Alon.By all that’s good I am in earnest, Friend;Nay thy own Eyes shall convince theeOf the Power of hers.Her Veil fell off, and she appear’d to me,Like unexpected Day, from out a Cloud;The lost benighted TravellerSees not th’ Approach ofthe next Morning’s SunWith more transported Joy,Than I this ravishing and unknown Beauty.Lov.Hey day! What Stuff’s here? Nay, now I see thou art quite gone indeed.Alon.I fear it. Oh, had she not been honest!What Joy, what Heaven of Joys she would distribute!With such a Face, and Shape, a Wit, and Mein—But as she is, I know not what to do.Lov.You cannot marry her.Alon.I would not willingly, tho I think I’m free: ForPedrowent toMarcelto tell him I was arriv’d, and would wait on him; but was treated more like a Spy, than a Messenger of Love: They sent no Answer back, which I tell you,Lovis, angers me: ’twas not the Entertainment I expected from my brave FriendMarcel. But now I am for the fair Stranger who by this expects me.Mar.’TisAlonzo. O how he animates my Rage, and turns me over to Revenge, uponHippolytaand her false Lover![Aside.Lov.Who’s this that walks before us?[They go out.Alon.No matter who.Mar.I am follow’d.[They enter again.Lov.See, he stops.[Marcellooks back.Alon.Let him do what he please, we will out-go him.[They go out.Lov.This Man whoe’er he be still follows us.Alon.I care not, nothing shall hinder my Design, I’ll go tho I make my passage thro his Heart.[They enter at another Door, he follows.Lov.See, he advances, pray stand by a little.[They stand by.Mar.Sure there’s some Trick in this, but I’ll not fear it. This is the Street, and hereabout’s the House.[Looks about.This must be it, if I can get admittance now.[Knocks.EnterOlindawith a Light.Olin.O, Sir, are you come? my Lady grew impatient.[They go in.Mar.She takes me for some other: This is happy.[Aside.Alon.Gods! is not that the Maid that first conducted me to the fair thing that rob’d me of my Heart?Lov.I think it is.Alon.She gives admittance to another Man.All Women-kind are false, I’ll in and tell her so.[Offers to go.Lov.You are too rash, ’tis dangerous.Alan.I do despise thy Counsel, let me go.Lov.If you are resolv’d, I’ll run the Hazard with you.[They both go in.Scene II.The Scene changes to a Chamber.Enter from one sideOlinda, lighting inMarcelmuffled as before in his Cloke, from the otherAntonioleading inEuphemiaveil’d.Mar.By Heaven’s, ’tis she: Vile Strumpet![Throws off his Cloke, and snatches her from him.Euph.Alas, this is not he whom I expected.Anto.Marcel!I had rather have encounter’d my evil Angel than thee.[Draws.Mar.I do believe thee, base ungenerous Coward.[Draws.[They fight,MarceldisarmsAntonio, by wounding his Hand. EnterAlonzo, goes betwixt them, and with his Sword drawn opposesMarcel, who is going to killAntonio;Lovisfollows him.Alon.Take Courage, Sir.[ToAntonio, who goes out mad.Mar.Prevented! whoe’er thou be’st.It was unjustly done,To save his Life who merits Death,By a more shameful way.But thank the Gods she still remains to meetThat Punishment that’s due to her foul Lust.[Offers to run at her,Alonzogoes between.Alon.’Tis this way you must make your Passage then.Mar.What art thou, that thus a second timeDar’st interpose between Revenge and me?Alon.’TisMarcel!What can this mean?[Aside.Dost not thou know me, Friend? look on me well.Mar.Alonzohere! Ah I shall die with Shame.[Aside.As thou art my Friend, remove from that bad Woman,Whose Sins deserve no sanctuary.Euph.What can he mean? I dare not shew my Face.[Aside.Alon.I do believe this Woman is a false one,But still she is a Woman, and a fair one:I would not suffer thee to injure her,Tho I believe she has undone thy quiet,As she has lately mine.Mar.Why, dost thou know it then?Stand by, I shall forget thou art my Friend else,And thro thy Heart reach hers.Alon.Nothing but Love could animate him thus,He is my Rival.[Aside.Marcel, I will not quit one inch of Ground;Do what thou dar’st, for know I do adore her,And thus am bound by Love to her Defence.[Offers to fightMarcel, who retires in wonder.Euph.Hold, noble Stranger, hold.Mar.Have you such Pity on your Lover there?[Offers to kill her,Alonzostays him.Euph.Help, help.[Her Veil falls off.EnterHippolytadrest like a Curtezan: SeesMarcel.Hip.Oh Gods, my Brother! in pity, Sir, defend meFrom the just Rage of that incensed Man.[Runs behindLovis, whilstMarcelstands gazing on both with wonder.Lov.I know not the meaning of all this, butHowever I’ll help the Lady in Distress.Madam, you’re safe, whilst I am your Protector.[Leads her out.Mar.I’ve lost the Power of striking where I ought,Since my misguided Hand so lately err’d.Oh Rage, dull senseless Rage, how blind and rudeIt makes us.Pardon, fair Creature, my unruly Passion,And only blame that Veil which hid that Face,Whose Innocence and Beauty had disarm’d it:I took you for the most perfidious Woman,The falsest loosest thing.Alon.How! are you a Stranger to her?Mar.Yes I am. Have you forgiven me, Madam?Euph.Sir, I have.[Marcelbows and offers to go out.Alon.Stay, Friend, and let me know your Quarrel.Mar.Not for the World,Alonzo.Alon.This is unfriendly, Sir.Mar.Thou dost delay me from the noblest Deed,On which the Honour of my House depends,A Deed which thou wilt curse thy self for hindringFarewel.[Goes out.Alon.What can the meaning of this be?Euph.Oh do not ask, but let us quickly leave this dangerous Place.Alon.Does it not belong to you?Euph.No, but you would like me the better if it did: for, Sir, it is a—Alon.Upon my Life, a Baudy-house.Euph.So they call it.Alon.You do amaze me.Euph.Truth is, not daring to trust my Friends or Relations with a Secret that so nearly concern’d me as the meeting you, and hearing of a new come Curtezan living in this House, I sent her word I would make her a Visit, knowing she would gladly receive it from a Maid of my Quality: When I came, I told her my Business, and very frankly she offer’d me her House and Service—Perhaps you’ll like me the worse for this bold Venture, but when you consider my promis’d Husband is every day expected, you will think it but just to secure my self any way.Alon.You could not give me a greater Proof than this of what you say you bless me with, your Love.Euph.I will not question but you are in earnest; at least if any doubt remain, these will resolve it.[Gives him Letters.Alon.What are these, Madam?Euph.Letters, Sir, intercepted from the Father of my design’d Husband out ofFlandersto mine.Alon.What use can I make of them?Euph.Only this: Put your self into an Equipage very ridiculous, and pretend you are my foolish Lover arriv’d fromFlanders, call your selfHaunce van Ezel, and give my Father these, as for the rest I’ll trust your Wit.Alon.What shall I say or do now?[Aside.Euph.Come, come, no study, Sir; this must be done,And quickly too, or you will lose me.Alon.Two great Evils! if I had but the Grace to chuse the least now, that is, lose her.[Aside.Euph.I’ll give you but to night to consider it.Alon.Short warning this: but I am damnably in love, and cannot withstand Temptation.[Kisses her Hand.Euph.I had forgot to tell you my Name’sEuphemia, my Father’s you’ll find on the Letters, and pray show your Love in your haste. Farewel.Alon.Stay, fairEuphemia, and let me pay my Thanks, and tell you that I must obey you.Euph.I give a Credit where I give a Heart.Go inquire my Birth and Fortune: as for you,I am content with what I see about you.Alon.That’s bravely said, nor will I ask one Question about you, not only to return the Bounty, but to avoid all things that look like the Approaches to a married Life. If Fortune will put us together, let her e’en provide for us.Euph.I must be gone: Farewel, and pray make haste.[Looks kindly on him.Alon.There’s no resisting those Looks,Euphemia: One more to fortify me well; for I shall have need of every Aid in this Case.[Look at one another and go.Scene III.A Street.EnterAntonioin haste withHippolyta; weeping as passing over the Stage.Ant.Come, let us haste, I fear we are pursu’d.Hip.Ah, whither shall we fly?Ant.We are near the Gate, and must secure our selves with the Darkness of the Night inSt. Peter’sGrove, we dare not venture into any House.[Exeunt.EnterClarindaandDormidaabove in the Balcony.Clar.Can’st thou not see him yet?Dorm.Good lack a-day, what an impatient thing is a young Girl in love!Clar.Nay, goodDormida, let not want of Sleep make thee testy.Dorm.In good time—are you my Governess, or I yours, that you are giving me Instructions? Go get you in, or I shall lay down my Office.Clar.Nay, wait a little longer, I’m sure he will come.Dorm.You sure! you have wondrous Skill indeed in the Humours of Men: how came you to be so well acquainted with them? you scarce ever saw any but DonMarcel, and him too but thro a Grate or Window, or at Church; and yet you are sure. I am a little the elder of the two, and have manag’d as many Intrigues of this kind as any Woman, and never found a constant just Man, as they say, of a thousand; and yet you are sure.Clar.Why, is it possibleMarcelshould be false?Dorm.Marcel!No, no, Sweet-heart, he is that Man of a thousand.Clar.But if he should, you have undone me, by telling me so many pretty things of him.Dorm.Still you question my Ability, which by no means I can indure; get you in I say.Clar.Do not speak so loud, you will wake my Mother.Dorm.At your Instructions again; do you question my Conduct and Management of this Affair? Go watch for him your self: I’ll have no more to do with you back nor edge.[Offers to go.Clar.Will you be so barbarous to leave me to my self, after having made it your Business this three Months to sollicit a Heart which was but too ready to yield before; after having sworn to me how honourable all his Intents were; nay, made me write to him to come to night? And now when I have done this, and am all trembling with fear and shame (and yet an infinite Desire to see him too)[Sighs]thou wilt abandon me: go, when such as you oblige, ’tis but to be insolent with the more freedom.Dorm.What, you are angry I’ll warrant.[Smiles.Clar.I will punish my self to pay thee back, and will not seeMarcel.Dorm.What a pettish Fool is a Maid in love at fifteen! how unmanageable! But I’ll forgive all—go get you in, I’ll watch for your Lover; I would not have you disoblige a Man of his Pretensions and Quality for all the World.[Clarindagoes in.EnterAlonzobelow.Alon.Now do I wantLovisextremely, to consult with him about this Business: For I am afraid the Devil, or Love, or both are so great with me, that I must marry this fair Inchantress, which isvery unlucky; but, sinceAmbrosioandMarcelrefuse to see me, I hold my self no longer ingag’d in Honour toHippolyta.Dorm.[above.]Whist, whist, Sir, Sir.Alon.Who’s there?Dorm.’Tis I, your Servant, Sir; oh you are a fine Spark, are you not, to make so fair a Creature wait so long for you? there, there’s the Key, open the Door softly and come in.[Throws him down a Key in a Handkerchief.Alon.What’s this? But I’ll ask no Questions, so fair a Creature, said she? Now if ’twere to save my Life cannot I forbear, I must go in: Shou’dEuphemiaknow this, she would call it Levity and Inconstancy; but I plead Necessity, and will be judg’d by the amorous Men, and not the jealous Women: For certain this Lady, whoe’er she be, designs me a more speedy Favour than I can hope fromEuphemia, and on easier Terms too. This is the Door that must conduct to the languishingVenus.[Opens the Door and goes in, leaving it unshut.EnterMarcelwith his Sword drawn.Mar.Thus far I have pursu’d the Fugitives,Who by the help of hasty Fear and Night,Are got beyond my Power; unlucky Accident!Had I but kill’dAntonio, orHippolyta,Either had made my Shame supportable.But tho I have mist the Pleasure of Revenge,I will not that of Love.One Look from fairClarindawill appeaseThe Madness which this Disappointment rais’d.[Walks looking towards the Window.None appears yet:Dormidawas to throw me down the Key. The Door is open, left so to give me entrance.[Goes to the Door.Scene IV.Changes to a dark Hall.DiscoversAlonzogroping about in the Hall.Alon.Now am I in a worse Condition than before, can neither advance nor retreat: I do not like this groping alone in the Dark thus. Whereabouts am I? I dare not call: were this fair thing she spoke of but now half so impatient as I, she would bring a Light, and conduct me.EnterMarcel.Mar.’Tis wondrous dark.Alon.Hah, a Man’s Voice that way; that’s not so well: it may be some Lover, Husband, or Brother; none of which are to be trusted in this Case, therefore I’ll stand upon my Guard.[Draws:Marcelcoming towards him jostles him.Mar.Who’s there?Alon.A Man.Mar.A Man! none such inhabit here.[Draws.Thy Business?Alon.This shall answer you, since there’s no other way.[They fight,AlonzowoundsMarcel, who fights him to the Door;Alonzogoes out,Marcelgropes to follow.Mar.This is not just, ye Gods, to punish me, and let the Traytor ’scape unknown too: Methought ’twasSilvio’sVoice, or else a sudden thought of Jealousy come into my Head would make me think so.EnterClarindaandDormidawith Light.Clar.I tell you I did hear the noise of fighting.Dorm.Why, between whom should it be? I’ll be swornMarcelcame in alone.Clar.Marcel!and wounded too! oh I’m lost.[Sees him, weeps.Mar.Keep your false Tears to bathe your Lover’s Wounds.For I perhaps havegiven him some—Thou old Assistant to her Lust, whose greatest Sin is wishing, tell me who ’twas thou didst procure for her.[In rage toDormida.Dorm.Alas! I cannot imagine who it should be, unless DonSilvio, who has sometimes made Addresses to her: But oh the House is up, Madam, we are undone; let’s fly for Heavens sake.Clar.OhMarcel, can you believe—[A Noise.Dorm.Come, come, I’ll not be undone for your Fiddle-faddles; I’ll lay it all on you, if I be taken.[Pulls outClarinda.Mar.Sot that I was, I could not guess at this to day, by his Anger at the Letter I foolishly shew’d him; he is my Rival, and ’tis with him she’s fled; and I’ll endeavour to pursue them.[Offers to go.But oh my Strength complies with their Design,[Leaning on his Sword.]and shamefully retires to give them leave to play their amorous Game out.[Goes faintly out.Scene V.Changes to the Street. DiscoversAlonzoalone.Alon.This Act of mine was rash and ill-natur’d,And I cannot leave the Street with a good Conscience,Till I know what mischief I have done.EnterDormidaandClarinda.Hah, Ladies from the same House! these are Birds that I have frighted from their Nests I am sure: I’ll proffer my Service to them.Dorm.Why do not you make more haste?Clar.How can she go, whose Life is left behind?Besides, I know not whither we should go.Ye Powers that guard the Innocent, protect us.Alon.These must be some whom I have injur’d.Ladies—you seem as in distress.Dorm.Oh, Sir, as you are a Gentleman, assist a pair of Virgins.Alon.What’s this, a mumping Matron? I hope the other’s young, or I have offer’d my Service to little purpose.Clar.Sir, if you will have the Charity to assist us,Do it speedily, we shall be very grateful to you.Alon.Madam, I will, but know not where to carry ye; my Lodging is in an Inn, and is neither safe nor honourable: but Fortune dares no less than protect the Fair, and I’ll venture my Life in your Protection and Service.[Exeunt.EnterMarcelfaintly.Mar.Stay, Traytor, stay—oh they are out of sight,But may my Curse o’ertake them in their flight.[Exit.Scene VI.Chamber ofCleonte.She is discover’d in her Night-Gown, at a Table, as undressing,Franciscaby her.Cleo.Francisca, thou art dull to Night.[Sighs.Fran.You will not give me leave to talk.Cleo.Not thy way indeed, hast thou no Stories but of Love, and of my BrotherSilvio?Fran.None that you wish to hear: But I’ll do what you please, so you will not oblige me to sigh for you.Cleo.Then prithee sing to me.Fran.What Song, a merry, or a sad?Cleo.Please thy own Humour, for then thou’lt sing best.Fran.Well, Madam, I’ll obey you, and please my self.SINGS.Amyntasled me to a Grove,Where all the Trees did shade us;The Sun it self, tho it had strove,Yet could not have betrayed us.The place secure from human Eyes,No other fear allows,But when the Winds that gently riseDo kiss the yielding Boughs.Down there we sat upon the Moss,And did begin to playA thousand wanton Tricks, to passThe Heat of all the Day.A many Kisses he did give,And I return’d the same:Which made me willing to receiveThat which I dare not name.His charming Eyes no aid requir’d,To tell their amorous Tale;On her that was already fir’d,’Twas easy to prevail.He did but kiss, and clasp me round,Whilst they his thoughts exprest,And laid me gently on the Ground;Oh! —who can guess the rest?After the Song, enterSilvioall undrest, gazing wildly onCleonte; his Arm ty’d up.Cleo.My BrotherSilvio, at this late hour, and in my Lodgings too! How do you, Sir? are you not well?Silv.Oh, why did Nature give me being?Or why create me Brother toCleonte?[Aside.Or give her Charms, and me the sense to adore ’em?Cleo.Dear Brother—[Goes to him.Silv.Ah,Cleonte—[Takes her by the Hand and gazes.Cleo.What would you, Sir?Silv.I am not—well—Cleo.Sleep, Sir, will give you ease.Silv.I cannot sleep, my Wounds do rage and burn so, as they put me past all power of rest.Cleo.We’ll call your Surgeon, Sir.Silv.He can contribute nothing to my Cure,But I must owe it all to thee,Cleonte.Cleo.Instruct me in the way, give me your Arm,And I will bathe it in a thousand Tears,[Goes to untie his Arm.And breathe so many Sighs into your Wound—Silv.Let that slight hurt alone, and search this—here.[To his Heart.Cleo.How! are you wounded there,And would not let us know it all this while?Silv.I durst not tell you, but design’d to suffer,Rather than trouble you with my Complaints:But now my Pain is greater than my Courage.Fran.Oh, he will tell her, that he loves her sure.[Aside.Cleo.Sit down and let me see’t.[He sits down, she puts her Hand into his Bosom.Fran.Oh foolish Innocence—[Aside.Cleo.You have deceiv’d me, Brother, here’s no Wound.Silv.Oh take away your Hand—It does increase my Pain, and wounds me deeper.Cleo.No, surely, Sir, my Hand is very gentle.Silv.Therefore it hurts me, Sister; the very thoughtsOf Touches by so soft and fair a Hand,Playing about my Heart, are not to be indur’d with Life.[Rises in passion.Cleo.Alas, what means my Brother?Silv.Can you not guess, fair Sister? have my EyesSo ill exprest my Soul? or has your InnocenceNot suffer’d you to understand my Sighs?Have then a thousand Tales, which I have told you,Of Broken Hearts, and Lovers Languishments,Not serv’d to tell you, that I did adore you?Cleo.Oh let me still remain in Innocence,Rather than sin so much to understand you.Fran.I can endure no more—[Goes out.Silv.Can you believe it Sin to love a Brother? it is not so in Nature.Cleo.Not as a Brother, Sir; but otherwise,It is, by all the Laws of Men and Heaven.Silv.Sister, so ’tis that we should do no Murder,And yet you daily kill, and I, among the numberOf your Victims, must charge you with the sinOf killing me, a Lover, and a Brother.Cleo.What wou’d you have me do?Silv.Why—I would have thee—do—I know not what—Still to be with me—yet that will not satisfy;To let me look—upon thee—still that’s not enough.I dare not say to kiss thee, and imbrace thee;That were to make me wish—I dare not tell thee what—Cleo.I must not hear this Language from a Brother.[She offers to go.Silv.What a vile thing’s a Brother?Stay, take this Dagger, and add one Wound more[He kneels andoffers her a Dagger, and holds her by the Coat.To those your Eyes have given, and after thatYou’ll find no trouble from my Sighs and Tears.EnterFrancisca.Fran.By this she understands him, curse on her Innocence, ’Tis fuel to his flame—[Aside.]Madam, there is below a Lady, who desires to speak with the Mistress of the House.Cleo.At this hour a Lady! who can it be?Fran.I know not, but she seems of Quality.Cleo.Is she alone?Fran.Attended by a Gentleman and an old Woman.Cleo.Perhaps some one that needs a kind Assistance; my Father is in Bed, and I’ll venture to know their Business; bring her up.Fran.’Twere good you should retire, Sir.[ToSilvio, and Exit.Silv.I will, but have a care of me,Cleonte,I fear I shall grow mad, and so undo thee:Love me—but do not let me know’t too much.[Goes out.EnterFranciscawith Lights; follow’d byAlonzo,Clarinda, andDormida:Alonzogazes onCleontea while.Cleo.Is’t me you would command?Clar.I know not what to say, I am so disorder’d.[Aside.Alon.What Troops of Beauties she has! sufficient to take whole Cities in—Madam, I beg—[TakesClarindaby the Hand, and approachesCleonte.Cleo.What, Sir?Alon.That you would receive into Protection—Cleo.What pray, Sir?Alon.Would you would give me leave to say, a HeartThat your fair Eyes have lately made unfitFor its old Quarters.Cleo.I rather think you mean this Lady, Sir.[Alonzolooks with wonder onClarinda.Alon.She’s heavenly fair too, and has surpriz’d my Heart,Just as ’twas going to the other’s Bosom,And rob’d her at least of one half of it.[Aside.Clar.Madam, I am a Virgin in distress,And by misfortune forc’d to seek a Sanctuary,And humbly beg it here.Cleo.Intreaties were not made for that fair Mouth;Command and be obey’d.But, Sir, to whom do you belong?Alon.I belong to a very fair Person,But do not know her Name.Cleo.But what are you, pray, Sir?Alon.Madam, a Wanderer; a poor lost thing,That none will own or pity.Cleo.That’s sad indeed; but whoe’er you are, since you belong to this fair Maid, you’ll find a Welcome every where.Alon.And if I do not, I am cashier’d.[Aside.Madam, if telling you I am her Brother,Can make me more acceptable,I shall be yet more proud of the Alliance.Cleo.What must I call your Sister, Sir, when I would pay my Duty?Alon.There I am routed again with another hard Question.[Aside.Clar.Madam, my Name’sClarinda.Alon.Madam, I’ll take my leave, and wish the Heart I leave with you to night, may persuade you to suffer my Visits to morrow, till when I shall do nothing but languish.Cleo.I know not what loss you have suffer’d to night; but since your fair Sister’s Presence with us allows it, you need not doubt a welcome.Alon.I humbly thank you, Madam.[Kisses her Hand, and looks amorously onClarinda.Fran.Madam, pray retire, for DonMarcelis come into the House all bloody, inrag’d against somebody.Clar.I’m troubled at his Hurt, but cannot fear his Rage. Good night, Sir.[They go out.Alon.They are gone; now had I as much mind to have kist the other’s Hand, but that ’twas not a Ceremony due to a Sister—What the Devil came into my Head, to say she was so? nothing but the natural itch of talking and lying: they are very fair; but what’s that to me?Euphemiasurpasses both: Buta Pox of her termsof Marriage, I’ll set that to her Beauty, and then these get the Day, as far as natural Necessity goes: But I’ll home and sleep upon’t, and yield to what’s most powerful in the Morning.To night these Strangers do my Heart possess,But which the greatest share, I cannot guess:My Fate in Love resembles that in War,When the rich Spoil falls to the common share.[Goes out.Scene VII.The Street.EnterAlonzo, as out of the House, gazing upon it.Alon.Sure I shall know this House again to morrow.[To himLovis.Lov.I wonder what should be become ofAlonzo, I do do not like these Night-works of his— Who’s there?Alon.Lovis!Lov.Alonzo?Alon.The same, where hast thou been?Lov.In search of you this two Hours.Alon.O, I have been taken up with new Adventures, since I saw thee; but prithee what became of thine? for methought it was a likely Woman.Lov.Faith, Sir, I thought I had got a Prize; but a Pox on’t, when I came into the Street, e’er she had recover’d Breath to tell me who she was, the Cavalier you rescu’d fromMarcel, laid claim to her; thank’d me for her Preservation, and vanisht. I hope you had better luck with your Female, whose Face I had not the good fortune to see.Alon.Not so good as I could have wisht, for she stands still on her honourable terms.Lov.Of Matrimony, ha, ha, a very Jilt, I’ll warrant her; Come, come, you shall see her no more.Alon.Faith, I fear I must.Lov.To what purpose?Alon.To persuade her to Reason.Lov.That you’ll soon do, when she finds you will not bite at t’other Bait.Alon.The worst is, if I see her again, it must be at her Father’s House; and so transform’d from Man to Beast—I must appear like a ridiculous Lover she expects out ofFlanders.Lov.A very Cheat, a trick to draw thee in: be wise in time.Alon.No, on my Conscience she’s in earnest, she told me her Name, and his I am to represent.Lov.What is’t, I pray?Alon.Haunce van Ezel.Lov.Hah! her Name too, I beseech you?[Impatiently.Alon.Euphemia: And such a Creature ’tis—Lov.’Sdeath, my Sister all this while: This has call’d up all that’s Spaniard in me, and makes me raging mad.[Aside.]But do you love her, Sir?Alon.Most desperately, beyond all Sense or Reason.Lov.And could you be content to marry her?Alon.Any thing but that —But thou know’st my ingagement elsewhere; and I have hopes that yet she’ll be wise, and yield on more pleasant terms.Lov.I could be angry now; but ’twere unreasonable to blame him for this.[Aside.]Sir, I believe by your Treatment fromAmbrosioandMarcel, you may come off there easily.Alon.That will not satisfy my Honour, tho ’twill my Love; that I have notHippolyta, I will owe to my own Inconstancy, not theirs: besides, this may be a Cheat, as you say.Lov.But doesEuphemialove you?Alon.Faith, I think she has too much Wit to dissemble, and too much Beauty to need that Art.Lov.Then you must marry her.Alon.Not if I can avoid it.Lov.I know this Lady, Sir, and know her to be worth your Love: I have it in my Power too, to serve you, if you proceed suddenly, which you must do, or lose her; for thisFlandrianBoor your Rival is already arriv’d, and designs to morrow to make his first Address toEuphemia.Alon.Oh, he must not, shall not see her.Lov.How will you hinder him?Alon.With this.[To his Sword.]Where is this Rival?tell me: Conduct me to him strait; I find my Love above the common rate, and cannot brook this Rival.Lov.So, this blows the flame—His Life will be no hindrance to you in this Affair, if you design to love on.Alon.Do’st know him?Lov.Yes, he is a pleasant Original for you to be copy’d by: It is the same Fop, I told you was to marry my Sister, and who came along with me toMadrid.Alon.How!Euphemiathy Sister?Lov.Yes, indeed is she, and whom my Father designs to cast away upon this half Man, half Fool; but I find she has Wit to make a better Choice: she yet knows nothing of my Arrival, and till you resolve what to do, shall not; and myDutchmandoes nothing without me.Alon.If thou hast the management of him, he’s likely to thrive.Lov.But not in his Amour, if you please: In short, Sir, if you do really love my Sister, I am content to be so ungracious a Child to contribute to the cheating my Father of this same hopeful Son he expects, and put you upon him; but what you do, must bespeedilythen.Alon.I am oblig’d to thee for this frank Offer, and will be instructed by thee.Lov.If you’re resolv’d, I’ll warrant you Success.Alon.I think I am resolv’d in spite of all my Inclinations to Libertinism.Lov.Well, Sir, I’ll get you such a Suit then, as that our Hero makes his first approach in, as ridiculously gay as his Humour, which you must assume too.Alon.Content.Lov.To night I must pay my Duty to my Father, and will prepare your way, and acquaint my Sister with it; ’tis but a Frolick if we succeed not.Alon.God-a-mercy, Lad, let’s about it then e’er we sleep, lest I change my Resolution before Morning.[Exeunt.ACT III.Scene I.House ofCarlo.EnterAlonzodrest ridiculously, meetingLovis, they laugh at each other.Lov.VeryHaunceall over, the Taylor has play’d his part, play but yours as well, and I’ll warrant you the Wench.Alon.But prithee, why need I act the Fool thus, sinceHauncewas never seen here?Lov.To make good the Character I always gave of him to my Father; but here he comes, pray be very rude, and very impertinent.Alon.Lord, Lord, how shall I look thus damnably set out, and thus in love!Enter DonCarlo.Lov.This, Sir, is MonsieurHaunce, your Son that must be.Alon.Beso los manos, signor: Is your Name DonCarlo?and are you the Gravity of this House? and the Father of DonnaEuphemia?and are you—Car.Sir, I guess by all these your Demands at once, your Name to beMyn heer Haunce van Ezel.Alon.Your Judgment’s good; but to my Questions.Car.In truth I have forgot them, there were so many.Alon.Are you he who is to be my Father?Car.’Tis so negotiated—and if all Circumstances concur—For, Sir, you must conceive, the Consequence of so grand a Conjunction—Alon.Less of your Compliments, Sir, and more of your Daughter, I beseech you. ’Sheart, what a formal Coxcomb ’tis.[Aside.Lov.Prithee give him way.[Aside.Alon.By this Light I’ll lose thy Sister first; Why, who can indure the grave approaches to the Matter? ’Dslife, I would have it as I would my Fate, sudden and unexpected.Car.Pray, how long have you been landed?Alon.So, now shall I be plagu’d with nothing but wise Questions, to which I am able to make no Answer.[Aside.]Sir, it is your Daughter that I desire to see impatiently.Car.Have you no Letters from my very good Friend your Father?Alon.What if I have not? cannot I be admitted to your Daughter without a Pass?Car.O lack, Sir—Alon.But to let you see I come with full Power (tho I am old enough to recommend my self) here is my Commission for what I do.[Gives him Letters.Car.I remember amongst his other Faults, my Son writ me word he had Courage: If so, I shall consider what to do.[Reads.]Sir, I find by these your Father’s Letters, you are not yet arriv’d.Alon.I know that, Sir, but I was told I should express my Love in my haste; therefore outsailing the Pacquet, I was the welcome Messenger my self; and since I am so forward, I beseech you, Sir—[Carlocoming to imbrace him.Now dare not I proceed, he has so credulous a consenting Face.[Aside.Car.Spare your Words, I understand their meaning; a prudent Man speaks least, as theSpaniardhas it: and since you are so forward, as you were saying, I shall not be backward; but as your Father adviseth here, hasten the uniting of our Families, with all celerity; for delay in these Affairs is but to prolong time, as the wise Man says.Alon.You are much in the right, Sir. But my Wife, I desire to be better acquainted with her.Car.She shall be forth-coming, Sir. Had you a good Passage? for the Seas and Winds regard no Man’s necessity.Alon.No, no, a very ill one; your Daughter, Sir.Car.Pray, how long were you at Sea?Alon.Euphemia, Sir,Euphemia, your Daughter. This Don’s fuller of Questions than of Proverbs, and that’s a Wonder.[Aside.Car.They sayFlandersis a very fine Country, I never saw it; but—Alon.Nor ’tis no matter, Sir, if you never do, so I saw your Daughter. He’ll catechize me home to myDutchParents by and by, of which I can give him no more account than—[Aside.Car.Are they as dissatisfied with their new Governour, as they were withDonJohn?for they love change.Alon.A Pox of their Government, I tell you I love your Daughter.Car.I fear ’tis so, he’s valiant; and what a dangerous Quality is that inSpain!’tis well he’s rich.[Aside.Lov.Pray, Sir, keep him not long in Discourse, the Sea has made him unfit for—Alon.Any thing but seeing my Mistress.Lov.I’ll have mercy upon thee, and fetch her to thee.[Ex.Lovis.Car.Sir, you must know, that we suffer not our Women in Spain to converse so frequently with your Sex, and that thro a cautious—well consider’d prudent—Consideration.Alon.But, Sir, do you consider what an impatient thing a young Lover is? Or is it so long since you were one your self, you have forgot it? ’Tis well he wanted Words.[EnterEuphemiaandLovis.]But yonder’sEuphemia, whose Beauty is sufficient to excuse every Defect in the whole Family, tho each were a mortal sin; and now ’tis impossible to guard my self longer from those fair Eyes.[Aside.Car.I must not urge him to speak much beforeEuphemia, lest she discover he wants Wit by his much Tongue:[Aside.There’s my Daughter, Sir, go and salute her.Alon.Oh, I thank you for that, Sir.[He stands ridiculously looking on her.Car.You must be bold, Sir.Alon.Well, Sir, since you command me—[Goes rudely to kiss her.Car.I did not mean kissing by saluting.Alon.I cry you Mercy, Sir, so I understood you.Car.Fie upon’t, that he should be no more a Master of Civility.Lov.I fear, Sir, my Sister will never like this Humour in her Lover; he wants common Conversation.Car.Conversation—ye foolish Boy, he has Money, and needs none of your Conversation. And yet if I thought he were valiant—[This whileAlonzoandEuphemiamake signs of Love with their Eyes.Lov.I hope, Sir,he does not boastof more of that than he really has.Car.That Fault I my self have been guilty of, and can excuse; but the thing it self I shall never endure: you know I was forc’d to send you abroad, because I thought you addicted to that. I shall never sleep in quiet—Valiant! that’s such a thing, to be Rich, or Wise and Valiant.[Goes toEuphemia.Lov.Colonel, pray to the business, for I fear you will betray your self.Car.But look upon his Wealth,Euphemia, and you will find those Advantages there which are wanting in his Person; but I think the Man’s well.Euph.I must not seem to yield too soon.[Aside.Sir, there be many Spaniards born that are as rich as he, and have Wit too.Car.She was ever very averse to this Marriage.[Aside.This Man is half aSpaniard, his Mother was one, and my first Mistress, and she I can tell you, was a great Fortune—Euph.I, Sir, but he is such a Fool—Car.You are a worse, to find fault with that in a Husband.Alon.Stand aside, Sir, are you to court your Daughter or I?Car.I was inclining her—Alon.You inclining her! an old Man wants Rhetorick; set me to her.[Goes toEuphemia.Car.This capricious Humour was tolerable in him, Whilst I believ’d it the Effects of Folly, but now ’tis that of Valour: Oh, I tremble at the Sight of him.[Retires.Euph.Now, I see you are a Cavalier of your Word.Alon.Faith,Euphemia, you might have believ’d, and taken me upon better Terms, if you had so pleas’d: To marry you is but an ill-favour’d Proof to give you of my Passion.Euph.Do you repent it?Alon.Would to God ’twere come but to that, I was just upon the Point of it when you enter’d. But I know not what the Devil there is in that Face of yours, but it has debauch’d every sober Thought about me: Faith, do not let us marry yet.Euph.If we had not proceeded too far to retreat, I should be content.Alon.What shall I come to? all on the sudden to leave delicious whoring, drinking and fighting, and be condemn’d to a dull honest Wife. Well, if it be my ill Fortune, may this Curse light on thee that has brought me to’t: may I love thee even after we are married to that troublesome Degree, that I may grow most damnable jealous of thee, and keep thee from the Sight of all Mankind, but thy own natural Husband, that so thou may’st be depriv’d of the greatest Pleasure of this Life, the Blessing of Change.Euph.I am sorry to find so much ill Nature in you; would you have the Conscience to tie me to harder Conditions than I would you?Alon.Nay, I do not think I shall be so wickedly loving; but I am resolv’d to marry thee and try.Euph.My Father, Sir, on with your Disguise.[To themCarlo.Car.Well, Sir, how do you like my Daughter?Alon.So, so, she’ll serve for a Wife.Car.But do you find herwilling to be so?Alon.’Tis not a half-penny matter for that, as long as my Father and you are agreed upon the matter,Car.Well,Euphemia, setting all foolish Modesty aside, how do you like this Man?Euph.As one, whom in Obedience to you, I am content to cast my self away upon.Car.How seems his Humour to you?Euph.Indifferent, Sir, he is not very courtly, something rough and hasty.Car.I fear she has found his ill Quality of Valour too; and since’tis certain ’tis so, why should it be said that I ruin’d a Child to satisfy my Appetite of Riches?[Aside.Come, Daughter, can you love him, or can you not? For I’ll make but short Work on’t; you are my Daughter, and have a Fortune great enough to inrich any Man; and I’m resolv’d to put no Force upon your Inclinations.Euph.How’s this! nay, then ’tis time I left dissembling.[Aside.]Sir, this Bounty in you has strangely overcome me, and makes me asham’d to have withstood your Will so long.Car.Do not dissemble with me, I say do not; for I am resolv’d you shall be happy.Euph.Sir, my Obedience shall—Car.No more of your Obedience; I say again, do not dissemble, for I’m not pleas’d with your Obedience.Euph.This Alteration is very strange and sudden; pray Heaven he have not found the Cheat.[Aside.Love, Sir, they say will come after Marriage; pray let me try it.Car.Few have found it so; nor shall you experience it at so dear a Rate as your Ruin.Euph.But, Sir, methinks I am grown to love him more since he spoke to me, than before.Car.The Effects of your Obedience again.Euph.This is a strange Alteration, Sir; not all my Tears and Prayers before I saw him, could prevail with you. I beseech you, Sir, believe me.Car.Nor should now, had I not another Reason for’t.Euph.Oh, I fear—But, Sir—Car.Go to, I’ll be better satisfy’d e’er I proceed farther—both of your Inclinations, and his Courage.[Aside.Euph.Do you consider his Wealth, Sir?Car.That shall not now befriend him.Alon.Sir, I bar whispering; ’tis not in my Bargain, nor civil: I’ll have fair Play for my Money.Car.I am only knowing my Daughter’s Pleasure; she is a little peevish, as Virgins use in such Cases; but wou’d that were all, and I’d endeavour to reconcile her.Alon.I thank you, Sir; in the mean time I’ll take a Walk for an Hour or two, to get me a better Stomach both to my Dinner and Mistress.Car.Do so, Sir. Come,Euphemia, I will give you a Proof of my Indulgence, thou shalt marry no valiant Fools! valiant, quoth ye. Come, come—had he been peaceable and rich—Come, come—[Ex. withEuphemia.Lov.Well, now I’ll go look after myDutchman,lest he surprize ushere, which must not be; where shall I find you?Alon.I’ll wait upon my Prince, and then on you here.Lov.Do so, and carry on this Humour. Adieu.Scene II.A flat Grove.EnterHauncein a fantastical travelling Habit, with a Bottle of Brandy in his Hand, as sick:Gloadmarches after.Hau.Ah, ah, a pox of all Sea-Voyages.[Drinks.Here,Gload, take thee t’other Sope, and then let’s home.[Gloaddrinks.Ah, ah, a pox of all Sea-Voyages.Gload.Sir, if I may advise, take t’other turn in the Grove, for I find by my Nose you want more airing.Hau.How, Sirrah! by your Nose? have a care, you know ’tis ill jesting with me when I’m angry.Gload.Which is as often as you are drunk; I find it has the same Effects on me too: but truly, Sir, I meant no other than that you smell a little of the Vessel, a certain sour remains of a Storm about you.
Alon.By all that’s good I am in earnest, Friend;Nay thy own Eyes shall convince theeOf the Power of hers.Her Veil fell off, and she appear’d to me,Like unexpected Day, from out a Cloud;The lost benighted TravellerSees not th’ Approach ofthe next Morning’s SunWith more transported Joy,Than I this ravishing and unknown Beauty.
Alon.By all that’s good I am in earnest, Friend;
Nay thy own Eyes shall convince thee
Of the Power of hers.
Her Veil fell off, and she appear’d to me,
Like unexpected Day, from out a Cloud;
The lost benighted Traveller
Sees not th’ Approach ofthe next Morning’s Sun
With more transported Joy,
Than I this ravishing and unknown Beauty.
Lov.Hey day! What Stuff’s here? Nay, now I see thou art quite gone indeed.
Alon.I fear it. Oh, had she not been honest!What Joy, what Heaven of Joys she would distribute!With such a Face, and Shape, a Wit, and Mein—But as she is, I know not what to do.
Alon.I fear it. Oh, had she not been honest!
What Joy, what Heaven of Joys she would distribute!
With such a Face, and Shape, a Wit, and Mein—
But as she is, I know not what to do.
Lov.You cannot marry her.
Alon.I would not willingly, tho I think I’m free: ForPedrowent toMarcelto tell him I was arriv’d, and would wait on him; but was treated more like a Spy, than a Messenger of Love: They sent no Answer back, which I tell you,Lovis, angers me: ’twas not the Entertainment I expected from my brave FriendMarcel. But now I am for the fair Stranger who by this expects me.
Mar.’TisAlonzo. O how he animates my Rage, and turns me over to Revenge, uponHippolytaand her false Lover![Aside.
Lov.Who’s this that walks before us?[They go out.
Alon.No matter who.
Mar.I am follow’d.[They enter again.
Lov.See, he stops.[Marcellooks back.
Alon.Let him do what he please, we will out-go him.[They go out.
Lov.This Man whoe’er he be still follows us.
Alon.I care not, nothing shall hinder my Design, I’ll go tho I make my passage thro his Heart.[They enter at another Door, he follows.
Lov.See, he advances, pray stand by a little.[They stand by.
Mar.Sure there’s some Trick in this, but I’ll not fear it. This is the Street, and hereabout’s the House.[Looks about.This must be it, if I can get admittance now.[Knocks.
Mar.Sure there’s some Trick in this, but I’ll not fear it. This is the Street, and hereabout’s the House.[Looks about.
This must be it, if I can get admittance now.[Knocks.
EnterOlindawith a Light.
Olin.O, Sir, are you come? my Lady grew impatient.[They go in.
Mar.She takes me for some other: This is happy.[Aside.
Alon.Gods! is not that the Maid that first conducted me to the fair thing that rob’d me of my Heart?
Lov.I think it is.
Alon.She gives admittance to another Man.All Women-kind are false, I’ll in and tell her so.[Offers to go.
Lov.You are too rash, ’tis dangerous.
Alan.I do despise thy Counsel, let me go.
Lov.If you are resolv’d, I’ll run the Hazard with you.[They both go in.
Scene II.The Scene changes to a Chamber.
Enter from one sideOlinda, lighting inMarcelmuffled as before in his Cloke, from the otherAntonioleading inEuphemiaveil’d.
Mar.By Heaven’s, ’tis she: Vile Strumpet![Throws off his Cloke, and snatches her from him.
Euph.Alas, this is not he whom I expected.
Anto.Marcel!I had rather have encounter’d my evil Angel than thee.[Draws.
Mar.I do believe thee, base ungenerous Coward.[Draws.
[They fight,MarceldisarmsAntonio, by wounding his Hand. EnterAlonzo, goes betwixt them, and with his Sword drawn opposesMarcel, who is going to killAntonio;Lovisfollows him.
Alon.Take Courage, Sir.[ToAntonio, who goes out mad.
Mar.Prevented! whoe’er thou be’st.It was unjustly done,To save his Life who merits Death,By a more shameful way.But thank the Gods she still remains to meetThat Punishment that’s due to her foul Lust.[Offers to run at her,Alonzogoes between.
Mar.Prevented! whoe’er thou be’st.
It was unjustly done,
To save his Life who merits Death,
By a more shameful way.
But thank the Gods she still remains to meet
That Punishment that’s due to her foul Lust.[Offers to run at her,Alonzogoes between.
Alon.’Tis this way you must make your Passage then.
Mar.What art thou, that thus a second timeDar’st interpose between Revenge and me?
Mar.What art thou, that thus a second time
Dar’st interpose between Revenge and me?
Alon.’TisMarcel!What can this mean?[Aside.
Dost not thou know me, Friend? look on me well.
Mar.Alonzohere! Ah I shall die with Shame.[Aside.As thou art my Friend, remove from that bad Woman,Whose Sins deserve no sanctuary.
Mar.Alonzohere! Ah I shall die with Shame.[Aside.
As thou art my Friend, remove from that bad Woman,
Whose Sins deserve no sanctuary.
Euph.What can he mean? I dare not shew my Face.[Aside.
Alon.I do believe this Woman is a false one,But still she is a Woman, and a fair one:I would not suffer thee to injure her,Tho I believe she has undone thy quiet,As she has lately mine.
Alon.I do believe this Woman is a false one,
But still she is a Woman, and a fair one:
I would not suffer thee to injure her,
Tho I believe she has undone thy quiet,
As she has lately mine.
Mar.Why, dost thou know it then?Stand by, I shall forget thou art my Friend else,And thro thy Heart reach hers.
Mar.Why, dost thou know it then?
Stand by, I shall forget thou art my Friend else,
And thro thy Heart reach hers.
Alon.Nothing but Love could animate him thus,He is my Rival.[Aside.Marcel, I will not quit one inch of Ground;Do what thou dar’st, for know I do adore her,And thus am bound by Love to her Defence.[Offers to fightMarcel, who retires in wonder.
Alon.Nothing but Love could animate him thus,
He is my Rival.[Aside.
Marcel, I will not quit one inch of Ground;
Do what thou dar’st, for know I do adore her,
And thus am bound by Love to her Defence.[Offers to fightMarcel, who retires in wonder.
Euph.Hold, noble Stranger, hold.
Mar.Have you such Pity on your Lover there?[Offers to kill her,Alonzostays him.
Euph.Help, help.[Her Veil falls off.
EnterHippolytadrest like a Curtezan: SeesMarcel.
Hip.Oh Gods, my Brother! in pity, Sir, defend meFrom the just Rage of that incensed Man.[Runs behindLovis, whilstMarcelstands gazing on both with wonder.
Hip.Oh Gods, my Brother! in pity, Sir, defend me
From the just Rage of that incensed Man.[Runs behindLovis, whilstMarcelstands gazing on both with wonder.
Lov.I know not the meaning of all this, butHowever I’ll help the Lady in Distress.Madam, you’re safe, whilst I am your Protector.[Leads her out.
Lov.I know not the meaning of all this, but
However I’ll help the Lady in Distress.
Madam, you’re safe, whilst I am your Protector.[Leads her out.
Mar.I’ve lost the Power of striking where I ought,Since my misguided Hand so lately err’d.Oh Rage, dull senseless Rage, how blind and rudeIt makes us.Pardon, fair Creature, my unruly Passion,And only blame that Veil which hid that Face,Whose Innocence and Beauty had disarm’d it:I took you for the most perfidious Woman,The falsest loosest thing.
Mar.I’ve lost the Power of striking where I ought,
Since my misguided Hand so lately err’d.
Oh Rage, dull senseless Rage, how blind and rude
It makes us.
Pardon, fair Creature, my unruly Passion,
And only blame that Veil which hid that Face,
Whose Innocence and Beauty had disarm’d it:
I took you for the most perfidious Woman,
The falsest loosest thing.
Alon.How! are you a Stranger to her?
Mar.Yes I am. Have you forgiven me, Madam?
Euph.Sir, I have.[Marcelbows and offers to go out.
Alon.Stay, Friend, and let me know your Quarrel.
Mar.Not for the World,Alonzo.
Alon.This is unfriendly, Sir.
Mar.Thou dost delay me from the noblest Deed,On which the Honour of my House depends,A Deed which thou wilt curse thy self for hindringFarewel.[Goes out.
Mar.Thou dost delay me from the noblest Deed,
On which the Honour of my House depends,
A Deed which thou wilt curse thy self for hindring
Farewel.[Goes out.
Alon.What can the meaning of this be?
Euph.Oh do not ask, but let us quickly leave this dangerous Place.
Alon.Does it not belong to you?
Euph.No, but you would like me the better if it did: for, Sir, it is a—
Alon.Upon my Life, a Baudy-house.
Euph.So they call it.
Alon.You do amaze me.
Euph.Truth is, not daring to trust my Friends or Relations with a Secret that so nearly concern’d me as the meeting you, and hearing of a new come Curtezan living in this House, I sent her word I would make her a Visit, knowing she would gladly receive it from a Maid of my Quality: When I came, I told her my Business, and very frankly she offer’d me her House and Service—Perhaps you’ll like me the worse for this bold Venture, but when you consider my promis’d Husband is every day expected, you will think it but just to secure my self any way.
Alon.You could not give me a greater Proof than this of what you say you bless me with, your Love.
Euph.I will not question but you are in earnest; at least if any doubt remain, these will resolve it.[Gives him Letters.
Alon.What are these, Madam?
Euph.Letters, Sir, intercepted from the Father of my design’d Husband out ofFlandersto mine.
Alon.What use can I make of them?
Euph.Only this: Put your self into an Equipage very ridiculous, and pretend you are my foolish Lover arriv’d fromFlanders, call your selfHaunce van Ezel, and give my Father these, as for the rest I’ll trust your Wit.
Alon.What shall I say or do now?[Aside.
Euph.Come, come, no study, Sir; this must be done,And quickly too, or you will lose me.
Euph.Come, come, no study, Sir; this must be done,
And quickly too, or you will lose me.
Alon.Two great Evils! if I had but the Grace to chuse the least now, that is, lose her.[Aside.
Euph.I’ll give you but to night to consider it.
Alon.Short warning this: but I am damnably in love, and cannot withstand Temptation.[Kisses her Hand.
Euph.I had forgot to tell you my Name’sEuphemia, my Father’s you’ll find on the Letters, and pray show your Love in your haste. Farewel.
Alon.Stay, fairEuphemia, and let me pay my Thanks, and tell you that I must obey you.
Euph.I give a Credit where I give a Heart.Go inquire my Birth and Fortune: as for you,I am content with what I see about you.
Euph.I give a Credit where I give a Heart.
Go inquire my Birth and Fortune: as for you,
I am content with what I see about you.
Alon.That’s bravely said, nor will I ask one Question about you, not only to return the Bounty, but to avoid all things that look like the Approaches to a married Life. If Fortune will put us together, let her e’en provide for us.
Euph.I must be gone: Farewel, and pray make haste.[Looks kindly on him.
Alon.There’s no resisting those Looks,Euphemia: One more to fortify me well; for I shall have need of every Aid in this Case.[Look at one another and go.
Scene III.A Street.
EnterAntonioin haste withHippolyta; weeping as passing over the Stage.
Ant.Come, let us haste, I fear we are pursu’d.
Hip.Ah, whither shall we fly?
Ant.We are near the Gate, and must secure our selves with the Darkness of the Night inSt. Peter’sGrove, we dare not venture into any House.[Exeunt.
EnterClarindaandDormidaabove in the Balcony.
Clar.Can’st thou not see him yet?
Dorm.Good lack a-day, what an impatient thing is a young Girl in love!
Clar.Nay, goodDormida, let not want of Sleep make thee testy.
Dorm.In good time—are you my Governess, or I yours, that you are giving me Instructions? Go get you in, or I shall lay down my Office.
Clar.Nay, wait a little longer, I’m sure he will come.
Dorm.You sure! you have wondrous Skill indeed in the Humours of Men: how came you to be so well acquainted with them? you scarce ever saw any but DonMarcel, and him too but thro a Grate or Window, or at Church; and yet you are sure. I am a little the elder of the two, and have manag’d as many Intrigues of this kind as any Woman, and never found a constant just Man, as they say, of a thousand; and yet you are sure.
Clar.Why, is it possibleMarcelshould be false?
Dorm.Marcel!No, no, Sweet-heart, he is that Man of a thousand.
Clar.But if he should, you have undone me, by telling me so many pretty things of him.
Dorm.Still you question my Ability, which by no means I can indure; get you in I say.
Clar.Do not speak so loud, you will wake my Mother.
Dorm.At your Instructions again; do you question my Conduct and Management of this Affair? Go watch for him your self: I’ll have no more to do with you back nor edge.[Offers to go.
Clar.Will you be so barbarous to leave me to my self, after having made it your Business this three Months to sollicit a Heart which was but too ready to yield before; after having sworn to me how honourable all his Intents were; nay, made me write to him to come to night? And now when I have done this, and am all trembling with fear and shame (and yet an infinite Desire to see him too)[Sighs]thou wilt abandon me: go, when such as you oblige, ’tis but to be insolent with the more freedom.
Dorm.What, you are angry I’ll warrant.[Smiles.
Clar.I will punish my self to pay thee back, and will not seeMarcel.
Dorm.What a pettish Fool is a Maid in love at fifteen! how unmanageable! But I’ll forgive all—go get you in, I’ll watch for your Lover; I would not have you disoblige a Man of his Pretensions and Quality for all the World.[Clarindagoes in.
EnterAlonzobelow.
Alon.Now do I wantLovisextremely, to consult with him about this Business: For I am afraid the Devil, or Love, or both are so great with me, that I must marry this fair Inchantress, which isvery unlucky; but, sinceAmbrosioandMarcelrefuse to see me, I hold my self no longer ingag’d in Honour toHippolyta.
Dorm.[above.]Whist, whist, Sir, Sir.
Alon.Who’s there?
Dorm.’Tis I, your Servant, Sir; oh you are a fine Spark, are you not, to make so fair a Creature wait so long for you? there, there’s the Key, open the Door softly and come in.[Throws him down a Key in a Handkerchief.
Alon.What’s this? But I’ll ask no Questions, so fair a Creature, said she? Now if ’twere to save my Life cannot I forbear, I must go in: Shou’dEuphemiaknow this, she would call it Levity and Inconstancy; but I plead Necessity, and will be judg’d by the amorous Men, and not the jealous Women: For certain this Lady, whoe’er she be, designs me a more speedy Favour than I can hope fromEuphemia, and on easier Terms too. This is the Door that must conduct to the languishingVenus.[Opens the Door and goes in, leaving it unshut.
EnterMarcelwith his Sword drawn.
Mar.Thus far I have pursu’d the Fugitives,Who by the help of hasty Fear and Night,Are got beyond my Power; unlucky Accident!Had I but kill’dAntonio, orHippolyta,Either had made my Shame supportable.But tho I have mist the Pleasure of Revenge,I will not that of Love.One Look from fairClarindawill appeaseThe Madness which this Disappointment rais’d.[Walks looking towards the Window.
Mar.Thus far I have pursu’d the Fugitives,
Who by the help of hasty Fear and Night,
Are got beyond my Power; unlucky Accident!
Had I but kill’dAntonio, orHippolyta,
Either had made my Shame supportable.
But tho I have mist the Pleasure of Revenge,
I will not that of Love.
One Look from fairClarindawill appease
The Madness which this Disappointment rais’d.[Walks looking towards the Window.
None appears yet:Dormidawas to throw me down the Key. The Door is open, left so to give me entrance.[Goes to the Door.
Scene IV.Changes to a dark Hall.
DiscoversAlonzogroping about in the Hall.
Alon.Now am I in a worse Condition than before, can neither advance nor retreat: I do not like this groping alone in the Dark thus. Whereabouts am I? I dare not call: were this fair thing she spoke of but now half so impatient as I, she would bring a Light, and conduct me.
EnterMarcel.
Mar.’Tis wondrous dark.
Alon.Hah, a Man’s Voice that way; that’s not so well: it may be some Lover, Husband, or Brother; none of which are to be trusted in this Case, therefore I’ll stand upon my Guard.[Draws:Marcelcoming towards him jostles him.
Mar.Who’s there?
Alon.A Man.
Mar.A Man! none such inhabit here.[Draws.
Thy Business?
Alon.This shall answer you, since there’s no other way.
[They fight,AlonzowoundsMarcel, who fights him to the Door;Alonzogoes out,Marcelgropes to follow.
Mar.This is not just, ye Gods, to punish me, and let the Traytor ’scape unknown too: Methought ’twasSilvio’sVoice, or else a sudden thought of Jealousy come into my Head would make me think so.
EnterClarindaandDormidawith Light.
Clar.I tell you I did hear the noise of fighting.
Dorm.Why, between whom should it be? I’ll be swornMarcelcame in alone.
Clar.Marcel!and wounded too! oh I’m lost.[Sees him, weeps.
Mar.Keep your false Tears to bathe your Lover’s Wounds.For I perhaps havegiven him some—Thou old Assistant to her Lust, whose greatest Sin is wishing, tell me who ’twas thou didst procure for her.[In rage toDormida.
Dorm.Alas! I cannot imagine who it should be, unless DonSilvio, who has sometimes made Addresses to her: But oh the House is up, Madam, we are undone; let’s fly for Heavens sake.
Clar.OhMarcel, can you believe—[A Noise.
Dorm.Come, come, I’ll not be undone for your Fiddle-faddles; I’ll lay it all on you, if I be taken.[Pulls outClarinda.
Mar.Sot that I was, I could not guess at this to day, by his Anger at the Letter I foolishly shew’d him; he is my Rival, and ’tis with him she’s fled; and I’ll endeavour to pursue them.[Offers to go.
But oh my Strength complies with their Design,[Leaning on his Sword.]and shamefully retires to give them leave to play their amorous Game out.[Goes faintly out.
Scene V.Changes to the Street. DiscoversAlonzoalone.
Alon.This Act of mine was rash and ill-natur’d,And I cannot leave the Street with a good Conscience,Till I know what mischief I have done.
Alon.This Act of mine was rash and ill-natur’d,
And I cannot leave the Street with a good Conscience,
Till I know what mischief I have done.
EnterDormidaandClarinda.
Hah, Ladies from the same House! these are Birds that I have frighted from their Nests I am sure: I’ll proffer my Service to them.
Dorm.Why do not you make more haste?
Clar.How can she go, whose Life is left behind?Besides, I know not whither we should go.Ye Powers that guard the Innocent, protect us.
Clar.How can she go, whose Life is left behind?
Besides, I know not whither we should go.
Ye Powers that guard the Innocent, protect us.
Alon.These must be some whom I have injur’d.Ladies—you seem as in distress.
Dorm.Oh, Sir, as you are a Gentleman, assist a pair of Virgins.
Alon.What’s this, a mumping Matron? I hope the other’s young, or I have offer’d my Service to little purpose.
Clar.Sir, if you will have the Charity to assist us,Do it speedily, we shall be very grateful to you.
Clar.Sir, if you will have the Charity to assist us,
Do it speedily, we shall be very grateful to you.
Alon.Madam, I will, but know not where to carry ye; my Lodging is in an Inn, and is neither safe nor honourable: but Fortune dares no less than protect the Fair, and I’ll venture my Life in your Protection and Service.[Exeunt.
EnterMarcelfaintly.
Mar.Stay, Traytor, stay—oh they are out of sight,But may my Curse o’ertake them in their flight.[Exit.
Mar.Stay, Traytor, stay—oh they are out of sight,
But may my Curse o’ertake them in their flight.[Exit.
Scene VI.Chamber ofCleonte.
She is discover’d in her Night-Gown, at a Table, as undressing,Franciscaby her.
Cleo.Francisca, thou art dull to Night.[Sighs.
Fran.You will not give me leave to talk.
Cleo.Not thy way indeed, hast thou no Stories but of Love, and of my BrotherSilvio?
Fran.None that you wish to hear: But I’ll do what you please, so you will not oblige me to sigh for you.
Cleo.Then prithee sing to me.
Fran.What Song, a merry, or a sad?
Cleo.Please thy own Humour, for then thou’lt sing best.
Fran.Well, Madam, I’ll obey you, and please my self.
Amyntasled me to a Grove,Where all the Trees did shade us;The Sun it self, tho it had strove,Yet could not have betrayed us.The place secure from human Eyes,No other fear allows,But when the Winds that gently riseDo kiss the yielding Boughs.
Amyntasled me to a Grove,
Where all the Trees did shade us;
The Sun it self, tho it had strove,
Yet could not have betrayed us.
The place secure from human Eyes,
No other fear allows,
But when the Winds that gently rise
Do kiss the yielding Boughs.
Down there we sat upon the Moss,And did begin to playA thousand wanton Tricks, to passThe Heat of all the Day.A many Kisses he did give,And I return’d the same:Which made me willing to receiveThat which I dare not name.
Down there we sat upon the Moss,
And did begin to play
A thousand wanton Tricks, to pass
The Heat of all the Day.
A many Kisses he did give,
And I return’d the same:
Which made me willing to receive
That which I dare not name.
His charming Eyes no aid requir’d,To tell their amorous Tale;On her that was already fir’d,’Twas easy to prevail.He did but kiss, and clasp me round,Whilst they his thoughts exprest,And laid me gently on the Ground;Oh! —who can guess the rest?
His charming Eyes no aid requir’d,
To tell their amorous Tale;
On her that was already fir’d,
’Twas easy to prevail.
He did but kiss, and clasp me round,
Whilst they his thoughts exprest,
And laid me gently on the Ground;
Oh! —who can guess the rest?
After the Song, enterSilvioall undrest, gazing wildly onCleonte; his Arm ty’d up.
Cleo.My BrotherSilvio, at this late hour, and in my Lodgings too! How do you, Sir? are you not well?
Silv.Oh, why did Nature give me being?Or why create me Brother toCleonte?[Aside.Or give her Charms, and me the sense to adore ’em?
Silv.Oh, why did Nature give me being?
Or why create me Brother toCleonte?[Aside.
Or give her Charms, and me the sense to adore ’em?
Cleo.Dear Brother—[Goes to him.
Silv.Ah,Cleonte—[Takes her by the Hand and gazes.
Cleo.What would you, Sir?
Silv.I am not—well—
Cleo.Sleep, Sir, will give you ease.
Silv.I cannot sleep, my Wounds do rage and burn so, as they put me past all power of rest.
Cleo.We’ll call your Surgeon, Sir.
Silv.He can contribute nothing to my Cure,But I must owe it all to thee,Cleonte.
Silv.He can contribute nothing to my Cure,
But I must owe it all to thee,Cleonte.
Cleo.Instruct me in the way, give me your Arm,And I will bathe it in a thousand Tears,[Goes to untie his Arm.And breathe so many Sighs into your Wound—
Cleo.Instruct me in the way, give me your Arm,
And I will bathe it in a thousand Tears,[Goes to untie his Arm.
And breathe so many Sighs into your Wound—
Silv.Let that slight hurt alone, and search this—here.[To his Heart.
Cleo.How! are you wounded there,And would not let us know it all this while?
Cleo.How! are you wounded there,
And would not let us know it all this while?
Silv.I durst not tell you, but design’d to suffer,Rather than trouble you with my Complaints:But now my Pain is greater than my Courage.
Silv.I durst not tell you, but design’d to suffer,
Rather than trouble you with my Complaints:
But now my Pain is greater than my Courage.
Fran.Oh, he will tell her, that he loves her sure.[Aside.
Cleo.Sit down and let me see’t.[He sits down, she puts her Hand into his Bosom.
Fran.Oh foolish Innocence—[Aside.
Cleo.You have deceiv’d me, Brother, here’s no Wound.
Silv.Oh take away your Hand—It does increase my Pain, and wounds me deeper.
Silv.Oh take away your Hand—
It does increase my Pain, and wounds me deeper.
Cleo.No, surely, Sir, my Hand is very gentle.
Silv.Therefore it hurts me, Sister; the very thoughtsOf Touches by so soft and fair a Hand,Playing about my Heart, are not to be indur’d with Life.[Rises in passion.
Silv.Therefore it hurts me, Sister; the very thoughts
Of Touches by so soft and fair a Hand,
Playing about my Heart, are not to be indur’d with Life.[Rises in passion.
Cleo.Alas, what means my Brother?
Silv.Can you not guess, fair Sister? have my EyesSo ill exprest my Soul? or has your InnocenceNot suffer’d you to understand my Sighs?Have then a thousand Tales, which I have told you,Of Broken Hearts, and Lovers Languishments,Not serv’d to tell you, that I did adore you?
Silv.Can you not guess, fair Sister? have my Eyes
So ill exprest my Soul? or has your Innocence
Not suffer’d you to understand my Sighs?
Have then a thousand Tales, which I have told you,
Of Broken Hearts, and Lovers Languishments,
Not serv’d to tell you, that I did adore you?
Cleo.Oh let me still remain in Innocence,Rather than sin so much to understand you.
Cleo.Oh let me still remain in Innocence,
Rather than sin so much to understand you.
Fran.I can endure no more—[Goes out.
Silv.Can you believe it Sin to love a Brother? it is not so in Nature.
Cleo.Not as a Brother, Sir; but otherwise,It is, by all the Laws of Men and Heaven.
Cleo.Not as a Brother, Sir; but otherwise,
It is, by all the Laws of Men and Heaven.
Silv.Sister, so ’tis that we should do no Murder,And yet you daily kill, and I, among the numberOf your Victims, must charge you with the sinOf killing me, a Lover, and a Brother.
Silv.Sister, so ’tis that we should do no Murder,
And yet you daily kill, and I, among the number
Of your Victims, must charge you with the sin
Of killing me, a Lover, and a Brother.
Cleo.What wou’d you have me do?
Silv.Why—I would have thee—do—I know not what—Still to be with me—yet that will not satisfy;To let me look—upon thee—still that’s not enough.I dare not say to kiss thee, and imbrace thee;That were to make me wish—I dare not tell thee what—
Silv.Why—I would have thee—do—I know not what—
Still to be with me—yet that will not satisfy;
To let me look—upon thee—still that’s not enough.
I dare not say to kiss thee, and imbrace thee;
That were to make me wish—I dare not tell thee what—
Cleo.I must not hear this Language from a Brother.[She offers to go.
Silv.What a vile thing’s a Brother?Stay, take this Dagger, and add one Wound more[He kneels andoffers her a Dagger, and holds her by the Coat.To those your Eyes have given, and after thatYou’ll find no trouble from my Sighs and Tears.
Silv.What a vile thing’s a Brother?
Stay, take this Dagger, and add one Wound more[He kneels andoffers her a Dagger, and holds her by the Coat.
To those your Eyes have given, and after that
You’ll find no trouble from my Sighs and Tears.
EnterFrancisca.
Fran.By this she understands him, curse on her Innocence, ’Tis fuel to his flame—[Aside.]Madam, there is below a Lady, who desires to speak with the Mistress of the House.
Cleo.At this hour a Lady! who can it be?
Fran.I know not, but she seems of Quality.
Cleo.Is she alone?
Fran.Attended by a Gentleman and an old Woman.
Cleo.Perhaps some one that needs a kind Assistance; my Father is in Bed, and I’ll venture to know their Business; bring her up.
Fran.’Twere good you should retire, Sir.[ToSilvio, and Exit.
Silv.I will, but have a care of me,Cleonte,I fear I shall grow mad, and so undo thee:Love me—but do not let me know’t too much.[Goes out.
Silv.I will, but have a care of me,Cleonte,
I fear I shall grow mad, and so undo thee:
Love me—but do not let me know’t too much.[Goes out.
EnterFranciscawith Lights; follow’d byAlonzo,Clarinda, andDormida:Alonzogazes onCleontea while.
Cleo.Is’t me you would command?
Clar.I know not what to say, I am so disorder’d.[Aside.
Alon.What Troops of Beauties she has! sufficient to take whole Cities in—Madam, I beg—[TakesClarindaby the Hand, and approachesCleonte.
Cleo.What, Sir?
Alon.That you would receive into Protection—
Cleo.What pray, Sir?
Alon.Would you would give me leave to say, a HeartThat your fair Eyes have lately made unfitFor its old Quarters.
Alon.Would you would give me leave to say, a Heart
That your fair Eyes have lately made unfit
For its old Quarters.
Cleo.I rather think you mean this Lady, Sir.[Alonzolooks with wonder onClarinda.
Alon.She’s heavenly fair too, and has surpriz’d my Heart,Just as ’twas going to the other’s Bosom,And rob’d her at least of one half of it.[Aside.
Alon.She’s heavenly fair too, and has surpriz’d my Heart,
Just as ’twas going to the other’s Bosom,
And rob’d her at least of one half of it.[Aside.
Clar.Madam, I am a Virgin in distress,And by misfortune forc’d to seek a Sanctuary,And humbly beg it here.
Clar.Madam, I am a Virgin in distress,
And by misfortune forc’d to seek a Sanctuary,
And humbly beg it here.
Cleo.Intreaties were not made for that fair Mouth;Command and be obey’d.But, Sir, to whom do you belong?
Cleo.Intreaties were not made for that fair Mouth;
Command and be obey’d.
But, Sir, to whom do you belong?
Alon.I belong to a very fair Person,But do not know her Name.
Alon.I belong to a very fair Person,
But do not know her Name.
Cleo.But what are you, pray, Sir?
Alon.Madam, a Wanderer; a poor lost thing,That none will own or pity.
Alon.Madam, a Wanderer; a poor lost thing,
That none will own or pity.
Cleo.That’s sad indeed; but whoe’er you are, since you belong to this fair Maid, you’ll find a Welcome every where.
Alon.And if I do not, I am cashier’d.[Aside.Madam, if telling you I am her Brother,Can make me more acceptable,I shall be yet more proud of the Alliance.
Alon.And if I do not, I am cashier’d.[Aside.
Madam, if telling you I am her Brother,
Can make me more acceptable,
I shall be yet more proud of the Alliance.
Cleo.What must I call your Sister, Sir, when I would pay my Duty?
Alon.There I am routed again with another hard Question.[Aside.
Clar.Madam, my Name’sClarinda.
Alon.Madam, I’ll take my leave, and wish the Heart I leave with you to night, may persuade you to suffer my Visits to morrow, till when I shall do nothing but languish.
Cleo.I know not what loss you have suffer’d to night; but since your fair Sister’s Presence with us allows it, you need not doubt a welcome.
Alon.I humbly thank you, Madam.[Kisses her Hand, and looks amorously onClarinda.
Fran.Madam, pray retire, for DonMarcelis come into the House all bloody, inrag’d against somebody.
Clar.I’m troubled at his Hurt, but cannot fear his Rage. Good night, Sir.[They go out.
Alon.They are gone; now had I as much mind to have kist the other’s Hand, but that ’twas not a Ceremony due to a Sister—What the Devil came into my Head, to say she was so? nothing but the natural itch of talking and lying: they are very fair; but what’s that to me?Euphemiasurpasses both: Buta Pox of her termsof Marriage, I’ll set that to her Beauty, and then these get the Day, as far as natural Necessity goes: But I’ll home and sleep upon’t, and yield to what’s most powerful in the Morning.
To night these Strangers do my Heart possess,But which the greatest share, I cannot guess:My Fate in Love resembles that in War,When the rich Spoil falls to the common share.[Goes out.
To night these Strangers do my Heart possess,
But which the greatest share, I cannot guess:
My Fate in Love resembles that in War,
When the rich Spoil falls to the common share.[Goes out.
Scene VII.The Street.
EnterAlonzo, as out of the House, gazing upon it.
Alon.Sure I shall know this House again to morrow.[To himLovis.
Lov.I wonder what should be become ofAlonzo, I do do not like these Night-works of his— Who’s there?
Alon.Lovis!
Lov.Alonzo?
Alon.The same, where hast thou been?
Lov.In search of you this two Hours.
Alon.O, I have been taken up with new Adventures, since I saw thee; but prithee what became of thine? for methought it was a likely Woman.
Lov.Faith, Sir, I thought I had got a Prize; but a Pox on’t, when I came into the Street, e’er she had recover’d Breath to tell me who she was, the Cavalier you rescu’d fromMarcel, laid claim to her; thank’d me for her Preservation, and vanisht. I hope you had better luck with your Female, whose Face I had not the good fortune to see.
Alon.Not so good as I could have wisht, for she stands still on her honourable terms.
Lov.Of Matrimony, ha, ha, a very Jilt, I’ll warrant her; Come, come, you shall see her no more.
Alon.Faith, I fear I must.
Lov.To what purpose?
Alon.To persuade her to Reason.
Lov.That you’ll soon do, when she finds you will not bite at t’other Bait.
Alon.The worst is, if I see her again, it must be at her Father’s House; and so transform’d from Man to Beast—I must appear like a ridiculous Lover she expects out ofFlanders.
Lov.A very Cheat, a trick to draw thee in: be wise in time.
Alon.No, on my Conscience she’s in earnest, she told me her Name, and his I am to represent.
Lov.What is’t, I pray?
Alon.Haunce van Ezel.
Lov.Hah! her Name too, I beseech you?[Impatiently.
Alon.Euphemia: And such a Creature ’tis—
Lov.’Sdeath, my Sister all this while: This has call’d up all that’s Spaniard in me, and makes me raging mad.[Aside.]But do you love her, Sir?
Alon.Most desperately, beyond all Sense or Reason.
Lov.And could you be content to marry her?
Alon.Any thing but that —But thou know’st my ingagement elsewhere; and I have hopes that yet she’ll be wise, and yield on more pleasant terms.
Lov.I could be angry now; but ’twere unreasonable to blame him for this.[Aside.]Sir, I believe by your Treatment fromAmbrosioandMarcel, you may come off there easily.
Alon.That will not satisfy my Honour, tho ’twill my Love; that I have notHippolyta, I will owe to my own Inconstancy, not theirs: besides, this may be a Cheat, as you say.
Lov.But doesEuphemialove you?
Alon.Faith, I think she has too much Wit to dissemble, and too much Beauty to need that Art.
Lov.Then you must marry her.
Alon.Not if I can avoid it.
Lov.I know this Lady, Sir, and know her to be worth your Love: I have it in my Power too, to serve you, if you proceed suddenly, which you must do, or lose her; for thisFlandrianBoor your Rival is already arriv’d, and designs to morrow to make his first Address toEuphemia.
Alon.Oh, he must not, shall not see her.
Lov.How will you hinder him?
Alon.With this.[To his Sword.]Where is this Rival?tell me: Conduct me to him strait; I find my Love above the common rate, and cannot brook this Rival.
Lov.So, this blows the flame—His Life will be no hindrance to you in this Affair, if you design to love on.
Alon.Do’st know him?
Lov.Yes, he is a pleasant Original for you to be copy’d by: It is the same Fop, I told you was to marry my Sister, and who came along with me toMadrid.
Alon.How!Euphemiathy Sister?
Lov.Yes, indeed is she, and whom my Father designs to cast away upon this half Man, half Fool; but I find she has Wit to make a better Choice: she yet knows nothing of my Arrival, and till you resolve what to do, shall not; and myDutchmandoes nothing without me.
Alon.If thou hast the management of him, he’s likely to thrive.
Lov.But not in his Amour, if you please: In short, Sir, if you do really love my Sister, I am content to be so ungracious a Child to contribute to the cheating my Father of this same hopeful Son he expects, and put you upon him; but what you do, must bespeedilythen.
Alon.I am oblig’d to thee for this frank Offer, and will be instructed by thee.
Lov.If you’re resolv’d, I’ll warrant you Success.
Alon.I think I am resolv’d in spite of all my Inclinations to Libertinism.
Lov.Well, Sir, I’ll get you such a Suit then, as that our Hero makes his first approach in, as ridiculously gay as his Humour, which you must assume too.
Alon.Content.
Lov.To night I must pay my Duty to my Father, and will prepare your way, and acquaint my Sister with it; ’tis but a Frolick if we succeed not.
Alon.God-a-mercy, Lad, let’s about it then e’er we sleep, lest I change my Resolution before Morning.[Exeunt.
ACT III.
Scene I.House ofCarlo.
EnterAlonzodrest ridiculously, meetingLovis, they laugh at each other.
Lov.VeryHaunceall over, the Taylor has play’d his part, play but yours as well, and I’ll warrant you the Wench.
Alon.But prithee, why need I act the Fool thus, sinceHauncewas never seen here?
Lov.To make good the Character I always gave of him to my Father; but here he comes, pray be very rude, and very impertinent.
Alon.Lord, Lord, how shall I look thus damnably set out, and thus in love!
Enter DonCarlo.
Lov.This, Sir, is MonsieurHaunce, your Son that must be.
Alon.Beso los manos, signor: Is your Name DonCarlo?and are you the Gravity of this House? and the Father of DonnaEuphemia?and are you—
Car.Sir, I guess by all these your Demands at once, your Name to beMyn heer Haunce van Ezel.
Alon.Your Judgment’s good; but to my Questions.
Car.In truth I have forgot them, there were so many.
Alon.Are you he who is to be my Father?
Car.’Tis so negotiated—and if all Circumstances concur—For, Sir, you must conceive, the Consequence of so grand a Conjunction—
Alon.Less of your Compliments, Sir, and more of your Daughter, I beseech you. ’Sheart, what a formal Coxcomb ’tis.[Aside.
Lov.Prithee give him way.[Aside.
Alon.By this Light I’ll lose thy Sister first; Why, who can indure the grave approaches to the Matter? ’Dslife, I would have it as I would my Fate, sudden and unexpected.
Car.Pray, how long have you been landed?
Alon.So, now shall I be plagu’d with nothing but wise Questions, to which I am able to make no Answer.[Aside.]Sir, it is your Daughter that I desire to see impatiently.
Car.Have you no Letters from my very good Friend your Father?
Alon.What if I have not? cannot I be admitted to your Daughter without a Pass?
Car.O lack, Sir—
Alon.But to let you see I come with full Power (tho I am old enough to recommend my self) here is my Commission for what I do.[Gives him Letters.
Car.I remember amongst his other Faults, my Son writ me word he had Courage: If so, I shall consider what to do.[Reads.]Sir, I find by these your Father’s Letters, you are not yet arriv’d.
Alon.I know that, Sir, but I was told I should express my Love in my haste; therefore outsailing the Pacquet, I was the welcome Messenger my self; and since I am so forward, I beseech you, Sir—[Carlocoming to imbrace him.
Now dare not I proceed, he has so credulous a consenting Face.[Aside.
Car.Spare your Words, I understand their meaning; a prudent Man speaks least, as theSpaniardhas it: and since you are so forward, as you were saying, I shall not be backward; but as your Father adviseth here, hasten the uniting of our Families, with all celerity; for delay in these Affairs is but to prolong time, as the wise Man says.
Alon.You are much in the right, Sir. But my Wife, I desire to be better acquainted with her.
Car.She shall be forth-coming, Sir. Had you a good Passage? for the Seas and Winds regard no Man’s necessity.
Alon.No, no, a very ill one; your Daughter, Sir.
Car.Pray, how long were you at Sea?
Alon.Euphemia, Sir,Euphemia, your Daughter. This Don’s fuller of Questions than of Proverbs, and that’s a Wonder.[Aside.
Car.They sayFlandersis a very fine Country, I never saw it; but—
Alon.Nor ’tis no matter, Sir, if you never do, so I saw your Daughter. He’ll catechize me home to myDutchParents by and by, of which I can give him no more account than—[Aside.
Car.Are they as dissatisfied with their new Governour, as they were withDonJohn?for they love change.
Alon.A Pox of their Government, I tell you I love your Daughter.
Car.I fear ’tis so, he’s valiant; and what a dangerous Quality is that inSpain!’tis well he’s rich.[Aside.
Lov.Pray, Sir, keep him not long in Discourse, the Sea has made him unfit for—
Alon.Any thing but seeing my Mistress.
Lov.I’ll have mercy upon thee, and fetch her to thee.[Ex.Lovis.
Car.Sir, you must know, that we suffer not our Women in Spain to converse so frequently with your Sex, and that thro a cautious—well consider’d prudent—Consideration.
Alon.But, Sir, do you consider what an impatient thing a young Lover is? Or is it so long since you were one your self, you have forgot it? ’Tis well he wanted Words.[EnterEuphemiaandLovis.]But yonder’sEuphemia, whose Beauty is sufficient to excuse every Defect in the whole Family, tho each were a mortal sin; and now ’tis impossible to guard my self longer from those fair Eyes.[Aside.
Car.I must not urge him to speak much beforeEuphemia, lest she discover he wants Wit by his much Tongue:[Aside.
There’s my Daughter, Sir, go and salute her.
Alon.Oh, I thank you for that, Sir.[He stands ridiculously looking on her.
Car.You must be bold, Sir.
Alon.Well, Sir, since you command me—[Goes rudely to kiss her.
Car.I did not mean kissing by saluting.
Alon.I cry you Mercy, Sir, so I understood you.
Car.Fie upon’t, that he should be no more a Master of Civility.
Lov.I fear, Sir, my Sister will never like this Humour in her Lover; he wants common Conversation.
Car.Conversation—ye foolish Boy, he has Money, and needs none of your Conversation. And yet if I thought he were valiant—
[This whileAlonzoandEuphemiamake signs of Love with their Eyes.
Lov.I hope, Sir,he does not boastof more of that than he really has.
Car.That Fault I my self have been guilty of, and can excuse; but the thing it self I shall never endure: you know I was forc’d to send you abroad, because I thought you addicted to that. I shall never sleep in quiet—Valiant! that’s such a thing, to be Rich, or Wise and Valiant.[Goes toEuphemia.
Lov.Colonel, pray to the business, for I fear you will betray your self.
Car.But look upon his Wealth,Euphemia, and you will find those Advantages there which are wanting in his Person; but I think the Man’s well.
Euph.I must not seem to yield too soon.[Aside.
Sir, there be many Spaniards born that are as rich as he, and have Wit too.
Car.She was ever very averse to this Marriage.[Aside.
This Man is half aSpaniard, his Mother was one, and my first Mistress, and she I can tell you, was a great Fortune—
Euph.I, Sir, but he is such a Fool—
Car.You are a worse, to find fault with that in a Husband.
Alon.Stand aside, Sir, are you to court your Daughter or I?
Car.I was inclining her—
Alon.You inclining her! an old Man wants Rhetorick; set me to her.[Goes toEuphemia.
Car.This capricious Humour was tolerable in him, Whilst I believ’d it the Effects of Folly, but now ’tis that of Valour: Oh, I tremble at the Sight of him.[Retires.
Euph.Now, I see you are a Cavalier of your Word.
Alon.Faith,Euphemia, you might have believ’d, and taken me upon better Terms, if you had so pleas’d: To marry you is but an ill-favour’d Proof to give you of my Passion.
Euph.Do you repent it?
Alon.Would to God ’twere come but to that, I was just upon the Point of it when you enter’d. But I know not what the Devil there is in that Face of yours, but it has debauch’d every sober Thought about me: Faith, do not let us marry yet.
Euph.If we had not proceeded too far to retreat, I should be content.
Alon.What shall I come to? all on the sudden to leave delicious whoring, drinking and fighting, and be condemn’d to a dull honest Wife. Well, if it be my ill Fortune, may this Curse light on thee that has brought me to’t: may I love thee even after we are married to that troublesome Degree, that I may grow most damnable jealous of thee, and keep thee from the Sight of all Mankind, but thy own natural Husband, that so thou may’st be depriv’d of the greatest Pleasure of this Life, the Blessing of Change.
Euph.I am sorry to find so much ill Nature in you; would you have the Conscience to tie me to harder Conditions than I would you?
Alon.Nay, I do not think I shall be so wickedly loving; but I am resolv’d to marry thee and try.
Euph.My Father, Sir, on with your Disguise.[To themCarlo.
Car.Well, Sir, how do you like my Daughter?
Alon.So, so, she’ll serve for a Wife.
Car.But do you find herwilling to be so?
Alon.’Tis not a half-penny matter for that, as long as my Father and you are agreed upon the matter,
Car.Well,Euphemia, setting all foolish Modesty aside, how do you like this Man?
Euph.As one, whom in Obedience to you, I am content to cast my self away upon.
Car.How seems his Humour to you?
Euph.Indifferent, Sir, he is not very courtly, something rough and hasty.
Car.I fear she has found his ill Quality of Valour too; and since’tis certain ’tis so, why should it be said that I ruin’d a Child to satisfy my Appetite of Riches?[Aside.
Come, Daughter, can you love him, or can you not? For I’ll make but short Work on’t; you are my Daughter, and have a Fortune great enough to inrich any Man; and I’m resolv’d to put no Force upon your Inclinations.
Euph.How’s this! nay, then ’tis time I left dissembling.[Aside.]Sir, this Bounty in you has strangely overcome me, and makes me asham’d to have withstood your Will so long.
Car.Do not dissemble with me, I say do not; for I am resolv’d you shall be happy.
Euph.Sir, my Obedience shall—
Car.No more of your Obedience; I say again, do not dissemble, for I’m not pleas’d with your Obedience.
Euph.This Alteration is very strange and sudden; pray Heaven he have not found the Cheat.[Aside.
Love, Sir, they say will come after Marriage; pray let me try it.
Car.Few have found it so; nor shall you experience it at so dear a Rate as your Ruin.
Euph.But, Sir, methinks I am grown to love him more since he spoke to me, than before.
Car.The Effects of your Obedience again.
Euph.This is a strange Alteration, Sir; not all my Tears and Prayers before I saw him, could prevail with you. I beseech you, Sir, believe me.
Car.Nor should now, had I not another Reason for’t.
Euph.Oh, I fear—But, Sir—
Car.Go to, I’ll be better satisfy’d e’er I proceed farther—both of your Inclinations, and his Courage.[Aside.
Euph.Do you consider his Wealth, Sir?
Car.That shall not now befriend him.
Alon.Sir, I bar whispering; ’tis not in my Bargain, nor civil: I’ll have fair Play for my Money.
Car.I am only knowing my Daughter’s Pleasure; she is a little peevish, as Virgins use in such Cases; but wou’d that were all, and I’d endeavour to reconcile her.
Alon.I thank you, Sir; in the mean time I’ll take a Walk for an Hour or two, to get me a better Stomach both to my Dinner and Mistress.
Car.Do so, Sir. Come,Euphemia, I will give you a Proof of my Indulgence, thou shalt marry no valiant Fools! valiant, quoth ye. Come, come—had he been peaceable and rich—Come, come—[Ex. withEuphemia.
Lov.Well, now I’ll go look after myDutchman,lest he surprize ushere, which must not be; where shall I find you?
Alon.I’ll wait upon my Prince, and then on you here.
Lov.Do so, and carry on this Humour. Adieu.
Scene II.A flat Grove.
EnterHauncein a fantastical travelling Habit, with a Bottle of Brandy in his Hand, as sick:Gloadmarches after.
Hau.Ah, ah, a pox of all Sea-Voyages.[Drinks.
Here,Gload, take thee t’other Sope, and then let’s home.[Gloaddrinks.
Ah, ah, a pox of all Sea-Voyages.
Gload.Sir, if I may advise, take t’other turn in the Grove, for I find by my Nose you want more airing.
Hau.How, Sirrah! by your Nose? have a care, you know ’tis ill jesting with me when I’m angry.
Gload.Which is as often as you are drunk; I find it has the same Effects on me too: but truly, Sir, I meant no other than that you smell a little of the Vessel, a certain sour remains of a Storm about you.