have gain'd against them shou'd have wing'd their Revenge, and made 'em kill the lovely Child, I call'd himPalante, have you ever heard of such a one?Euph.Oh all ye immortal Powers, the very same, I took, and isPalantethenLysander, and have I found thee once to lose thee ever?Alph.Ha! what means all this?Euph.'Twas Nature then that worked my Soul, and I by Instinct lov'd him. Oh myAlphonso, this Discovery comes too late, and instead of bringing Comfort to my Age, thou hast plung'd me down in deep Despair.Alph.Alas, my Lord, how have I err'd? pray explain yourself.Euph.OhAlphonso! the Youth thou speak'st of I retook fromArgivePirates, I bred him, and tho' not sensible who he was, I lov'd him tenderly: He is this very Day condemn'd for stealing of an Heiress, now judge if my Grief falls not with Weight upon me.Alph.Unfortunate Mischance, is there no Way to save him?Euph.None I fear, but yet I'll try all Means, if my long Service to my Country, my Winter Camps, and Summer Heats, and all my stormy Fate at Sea can plead, I will expand my Deeds asRome's Consuls did of old, make bare my Breast, and shew my scar'd Bosom to move and raise their Pity.

Gov.I Have been searching over all ourSicilianLaws, and know they cannot find one Clause to savePalante.

Enter a Servant.

Serv.A Lady without, my Lord will not be denied your Presence.

Gov.Admit her.

EnterLucasia.

Luc.Pardon me, Sir, for pressing thus rudelyOn your Privacy, I know 'tis boldness.But I hope the Hour's propitious to me,Finding you alone, and free from Business,I promise myself I shall be heard with Patience.

Gov.Were the Business of the World at stake, such Beauty would claim a Hearing, speak Madam.

Luc.Thus low I beg for poorPalante's Life.

Gov.Ha!

Luc.Oh, Sir.If ever Pity touch'd your gen'rous Breast,If ever Virgin's Tears had Power to move,Or if you ever lov'd and felt the PangsThat other Lovers do, pity, great Sir,Pity and pardon two unhappy Lovers.

Gov.Your Life is not in Question, Madam.

Luc.IfPalantedies, I cannot live, for weHave but one Heart, and can have but one Fate.

Gov.What I can do, I will to save him, but Law must have its Course, rise Madam.

Luc.Never till——The gracious Word of Pardon raises me,There's Pity in your Eye, oh! shew it, Sir!And say that he shall live, 'tis but a Word,But oh, as welcome as the Breath of Life,Why will you part two Hearts that Heav'n has join'd?He is my Husband, Sir, and I his wedded Wife.

Gov.That can plead no Excuse, for 'tis your Crime, but if I shou'd incline to pity you, what wou'd you return? what wou'd you do to purchase the Life of him you hold so dear?

Luc.You cannot think the Thing I would not do.Speak, Sir, and lay it but in my Power,And even beyond my Power I will attempt.

Gov.You wou'd be thankful then shou'd I pardon him?

Luc.If I were ever thankful unto Heav'nFor all that I call mine, my Health and Being,Cou'd I then be unthankful unto you,For a Gift I value more than those?Without which all other Blessings will be tasteless.

Gov.Those that are thankful study to requite, wou'd you do so?

Luc.As far as I am capable I will,Tho' I can ne'er make ample Satisfaction,All my Services to you are Duty,But to those Pow'rs above that can requiteThat from their Wasteless Treasure daily heapRewards more out of Grace than merit onUs Mortals;To those I'll pray that they wou'd give you, Sir,More Blessings than I have Skill to ask.

Gov.There rises one Way and but one to save him.

Luc.Oh! name it, Sir, that——Swift as the Arrow from the Archer's HandMy trembling Feet may fly to save him,Oh! you have rais'd me from the Gulph of GriefTo that blest comfortable Region, Hope,My Senses all dance in the Cirque of Joy.My ravish'd Heart leaps up to hear your Words,And seems as 'twou'd come forth to thank you.Say, how, how shall I save him?

Gov.Marry my NephewPirroandPalantelives.

Luc.Oh! unexpected Turn of rigid Fate,Cruel, Sir, far more cruel than my Father.Why did you raise me to a Height of Joy?To sink me in a Moment down again,In what a sad Dilemma stands my Choice,Either to wed the Man my Soul most loaths,Or see him die for whom alone I live.To break my sacred Vows to Heav'n and him,To save a Life which he would scorn to takeOn Terms like those, name any Thing but that,You are more just than to enforce my Will,Why should I marry one I cannot love,And sure I am I cannot love CountPirro,Love him! no, I shou'd detest and loath him.The Cause that made him mine, wou'd hourly addFresh Matter for my Hate.

Gov.You have your Choice, I swear by Heaven never to pardon him, but upon these Conditions.

Luc.Oh! I am miserable.

Gov.'Tis your own Fault, come consider Madam,Palantewill thank you for his Life, and if you let him die, you are the Tyrant.

Luc.I shou'd be such if I shou'd save him thus.Since you have swore not to save him uponOther Terms, I'll shew a duteous CrueltyAnd rather follow him in Death than soTo buy his Life, no, I despise the Price.Why do I breathe my Woes, or beg for Mercy here;Or hope to find plain Honesty in Courts?No, their Ears are always stopp'd against Justice,Avarice and Pride supplies the Place of Pity.

So may just Heav'n when you for Mercy sue,As you have pitied me so pardon you.

[Exeunt severally.

SCENECountGravello'sHouse.EnterLarich, Lavinia, SanchoandTristram.

San.Is the Priest readyTristram?

Trist.Yes, yes, Sir, a Priest and a Lawyer are always in Readiness, their Tongues are the chief Instrument belonging to their Trade, with which they commonly do more Mischief than all the Surgeons in the Kingdom can heal, he waits in the next Room, Sir, if you can get the Lady in the Mind.

Lar.You are witty Sirrah, but no more of your Jests, do ye hear, least I make you experience, there's something else can do Mischief besides their Tongues, come Mistress what you are in the Dumps now, are you? dry up your Eyes and go about it chearfully, or I'll turn you out of Doors, I assure you.

Lav.Good, Sir, consider.

Lar.Consider! no I won't consider, nor shall you consider upon ought but what I'd have you.

Lav.Sir, do you persuade him. [To Sanch.] think how unhappy I shall make you.

San.Make me happy first, and then I'll do any Thing you'd have me.

Trist.The wisest Bargain I ever heard my Master make.

Lav.What wou'd you do, Sir, with me that cannot love you? Alas I was engaged long before I saw you, you may be happier far elsewhere, go court some Nymph whose Heart's intirely free, such only can be worthy of your Love.

San.For my Part I don't know what to say.

Lar.'Zdeath she'll persuade him by and by to quit his Pretences to her——come, come, come Mistress no more of your Cant. [Pulls her by the Arm.] It shall avail you nothing I'll promise you.

Lav.Good, Sir, hold a little, DonSanchoseems disposed to hear Reason.

San.Why ay truly, for my Part methinks 'tis a Pity to vex the Lady so.

Lav.Besides, Sir, 'tis for his sake I do it, to make him easy, and to prevent his eternal Shame and Torture.

San.Poor Fool, how hard it is, ay, ay, I know 'tis for my Sake, pray, Sir, hear her—pray do for my Sake as she says.

Lar.Pooh Fool.

San.Shall she say more for my Sake, than you'll hear Father that is to be.

Lar.Well Huzzy, consider what you say, for if it be'nt to the Purpose, as I'm sure it won't——look to't!

Lav.Before your hasty Rashness betrays me to eternal Woe, revoke your harsh Commands.

Lar.Ay, I knew that would follow, and this is all you have to say, Mistress, ha? come, come Woe, I'll woe you.

Lav.Something I have to speak, but know not in what Words to dress my Thoughts fit for me to speak, or you to hear, oh spare the poor Remains of my already too much violated Modesty,—Heav'n can I do this, but there is no other Way.[Aside.

Lar.How? how? how's that? Modesty! why what a Duce is the Matter with your Modesty, ha?

Lav.Oh! Sir, force me not to wrong a Man whose Father I have so often heard you say, you lov'd, think what sure Disgrace will follow, how will it reflect upon your Name and Family, when I shall be found no Virgin.

Lar.Ha! no Virgin? take Heed Minion that you stain not the Honour of my House, for if you do, I swear by the best Blood inSicily, my Sword shall do me Justice.

Lav.Now help me Courage, and forgive me Heaven my Resolutions, Death or myFrancisco.[Aside.

I throw myself beneath your Feet, thus prostrate beg for Mercy, that I have deserved Death my guilty Blushes own, the mighty Secret hangs upon my Tongue, but Shame refuses Utterance to my Words.

Lar.I'm all of a cold Sweat, Heav'ns! how I dread the End of her Discourse.

San.Pray Father let her rise, or I shall weep too.

Trist.Nay, I'll say that for my Master, he's as tractable as a Monkey, and generally does what he sees other People do.[Aside.

Lav.Oh! let it still remain unknown, and rather banish me, confine me to some horrid Desart, there to live on Roots and withered Grass, and with the falling Dew, still quench my Thirst, and lastly to some savage Monster be a Prey, e'er I divulge my Shame.

San.I can hold no longer.[Cries aloud.

Lar.On, for I'll hear it all, tho' thou shalt live no longer than thou hast told thy Tale.

Lav.Sure ne'er before was Maid thus wretched, OhFrancisco! I give thee here the greatest Proof of Love that ever Woman gave——if it must out, then with it take my Life, but Oh! spare the innocent Babe.

Lar.Ha! the Babe?

Lav.Oh! I am with Child.

Lar.Then die both, and both be damn'd.

[Offers to stab her, but is prevented bySanchoandTristram.

Sanc.Oh, Lord, Sir, for Heavens Sake, Sir, are you mad, helpTristram.

Lar.'Zdeath a Whore! Oh thou Scandal of my Blood.

San.Egad I'm resolv'd to own the Child, and bully this old Fellow a little now——a Whore, Sir! who dares call my Wife a Whore? the Child is mine, Sir, let me see who has any Thing to say to't.

Lar.Away, don't trifle with me, I shall not give you Credit.

San.What care I whether you do or no, I say again the Child is mine, Madam, dry your Eyes, I like you ne'er the worse, and the World will like me the better for't, it will bring me into Reputation.

Lav.Oh Heavens! what will come on me now, Oh! fly me, Sir, as you wou'd shun Contagion, cou'd you receive into your Arms a Wretch polluted by another.

San.Pish, shaw, pish, shaw, 'tis the least Thing in a thousand, thou said thou didst it for my Sake just now, and sure I shou'd return the Kindness, Ingratitude is worse than the Sin of Witchcraft.

Lar.Oh! the audacious Strumpet, give me Way, that I may punish the Offence as it deserves.

[Franciscowithin.

Fran.Slaves give me Way, he dies that bars my Entrance.

Lav.Ha! 'tis myFrancisco's Voice—Oh! blest Minute.

Lar.Ha! what Noise is that?

[Help, Murder cry'd within.

San.How Murder within and Murder without too, this is a barbarous House, I wish I was safe out on't.Tristramstand by thy Master.

Tristr.Oh, Sir, I had rather run with you, for I hate Murder in cool Blood.

EnterFranciscowith his Sword drawn.

Lar.Help within there, murder, you won't murder me Sirrah, ha? [Enter three or four Servants.] run for the Corregidore, I shall be murder'd in my own House.

Fran.No, Sir, this Sword can never hurt the Father ofLavinia, nor will my Arm guide it to any Act unjust, nor is it drawn for aught but to defend my Wife.

Lar.Impudent Rascal, can'st thou look me in the Face, and know how thou hast injur'd me, thou hast dishonour'd my Daughter.

San.Sir, I say no man has dishonour'd her but myself, and I wonder you shou'd tax this honest Gentleman with it.

Fran.Ha, Villain! re-call what you have said, or by Heaven 'tis thy last, 'tis safer playing with a Lion, than with Lavinia's Fame.

[Holding his Sword at his Teeth.

San. Lavinia's Fame, what Fame, what makes you so choleric, I thought I shou'd do the Lady a Kindness in it.

Trist.Many a Man wou'd have been glad to have got rid of it so.

Lav.Humour my Father in what he says, for 'twas my last Stratagem to defer my Marriage.

[Aside toFrancisco.

Lar. Lavinia's Fame! No Monster, thou hast robb'd, robb'd her of her Fame.

Fran.The Wrong my Love has done your fair Daughter, 'tis now too late to wish undone again, but if you please it may be clos'd up yet without Dishonour, I will marry her.

Lar.Marry her? she'll have a mighty Bargain of that, marry a Beggar, what Jointure canst thou make her?

Fran.I am poor, I must confess, in regard of your large Wealth, but I swear by all Things that can bind, 'twas not your Wealth was the Foundation of true-built Love, it was her single uncompounded self, her self without Addition that I lov'd, which shall ever in my Heart out-weigh all other Womens Fortunes with themselves, and were I great, great as I cou'd wish myself for her Advancement, no such Bar as Fortune's Inequality shou'd stand betwixt our Loves.

Lar.Say you so, Sir, why then take her——there hang, drown'd or starve together, I care not which, but never come within my Doors more.

[Throws her to him.[ExitLarich.

San.Hey day, what have I lost my Mistress then, why what must I say to my Father,Tristram, who'll run stark mad without Hopes of a Grandson?

Tristr.Oh, Sir, if this Gentleman had not put in his Claim, here had been one ready to his Hands.

San.Ah Pox on't, 'tis damn'd unlucky, but come let's to the Tavern and drink away Sorrow.[Exeunt.

Fran.Come my fairLavinia, and find a Father in thy Husband's Arms, oh thou charming Excellence, thou something better sure than ever Woman was, the matchless Proof that thou hast given of thy Love shall be recorded to Posterity——

Lav.It is a matchless one indeed, and I struggled long e'er I cou'd bring myself to own a Deed so distant from my Heart, but it has serv'd my Purpose, and I glory in it now, but my Father's last Words methinks chills my Blood, how shall you like the Yoke without lining think you ha!

Fran.Don't wrong my LoveLavinia, or think that I can want any Thing when possest of thee.

Love shall make up what Fortune does deny,And Love alone shall all our Wants supply.

[Exeunt.

TheSCENEchanges to the Street, CountPirroand LordGravello.

Grav.Now my Lord she's your's again,Palantedies.

Pirro.So noble were the Carriage of the Youths that I could almost pity their hard Sentence.

Grav.I admirePalante's Constancy, he seem'd regardless when the Jury pronounc'd his Sentence, as if he feared not Death, but when his Friends came on, I observed the Tears to fall.

Pirro.He begg'd very hard to save his Friend.——

Grav.And his Friend as eagerly to die with him, truly I thinkClerimont's Crime did not deserve Death, but ourSicilianLaws doom all to Death that have but the least Hand in stealing of an Heiress, but see the LordEuphenes, he sticking hard to save his Foster Son, let's avoid him, for I know he'll rail.[Exit.

Enter LordEuphenes.

Euph.Unhappy poorPalante, the Law has cast thee in Spite of all that I could do to save thee, I'd give my whole Estate to rescue thee from Death: In thee methought my lostLysanderliv'd, and in losing thee I'm childless now indeed. I lov'd thee like my own Son, I rescu'd thee from Pyrates, by which my Child was lost.

EnterAlphonso.

Alphon.Thus once again from twenty Years Exile.(Tost by the Storms of Fortune to and fro)Has gracious Heav'n giv'n me Leave to treadMy native Earth ofSicily, and drawThat Air that fed me in my Infancy.

Euph.Ha! either my Eyes deceive me or 'tis my good old FriendAlphonso.

Alph.My LordEuphenes?

Euph. Alphonso, welcome toSicily, I thought thee dead with my unhappy Son, or what was worse, in Slavery, where no Intelligence cou'd find thee, for I have us'd my utmost Diligence.

Alph.In part you have guess'd aright, for I have been twenty tedious Years in gauling Slavery, for when theArgivessurprized the Fort they hurried me on board, and because I made a brave Resistance, they ne'er wou'd give me Leave to offer at my Ransom, so violent was their Hate, but now worn out with Age, unfitting for their Labour, they turn'd me Home, an useless Drone, your Son they put on board another Ship, and by some I heard it rumoured, he being wondrous fair, that they design'd to breed him for the Sultan's Use, but some Years after I heard he was retaken on this Coast.

Euph.Ha!

Alph.I conceal'd his Name, least the many Conquests you have gain'd against them shou'd have wing'd their Revenge, and made 'em kill the lovely Child, I call'd himPalante, have you ever heard of such a one?

Euph.Oh all ye immortal Powers, the very same, I took, and isPalantethenLysander, and have I found thee once to lose thee ever?

Alph.Ha! what means all this?

Euph.'Twas Nature then that worked my Soul, and I by Instinct lov'd him. Oh myAlphonso, this Discovery comes too late, and instead of bringing Comfort to my Age, thou hast plung'd me down in deep Despair.

Alph.Alas, my Lord, how have I err'd? pray explain yourself.

Euph.OhAlphonso! the Youth thou speak'st of I retook fromArgivePirates, I bred him, and tho' not sensible who he was, I lov'd him tenderly: He is this very Day condemn'd for stealing of an Heiress, now judge if my Grief falls not with Weight upon me.

Alph.Unfortunate Mischance, is there no Way to save him?

Euph.None I fear, but yet I'll try all Means, if my long Service to my Country, my Winter Camps, and Summer Heats, and all my stormy Fate at Sea can plead, I will expand my Deeds asRome's Consuls did of old, make bare my Breast, and shew my scar'd Bosom to move and raise their Pity.

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