Jul. Faith, Sir, ‘twas like to have prov’d a pleasant one, I came just now fromSilvianetta, the fair young Curtezan.
Cor. Hah! what said the Man—came from me! [Aside.
Gal. How, Sir, you withSilvianetta!when?
Jul. Now, all the dear live-long Night.
Cor. A Pox take him, who can this be? [Aside.
Gal. This night! this night! that is not yet departed.
Jul. This very happy Night,—I told you I saw a lovely Woman at St.Peter’sChurch.
Gal. You did so.
Jul. I told you too I follow’d her home, but you’d learn neither her Name nor Quality; but my Page getting into the acquaintance of one of hers, brought me News of both; her NameSilvianetta, her Quality a Curtezan.
Cor. I at Church yesterday! now hang me if I had any such devout Thoughts about me: why, what a damn’d scandalous Rascal’s this?
Jul. Fill’d with hopes of Success, at night I made her a Visit, and under her Window had a skirmish with some Rival, who was then serenading her.
Gal. Was’t he that fought us then.—[Aside.— But it seems you were not mistaken in the House— On with your Story pray—Death, I grow jealous now— [Aside.] You came at Night you said?
Jul. Yes, and was receiv’d at the door by the kindSilvianetta, who softly whisper’d me, come to my Bosom, and be safe for ever! and doubtless took me for some happier Man.
Lau. Confusion on him, ‘twas my very Language! [Aside raving.
Jul. Then led me by dark into her Chamber.
Cor. Oh, this damn’d lying Rascal! I do this? [Aside.
Jul. But oh, the things, the dear obliging things, the kind, the fair young Charmer said and did.
Gal. To thee!
Jul. To me.
Gal. DidSilvianettado this,Silvianettathe Curtezan?
Jul. That passes, Sir, for such, but is indeed of Quality.
Cor. This Stranger is the Devil, how shou’d he know that Secret else?
Jul. She told me too ‘twas for my sake alone, whom from the first Minute she saw she lov’d, she had assum’d that Name and that Disguise, the sooner to invite me.
Lau. ‘Tis plain, the things I utter’d!—Oh, my Heart!
Gal. Curse on the publick Jilt, the very Flattery she wou’d have past on me.
Cor. Pox take him, I must draw on him, I cannot hold. [Aside.
Gal. Was ever such a Whore?
Lau. Oh, that I knew this Man, whom by mistake I lavisht all the Secrets of my Soul to! [Aside.
Jul. I prest for something more than dear Expressions,And found her yield apace;But sighing, told me of a fatal Contract,She was oblig’d to make to one she never saw;And yet if I wou’d vow to marry her, when she cou’d proveTo merit it, she wou’d deny me nothing.
Lau. ‘Twas I, by Heaven, that heedless Fool was I.
Jul. Which I with Lover’s’ eager Joy perform’d, And on my Knees utter’d the hasty Words, Which she repeated o’er, and gave me back.
Gal. So, he has swallow’d with a vengeance the very Bait she had prepar’d for me, or any body that wou’d bite. [Aside.
Jul. But e’er I cou’d receive the dear Reward of all my Vows,I was drawn upon by a Man that lay hid in her Chamber;Whether by chance or design I know not; who fought me out,And was the same you found me engag’d with.
Cor. A pleasant Rascal this, as e’er the Devil taught his Lesson to.
Gal. So, my Comfort is, she has jilted him too most damnably.
Cor. Slife, I have anger enough to make me valiant; why shou’d I not make use on’t, and beat this lying Villain whilst the Fit holds?
Gal. And you design to keep these Vows, though you’re contracted to another Woman?
Jul. I neither thought of breaking those, or keeping these; My Soul was all employ’d another way.
Lau. It shall be so,Silvio,—I’ve thought upon a way that must redeem all:—hark and observe me. [TakesSil.and whispers to him.
Jul. But I’m impatient to pursue my Adventure, which I must endeavour to do, before the Light discover the Mistake.—Farewel, Sir. [Ex. Julio.
Gal. Go and be ruin’d quite, she has the Knack of doing it.
Sil. I’ll warrant ye, Madam, for my Part. [Ex. Laura and Sabina.
Gal. I have a damn’d hankering after this Woman: why cou’d I not have put the cheat on her, asJuliohas? I stand as little on my Word as he: a good round Oath or two had done the Business.—But a pox on’t, I lov’d too well to be so wise.
[Silviocomes up to him.
Sil.Con licentia, Signior; is your NameGalliard?
Gal. I am the Man, sweet Heart,—let me behold thee—hah—Sans Coeur’sPage!
Sil. A duce of his Lanthorn, what shall I say now?—Softly, Signior, I am that Page whose chiefest Business is to attend my Lord’s Mistress, Sir.
Cor. His Mistress! whose Mistress, what Mistress? S’life, how that little Word has nettled me! [Aside, listening close.
Gal. Upon my Life, the Woman that he boasted of— [Aside, hugging of himself.] —A fair young amorous—noble—Wanton—a—And she wou’d speak with me, my lovely Boy?
Sil. You have prevented the Commands I had; but should my Lord know of it—
Gal. Thou wert undone, I understand thee—And will be secret as a Confessor,As lonely Shades, or everlasting Night.Come, lead the way.
Cor. Where I will follow thee, though to the Bed of her thou’rt going to, and even prevent thy very Business there. [Aside.]
[Exeunt.
EnterLaura,as before, in a Night-Gown.
Lau. Now for a Power that never yet was knownTo charm this Stranger quickly into Love.Assist my Eyes, thou God of kind Desires;Inspire my Language with a moving Force,That may at once gain and secure the Victory.
EnterSilvio.
Sil. Madam, your Lover’s here: your time’s but short; consider too, CountJuliomay arrive.
Lau. Let him arrive; having secur’d my self of what I love,I’ll leave him to complain his unknown LossTo careless Winds as pitiless as I—Silvio, see the RoomsBe fill’d with Lights, whilst I prepare my self to entertain him.Darkness shall ne’er deceive me more—
[Enter toSil. Gal.gazing about him,Cor.peeping at the Door.
Gal. All’s wondrous rich,—gay as the Court of Love, But still and silent as the Shades of Death; —Hah—Musick! and excellent! [Soft Musick whilst they speak. Pox on’t—but where’s the Woman?—I need no preparation.—
Cor. No, you are always provided for such Encounters, and can fall tosansCeremony,—but I may spoil your Stomach. [A Song tuning.
Gal. A Voice too! by Heaven, and ‘tis a sweet one: Grant she be young, and I’ll excuse the rest, Yet vie for Pleasure with the happiestRoman.
[The Song as byLaura,after which soft Musick till she enters.
The SONG by a Person of Quality.
_Farewel the World and mortal Cares,The ravished Strephon cry’d,As full of Joy and tender TearsHe lay by Phillis’ side:Let others toil for Wealth and Fame,Whilst not one Thought of mineAt any other Bliss shall aim,But those dear Arms, but those dear Arms of thine.
Still let me gaze in thy bright Eyes,And hear thy charming Tongue;I nothing ask t’increase my Joys,But thus to feel ‘em long.In close Embraces let us lie,And spend our Lives to come;Then let us both together die,And be each other’s, be each other’s Tomb_.
—Death, I’m fir’d already with her Voice—
Cor. So, I am like to thrive.—
EnterJulio.
Jul. What mean these Lights in every Room, as if to make The day without the Sun, and quite destroy my Hopes!— Hah,Galliardhere!
Cor. A Man! grant it some Lover, or some Husband, Heaven, Or any thing that will but spoil the Sport. The Lady! Oh, blast her, how fair she is!
EnterLaurawith her Lute, drest in a careless rich Dress, followed bySabina,to whom she gives her Lute, andSilvio.
Jul. Hah! ‘tis the same Woman.[She seesJulioand starts.
Lau. A Stranger here! What Art can help me now? [She pauses.
Gal. By all my Joys, a lovely Woman ‘tis.
Lau. Help me, Deceit, Dissembling, all that’s Woman— [She starts and gazes onGal.pullingSilvio.
Cor. Sure I shou’d know that Face.—
Lau. Ah, look, mySilvio, is’t not he?—it is! That Smile, that Air, that Mien, that Bow is his: ’.is he, by all my Hopes, by all my Wishes.
Gal. He! yes, yes, I am a He, I thank my Stars, And never blest ‘em half so much for being so, As for the dear Variety of Woman.
Cor. Curse on her Charms, she’ll make him love in earnest.
Lau. It is my Brother; and Report was false. [Going towards him.
Gal. How, her Brother! Gad, I’m sorry we are so near akin, with all my Soul; for I’m damnably pleas’d with her.
Lau. Ah, why do you shun my Arms? or are ye Air?And not to be enclos’d in human Twines—Perhaps you are the Ghost of that dead Lord,That comes to whisper Vengeance to my Soul.
Gal. S’heart, a Ghost! This is an odd preparative to Love.[Aside.
Cor, ‘Tis Laura, my BrotherJulio’sMistress, and Sister toOctavio.
Gal. Death, Madam! do not scare away my Love with Tales of Ghosts, and Fancies of the Dead. I’ll give ye Proofs I’m living loving Man, as errant an amorous Mortal as Heart can wish—I hope she will not jilt me too. [Aside.
Cor. So! he’s at his common Proof for all Arguments; if she shou’d take him at his Word now, and she’ll be sure to do’t.
Lau. Amiable Stranger, pardon the Mistake,And charge it on a Passion for a Brother:Devotion was not more retir’d than I,Vestals or widow’d Matrons when they weep;Till by a fatal Chance I saw in you,The dear Resemblance of a murder’d Brother. [Weeps.
Jul. What the Devil can she mean by this? [Aside.
Lau. I durst not trust my Eyes, yet still I gaz’d,And that encreas’d my Faith you were my Brother:But since they err’d, and he indeed is dead,Oh, give me leave to pay you all that Love,That Tenderness and Passion that was his. [Weeping.
Cor. So, I knew she wou’d bring Matters about some way or other. Oh Mischief, Mischief, help me! S’life, I can be wicked enough when I have no use on’t! and now have, I’m as harmless as a Fool.
[_As Gal.is earnestly talking toLau. Juliopulls him by the Sleeve.
Lau. Oh, save me, save me from the Murderer.
Jul. Hah!
Gal. A Murderer, where?
Lau. I faint, I die with horror of the Sight!
Gal. Hah—my Friend a Murderer! sure you mistake him, Madam; he saw not Rome till yesterday; an honest Youth, Madam, and one that knows his distance upon occasion!—S’life, how cam’st thou here?—prithee be gone and leave us.
Jul. Why, do you know this Lady, Sir?
Gal. Know her!—a—ay, ay,—Man—and all her Relations, she’s of Quality:—withdraw, withdraw—Madam—a—he is my Friend, and shall be civil.—
Lau. I have an easy Faith for all you say:—but yet however innocent he be, or dear to you, I beg he wou’d depart—he is so like my Brother’s Murderer, that one Look more wou’d kill me—
Jul. A Murderer! charge me with Cowardice, with Rapes or Treasons— Gods, a Murderer!
Cor. A Devil on her, she has robb’d the Sex of all their Arts of Cunning.
Gal. Pox on’t, thou’rt rude; go, in good Manners go.
Lau. I do conjure ye to torture me no more:If you wou’d have me think you’re not that Murderer,Be gone, and leave your Friend to calm my HeartInto some kinder Thoughts.
Gal. Ay, prithee go, I’ll be sure to do thy Business for thee.
Cor. Yes, yes, you will not fail to do a friendly Part, no doubt—
Jul. ‘Tis but in vain to stay—I see she did mistake her Man last night, and ‘twas to Chance I am in debt for that good Fortune;—I will retire to shew my Obedience, Madam. [Exit. Jul. Gal.going to the door with him.
Lau. He’s gone, and left me Mistress of my Wish.Descend, ye little winged Gods of Love,Descend and hover round our Bower of Bliss;Play all in various Forms about the Youth,And empty all your Quivers at his Heart. [Aside.[Gal.returns, she takes him by the hand.—Advance, thou dearer to my Soul than Kindred,Thou more than Friend or Brother.Let meaner Souls base-born conceal the God;Love owns his Monarchy within my Heart,So Kings that deign to visit humble Roofs,Enter disguis’d, but in a noble Palace,Own their great Power, and shew themselves in Glory.
Gal. I am all Transport with this sudden Bliss, And want some kind Allay to fit my Soul for Recompence.
Cor. Yes, yes, my forward Friend, you shall have an Allay, if all my Art can do’t, to damp thee even to Disappointment.
Gal. My Soul’s all Wonder; now let us retire, And gaze till I have softened it to Love. [Going out is met byCor.
Cor. Madam!
Lau. More Interruption!—hah— [Turns.
Cor. My Master, the young CountJulio—
Lau. Julio!
Gal. What of him? [Aside.
Cor. Being just now arriv’d atRome—
Lau. Heavens, arriv’d! [Aside.
Cor. Sent me to beg the Honour of waiting on you.
Lau. Sure, Stranger, you mistake.—
Cor. If, Madam, you areLaura Lucretia.—
Gal. Laura Lucretia! by Heaven, the very Woman he’s to marry. [Aside.
Lau. This would surprize a Virgin less resolv’d:But what have I to do with ought but Love? [Aside.—And can your Lord imagine this an HourTo make a ceremonious Visit in?
Gal. Riddles by Love! or is’t some Trick again? [Aside.
Cor. Madam, where Vows are past, the want of Ceremony may be pardon’d.
Lau. I do not use to have my Will disputed, Be gone, and let him know I’ll be obey’d.
Cor. S’life, she’ll out-wit me yet,— [Aside. Madam, I see this Niceness is not general, —You can except some Lovers.
Gal. My pert young Confident, depart, and let your Master know he’ll find a better welcome from the fair vain Curtezan,la Silvianetta, where he has past the Night, and given his Vows.
Lau. Dearly devis’d, and I must take the hint. [Aside smiling.
Cor. He knows me sure, and says all this to plague me. [Aside. My Lord, my Master with a Curtezan! he’s but just now arriv’d.
Gal. A pretty forward saucy lying Boy this; and may do well in time.— Madam, believe him not, I saw his Master yesterday,—convers’d with him. —I know him, he’s my Friend;—’twas he that parted hence but now, he told me all his Passion for a Curtezan scarce half an hour since.
Cor. So!
Lau. I do not doubt it, Oh, how I love him for this seasonable Lye: —And can you think I’ll see a perjur’d Man, [ToCor. Who gives my interest in him to another? —Do I not help ye out most artfully?— [Aside. Laughing toGal.
Cor. I see they are resolv’d to out-face me.
Gal. Nay, vow’d to marry her.
Lau. Heavens, to marry her!
Cor. To be conquer’d at my own Weapon too!—Lying! ‘tis a hard case.— [Aside.
Gal. Go, Boy, you may be gone; you have you Answer, Child, and may depart—Come, Madam, let us leave him.
Cor. Gone, no help! Death, I’ll quarrel with him,—nay, fight him,— damn him,—rather than lose him thus.—Stay, Signior. [Pulls him.]—You call me Boy—but you may find your self mistaken, Sir,—And know—I’ve that about me may convince ye. [Shewing his Sword. —’Thas done some Execution.
Gal. Prithee, on whom or what? small Village Curs? The barking of a Mastiff wou’d unman thee. [Offers to go.
Cor. Hold—follow me from the Refuge of her Arms; As thou’rt a Man, I do conjure thee do’t:—I hope he will, I’ll venture beating for’t. [Aside.
Gal. Yes, my brisk little Rascal, I will a—a—
Lau. By all that’s good, you shall not stir from hence; ho, who waits there,Antonio, Silvio, Gaspero? [Enter all.] —take that fierce Youth, and bear him from my sight.
Cor. You shall not need; s’life, these rough Rogues will be too hard for me; I’ve one prevention left,—farewel.
May’st thou supply her with as feeble Art,As I should do, were I to play thy part.
[Goes out with the rest.
Gal. He’s gone, now let’s redeem our blessed Minutes lost.
[Go in.
EnterJulioalone.
Jul. Now by this breaking Day-light I cou’d rave: I knew she mistook me last night, which made me so eager to improve my lucky Minutes. Sure,Galliardis not the Man, I long to know the Mystery;—hah—who’s here? —Fillamour!
EnterFillamourmet byMarcellain Man’s Clothes; they pass by each other, cock and justle.
Mar. I take it, you are he I look for, Sir.
Fil. My name isFillamour.
Mar. Mine,Julio Sebastiano Morosini.
Jul. Hah, my Name, by Heaven! [Aside.
Fil. I doubt it not, since in that lovely Face I see the charming Image ofMarcella.
Jul. Hah!
Mar. You might, e’er Travel ruffled me to Man. [Aside. —I shou’d return thy Praise whilst I survey thee, But that I came not here to compliment;—draw— [Draws.
Fil. Why, cause thou’rt likeMarcella?
Mar. That were sufficient reason for thy Hate,But mine’s because thou hast betray’d her basely.—She told me all the story of her Love,How well you meant, how honestly you swore,And with a thousand Tears imploy’d my AidTo break the Contract she was forc’d to makeT’Octavio, and give her to your Arms:I did, and brought you word of our Design,—I need not tell ye what returns you made;Let it suffice, my Sister was neglected,Neglected for a Curtezan,—a Whore;I watcht, and saw each Circumstance of Falshood.
Jul. Damnation! what means this?
Fil. I scorn to save my Life by Lyes or Flatteries;But credit me, the Visit that I madeI durst have sworn had been to myMarcella;Her Face, her Eyes, her Beauty was the same,Only the business of her Language differ’d,And undeceiv’d my hope.
Mar. In vain thou think’st to flatter me to Faith,—When thou’dst my Sister’s Letter in thy hand, which ended that dispute,Even then I saw with what regret you read it;What care you took to disobey it too—The shivering Maid, half dead with fears and terrors of the Night,In vain expected a Relief from Love or thee.Draw, that I may return her the glad news I have reveng’d her.
Jul. Hold, much mistaken Youth; ‘tis I amJulio,Thou,Fillamour, know’st my name, know’st I arriv’dBut yesterday atRome, and heard the killing NewsOf both my Sisters Flights,MarcellaandCornelia,—And thou art some Imposture. [ToMarcella.
Mar. If this now shou’d be true, I were in a fine condition.— [Aside.
Fil. Fled!Marcellafled!
Jul. ‘Twas she I told thee yesterday was lost; But why art thou concern’d?—explain the Mystery.
Fil. I lov’d her more than Life; nay, even than Heaven; And dost thou question my concern for her? Say how, and why, and whither is she fled?
Jul. Oh, wou’d I knew, that I might kill her in her Lover’s Arms; Or if I found her innocent, restore her toOctavio.
Fil. ToOctavio! and is my Friendship of so little worth, You cannot think I merit her?
Jul. This is some trick between ‘em; but I have sworn
Most solemnly, have sworn by Heaven and my HonourTo resign her, and I will do’t or die—Therefore declare quickly, declare where she is,Or I will leave thee dead upon the place. [ToMarcella.
Mar. So, Death orOctavio, a pretty hopeful Choice this!
Fil. Hold! by Heaven, you shall not touch a single hair, thus—will I guard the Secret in his bosom. [Puts himself between ‘em, draws.
Jul. ‘Tis plain thou’st injur’d me,—and to my Honour I’ll sacrifice my Friendship, follow me. [Ex. Jul. Fil.
EnterPetroandCornelia.
Mar. Ah,Petro, fly, fly, swift and rescue him.— [Ex. Pet.with his Sword in his hand.
Cor. Oh, have I found thee, fit for my purpose too? Come, haste along with me,—thou must present my BrotherJulioinstantly, or I am lost, and my Project’s lost, and my Man’s lost, and all’s lost.
EnterPetro.
Pet.Victoria, Victoria, your Cavalier’s the Conqueror; the other wounded in his Sword-hand, was easily disarmed.
Mar. Then let’s retire, if I am seen I’m lost;—Petro, stay here for the Cavalier, and conduct him to me to this house;—I must be speedy now.—
Cor. Remember this isJulio. [Pointing toMarcella.
Pet. I know your design, and warrant ye my part:—hah,Octavio[Exeunt.
EnterOctavio, MorosiniandCrapine.
Oct. Now, Cowardice, that everlasting Infamy, dwell ever on my face, that Men may point me out that hated Lover that saw his Mistress false, stood tamely by whilst she repeated Vows; nay, was so infamous, so dully tame, to hear her swear her Hatred and Aversion, yet still I calmly listen’d; though my Sword were ready, and did not cut his throat for’t.
Mor. I thought you’d said you’d fought.
Oct. Yes, I did rouze at last, and wak’d my Wrongs;But like an Ass, a patient Fool of Honour,I gave him friendly notice I wou’d kill him;And fought like Prizers, not as angry Rivals.
Mor. Why, that was handsome,—I love fair play; what wou’d you else have done?
Oct. Have fall’n upon him like a sudden Storm, [EnterPet.andFill.] quick unexpected in his height of Love:—see—see yonder; or I’m mistaken by this glimmering Day, or that isFillamournow entering at her door; ’.is he, by my Revenge—What say you, Sir?
Mor. By th’ Mass, I think ‘twas he—
[EnterJulio.
Oct.Julio, I’ve caught the Wantons in their Toil, I have ‘em fast, thy Sister and her Lover. [Embraces him.
Jul. Eternal Shame light on me if they scape then.
Oct. Follow me quick, whilst we can get Admittance.
Jul. Where—here?
Oct. Here,—come all and see her Shame and my Revenge.
Jul. And are you not mistaken in the House?
Oct. Mistaken! I saw the Ravisher enter just now, thy Uncle saw it too; Oh, my excessive Joy! come, if I lye—say I’m a Dog, a Villain.
[Exeunt as into the House.
EnterSir Signala little groping.
SirSig. There’s no finding my way out,—and now does Fear make me fancy this some inchanted Castle.—
EnterTick,listening.
Tick. Hah, an inchanted Castle!
SirSig. Belonging to a monstrous Giant; who having spirited away theKing ofTropicipopican’sDaughter, keeps her here inclos’d, and that Ia wandring Knight am by fickle Fortune sent to her Deliverance.[Ticklistens.
Tick. How’s that! spirited away the King ofTropicipopican’sDaughter; bless me, what unlawful Wickedness is practis’d in this Romish Heathenish Country! [Aside.
SirSig. And yet the Devil of any Dwarf, Squire or Damsel have I met with yet,—wou’d I were cleanlily off this business—hah, Lights, as I live, and People coming this way!—bless me from the Giant!—Oh Lord, what shall I do!— [Falls on his Knees.
Tick. I fear no Giants, having Justice on my Side; but Reputation makes me tender of my Person.—Hah—what’s this, a Curtain; I’ll wind my self in this, it may secure me. [Winds himself in a Window-Curtain.
SirSig.—They’re entering, what shall I do?—hah—here’s a Corner; defend me from a Chimney.
[Creeps to the Corner of the Window, and feels a space between Tick’s Legs and the Corner; creeps in, and stands up just behindTickletext.EnterGal.leadingLaura; Sab.with Lights just after ‘em; Jul. Oct. Mor.andCrap.
Oct. Just in the happy Minute!
Gal. I’ve sworn by every God, by every Power divine, to marry thee, and save thee from the Tyranny of a forc’d Contract.—Nay, Gad, if I lose a fine Wench for want of Oaths this bout, the Devil’s in me.
Oct. What think ye now, Sir?
Jul. Damnation on her, set my Rage at Liberty, That I may kill ‘em both.
[Mor.holds him.
Mor. I see no cause for that, she may be virtuous yet.
Oct. Do ye think as such to pass her off on me, Or that I’ll bear the Infamy of your Family? No, I scorn her now, but can revenge my Honour on a Rival.
Mor. Nay, then I’ll see fair Play,—turn and defend thy Life. [Goes toGal.who turns.
Jul. Whilst I do Justice on the Prostitute:—hah— Defend me, ‘tis the Woman that I love. [He gazes, she runs toGal.
Lau. Octavio!
Oct.Laura!My Sister, perfidious shameful— [Offers to kill her.
Jul. Hold, thy Sister this? that Sister I’m to marry.
Lau. Is this thenJulio? and do all the Powers conspire to make me wretched?
Oct. May I be dumb for ever.
[Holds his Sword down, and looks sadly;Jul.holdsLau.by one hand, pleads withOct.with the other.
EnterFillamourandPet.
Fil.—Hah,Galliard!in danger too. [Draws, steps to ‘em, Mor.puts between.
Oct.Fillamourhere! how now, what’s the matter, Friend? [They talk whilst enterMarcellaandCornelia.
Cor. Hah, new Broils; sure the Devil’s broke loose to night.—my Uncle, as I live! [Mor.pleads betweenFil.andOctavio.
Mar. AndOctavio!Where shall we fly for Safety?
Cor. I’ll even trust to my Breeches, ‘tis too late to retreat;—s’life, here be our Cavaliers too; nay then, ne’er fear falling into the Enemies hands.
Fil. I, I fled withMarcella!had I been blest with so much Love from her, I wou’d have boasted on’t i’th’ face of Heaven.
Mor. La ye, Sir. [ToOctavio.
Fil. The lovely Maid I own I have a Passion for;But by the Powers above, the Flame was sacred,And wou’d no more have past the Bounds of HonourOr Hospitality, than I wou’d basely murder; and were she free,I wou’d from all the World make her for ever mine.
Mor. Look ye, Sir, a plain case this.
Gal. He tells ye simple truth, Sir.
Oct. Was it not you this scarce past night I fought with here, in the House by dark, just when you had exchanged yours Vows with her?
Lau. Heavens! was it he? [Aside.
Fil. This Minute was the first I ever enter’d here.
Jul. ‘Twas I, Sir, was that interrupted Lover,—and this the Lady.
Lau. And must I yield at last? [Aside.
Oct. Wonders and Riddles!
Gal. And was this theSilvianetta, Sir, you told the Story of? [Slily.
Jul. The same whom Inclination, Friends, and Destiny, conspire to make me blest with.
Gal. So many Disappointments in one night wou’d make a Man turn honest in spite of Nature.
[Sir Sig. peeps from behind.
SirSig. Some Comfort yet, that I am not the only Fool defeated. Ha!Galllard!
Oct. I’m satisfy’d (ToFil.)—but what cou’d move you, Sir—[toGal.] to injure me, one of my Birth and Quality?
Gal. Faith, Sir, I never stand upon Ceremony when there’s a Woman in the case,—nor knew I ‘twas your Sister: Or if I had, I shou’d ha’ lik’d her ne’er the worse for that, had she been kind.
Jul. It is my Business to account with him, And I am satisfy’d he has not injur’d me, he is my Friend.
Gal. That’s frankly said; and uncompell’d, I swear she’s innocent.
Oct. If you’re convinc’d, I too am satisfy’d, And give her to you whilst that Faith continues. [Gives him her.
Lau. And must I, must I force my Heart to yield? And yet his generous Confidence obliges me. [Aside.
Oct. And here I vow by all the sacred Powers, [kneels] That punish Perjury, never to set my Heart On faithless Woman;—never to love nor marry; [Rises] Travel shall be my business—thou my Heir. [To Julio.
SirSig. So, poor soul, I’ll warrant he has been defeated too.
Mar.Marcella, Sir, will take ye at your Word.
Fil.Marcella!
Mar. Who owns with Blushes Truths shou’d be conceal’d, but to prevent more Mischief,—That I was yours, Sir, was against my Will, [toOct.] my Soul wasFillamour’se’er you claim’d a right in me; though I never saw or held discourse with him, but at an awful distance,—nor knew he of my Flight.
Oct. I do believe, and give thee back my Claim, I scorn the brutal part of Love; the noblest Body, where the Heart is wanting. [They all talk aside, Corneliacomes up to Galliard.
Cor. Why, how now, Cavalier, how like a discarded Favourite do you look now, who whilst your Authority lasted, laid about ye, domineer’d, huft and bluster’d, as if there had been no end on’t: now a Man may approach ye without terror—You see the Meat’s snatcht out of your Mouth, Sir, the Lady’s dispos’d on; whose Friends and Relations you were so well acquainted with.
Gal. Peace, Boy, I shall be angry else.—
Cor. Have you never a cast Mistress, that will take compassion on you: Faith, what think ye of the little Curtezan now?
Gal. As ill as e’er I did; what’s that to thee?
Cor. Much more than you’re aware on, Sir—and faith, to tell you Truth, I’m no Servant to CountJulio, but e’en a little mischievous Instrument she sent hither to prevent your making love toDonna Laura.
Gal. ‘Tis she herself.—how cou’d that Beauty hide itself so long from being known? [Aside.]—Malicious little Dog in a Manger, that wou’d neither eat, nor suffer the Hungry to feed themselves, what spiteful Devil cou’d move thee to treat a Lover thus? but I am pretty well reveng’d on ye.
Cor. On me!
Gal. You think I did not know those pretty Eyes, that lovely Mouth I have so often kist in cold imagination.
Cor. Softly, Tormentor. [They talk aside.
Mar. In this disguise we parted fromViterbo, attended only byPetroandPhilippa: At Rome we took the Title and Habit of twoCurtezans; both to shelter us from knowledge, and to obligeFillamourto visit us, which we believ’d he would in curiosity; and yesterday it so fell out as we desired.
Fil. Howe’er my Eyes might be imposed upon, you see my Heart was firm to its first Object; can you forget and pardon the mistake?
Jul. She shall, and withOctavio’sand my Uncle’s leave,—thus make your Title good.— [Gives her toFil.
Oct. ‘Tis vain to strive with Destiny. [Gives her.
Mor. With all my heart,—but where’sCorneliaall this while?
Gal. Here’s the fair Stragler, Sir. [Leads her to Mor. he holds his Cane up at her.
Mor. Why, thou Baggage, thou wicked Contriver of Mischief, what excuse had’st thou for running away? Thou had’st no Lover.
Cor. ‘Twas therefore, Sir, I went to find one; and if I am not mistaken in the mark, ‘tis this Cavalier I pitch upon for that use and purpose.
Gal. Gad, I thank ye for that,—I hope you’ll ask my leave first, I’m finely drawn in, i’faith—Have I been dreaming all this night of the possession of a new-gotten Mistress, to wake and find my self noos’d to a dull Wife in the morning?
Fil. Thou talk’st like a Man that never knew the Pleasures thou despisest; faith, try it,Frank, and thou wilt hate thy past loose way of living.
Cor. And to encourage a young Setter up, I do here promise to be the most Mistress-like Wife,—You know, Signior, I have learnt the trade, though I had not stock to practise; and will be as expensive, insolent, vain, extravagant and inconstant, as if you only had the keeping part, and another the amorous Assignations. What think ye, Sir?
Fil. Faith, she pleads well, and ought to carry the Cause.
Gal. She speaks Reason, and I’m resolv’d to trust good Nature:—Give me thy dear hand.—
[They all join to give it him, he kisses it.
Mor. And now ye are both sped, pray give me leave to ask ye a civil question; are you sure you have been honest? if you have, I know not by what miracle you have liv’d.
Pet. Oh, Sir, as for that, I had a small stock of Cash in the hands of a couple ofEnglishBankers, one SirSignal Buffoon—
SirSig. SirSignal Buffoon, what a pox, does he mean me trow?[Peeping.
Pet.—And one Mr.Tickletext.
Tick. How was that?certo, my Name!
[Peeps out, and both see each other; their faces being close together, one at one side the Curtain, and t’other at t’other.
Gal. andFil. Ha, ha, ha.
SirSig. And have I caught you, i’faith, Mr. Governour? Nay, ne’er put in your head for the matter, here’s none but Friends, mun.
Gal. How now, what have we here?
SirSig. Speak of the Devil, and he appears.[Pulls his Governour forward.
Tick. I am undone,—but, good SirSignal, do not cry Whore first, as the old Proverb says.
SirSig. And good Mr. Governour, as another old Proverb says, do not let the Kettle call the Pot black-arse!—
Fil. How came you hither, Gentlemen?
SirSig. Why faith, Sir, divining of a Wedding or two forward, I brought Mr. Chaplain to give you a cast of his Office, as the saying is.
Fil. What, without Book, Mr.Tickletext?
Cor. How now, sure you mistake, these are two Lovers of mine.
SigSig. How, Sir, your Lovers! we are none of those, Sir, we areEnglishmen.
Gal. You mistake, SirSignal, this isSilvianetta.
SirSig. andTick. How! [Aside.
Gal. Here’s another Spark of your acquaintance,—do you know him?
Tick. How,Barberacho! nay, then all will out.—
Gal. Yes, and your Fencing and Civility-Master.
SirSig. Ay,—Why, what, was it you that pickt our Pockets then, and cheated us?
Gal. Most damnably,—but since ‘twas for the supply of two fair Ladies, all shall be restor’d again.
Tick. Some comfort that.
Fil. Come, let’s in and forgive all; ‘twas but one Night’s Intrigue, in which all were a little faulty.
SirSig. And Governour, pray let me have no more Domineering and Usurpation: but as we have hitherto been honest Brothers in Iniquity, so let’s wink hereafter at each others Frailties;
Since Love and Women easily betray Man,From the grave Gown-man to the busy Lay-man.
Spoken by Mr.Smith.
So hard the times are, and so thin the Town,Though but one Playhouse, that must too lie down;And when we fail, what will the Poets do?They live by us as we are kept by you:When we disband, they no more Plays will write,But make Lampoons, and libel ye in spite;Discover each false Heart that lies within,Nor Man nor Woman shall in private sin;The precise whoring Husband’s haunts betray,Which the demurer Lady to repay,In his own coin does the just debt defray.The brisk young Beauty linked to Lands and Age,Shuns the dull Property and strokes the youthful Page;And if the Stripling apprehend not soon,Turns him aside, and takes the brawny Groom;Whilst the kind Man so true a Husband proves,To think all’s well done by the thing he loves;Knows he’s a Cuckold, yet content to bearWhatever Heaven sends, or Horns or lusty Heir.Fops of all sorts he draws more artfully,Than ever on the Stage didNokes or Leigh:_And Heaven be prais’d when these are Scarce, each BrotherO’ th’ Pen contrives to set on one another.
These are the effects of angry Poets Rage,Driven from their Winter-Quarters on the Stage;And when we go, our Women vanish too,What will the well-fledg’d keeping Gallant do?And where but here can he expect to findA gay young Damsel managed to his mind,Who ruins him, and yet seems wondrous kind?One insolent and false, and what is worse,Governs his Heart, and manages his Purse;Makes him whatever she’d have him to believe,Spends his Estate, then learns him how to live?I hope those weighty Considerations willMove ye to keep us altogether still;To treat us equal to our great Desert,And pay your Tributes with a franker Heart;If not, th’ aforesaid Ills will come, and we must part_.
p. 8Dramatis Personae. I have added ‘Ordonio, a Courtier. A Swain and Shepherds. Courtiers, Guards, Soldiers, Moors, A Nymph and Shepherdesses.’
p. 11, l. 7But thousand Eyes throw killing Looks at me.
4tos—’But thousand Eyes Throw killing Looks at me.’
p, 11, l. 26Than to lie fawning. 4to misprints ‘Then’.
p. 12, l. 10reveng’d by penitence. 1724 misprints ‘Patience’.
p. 12, l. 33Why star’st thou so? 1724 wrongly ‘Why dar’st thou so?’
p. 13, l. 5wou’d they search her here? 1724 ‘wou’d you search her here?’
p. 13, l. 25swounded. 1724 ‘swooned’.
p. 13, l. 33more knocking! [knocking. 1724 omits the stage direction.
p. 15, l. 4Sway’d Destiny as well as they, and took their trade of killing.
4to—’Sway’d Destiny as well as they,And took their trade of killing.’
p. 15, l. 16Pointing to his Sword. 4to ‘Points.’
p. 15, l. 17Scene II. A Room in the Palace. I have supplied this locale.
p. 15, l. 18Enter Ferdinand weeping. 4to ‘Enter Fernando weeping.’
p. 19, ll. 33-4Covers a Soul more sanctify’d than this Moorish Robe. 1724 gives this as one line.
p. 20, l. 8except Abdelazar, Florella. 4to ‘manent Abdelazer, Florella.’
p. 20, l. 17honest and religious. 1724 omits ‘and’.
p. 24, l. 2Scene I. A Chamber of State. I have added the locale.
p. 27, l. 27To the Women, who go out. 4to ‘Exeunt’.
p. 31, l. 15Madam, that Blessing. 1724 omits ‘Madam’.
p. 33, l. 8Scene II. A Banqueting Hall. I have added the locale.
p. 33, l. 15I have a double Cause. 1724 omits ‘a’.
p. 34, l. 19though. 1724 ‘tho’ throughout.
p. 34, l. 27thou lovest. 1724 ‘lov’st’.
p. 35, l. 13Aside. The 4to omits this stage direction.
p. 38, l. 18A Gallery in the Palace. I have supplied this locale.
p. 40, l. 11Queen and Women. 1724 ‘Woman’.
p. 40, l. 28subtle, and ambitious. 4to ‘subtle as ambitious.’ 1724 is undoubtedly the best reading.
p. 42, ll. 23-4And then our Lives he may dispose, As he has done our Honours. 1724 gives this as one line.
p. 45, l. 18The Queen’s Apartments. I have added this locale.
p. 49, l. 10frightful. 1724 ‘frighted’.
p. 50, l. 18were worth your care. 1724 ‘was worth’.
p. 51, l. 24Oh Traitress!1724 ‘Oh, Traitoress’.
p. 57, l. 2Act IV. Scene I. 4tos and 1724 ‘Act IV. Enter Abdelazer…’. I have added the locale here and numbered the scenes throughout this Act.
p. 58, l. 4To gain your Heart. 4tos 1677, 1693, print this to the conclusion of Abdelazer’s speech as prose. 1724 prints from ‘Thousand of Bigots’ as prose. I have metrically divided these last lines, and followed 1724 from ‘To gain your Heart’.
p. 61, l. 3afar off all the Scene. 1724 omits this.
p. 64, l. 3some Moors. 1677 reads ‘some Moor’.
p. 65, l. 22Scene VI. Neither 4tos nor 1724 number this scene.
p. 65, l. 30Your Soldiers faint, are round beset. 4tos omit comma.
p. 69, l. 12Exeunt all. 1724 ‘Exeunt’.
p. 69, l. 13Scene VII. Neither 4tos nor 1724 number this scene.
p. 69, l. 18illustriate Hand. 1724 ‘illustrious’.
p. 75, l. 2Barbarian. 4tos italic. 1724 roman.
p. 79, l. 2attendance. 1724 ‘attendants’.
p. 79, l. 16Scene II. 4tos and 1724 do not number this scene.
p. 80, l. 10with Roderigo. 1724 ‘with Rod.’
p. 80, l. 18Exit Elv. I have added this stage direction. Neither 4tos nor 1724 mark an exit here for Elvira, although she obviously goes out when the Queen says ‘retire’ as an entry is marked after the ensuing dialogue.
p. 80, l. 20roughly. 1724 omits this.
p. 80, l. 34and other Women. 1724 ‘and the Women.’
p. 81, l. 4Durst. 1724 ‘Dares’.
p. 82, l. 23Weeps over her. 1724 omits this.
p. 82, l. 29repaid. 1724 ‘repair’d.’
p. 87, l. 12to any Shape. 1724 ‘into any Shape’.
p. 87, l. 29cou’d not the Gods. 1724 wrongly omits ‘not’.
p. 89, l. 4My Desire’s grown high. 4tos ‘My Desires grow high’.
p. 92, l. iScene III. Neither 4tos nor 1724 number this scene.
p. 92, l. 8Andromede. 1724 ‘Andromeda’.
p. 93, l. 13through. 1724 ‘thro’ throughout.
p. 94, l. 12your Friends. 4tos misprint ‘your Friend’.
p. 95, l. 23upon my Name. 1724 ‘upon thy Name’.
p. 96, l. 12that charming Maid. 1724 ‘the charming Maid’.
p. 96, l. 12Whom I’d enjoy’d e’er now. 4tos ‘whom I’de enjoy e’re now’.
p. 97, l. 6preserve. 4tos and 1724 here insert the stage direction ’.Kneels.’ But this is repeated at the line (11) ‘Thus low I take the Bounty from your Hands’ and is far more appropriate at the latter juncture. There can be no doubt that the stage direction ‘[Kneels’ should also be inserted at line 19—’Thus low I fall’—and it has been misplaced by the printer in the old copies. I have restored it.
p. 97, l. 18only me unhappy, when, Sir, my CrimeWas only too much faith?4tos punctuate: ‘only me unhappy? When, Sir, my CrimeWas only too much Faith;’
p. 97. l. 29Seas again. At the conclusion 1677 prints ‘The End of the Play.’
p. 98, l. 18Sex’s. 4tos ‘Sexes’.
p. 105To Philaster. This Epistle Dedicatory only appears in the 4tos 1683, 1696.
p. 108Dramatis Personae. I have added ‘Geronthe old Tutor to Orsames;Gorel, a Citizen; Keeper of the Castle; A Druid; Courtiers (men and women); Officers: Guards; Huntsmen; Assassins’. 4to 1698 misprints ‘Ismenis’ for ‘Ismenes’. ‘Thursander’ for ‘Thersander’. ‘the Court of Daca’ for ‘the Court of Dacia’. 1724 gives ‘a Rabble of the Mobile’. 4tos ‘all a Rabble of the Mobile’.
p. 109, l. 4never the Luck. 4tos ‘never the ill Luck’.
p. 109, l. 15what’s thy Business. 1724 ‘what’s the Business’.
p. 109, l. 28I spake. 4tos ‘I speak’.
p. 110, l. 23conspire against him. 4tos ‘’.ainst him’. But the metre requires 1724 ‘against’.
p. 111, l. 6him here. 4to 1696 misprints ‘here him’.
p. 111, l. 14Virago he Daughter. 1724 ‘Virago her Daughter’, which is excellent sense but lacks the point of ‘he Daughter’.
p. 112, l. 22Ly. You sigh. 4tos and 1724 print as prose. I have arranged metrically.
p. 113, l. 16one of gentle Birth. 4tos ‘of the gentle Birth’. 1724 ‘of genteel Birth’.
p. 114, l. 11Pim. Pox on her. 4tos divide Pimante’s speech at ‘let her go.’ and commence a new line with ‘Well, Colonel,’ as if metrically. I have followed 1724 as it is obviously prose.
p. 114, l. 25Sem. That’s strange!4tos wrongly print this speech as prose.
p. 115, l. 34Artabazes. 4tos ‘Artabaces’.
p. 116, l. 3mistaken thing?4tos punctuate ‘mistaken thing;’.
p. 116, l. 6fantastick. 1724 wrongly ‘fanatick’.
p. 116, l. 24cruel Cause. 4to 1696 misprints ‘crul Cause’.
p. 117, l. 9 [_Sem. looks about, finds the Cap and Feathers.Sem. See, Madam, what I’ve found. 4tos and 1724 give the stage direction after the speech. I have transposed these, as obviously such an arrangement is better.
p. 118, l. 20Ideas. 4tos wrongly ‘Idea’s’.
p. 118, 1.29He rises. 4tos and 1724 ‘[Rises.’ But it is Thersander who is kneeling, not Cleomena. The insertion of ‘He’ saves any confusion.
p. 119, L. 9who’re born. 4tos ‘who are born’.
p. 119, L. 11Whom happy Fate. 4tos misprint ‘Whose happy Fate’.
p. 120, l. 29Enter Vallentio Urania. 4to 1696 misprints ‘Urina’.
p. 121, l. 3But one that. 1724 omits ‘one’.
p. 121, l. 16we took her. 4to 1696 ‘wa took her’.
p. 121, l. 20The Scythians. 4tos ‘Th’ Scythians’.
p. 122, l. 30Arms across. 1724 ‘Arms close’.
p. 123, l. 9I will be. 4tos ‘And will be’.
p. 123, l. 12this Harmony. 4tos ‘his Harmony’.
p. 124, l. 11Shore?—4tos punctuate ‘Shore;’.
p. 126, l. 18no less. 4tos ‘not less’.
p. 127, l. 36Amintas’ Apartment. 4tos ‘Amin. Apartment.’ 1724 ’.mintas’s Apartment.’
p. 128, l, 7Amin. It is the King. 1724 does not arrange this metrically.
p. 128, l. 21Ex. Amin. 4tos ‘Amin. exit.’
p. 128, l. 25go bring. 4tos ‘and bring’.
p. 128, l. 28effect. 4tos ‘effects’.
p. 128, l. 30you’re lost. 4tos ‘you are lost’.
p. 129, l. 27Unrest. 1724 misprints ‘Undrest’.
p. 130, l. 10Not seeing. 4tos print this line—’Not seeing a Woman I ne’er had bin.’
p. 130, l. 10Exeunt. Not in 4tos and 1724.
p. 130, l. 11Another Room. I have added the locale, unmarked in 4tos and 1724.
p. 131, l. 12dearest fair. 4tos ‘dear fair’.
p. 132, l. 18Gods. 4tos misprint ‘God’s’.
p. 134, l. 14He bows low. 4tos ‘bows low.’
p. 134, l. 15I am. 4tos ‘I’m’.
p.. 135, l. 13Rivulet. 4tos ‘Rivolet’.
p. 136, l. 9Ah! Madam. 4tos divide this speech metrically. 1724 prints as prose.
p. 137, l. 10to live. 1724 ‘I live’.
p. 137, l. 11Passion. 1724 ‘Person’.
p. 139. l. 8All go out but Ther. Hon. Lysan. 4tos add ‘manent Thers. Ho. Lysan.’ which is entirely superfluous.
p. 139, l. 23Aside. 4to 1698 omits this.
p. 139, l. 28Renders me too unartful. 4tos ‘Renders unartfull’.
p. 140, l. 11Lys. 4tos, misprinting, omit the speech-prefix ‘Lys.’
p. 140, l. 15Exeunt. Omitted in 4tos and 1724.
p. 141, l. 15eighteen Tears. 1724 misprints ‘Year’.
p. 141, l. 32then? Rage. 1724 omits ‘Rage.’
p. 144, l. 5a Table. Geron near the Throne. I have added ‘Geron near the Throne’, which occurs neither in 4tos nor 1724, It is extraordinary that the old copies do not give the name of the old tutor amongst the Dramatis Personae? nor do they mark his presence here.
p. 144, l. 13any other God but I?4tos ‘any other God’s but I?’ 1724 ’.ny other here but I?’
p. 145, l. 30Exit Geron. Neither 4tos nor 1724 mark this exit, although later in the scene the entrance of Geron (p. 148) is noted in all the old copies.
p. 147, l. 11Ors. 4to 1696 by a strange misprint gives speech-prefix ’.er.’
p. 148, l. 9I have. 4tos ‘I’ve’.
p. 148, l. 20—Itis not Sleep!—4tos ‘Is it not Sleep!’. but 1724 is far better here.
p. 148, l. 31Arates. 4tos misprint ‘Erates.’
p. 149, l. 4A Grove near the Camp. 4tos and 1724 omit this locale.
p. 150, l. 5is he longer. 1724 misreads ‘is he no longer’.
p. 150, l. 8Trumpets sound. 4to ‘Trumpet sounds.’
p. 150, l. 18Trumpets sound. Exeunt. 4tos ‘Trumpet sounds.’ 1724 ‘Ex.’
p. 151, l. 18Ismenes. 4tos ‘Ismenis’ throughout.
p. 152, l. 12Horse’s. 4to 1696 misprints ‘Horses’.
p. 152, l. 13Ura. Ex. 4tos ‘Ura. Exit’.
p. 153, l. 11Cavalry. 4tos ‘Chavalry’.
p. 153, l. 13yet-disputing. 1724 weakly ‘yet-disputed’.
p. 153, l. 34to the Stranger. 1724 omits ‘to’.
p. 154, l. 7Exeunt. Not in 4tos nor 1724.
p. 156, l. 1drawing of. 1724 omits ‘of’.
p. 156, l. 6Moment’s. 4tos misprint ‘Moments’.
p. 157, l. 7reach. 4tos ‘reaches’.
p. 157, l. 18Scene V. Changes. 4tos and 1724 ‘Scene changes’. I have numbered this scene.
p. 158, l. 15Ism. goes in, Scene draws. 1724 omits ‘Ism. goes in’.
p. 158, l. 33Thersander—Prince of Scythia. 1724 omits this line, marking ‘[Faints.’ at conclusion of previous line.