Ang.I am all Rage!my first desires defeatedFor one, for ought he knows, that has noOther Merit than her Quality,—Her being DonPedro’sSister—He loves her:I know ’tis so—dull, dull, insensible—He will not see me now tho oft invited;And broke his Word last night—false perjur’d Man!—He that but yesterday fought for my Favours,And would have made his Life a SacrificeTo’ve gain’d one Night with me,Must now be hired and courted to my Arms.Moret.I told you what wou’d come on’t, butMoretta’san old doating Fool—Why did you give him five hundred Crowns, but to set himself out for other Lovers? You shou’d have kept him poor, if you had meant to have had any good from him.Ang.Oh, name not such mean Trifles.—Had I given him allMy Youth has earn’d from Sin,I had not lost a Thought nor Sigh upon’t.But I have given him my eternal Rest,My whole Repose, my future Joys, my Heart;My Virgin Heart.Moretta!oh ’tis gone!Moret.Curse on him, here he comes;How fine she has made him too!EnterWillmoreandSebast.Ang.turns and walks away.Will.How now, turn’d Shadow?Fly when I pursue, and follow when I fly!Stay gentle Shadow of my Dove,[Sings.And tell me e’er I go,Whether the Substance may not proveA fleeting Thing like you.There’s a soft kind Look remaining yet.[As she turns she looks on him.Ang.Well, Sir, you may be gay; all Happiness, all Joys pursue you still, Fortune’s your Slave, and gives you every hour choice of new Hearts and Beauties, till you are cloy’d with the repeated Bliss, which others vainly languish for—But know, false Man, that I shall be reveng’d.[Turns away in a Rage.Will.So, ’gad, there are of those faint-hearted Lovers, whom such a sharp Lesson next their Hearts would make as impotent as Fourscore—pox o’ this whining—my Bus’ness is to laugh and love—a pox on’t; I hate your sullen Lover, a Man shall lose as much time to put you in Humour now, as would serve to gain a new Woman.Ang.I scorn to cool that Fire I cannot raise, Or do the Drudgery of your virtuous Mistress.Will.A virtuous Mistress! Death, what a thing thou hast found out for me! why what the Devil should I do with a virtuous Woman?—a fort of ill-natur’d Creatures, that take a Pride to torment a Lover. Virtue is but an Infirmity in Women, a Disease that renders even thehandsom ungrateful; whilst the ill-favour’d, for want of Solicitations and Address, only fancy themselves so.—I have lain with a Woman of Quality, who has all the while been railing at Whores.Ang.I will not answer for your Mistress’s Virtue,Tho she be young enough to know no Guilt:And I could wish you would persuade my Heart,’Twas the two hundred thousand Crowns you courted.Will.Two hundred thousand Crowns! what Story’s this?—what Trick?—what Woman?—ha.Ang.How strange you make it! have you forgot the Creature you entertain’d on the Piazza last night?Will.Ha, my Gipsy worth two hundred thousand Crowns!—oh how I long to be with her—pox, I knew she was of Quality.[Aside.Ang.False Man, I see my Ruin in thy Face.How many vows you breath’d upon my Bosom,Never to be unjust—have you forgot so soon?Will.Faith no, I was just coming to repeat ’em—but here’s a Humour indeed—would make a Man a Saint—Wou’d she’d be angry enough to leave me, and command me not to wait on her.[Aside.EnterHellena, drest in Man’s Clothes.Hell.This must beAngelica, I know it by her mumping Matron here—Ay, ay,’tis she: my mad Captain’s with her too, for all his swearing—how thisunconstantHumour makes me love him:—pray, good grave Gentlewoman, is not thisAngelica?Moret.My too young Sir, it is—I hope ’tis one from DonAntonio.[Goes toAngelica.Hell.Well, something I’ll do to vex him for this.[Aside.Ang.I will not speak with him; am I in humour to receive a Lover?Will.Not speak with him! why I’ll be gone—and wait your idler minutes—Can I shew less Obedience to the thing I love so fondly?[Offers to go.Ang.A fine Excuse this—stay—Will.And hinder your Advantage: should I repay your Bounties so ungratefully?Ang.Come hither, Boy,—that I may let you seeHow much above the Advantages you nameI prize one Minute’s Joy with you.Will.Oh, you destroy me with this Endearment.[Impatient to be gone.—Death, how shall I get away?—Madam,’twill not be fit I should be seen with you—besides, it will not be convenient—and I’ve a Friend—that’s dangerously sick.Ang.I see you’re impatient—yet you shall stay.Will.And miss my Assignation with my Gipsy.[Aside, and walks about impatiently.Hell.Madam,[MorettabringsHellena, who addresses her self toAngelica.You’l hardly pardon my Intrusion,When you shall know my Business;And I’m too young to tell my Tale with Art:But there must be a wondrous store of GoodnessWhere so much Beauty dwells.Ang.A pretty Advocate, whoever sent thee,—Prithee proceed—Nay, Sir, you shall not go.[ToWill.who is stealing off.Will.Then shall I lose my dear Gipsy for ever.—Pox on’t, she stays me out of spite.[Aside.Hell.I am related to a Lady, Madam,Young, rich, and nobly born, but has the fateTo be in love with a youngEnglishGentleman.Strangely she loves him, at first sight she lov’d him,But did adore him when she heard him speak;For he, she said, had Charms in every word,That fail’d not to surprize, to wound, and conquer—Will.Ha, Egad I hope this concerns me.[Aside.Ang.’Tis my false Man, he means—wou’d he were gone.This Praise will raise his Pride and ruin me—Well,Since you are so impatient to be gone,I will release you, Sir.[ToWill.Will.Nay, then I’m sure ’twas me he spoke of, this cannot be the Effects of Kindness in her.[Aside.—No, Madam, I’ve consider’d better on’t,And will not give you cause of Jealousy.Ang.But, Sir, I’ve—business, that—Will.This shall not do, I know ’tis but to try me.Ang.Well, to your Story, Boy,—tho ’twill undo me.[Aside.Hell.With this Addition to his other Beauties,He won her unresisting tender Heart,He vow’d and sigh’d, and swore he lov’d her dearly;And she believ’d the cunning Flatterer,And thought her self the happiest Maid alive:To day was the appointed time by both,To consummate their Bliss;The Virgin, Altar, and the Priest were drest,And whilst she languisht for the expected Bridegroom,She heard, he paid his broken Vows to you.Will.So, this is some dear Rogue that’s in love with me, and this way lets me know it; or if it be not me, she means some one whose place I may supply.[Aside.Ang.Now I perceiveThe cause of thy Impatience to be gone,And all the business of this glorious Dress.Will.Damn the young Prater, I know not what he means.Hell.Madam,In your fair Eyes I read too much concernTo tell my farther Business.Ang.Prithee, sweet Youth, talk on, thou may’st perhapsRaise here a Storm that may undo my Passion,And then I’ll grant thee any thing.Hell.Madam,’tis to intreat you, (oh unreasonable!)You wou’d not see this Stranger;For if you do, she vows you are undone,Tho Nature never made a Man so excellent;And sure he’ad been a God, but for Inconstancy.Will.Ah, Rogue, how finely he’s instructed![Aside.]—’Tis plain some Woman that has seen meen passant.Ang.Oh, I shall burst with Jealousy! do you know the Man you speak of?—Hell.Yes, Madam, he us’d to be in Buff and Scarlet.Ang.Thou, false as Hell, what canst thou say to this?[ToWill.Will.By Heaven—Ang.Hold, do not damn thy self—Hell.Nor hope to be believ’d.[He walks about, they follow.Ang.Oh, perjur’d Man!Is’t thus you pay my generous Passion back?Hell.Why wou’d you, Sir, abuse my Lady’s Faith?Ang.And use me so inhumanly?Hell.A Maid so young, so innocent—Will.Ah, young Devil!Ang.Dost thou not know thy Life is in my Power?Hell.Or think my Lady cannot be reveng’d?Will.So, so, the Storm comes finely on.[Aside.Ang.Now thou art silent, Guilt has struck thee dumb.Oh, hadst thou still been so, I’d liv’d in safety.[She turns away and weeps.Will.Sweetheart, the Lady’s Name and House—quickly: I’m impatient to be with her.—[Aside toHellena, looks towardsAngel.to watch her turning; and as she comes towards them, he meets her.Hell.So now is he for another Woman.[Aside.Will.The impudent’st young thing in Nature!I cannot persuade him out of his Error, Madam.Ang.I know he’s in the right,—yet thou’st a TongueThat wou’d persuade him to deny his Faith.[In Rage walks away.Will.Her Name, her Name, dear Boy—[Said softly toHell.Hell.Have you forgot it, Sir?Will.Oh, I perceive he’s not to know I am a Stranger to his Lady.[Aside.—Yes, yes, I do know—but—I have forgot the—[Angel.turns.—By Heaven, such early confidence I never saw.Ang.Did I not charge you with this Mistress, Sir?Which you denied, tho I beheld your Perjury.This little Generosity of thine has render’d back my Heart.[Walks away.Will.So, you have made sweet work here, my little mischief;Look your Lady be kind and good-natur’d now, orI shall have but a cursed Bargain on’t.[Ang.turns towards them.—The Rogue’s bred up to Mischief,Art thou so great a Fool to credit him?Ang.Yes, I do; and you in vain impose upon me.—Come hither, Boy—Is not this he you speak of?Hell.I think—it is; I cannot swear, but I vow he has just such another lying Lover’s look.[Hell.looks in his Face, he gazes on her.Will.Hah! do not I know that Face?—By Heaven, my little Gipsy! what a dull Dog was I?Had I but lookt that way, I’d known her.Are all my hopes of a new Woman banisht?[Aside.—Egad, if I don’t fit thee for this, hang me.—Madam, I have found out the Plot.Hell.Oh Lord, what does he say? am I discover’d now?Will.Do you see this young Spark here?Hell.He’ll tell her who I am.Will.Who do you think this is?Hell.Ay, ay, he does know me.—Nay, dear Captain, I’m undone if you discover me.Will.Nay, nay, nocogging; she shall know what a precious Mistress I have.Hell.Will you be such a Devil?Will.Nay, nay, I’ll teach you to spoil sport you will not make.—This small Ambassador comes not from a Person of Quality, as you imagine, and he says; but from a very errant Gipsy, the talkingst, pratingst, cantingst little Animal thou ever saw’st.Ang.What news you tell me! that’s the thing I mean.Hell.Wou’d I were well off the place.—If ever I go a Captain-hunting again.—[Aside.Will.Mean that thing? that Gipsy thing? thou may’st as well be jealous of thy Monkey, or Parrot as her: a German Motion were worth a dozen of her, and a Dream were a better Enjoyment, a Creature of Constitution fitter for Heaven than Man.Hell.Tho I’m sure he lyes, yet this vexes me.[Aside.Ang.You are mistaken, she’s a Spanish WomanMade up of no such dull Materials.Will.Materials! Egad, and she be made of any that will either dispense, or admit of Love, I’ll be bound tocontinence.Hell.Unreasonable Man, do you think so?[Aside to him.Will.You may Return, my little Brazen Head, and tell your Lady, that till she be handsom enough to be belov’d, or I dull enough to be religious, there will be small hopes of me.Ang.Did you not promise then to marry her?Will.Not I, by Heaven.Ang.You cannot undeceive my fears and torments, till you have vow’d you will not marry her.Hell.If he swears that, he’ll be reveng’d on me indeed for all my Rogueries.Ang.I know what Arguments you’ll bring against me, Fortune and Honour.Will.Honour! I tell you, I hate it in your Sex; and those that fancy themselves possest of that Foppery, arethe most impertinently troublesom of all Woman-kind, and will transgress nine Commandments to keep one: and to satisfy your Jealousy I swear—Hell.Oh, no swearing, dear Captain—[Aside to him.Will.If it were possible I should ever be inclin’d to marry, it should be some kind young Sinner, one that has Generosity enough to give a favour handsomely to one that can ask it discreetly, one thathas Witenough to manage an Intrigue of Love—oh, how civil such a Wench is, to a Man than does her the Honour to marry her.Ang.By Heaven, there’s no Faith in any thing he says.EnterSebastian.Sebast.Madam,Don Antonio—Ang.Come hither.Hell.Ha,Antonio!he may be coming hither, and he’ll certainly discover me, I’ll therefore retire without a Ceremony.[ExitHellena.Ang.I’ll see him, get my Coach ready.Sebast.It waits you, Madam.Will.This is lucky: what, Madam, now I may be gone and leave you to the enjoyment of my Rival?Ang.Dull Man, that canst not see how ill, how poorThat false dissimulation looks—Be gone,And never let me see thy cozening Face again,Lest I relapse and kill thee.Will.Yes, you can spare me now,—farewell till you are in a better Humour—I’m glad of this release—Now for my Gipsy:For tho to worse we change, yet still we findNew Joys, New Charms, in a new Miss that’s kind.[Ex.Will.Ang.He’s gone, and in this Ague of My SoulThe shivering Fit returns;Oh with what willing haste he took his leave,As if the long’d for Minute were arriv’d,Of some blest Assignation.In vain I have consulted all my Charms,In vain this Beauty priz’d, in vain believ’dMy eyes cou’d kindle any lasting Fires.I had forgot my Name, my Infamy,And the Reproach that Honour lays on thoseThat dare pretend a sober passion here.Nice Reputation, tho it leave behindMore Virtues than inhabit where that dwells,Yet that once gone, those virtues shine no more.—Then since I am not fit to belov’d,I am resolv’d to think on a RevengeOn him that sooth’d me thus to my undoing.[Exeunt.Scene III.A Street.EnterFlorindaandValeriain Habits different from what they have been seen in.Flor.We’re happily escap’d, yet I tremble still.Val.A Lover and fear! why, I am but half a one, and yet I have Courage for any Attempt. WouldHellenawere here. I wou’d fain have had her as deep in this Mischief as we, she’ll fare but ill else I doubt.Flor.She pretended a Visit to the Augustine Nuns, but I believe some other design carried her out, pray Heavens we light on her.—Prithee what didst do with Callis?Val.When I saw no Reason wou’d do good on her, I follow’d her into the Wardrobe, and as she was looking for something in a great Chest, I tumbled her in by the Heels, snatcht the Key of the Apartment where you were confin’d, lockt her in, and left her bauling for help.Flor.’Tis well you resolve to follow my Fortunes, for thou darest never appear at home again after such an Action.Val.That’s according as the young Stranger and I shall agree—But to our business—I deliver’d your Letter, yourNote toBelvile, when I got out under pretence of going to Mass, I found him at his Lodging, and believe me it came seasonably; for never was Man in so desperate a Condition. I told him of your Resolution of making your escape to day, if your Brother would be absent long enough to permit you; if not, die rather than beAntonio’s.Flor.Thou shou’dst have told him I was confin’d to my Chamber upon my Brother’s suspicion, that the Business on theMolowas a Plot laid between him and I.Val.I said all this, and told him your Brother was now gone to his Devotion, and he resolves to visit every Church till he find him; and not only undeceive him in that, but caress him so as shall delay his return home.Flor.Oh Heavens! he’s here, andBelvilewith him too.[They put on their Vizards.Enter DonPedro,Belvile,Willmore;Belvileand DonPedroseeming in serious Discourse.Val.Walk boldly by them, I’ll come at a distance, lest he suspect us.[She walks by them, and looks back on them.Will.Ha!A Woman!and of an excellent Mien!Ped.She throws a kind look back on you.Will.Death, tis a likely Wench, and that kind look shall not be cast away—I’ll follow her.Belv.Prithee do not.Will.Do not! By Heavens to the Antipodes, with such an Invitation.[She goes out, andWill.follows her.Belv.’Tis a mad Fellow for a Wench.EnterFred.Fred.Oh Colonel, such News.Belv.Prithee what?Fred.News that will make you laugh in spite of Fortune.Belv.What,Blunthas had some damn’d Trick put upon him, cheated, bang’d, or clapt?Fred.Cheated, Sir, rarely cheated of all but his Shirt and Drawers; the unconscionable Whore too turn’d himout before Consummation, so that traversing the Streets at Midnight, the Watch found him in thisFresco, and conducted him home: By Heaven ’tis such a slight, and yet I durst as well have been hang’d as laugh at him, or pity him; he beats all that do but ask him a Question, and is in such an Humour—Ped.Who is’t has met with this ill usage, Sir?Belv.A Friend of ours, whom you must see for Mirth’s sake. I’ll imploy him to giveFlorindatime for an escape.[Aside.Ped.Who is he?Belv.A young Countryman of ours, one that has been educated at so plentiful a rate, he yet ne’er knew the want of Money, and ’twill be a great Jest to see how simply he’ll look without it. For my part I’ll lend him none, andthe Rogueknows not how to put on a borrowing Face, and ask first. I’ll let him see how good ’tis to play our parts whilst I play his—Prithee,Fred.do go home and keep him in that posture till we come.[Exeunt.EnterFlorindafrom the farther end of the Scene, looking behind her.Flor.I am follow’d still—hah—my Brother too advancing this way, good Heavens defend me from being seen by him.[She goes off.EnterWillmore, and after himValeria, at a little distance.Will.Ah! There she sails, she looks back as she were willing to be boarded, I’ll warrant her Prize.[He goes out,Valeriafollowing.EnterHellena, just as he goes out, with a Page.Hell.Hah, is not that my Captain that has a Woman in chase?—’tis notAngelica.Boy, follow those People at a distance, and bring me an Account where they go in.—I’ll find his Haunts, and plague him every where.—ha—my Brother![Exit Page.[Bel.Wil.Ped.cross the Stage:Hell.runs off.Scene changesto another Street. EnterFlorinda.Flor.What shall I do, my Brother now pursues me.Will no kind Power protect me from his Tyranny?—Hah, here’s a Door open, I’ll venture in, since nothing can be worse than to fall into his Hands, my Life and Honour are at stake, and my Necessity has no choice.[She goes in.EnterValeria, andHellena’sPage peeping afterFlorinda.Pag.Here she went in, I shall remember this House.[Exit Boy.Val.This isBelvile’sLodgings; she’s gone in as readily as if she knew it—hah—here’s that mad Fellow again, I dare not venture in—I’ll watch my Opportunity.[Goes aside.EnterWillmore, gazing about him.Will.I have lost her hereabouts—Pox on’t she must not scape me so.[Goes out.Scene changestoBlunt’sChamber, discovers him sitting on a Couch in his Shirt and Drawers, reading.Blunt.So, now my Mind’s a little at Peace, since I have resolv’d Revenge—A Pox on this Taylor tho, for not bringing home the Clothes I bespoke; and a Pox of all poor Cavaliers, a Man can never keep a spare Suit for ’em; and I shall have these Rogues come in and find me naked; and then I’m undone; but I’m resolv’d to arm my self—the Rascals shall not insult over me too much.[Puts on an old rusty Sword and Buff-Belt.—Now, how like a Morrice-Dancer I am equipt—a fine Lady-like Whore to cheat me thus, without affording me a Kindness for my Money, a Pox light on her, I shall never be reconciled to the Sex more, she has made me as faithless as a Physician, as uncharitable as a Churchman, and as ill-natur’d as a Poet. O how I’ll use all Women-kind hereafter! what wou’d I give to have one of ’emwithin my reach now! any Mortal thing in Petticoats, kind Fortune, send me; and I’ll forgive thy last Night’s Malice—Here’s a cursed Book too, (a Warning to all young Travellers) that can instruct me how to prevent such Mischiefs now ’tis too late. Well ’tis a rare convenient thing to read a little now and then, as well as hawk and hunt.[Sits down again and reads.Enter to himFlorinda.Flor.This House is haunted sure,’tis well furnisht and no living thing inhabits it—hah—a Man! Heavens how he’s attir’d! sure ’tis some Rope-dancer, or Fencing-Master; I tremble now for fear, and yet I must venture now to speak to him—Sir, if I may not interrupt your Meditations—[He starts up and gazes.Blunt.Hah—what’s here? Are my wishes granted? and is not that a she Creature? Adsheartlikins ’tis! what wretched thing art thou—hah!Flor.Charitable Sir, you’ve told your self already what I am; a very wretched Maid, forc’d by a strange unlucky Accident, to seek a safety here, and must be ruin’d, if you do not grant it.Blunt.Ruin’d! Is there any Ruin so inevitable as that which now threatens thee? Dost thou know, miserable Woman, into what Den of Mischiefs thou art fall’n? what a Bliss of Confusion?—hah—dost not see something in my looks that frights thy guilty Soul, and makes thee wish to change that Shape of Woman for any humble Animal, or Devil? for those were safer for thee, and less mischievous.Flor.Alas, what mean you, Sir? I must confess your Looks have something in ’em makes me fear; but I beseech you, as you seem a Gentleman, pity a harmless Virgin, that takes your House for Sanctuary.Blunt.Talk on, talk on, and weep too, till my faith return. Do, flatter me out of my Senses again—a harmlessVirgin with a Pox, as much one as t’other, adsheartlikins. Why, what the Devil can I not be safe in my House for you? not in my Chamber? nay, even being naked too cannot secure me. This is an Impudence greater than has invaded me yet.—Come, no Resistance.[Pulls her rudely.Flor.Dare you be so cruel?Blunt.Cruel, adsheartlikins as a Gally-slave, or aSpanishWhore: Cruel, yes, I will kiss and beat thee all over; kiss, and see thee all over; thou shalt lie with me too, not that I care for the Injoyment, but to let you see I have ta’en deliberated Malice to thee, and will be revenged on one Whore for the Sins of another; I will smile and deceive thee, flatter thee, and beat thee, kiss and swear, and lye to thee, imbrace thee and rob thee, as she did me, fawn on thee, and strip thee stark naked, then hang thee out at my Window by the Heels, with a Paper of scurvey Verses fasten’d to thy Breast, in praise of damnable Women—Come, come along.Flor.Alas, Sir, must I be sacrific’d for the Crimes of the most infamous of my Sex? I never understood the Sins you name.Blunt.Do, persuade the Fool you love him, or that one of you can be just or honest; tell me I was not an easy Coxcomb, or any strange impossible Tale: it will be believ’d sooner than thy false Showers or Protestations. A Generation of damn’d Hypocrites, to flatter my very Clothes from my back! dissembling Witches! are these the Returns you make an honest Gentleman that trusts, believes, and loves you?—But if I be not even with you—Come along, or I shall—[Pulls her again.EnterFrederick.Fred.Hah, what’s here to do?Blunt.Adsheartlikins,Fred. I am glad thou art come, to be a Witness of my dire Revenge.Fred.What’s this, a Person of Quality too, who is uponthe Ramble to supply the Defects of some grave impotent Husband?Blunt.No, this has another Pretence, some very unfortunate Accident brought her hither, to save a Life pursued by I know not who, or why, and forc’d to take Sanctuary here at Fools Haven. Adsheartlikins to me of all Mankind for Protection? Is the Ass to be cajol’d again, think ye? No, young one, no Prayers or Tears shall mitigate my Rage; therefore prepare for both my Pleasure of Enjoyment and Revenge, for I am resolved to make up my Loss here on thy Body, I’ll take it out in kindness and in beating.Fred.Now, Mistress of mine, what do you think of this?Flor.I think he will not—dares not be so barbarous.Fred.Have a care,Blunt, she fetch’d a deep Sigh, she is inamour’d with thy Shirt and Drawers, she’ll strip thee even of that. There are of her Calling such unconscionable Baggages, and suchdexterousThieves, they’ll flea a Man, and he shall ne’er miss his Skin, till he feels the Cold. There was a Country-man of ours robb’d of a Row of Teeth whilst he was sleeping, which the Jilt made him buy again when he wak’d—You see, Lady, how little Reason we have to trust you.Blunt.’Dsheartlikins, why, this is most abominable.Flor.Some such Devils there may be, but by all that’s holy I am none such, I entered here to save a Life in danger.Blunt.For no goodness I’ll warrant her.Fred.Faith, Damsel, you had e’en confess the plain Truth, for we are Fellows not to be caught twice in the same Trap: Look on that Wreck, a tight Vessel when he set out of Haven, well trim’d and laden, and see how a Female Piccaroon of this Island of Rogues has shatter’d him, and canst thou hope for any Mercy?Blunt.No, no, Gentlewoman, come along, adsheartlikins we must be better acquainted—we’ll both lie with her, and then let me alone to bang her.Fred.I am ready to serve you in matters of Revenge, that has a double Pleasure in’t.Blunt.Well said. You hear, little one, how you are condemn’d by publick Vote to the Bed within, there’s no resisting your Destiny, Sweetheart.[Pulls her.Flor.Stay, Sir, I have seen you withBelvile, anEnglishCavalier, for his sake use me kindly; you know how, Sir.Blunt.Belvile!why, yes, Sweeting, we do knowBelvile, and wish he were with us now, he’s a Cormorant at Whore and Bacon, he’d have a Limb or two of thee, my Virgin Pullet: but ’tis no matter, we’ll leave him the Bones to pick.Flor.Sir, if you have any Esteem for thatBelvile, I conjure you to treat me with more Gentleness; he’ll thank you for the Justice.Fred.Hark ye,Blunt, I doubt we are mistaken in this matter.Flor.Sir, If you find me not worthBelvile’sCare, use me as you please; and that you may think I merit better treatment than you threaten—pray take this Present—[Gives him a Ring: He looks on it.Blunt.Hum—A Diamond! why, ’tis a wonderful Virtue now that lies in this Ring, a mollifying Virtue; adsheartlikins there’s more persuasive Rhetorick in’t, than all her Sex can utter.Fred.I begin to suspect something; and ’twou’d anger us vilely to be truss’d up for a Rape upon a Maid of Quality, when we only believe we ruffle a Harlot.Blunt.Thou art a credulous Fellow, but adsheartlikins I have no Faith yet; why, my Saint prattled as parlously as this does, she gave me a Bracelet too, a Devil on her: but I sent my Man to sell it to day for Necessaries, and it prov’d as counterfeit as her Vows of Love.Fred.However let it reprieve her till we seeBelvile.Blunt.That’s hard, yet I will grant it.Enter a Servant.Serv.Oh, Sir, the Colonel is just come with his newFriend and aSpaniardof Quality, and talks of having you to Dinner with ’em.Blunt.’Dsheartlikins, I’m undon—I would not see ’em for the World: Harkye,Fred, lock up the Wench in your Chamber.Fred.Fear nothing, Madam, whate’er he threatens, you’re safe whilst in my Hands.[Ex.Fred.andFlor.Blunt.And, Sirrah—upon your Life, say—I am not at home—or that I am asleep—or—or any thing—away—I’ll, prevent them coming this way.[Locks the Door andExeunt.ACT V.Scene I.Blunt’s Chamber.After a great knockingas at his Chamber-door, enterBluntsoftly, crossing the Stage in his Shirt and Drawers, as before.Ned, Ned Blunt, Ned Blunt.[Call within.Blunt.The Rogues are up in Arms, ’dsheartlikins, this villainousFrederickhas betray’d me, they have heard of my blessed Fortune.Ned Blunt, Ned, Ned—[and knocking within.Belv.Why, he’s dead, Sir, without dispute dead, he has not been seen to day; let’s break open the Door—here—Boy—Blunt.Ha, break open the Door! ’dsheartlikins that mad Fellow will be as good as his word.Belv.Boy, bring something to force the Door.[A great noise within at the Door again.Blunt.So, now must I speak in my own Defence, I’ll try what Rhetorick will do—hold—hold, what do you mean, Gentlemen, what do you mean?Belv.Oh Rogue, art alive? prithee open the Door, and convince us.Blunt.Yes, I am alive, Gentlemen—but at present a little busy.Belv.How!Bluntgrown a man of Business! come, come, open, and let’s see this Miracle.[within.Blunt.No, no, no, no, Gentlemen, ’tis no great Business—but—I am—at—my Devotion,—’dsheartlikins, will you not allow a man time to pray?Belv.Turn’d religious! a greater Wonder than the first, therefore open quickly, or we shall unhinge, we shall.[within.Blunt.This won’t do—Why, hark ye, Colonel; to tell you the plain Truth, I am about a necessary Affair of Life.—I have a Wench with me—you apprehend me? the Devil’s in’t if they be so uncivil as to disturb me now.Will.How, a Wench! Nay, then we must enter and partake; no Resistance,—unless it be your Lady of Quality, and then we’ll keep our distance.Blunt.So, the Business is out.Will.Come, come, lend more hands to the Door,—now heave altogether—so, well done, my Boys—[Breaks open the Door.EnterBelvile,Willmore,Fred.PedroandBelvile’sPage:Bluntlooks simply, they all laugh at him, he lays his hand on his Sword, and conies up toWillmore.Blunt.Hark ye, Sir, laugh out your laugh quickly, d’ye hear, and be gone, I shall spoil your sport else; ’dsheartlikins, Sir, I shall—the Jest has been carried on too long,—a Plague upon my Taylor—[Aside.Will.’Sdeath, how the Whore has drest him! Faith, Sir, I’m sorry.Blunt.Are you so, Sir? keep’t to your self then, Sir, I advise you, d’ye hear? for I can as little endure your Pity as his Mirth.[Lays his Hand on’s Sword.Belv.Indeed,Willmore, thou wert a little too rough withNed Blunt’sMistress; call a Person of Quality Whore, and one so young, so handsome, and so eloquent!—ha, ha, ha.Blunt.Hark ye, Sir, you know me, and know I can be angry; have a care—for ’dsheartlikins I can fight too—I can, Sir,—do you mark me—no more.Belv.Why so peevish, goodNed?some Disappointments, I’ll warrant—What! did the jealous Count her Husband return just in the nick?Blunt.Or the Devil, Sir,—d’ye laugh?[They laugh.]Look ye, settle me a good sober Countenance, and that quickly too, or you shall knowNed Bluntis not—Belv.Not every Body, we know that.Blunt.Not an Ass, to be laught at, Sir.Will.Unconscionable Sinner, to bring a Lover so near his Happiness, a vigorous passionate Lover, and then not only cheat him of his Moveables, but his Desires too.Belv.Ah, Sir, a Mistress is a Trifle withBlunt, he’ll have a dozen the next time he looks abroad; his Eyes have Charms not to be resisted: There needs no more than to expose that taking Person to the view of the Fair, and he leads ’em all in Triumph.Ped.Sir, tho I’m a stranger to you, I’m ashamed at the rudeness of my Nation; and could you learn who did it, would assist you to make an Example of ’em.Blunt.Why, ay, there’s one speaks sense now, and handsomly; and let me tell you Gentlemen, I should not have shew’d my self like a Jack-Pudding, thus to have made you Mirth, but that I have revenge within my power; for know, I have got into my possession a Female, who had better have fallen under any Curse, than the Ruin I design her: ’dsheartlikins, she assaulted me here in my own Lodgings, and had doubtless committed a Rape upon me, had not this Sword defended me.Fred.I knew not that, but o’ my Conscience thou hadst ravisht her, had she not redeem’d her self with a Ring—let’s see’t,Blunt.[Bluntshews the Ring.Belv.Hah!—the Ring I gaveFlorindawhen we exchang’d our Vows!—hark ye,Blunt—[Goes to whisper to him.Will.No whispering, good Colonel, there’s a Woman in the case, no whispering.Belv.Hark ye, Fool, be advis’d, and conceal both the Ring and the Story, for your Reputation’s sake; don’t let People know what despis’d Cullies weEnglishare: to be cheated and abus’d by one Whore, and another rather bribe thee than be kind to thee, is an Infamy to our Nation.Will.Come, come, where’s the Wench? we’ll see her, let her be what she will, we’ll see her.Ped.Ay, ay, let us see her, I can soon discover whether she be of Quality, or for your Diversion.Blunt.She’s inFred’sCustody.Will.Come, come, the Key.[ToFred.who gives him the Key, they are going.Belv.Death! what shall I do?—stay, Gentlemen—yet if I hinder ’em, I shall discover all—hold, let’s go one at once—give me the Key.Will.Nay, hold there, Colonel, I’ll go first.Fred.Nay, no Dispute,Nedand I have the property of her.Will.Damn Property—then we’ll draw Cuts.[Belv.goes to whisperWill.]Nay, no Corruption, good Colonel: come, the longest Sword carries her.—[They all draw, forgetting DonPedro, being a Spaniard, had the longest.Blunt.I yield up my Interest to you Gentlemen, and that will be Revenge sufficient.Will.The Wench is yours—(ToPed.)Pox of hisToledo, I had forgot that.Fred.Come, Sir, I’ll conduct you to the Lady.[Ex.Fred.andPed.Belv.To hinder him will certainly discover—[Aside.]Dost know, dull Beast, what Mischief thou hast done?[Will.walking up and down out of Humour.Will.Ay, ay, to trust our Fortune to Lots, a Devil on’t, ’twas madness, that’s the Truth on’t.Belv.Oh intolerable Sot!EnterFlorinda, running masqu’d,Pedroafter her,Will.gazing round her.Flor.Good Heaven, defend me from discovery.[Aside.Pedro.’Tis but in vain to fly me, you are fallen to my Lot.Belv.Sure she is undiscover’d yet, but now I fear there is no way to bring her off.Will.Why, what a Pox is not this my Woman, the same I follow’d but now?[Ped.talking toFlorinda, who walks up and down.Ped.As if I did not know ye, and your Business here.Flor.Good Heaven! I fear he does indeed—[Aside.Ped.Come, pray be kind, I know you meant to be so when you enter’d here, for these are proper Gentlemen.Will.But, Sir—perhaps the Lady will not be impos’d upon, she’ll chuse her Man.Ped.I am better bred, than not to leave her Choice free.EnterValeria, and is surprized at the Sight of DonPedro.Val.DonPedrohere! there’s no avoiding him.[Aside.Flor.Valeria!then I’m undone—[Aside.Val.Oh! have I found you, Sir—[ToPedro, running to him.]—The strangest Accident—if I had breath—to tell it.Ped.Speak—isFlorindasafe?Hellenawell?Val.Ay, ay, Sir—Florinda—is safe—from any fears of you.Ped.Why, where’sFlorinda?—speak.Val.Ay, where indeed, Sir? I wish I could inform you,—But to hold you no longer in doubt—Flor.Oh, what will she say![Aside.Val.She’s fled away in the Habit of one of her Pages, Sir—butCallisthinks you may retrieve her yet, if you make haste away; she’ll tell you, Sir, the rest—if you can find her out.[Aside.Ped.Dishonourable Girl, she has undone my Aim—Sir—you see my necessity of leaving you, and I hope you’ll pardon it: my Sister, I know, will make her flight to you; and if she do, I shall expect she should be render’d back.Belv.I shall consult my Love and Honour, Sir.[Ex.Ped.Flor.My dear Preserver, let me imbrace thee.[ToVal.Will.What the Devil’s all this?Blunt.Mystery by this Light.Val.Come, come, make haste and get your selves married quickly, for your Brother will return again.Belv.I am so surpriz’d with Fears and Joys, so amaz’d to find you here in safety, I can scarce persuade my Heart into a Faith of what I see—Will.Harkye, Colonel, is this that Mistress who has cost you so many Sighs, and me so many Quarrels with you?Belv.It is—Pray give him the Honour of your Hand.[ToFlor.Will.Thus it must be receiv’d then.[Kneels and kisses her Hand.]And with it give your Pardon too.Flor.The Friend toBelvilemay command me anything.Will.Death, wou’d I might, ’tis a surprizing Beauty.[Aside.Belv.Boy, run and fetch a Father instantly.[Ex.Boy.Fred.So, now do I stand like a Dog, and have not a Syllable to plead my own Cause with: by this Hand, Madam, I was never thorowly confounded before, nor shall I ever more dare look up with Confidence, till you are pleased to pardon me.Flor.Sir, I’ll be reconcil’d to you on one Condition, that you’ll follow the Example of your Friend, in marrying a Maid that does not hate you, and whose Fortune (I believe) will not be unwelcome to you.Fred.Madam, had I no Inclinations that way, I shou’d obey your kind Commands.Belv.Who,Fred.marry; he has so few Inclinations for Womankind, that had he been possest of Paradise, he might have continu’d there to this Day, if no Crime but Love cou’d have disinherited him.Fred.Oh, I do not use to boast of my Intrigues.Belv.Boast! why thou do’st nothing but boast; and I dare swear, wer’t thou as innocent from the Sin of the Grape, as thou art from the Apple, thou might’st yet claim that right inEdenwhich our first Parents lost by too much loving.Fred.I wish this Lady would think me so modest a Man.Val.She shou’d be sorry then, and not like you half so well, and I shou’d be loth to break my Word with you; which was, That if your Friend and mine are agreed, it shou’d be a Match between you and I.[She gives him her Hand.Fred.Bear witness, Colonel, ’tis a Bargain.[Kisses her Hand.Blunt.I have a Pardon to beg too; but adsheartlikins I am so out of Countenance, that I am a Dog if I can say any thing to purpose.[ToFlorinda.Flor.Sir, I heartily forgive you all.Blunt.That’s nobly said, sweet Lady—Belvile, prithee present her her Ring again, for I find I have not Courage to approach her my self.[Gives him the Ring, he gives it toFlorinda.EnterBoy.Boy.Sir, I have brought the Father that you sent for.Belv.’Tis well, and now my dearFlorinda, let’s fly to compleat that mighty Joy we have so long wish’d and sigh’d for.—Come,Fred.you’ll follow?Fred.Your Example, Sir,’twas ever my Ambition in War, and must be so in Love.Will.And must not I see this juggling Knot ty’d?Belv.No, thou shalt do us better Service, and be ourGuard, lest DonPedro’ssudden Return interrupt the Ceremony.Will.Content; I’ll secure this Pass.[Ex.Bel.Flor.Fred.andVal.EnterBoy.Boy.Sir, there’s a Lady without wou’d speak to you.[ToWill.Will.Conduct her in, I dare not quit my Post.Boy.And, Sir, your Taylor waits you in your Chamber.Blunt.Some comfort yet, I shall not dance naked at the Wedding.[Ex.BluntandBoy.Enter again the Boy, conducting inAngelicain a masquing Habit and a Vizard,Will.runs to her.Will.This can be none but my pretty Gipsy—Oh, I see you can follow as well as fly—Come, confess thy self the most malicious Devil in Nature, you think you have done my Bus’ness withAngelica—Ang.Stand off, base Villain—[She draws a Pistol and holds to his Breast.Will.Hah, ’tis not she: who art thou? and what’s thy Business?Ang.One thou hast injur’d, and who comes to kill thee for’t.Will.What the Devil canst thou mean?Ang.By all my Hopes to kill thee—[Holds still the Pistol to his Breast, he going back, she following still.Will.Prithee on what Acquaintance? for I know thee not.
Ang.I am all Rage!my first desires defeatedFor one, for ought he knows, that has noOther Merit than her Quality,—Her being DonPedro’sSister—He loves her:I know ’tis so—dull, dull, insensible—He will not see me now tho oft invited;And broke his Word last night—false perjur’d Man!—He that but yesterday fought for my Favours,And would have made his Life a SacrificeTo’ve gain’d one Night with me,Must now be hired and courted to my Arms.
Ang.I am all Rage!my first desires defeated
For one, for ought he knows, that has no
Other Merit than her Quality,—
Her being DonPedro’sSister—He loves her:
I know ’tis so—dull, dull, insensible—
He will not see me now tho oft invited;
And broke his Word last night—false perjur’d Man!
—He that but yesterday fought for my Favours,
And would have made his Life a Sacrifice
To’ve gain’d one Night with me,
Must now be hired and courted to my Arms.
Moret.I told you what wou’d come on’t, butMoretta’san old doating Fool—Why did you give him five hundred Crowns, but to set himself out for other Lovers? You shou’d have kept him poor, if you had meant to have had any good from him.
Ang.Oh, name not such mean Trifles.—Had I given him allMy Youth has earn’d from Sin,I had not lost a Thought nor Sigh upon’t.But I have given him my eternal Rest,My whole Repose, my future Joys, my Heart;My Virgin Heart.Moretta!oh ’tis gone!
Ang.Oh, name not such mean Trifles.—Had I given him all
My Youth has earn’d from Sin,
I had not lost a Thought nor Sigh upon’t.
But I have given him my eternal Rest,
My whole Repose, my future Joys, my Heart;
My Virgin Heart.Moretta!oh ’tis gone!
Moret.Curse on him, here he comes;How fine she has made him too!
Moret.Curse on him, here he comes;
How fine she has made him too!
EnterWillmoreandSebast.Ang.turns and walks away.
Will.How now, turn’d Shadow?Fly when I pursue, and follow when I fly!
Stay gentle Shadow of my Dove,[Sings.And tell me e’er I go,Whether the Substance may not proveA fleeting Thing like you.
Stay gentle Shadow of my Dove,[Sings.
And tell me e’er I go,
Whether the Substance may not prove
A fleeting Thing like you.
There’s a soft kind Look remaining yet.[As she turns she looks on him.
Ang.Well, Sir, you may be gay; all Happiness, all Joys pursue you still, Fortune’s your Slave, and gives you every hour choice of new Hearts and Beauties, till you are cloy’d with the repeated Bliss, which others vainly languish for—But know, false Man, that I shall be reveng’d.[Turns away in a Rage.
Will.So, ’gad, there are of those faint-hearted Lovers, whom such a sharp Lesson next their Hearts would make as impotent as Fourscore—pox o’ this whining—my Bus’ness is to laugh and love—a pox on’t; I hate your sullen Lover, a Man shall lose as much time to put you in Humour now, as would serve to gain a new Woman.
Ang.I scorn to cool that Fire I cannot raise, Or do the Drudgery of your virtuous Mistress.
Will.A virtuous Mistress! Death, what a thing thou hast found out for me! why what the Devil should I do with a virtuous Woman?—a fort of ill-natur’d Creatures, that take a Pride to torment a Lover. Virtue is but an Infirmity in Women, a Disease that renders even thehandsom ungrateful; whilst the ill-favour’d, for want of Solicitations and Address, only fancy themselves so.—I have lain with a Woman of Quality, who has all the while been railing at Whores.
Ang.I will not answer for your Mistress’s Virtue,Tho she be young enough to know no Guilt:And I could wish you would persuade my Heart,’Twas the two hundred thousand Crowns you courted.
Ang.I will not answer for your Mistress’s Virtue,
Tho she be young enough to know no Guilt:
And I could wish you would persuade my Heart,
’Twas the two hundred thousand Crowns you courted.
Will.Two hundred thousand Crowns! what Story’s this?—what Trick?—what Woman?—ha.
Ang.How strange you make it! have you forgot the Creature you entertain’d on the Piazza last night?
Will.Ha, my Gipsy worth two hundred thousand Crowns!—oh how I long to be with her—pox, I knew she was of Quality.[Aside.
Ang.False Man, I see my Ruin in thy Face.How many vows you breath’d upon my Bosom,Never to be unjust—have you forgot so soon?
Ang.False Man, I see my Ruin in thy Face.
How many vows you breath’d upon my Bosom,
Never to be unjust—have you forgot so soon?
Will.Faith no, I was just coming to repeat ’em—but here’s a Humour indeed—would make a Man a Saint—Wou’d she’d be angry enough to leave me, and command me not to wait on her.[Aside.
EnterHellena, drest in Man’s Clothes.
Hell.This must beAngelica, I know it by her mumping Matron here—Ay, ay,’tis she: my mad Captain’s with her too, for all his swearing—how thisunconstantHumour makes me love him:—pray, good grave Gentlewoman, is not thisAngelica?
Moret.My too young Sir, it is—I hope ’tis one from DonAntonio.[Goes toAngelica.
Hell.Well, something I’ll do to vex him for this.[Aside.
Ang.I will not speak with him; am I in humour to receive a Lover?
Will.Not speak with him! why I’ll be gone—and wait your idler minutes—Can I shew less Obedience to the thing I love so fondly?[Offers to go.
Ang.A fine Excuse this—stay—
Will.And hinder your Advantage: should I repay your Bounties so ungratefully?
Ang.Come hither, Boy,—that I may let you seeHow much above the Advantages you nameI prize one Minute’s Joy with you.
Ang.Come hither, Boy,—that I may let you see
How much above the Advantages you name
I prize one Minute’s Joy with you.
Will.Oh, you destroy me with this Endearment.[Impatient to be gone.
—Death, how shall I get away?—Madam,’twill not be fit I should be seen with you—besides, it will not be convenient—and I’ve a Friend—that’s dangerously sick.
Ang.I see you’re impatient—yet you shall stay.
Will.And miss my Assignation with my Gipsy.[Aside, and walks about impatiently.
Hell.Madam,[MorettabringsHellena, who addresses her self toAngelica.You’l hardly pardon my Intrusion,When you shall know my Business;And I’m too young to tell my Tale with Art:But there must be a wondrous store of GoodnessWhere so much Beauty dwells.
Hell.Madam,[MorettabringsHellena, who addresses her self toAngelica.
You’l hardly pardon my Intrusion,
When you shall know my Business;
And I’m too young to tell my Tale with Art:
But there must be a wondrous store of Goodness
Where so much Beauty dwells.
Ang.A pretty Advocate, whoever sent thee,—Prithee proceed—Nay, Sir, you shall not go.[ToWill.who is stealing off.
Ang.A pretty Advocate, whoever sent thee,
—Prithee proceed—Nay, Sir, you shall not go.[ToWill.who is stealing off.
Will.Then shall I lose my dear Gipsy for ever.—Pox on’t, she stays me out of spite.[Aside.
Will.Then shall I lose my dear Gipsy for ever.
—Pox on’t, she stays me out of spite.[Aside.
Hell.I am related to a Lady, Madam,Young, rich, and nobly born, but has the fateTo be in love with a youngEnglishGentleman.Strangely she loves him, at first sight she lov’d him,But did adore him when she heard him speak;For he, she said, had Charms in every word,That fail’d not to surprize, to wound, and conquer—
Hell.I am related to a Lady, Madam,
Young, rich, and nobly born, but has the fate
To be in love with a youngEnglishGentleman.
Strangely she loves him, at first sight she lov’d him,
But did adore him when she heard him speak;
For he, she said, had Charms in every word,
That fail’d not to surprize, to wound, and conquer—
Will.Ha, Egad I hope this concerns me.[Aside.
Ang.’Tis my false Man, he means—wou’d he were gone.This Praise will raise his Pride and ruin me—Well,Since you are so impatient to be gone,I will release you, Sir.[ToWill.
Ang.’Tis my false Man, he means—wou’d he were gone.
This Praise will raise his Pride and ruin me—Well,
Since you are so impatient to be gone,
I will release you, Sir.[ToWill.
Will.Nay, then I’m sure ’twas me he spoke of, this cannot be the Effects of Kindness in her.[Aside.
—No, Madam, I’ve consider’d better on’t,And will not give you cause of Jealousy.
—No, Madam, I’ve consider’d better on’t,
And will not give you cause of Jealousy.
Ang.But, Sir, I’ve—business, that—
Will.This shall not do, I know ’tis but to try me.
Ang.Well, to your Story, Boy,—tho ’twill undo me.[Aside.
Hell.With this Addition to his other Beauties,He won her unresisting tender Heart,He vow’d and sigh’d, and swore he lov’d her dearly;And she believ’d the cunning Flatterer,And thought her self the happiest Maid alive:To day was the appointed time by both,To consummate their Bliss;The Virgin, Altar, and the Priest were drest,And whilst she languisht for the expected Bridegroom,She heard, he paid his broken Vows to you.
Hell.With this Addition to his other Beauties,
He won her unresisting tender Heart,
He vow’d and sigh’d, and swore he lov’d her dearly;
And she believ’d the cunning Flatterer,
And thought her self the happiest Maid alive:
To day was the appointed time by both,
To consummate their Bliss;
The Virgin, Altar, and the Priest were drest,
And whilst she languisht for the expected Bridegroom,
She heard, he paid his broken Vows to you.
Will.So, this is some dear Rogue that’s in love with me, and this way lets me know it; or if it be not me, she means some one whose place I may supply.[Aside.
Ang.Now I perceiveThe cause of thy Impatience to be gone,And all the business of this glorious Dress.
Ang.Now I perceive
The cause of thy Impatience to be gone,
And all the business of this glorious Dress.
Will.Damn the young Prater, I know not what he means.
Hell.Madam,In your fair Eyes I read too much concernTo tell my farther Business.
Hell.Madam,
In your fair Eyes I read too much concern
To tell my farther Business.
Ang.Prithee, sweet Youth, talk on, thou may’st perhapsRaise here a Storm that may undo my Passion,And then I’ll grant thee any thing.
Ang.Prithee, sweet Youth, talk on, thou may’st perhaps
Raise here a Storm that may undo my Passion,
And then I’ll grant thee any thing.
Hell.Madam,’tis to intreat you, (oh unreasonable!)You wou’d not see this Stranger;For if you do, she vows you are undone,Tho Nature never made a Man so excellent;And sure he’ad been a God, but for Inconstancy.
Hell.Madam,’tis to intreat you, (oh unreasonable!)
You wou’d not see this Stranger;
For if you do, she vows you are undone,
Tho Nature never made a Man so excellent;
And sure he’ad been a God, but for Inconstancy.
Will.Ah, Rogue, how finely he’s instructed![Aside.]—’Tis plain some Woman that has seen meen passant.
Ang.Oh, I shall burst with Jealousy! do you know the Man you speak of?—
Hell.Yes, Madam, he us’d to be in Buff and Scarlet.
Ang.Thou, false as Hell, what canst thou say to this?[ToWill.
Will.By Heaven—
Ang.Hold, do not damn thy self—
Hell.Nor hope to be believ’d.[He walks about, they follow.
Ang.Oh, perjur’d Man!Is’t thus you pay my generous Passion back?
Ang.Oh, perjur’d Man!
Is’t thus you pay my generous Passion back?
Hell.Why wou’d you, Sir, abuse my Lady’s Faith?
Ang.And use me so inhumanly?
Hell.A Maid so young, so innocent—
Will.Ah, young Devil!
Ang.Dost thou not know thy Life is in my Power?
Hell.Or think my Lady cannot be reveng’d?
Will.So, so, the Storm comes finely on.[Aside.
Ang.Now thou art silent, Guilt has struck thee dumb.Oh, hadst thou still been so, I’d liv’d in safety.[She turns away and weeps.
Ang.Now thou art silent, Guilt has struck thee dumb.
Oh, hadst thou still been so, I’d liv’d in safety.[She turns away and weeps.
Will.Sweetheart, the Lady’s Name and House—quickly: I’m impatient to be with her.—[Aside toHellena, looks towardsAngel.to watch her turning; and as she comes towards them, he meets her.
Hell.So now is he for another Woman.[Aside.
Will.The impudent’st young thing in Nature!I cannot persuade him out of his Error, Madam.
Will.The impudent’st young thing in Nature!
I cannot persuade him out of his Error, Madam.
Ang.I know he’s in the right,—yet thou’st a TongueThat wou’d persuade him to deny his Faith.[In Rage walks away.
Ang.I know he’s in the right,—yet thou’st a Tongue
That wou’d persuade him to deny his Faith.[In Rage walks away.
Will.Her Name, her Name, dear Boy—[Said softly toHell.
Hell.Have you forgot it, Sir?
Will.Oh, I perceive he’s not to know I am a Stranger to his Lady.[Aside.
—Yes, yes, I do know—but—I have forgot the—[Angel.turns.—By Heaven, such early confidence I never saw.
Ang.Did I not charge you with this Mistress, Sir?Which you denied, tho I beheld your Perjury.This little Generosity of thine has render’d back my Heart.[Walks away.
Ang.Did I not charge you with this Mistress, Sir?
Which you denied, tho I beheld your Perjury.
This little Generosity of thine has render’d back my Heart.[Walks away.
Will.So, you have made sweet work here, my little mischief;Look your Lady be kind and good-natur’d now, orI shall have but a cursed Bargain on’t.[Ang.turns towards them.—The Rogue’s bred up to Mischief,Art thou so great a Fool to credit him?
Will.So, you have made sweet work here, my little mischief;
Look your Lady be kind and good-natur’d now, or
I shall have but a cursed Bargain on’t.[Ang.turns towards them.
—The Rogue’s bred up to Mischief,
Art thou so great a Fool to credit him?
Ang.Yes, I do; and you in vain impose upon me.—Come hither, Boy—Is not this he you speak of?
Ang.Yes, I do; and you in vain impose upon me.
—Come hither, Boy—Is not this he you speak of?
Hell.I think—it is; I cannot swear, but I vow he has just such another lying Lover’s look.[Hell.looks in his Face, he gazes on her.
Will.Hah! do not I know that Face?—By Heaven, my little Gipsy! what a dull Dog was I?Had I but lookt that way, I’d known her.Are all my hopes of a new Woman banisht?[Aside.—Egad, if I don’t fit thee for this, hang me.—Madam, I have found out the Plot.
Will.Hah! do not I know that Face?—
By Heaven, my little Gipsy! what a dull Dog was I?
Had I but lookt that way, I’d known her.
Are all my hopes of a new Woman banisht?[Aside.
—Egad, if I don’t fit thee for this, hang me.
—Madam, I have found out the Plot.
Hell.Oh Lord, what does he say? am I discover’d now?
Will.Do you see this young Spark here?
Hell.He’ll tell her who I am.
Will.Who do you think this is?
Hell.Ay, ay, he does know me.—Nay, dear Captain, I’m undone if you discover me.
Will.Nay, nay, nocogging; she shall know what a precious Mistress I have.
Hell.Will you be such a Devil?
Will.Nay, nay, I’ll teach you to spoil sport you will not make.—This small Ambassador comes not from a Person of Quality, as you imagine, and he says; but from a very errant Gipsy, the talkingst, pratingst, cantingst little Animal thou ever saw’st.
Ang.What news you tell me! that’s the thing I mean.
Hell.Wou’d I were well off the place.—If ever I go a Captain-hunting again.—[Aside.
Will.Mean that thing? that Gipsy thing? thou may’st as well be jealous of thy Monkey, or Parrot as her: a German Motion were worth a dozen of her, and a Dream were a better Enjoyment, a Creature of Constitution fitter for Heaven than Man.
Hell.Tho I’m sure he lyes, yet this vexes me.[Aside.
Ang.You are mistaken, she’s a Spanish WomanMade up of no such dull Materials.
Ang.You are mistaken, she’s a Spanish Woman
Made up of no such dull Materials.
Will.Materials! Egad, and she be made of any that will either dispense, or admit of Love, I’ll be bound tocontinence.
Hell.Unreasonable Man, do you think so?[Aside to him.
Will.You may Return, my little Brazen Head, and tell your Lady, that till she be handsom enough to be belov’d, or I dull enough to be religious, there will be small hopes of me.
Ang.Did you not promise then to marry her?
Will.Not I, by Heaven.
Ang.You cannot undeceive my fears and torments, till you have vow’d you will not marry her.
Hell.If he swears that, he’ll be reveng’d on me indeed for all my Rogueries.
Ang.I know what Arguments you’ll bring against me, Fortune and Honour.
Will.Honour! I tell you, I hate it in your Sex; and those that fancy themselves possest of that Foppery, arethe most impertinently troublesom of all Woman-kind, and will transgress nine Commandments to keep one: and to satisfy your Jealousy I swear—
Hell.Oh, no swearing, dear Captain—[Aside to him.
Will.If it were possible I should ever be inclin’d to marry, it should be some kind young Sinner, one that has Generosity enough to give a favour handsomely to one that can ask it discreetly, one thathas Witenough to manage an Intrigue of Love—oh, how civil such a Wench is, to a Man than does her the Honour to marry her.
Ang.By Heaven, there’s no Faith in any thing he says.
EnterSebastian.
Sebast.Madam,Don Antonio—
Ang.Come hither.
Hell.Ha,Antonio!he may be coming hither, and he’ll certainly discover me, I’ll therefore retire without a Ceremony.[ExitHellena.
Ang.I’ll see him, get my Coach ready.
Sebast.It waits you, Madam.
Will.This is lucky: what, Madam, now I may be gone and leave you to the enjoyment of my Rival?
Ang.Dull Man, that canst not see how ill, how poorThat false dissimulation looks—Be gone,And never let me see thy cozening Face again,Lest I relapse and kill thee.
Ang.Dull Man, that canst not see how ill, how poor
That false dissimulation looks—Be gone,
And never let me see thy cozening Face again,
Lest I relapse and kill thee.
Will.Yes, you can spare me now,—farewell till you are in a better Humour—I’m glad of this release—Now for my Gipsy:
For tho to worse we change, yet still we findNew Joys, New Charms, in a new Miss that’s kind.[Ex.Will.
For tho to worse we change, yet still we find
New Joys, New Charms, in a new Miss that’s kind.[Ex.Will.
Ang.He’s gone, and in this Ague of My SoulThe shivering Fit returns;Oh with what willing haste he took his leave,As if the long’d for Minute were arriv’d,Of some blest Assignation.In vain I have consulted all my Charms,In vain this Beauty priz’d, in vain believ’dMy eyes cou’d kindle any lasting Fires.I had forgot my Name, my Infamy,And the Reproach that Honour lays on thoseThat dare pretend a sober passion here.Nice Reputation, tho it leave behindMore Virtues than inhabit where that dwells,Yet that once gone, those virtues shine no more.—Then since I am not fit to belov’d,I am resolv’d to think on a RevengeOn him that sooth’d me thus to my undoing.[Exeunt.
Ang.He’s gone, and in this Ague of My Soul
The shivering Fit returns;
Oh with what willing haste he took his leave,
As if the long’d for Minute were arriv’d,
Of some blest Assignation.
In vain I have consulted all my Charms,
In vain this Beauty priz’d, in vain believ’d
My eyes cou’d kindle any lasting Fires.
I had forgot my Name, my Infamy,
And the Reproach that Honour lays on those
That dare pretend a sober passion here.
Nice Reputation, tho it leave behind
More Virtues than inhabit where that dwells,
Yet that once gone, those virtues shine no more.
—Then since I am not fit to belov’d,
I am resolv’d to think on a Revenge
On him that sooth’d me thus to my undoing.[Exeunt.
Scene III.A Street.
EnterFlorindaandValeriain Habits different from what they have been seen in.
Flor.We’re happily escap’d, yet I tremble still.
Val.A Lover and fear! why, I am but half a one, and yet I have Courage for any Attempt. WouldHellenawere here. I wou’d fain have had her as deep in this Mischief as we, she’ll fare but ill else I doubt.
Flor.She pretended a Visit to the Augustine Nuns, but I believe some other design carried her out, pray Heavens we light on her.—Prithee what didst do with Callis?
Val.When I saw no Reason wou’d do good on her, I follow’d her into the Wardrobe, and as she was looking for something in a great Chest, I tumbled her in by the Heels, snatcht the Key of the Apartment where you were confin’d, lockt her in, and left her bauling for help.
Flor.’Tis well you resolve to follow my Fortunes, for thou darest never appear at home again after such an Action.
Val.That’s according as the young Stranger and I shall agree—But to our business—I deliver’d your Letter, yourNote toBelvile, when I got out under pretence of going to Mass, I found him at his Lodging, and believe me it came seasonably; for never was Man in so desperate a Condition. I told him of your Resolution of making your escape to day, if your Brother would be absent long enough to permit you; if not, die rather than beAntonio’s.
Flor.Thou shou’dst have told him I was confin’d to my Chamber upon my Brother’s suspicion, that the Business on theMolowas a Plot laid between him and I.
Val.I said all this, and told him your Brother was now gone to his Devotion, and he resolves to visit every Church till he find him; and not only undeceive him in that, but caress him so as shall delay his return home.
Flor.Oh Heavens! he’s here, andBelvilewith him too.[They put on their Vizards.
Enter DonPedro,Belvile,Willmore;Belvileand DonPedroseeming in serious Discourse.
Val.Walk boldly by them, I’ll come at a distance, lest he suspect us.[She walks by them, and looks back on them.
Will.Ha!A Woman!and of an excellent Mien!
Ped.She throws a kind look back on you.
Will.Death, tis a likely Wench, and that kind look shall not be cast away—I’ll follow her.
Belv.Prithee do not.
Will.Do not! By Heavens to the Antipodes, with such an Invitation.[She goes out, andWill.follows her.
Belv.’Tis a mad Fellow for a Wench.
EnterFred.
Fred.Oh Colonel, such News.
Belv.Prithee what?
Fred.News that will make you laugh in spite of Fortune.
Belv.What,Blunthas had some damn’d Trick put upon him, cheated, bang’d, or clapt?
Fred.Cheated, Sir, rarely cheated of all but his Shirt and Drawers; the unconscionable Whore too turn’d himout before Consummation, so that traversing the Streets at Midnight, the Watch found him in thisFresco, and conducted him home: By Heaven ’tis such a slight, and yet I durst as well have been hang’d as laugh at him, or pity him; he beats all that do but ask him a Question, and is in such an Humour—
Ped.Who is’t has met with this ill usage, Sir?
Belv.A Friend of ours, whom you must see for Mirth’s sake. I’ll imploy him to giveFlorindatime for an escape.[Aside.
Ped.Who is he?
Belv.A young Countryman of ours, one that has been educated at so plentiful a rate, he yet ne’er knew the want of Money, and ’twill be a great Jest to see how simply he’ll look without it. For my part I’ll lend him none, andthe Rogueknows not how to put on a borrowing Face, and ask first. I’ll let him see how good ’tis to play our parts whilst I play his—Prithee,Fred.do go home and keep him in that posture till we come.[Exeunt.
EnterFlorindafrom the farther end of the Scene, looking behind her.
Flor.I am follow’d still—hah—my Brother too advancing this way, good Heavens defend me from being seen by him.[She goes off.
EnterWillmore, and after himValeria, at a little distance.
Will.Ah! There she sails, she looks back as she were willing to be boarded, I’ll warrant her Prize.[He goes out,Valeriafollowing.
EnterHellena, just as he goes out, with a Page.
Hell.Hah, is not that my Captain that has a Woman in chase?—’tis notAngelica.Boy, follow those People at a distance, and bring me an Account where they go in.—I’ll find his Haunts, and plague him every where.—ha—my Brother![Exit Page.
[Bel.Wil.Ped.cross the Stage:Hell.runs off.
Scene changesto another Street. EnterFlorinda.
Flor.What shall I do, my Brother now pursues me.Will no kind Power protect me from his Tyranny?
Flor.What shall I do, my Brother now pursues me.
Will no kind Power protect me from his Tyranny?
—Hah, here’s a Door open, I’ll venture in, since nothing can be worse than to fall into his Hands, my Life and Honour are at stake, and my Necessity has no choice.[She goes in.
EnterValeria, andHellena’sPage peeping afterFlorinda.
Pag.Here she went in, I shall remember this House.[Exit Boy.
Val.This isBelvile’sLodgings; she’s gone in as readily as if she knew it—hah—here’s that mad Fellow again, I dare not venture in—I’ll watch my Opportunity.[Goes aside.
EnterWillmore, gazing about him.
Will.I have lost her hereabouts—Pox on’t she must not scape me so.[Goes out.
Scene changestoBlunt’sChamber, discovers him sitting on a Couch in his Shirt and Drawers, reading.
Blunt.So, now my Mind’s a little at Peace, since I have resolv’d Revenge—A Pox on this Taylor tho, for not bringing home the Clothes I bespoke; and a Pox of all poor Cavaliers, a Man can never keep a spare Suit for ’em; and I shall have these Rogues come in and find me naked; and then I’m undone; but I’m resolv’d to arm my self—the Rascals shall not insult over me too much.[Puts on an old rusty Sword and Buff-Belt.—Now, how like a Morrice-Dancer I am equipt—a fine Lady-like Whore to cheat me thus, without affording me a Kindness for my Money, a Pox light on her, I shall never be reconciled to the Sex more, she has made me as faithless as a Physician, as uncharitable as a Churchman, and as ill-natur’d as a Poet. O how I’ll use all Women-kind hereafter! what wou’d I give to have one of ’emwithin my reach now! any Mortal thing in Petticoats, kind Fortune, send me; and I’ll forgive thy last Night’s Malice—Here’s a cursed Book too, (a Warning to all young Travellers) that can instruct me how to prevent such Mischiefs now ’tis too late. Well ’tis a rare convenient thing to read a little now and then, as well as hawk and hunt.[Sits down again and reads.
Enter to himFlorinda.
Flor.This House is haunted sure,’tis well furnisht and no living thing inhabits it—hah—a Man! Heavens how he’s attir’d! sure ’tis some Rope-dancer, or Fencing-Master; I tremble now for fear, and yet I must venture now to speak to him—Sir, if I may not interrupt your Meditations—[He starts up and gazes.
Blunt.Hah—what’s here? Are my wishes granted? and is not that a she Creature? Adsheartlikins ’tis! what wretched thing art thou—hah!
Flor.Charitable Sir, you’ve told your self already what I am; a very wretched Maid, forc’d by a strange unlucky Accident, to seek a safety here, and must be ruin’d, if you do not grant it.
Blunt.Ruin’d! Is there any Ruin so inevitable as that which now threatens thee? Dost thou know, miserable Woman, into what Den of Mischiefs thou art fall’n? what a Bliss of Confusion?—hah—dost not see something in my looks that frights thy guilty Soul, and makes thee wish to change that Shape of Woman for any humble Animal, or Devil? for those were safer for thee, and less mischievous.
Flor.Alas, what mean you, Sir? I must confess your Looks have something in ’em makes me fear; but I beseech you, as you seem a Gentleman, pity a harmless Virgin, that takes your House for Sanctuary.
Blunt.Talk on, talk on, and weep too, till my faith return. Do, flatter me out of my Senses again—a harmlessVirgin with a Pox, as much one as t’other, adsheartlikins. Why, what the Devil can I not be safe in my House for you? not in my Chamber? nay, even being naked too cannot secure me. This is an Impudence greater than has invaded me yet.—Come, no Resistance.[Pulls her rudely.
Flor.Dare you be so cruel?
Blunt.Cruel, adsheartlikins as a Gally-slave, or aSpanishWhore: Cruel, yes, I will kiss and beat thee all over; kiss, and see thee all over; thou shalt lie with me too, not that I care for the Injoyment, but to let you see I have ta’en deliberated Malice to thee, and will be revenged on one Whore for the Sins of another; I will smile and deceive thee, flatter thee, and beat thee, kiss and swear, and lye to thee, imbrace thee and rob thee, as she did me, fawn on thee, and strip thee stark naked, then hang thee out at my Window by the Heels, with a Paper of scurvey Verses fasten’d to thy Breast, in praise of damnable Women—Come, come along.
Flor.Alas, Sir, must I be sacrific’d for the Crimes of the most infamous of my Sex? I never understood the Sins you name.
Blunt.Do, persuade the Fool you love him, or that one of you can be just or honest; tell me I was not an easy Coxcomb, or any strange impossible Tale: it will be believ’d sooner than thy false Showers or Protestations. A Generation of damn’d Hypocrites, to flatter my very Clothes from my back! dissembling Witches! are these the Returns you make an honest Gentleman that trusts, believes, and loves you?—But if I be not even with you—Come along, or I shall—[Pulls her again.
EnterFrederick.
Fred.Hah, what’s here to do?
Blunt.Adsheartlikins,Fred. I am glad thou art come, to be a Witness of my dire Revenge.
Fred.What’s this, a Person of Quality too, who is uponthe Ramble to supply the Defects of some grave impotent Husband?
Blunt.No, this has another Pretence, some very unfortunate Accident brought her hither, to save a Life pursued by I know not who, or why, and forc’d to take Sanctuary here at Fools Haven. Adsheartlikins to me of all Mankind for Protection? Is the Ass to be cajol’d again, think ye? No, young one, no Prayers or Tears shall mitigate my Rage; therefore prepare for both my Pleasure of Enjoyment and Revenge, for I am resolved to make up my Loss here on thy Body, I’ll take it out in kindness and in beating.
Fred.Now, Mistress of mine, what do you think of this?
Flor.I think he will not—dares not be so barbarous.
Fred.Have a care,Blunt, she fetch’d a deep Sigh, she is inamour’d with thy Shirt and Drawers, she’ll strip thee even of that. There are of her Calling such unconscionable Baggages, and suchdexterousThieves, they’ll flea a Man, and he shall ne’er miss his Skin, till he feels the Cold. There was a Country-man of ours robb’d of a Row of Teeth whilst he was sleeping, which the Jilt made him buy again when he wak’d—You see, Lady, how little Reason we have to trust you.
Blunt.’Dsheartlikins, why, this is most abominable.
Flor.Some such Devils there may be, but by all that’s holy I am none such, I entered here to save a Life in danger.
Blunt.For no goodness I’ll warrant her.
Fred.Faith, Damsel, you had e’en confess the plain Truth, for we are Fellows not to be caught twice in the same Trap: Look on that Wreck, a tight Vessel when he set out of Haven, well trim’d and laden, and see how a Female Piccaroon of this Island of Rogues has shatter’d him, and canst thou hope for any Mercy?
Blunt.No, no, Gentlewoman, come along, adsheartlikins we must be better acquainted—we’ll both lie with her, and then let me alone to bang her.
Fred.I am ready to serve you in matters of Revenge, that has a double Pleasure in’t.
Blunt.Well said. You hear, little one, how you are condemn’d by publick Vote to the Bed within, there’s no resisting your Destiny, Sweetheart.[Pulls her.
Flor.Stay, Sir, I have seen you withBelvile, anEnglishCavalier, for his sake use me kindly; you know how, Sir.
Blunt.Belvile!why, yes, Sweeting, we do knowBelvile, and wish he were with us now, he’s a Cormorant at Whore and Bacon, he’d have a Limb or two of thee, my Virgin Pullet: but ’tis no matter, we’ll leave him the Bones to pick.
Flor.Sir, if you have any Esteem for thatBelvile, I conjure you to treat me with more Gentleness; he’ll thank you for the Justice.
Fred.Hark ye,Blunt, I doubt we are mistaken in this matter.
Flor.Sir, If you find me not worthBelvile’sCare, use me as you please; and that you may think I merit better treatment than you threaten—pray take this Present—[Gives him a Ring: He looks on it.
Blunt.Hum—A Diamond! why, ’tis a wonderful Virtue now that lies in this Ring, a mollifying Virtue; adsheartlikins there’s more persuasive Rhetorick in’t, than all her Sex can utter.
Fred.I begin to suspect something; and ’twou’d anger us vilely to be truss’d up for a Rape upon a Maid of Quality, when we only believe we ruffle a Harlot.
Blunt.Thou art a credulous Fellow, but adsheartlikins I have no Faith yet; why, my Saint prattled as parlously as this does, she gave me a Bracelet too, a Devil on her: but I sent my Man to sell it to day for Necessaries, and it prov’d as counterfeit as her Vows of Love.
Fred.However let it reprieve her till we seeBelvile.
Blunt.That’s hard, yet I will grant it.
Enter a Servant.
Serv.Oh, Sir, the Colonel is just come with his newFriend and aSpaniardof Quality, and talks of having you to Dinner with ’em.
Blunt.’Dsheartlikins, I’m undon—I would not see ’em for the World: Harkye,Fred, lock up the Wench in your Chamber.
Fred.Fear nothing, Madam, whate’er he threatens, you’re safe whilst in my Hands.[Ex.Fred.andFlor.
Blunt.And, Sirrah—upon your Life, say—I am not at home—or that I am asleep—or—or any thing—away—I’ll, prevent them coming this way.[Locks the Door andExeunt.
ACT V.
Scene I.Blunt’s Chamber.
After a great knockingas at his Chamber-door, enterBluntsoftly, crossing the Stage in his Shirt and Drawers, as before.
Ned, Ned Blunt, Ned Blunt.[Call within.
Blunt.The Rogues are up in Arms, ’dsheartlikins, this villainousFrederickhas betray’d me, they have heard of my blessed Fortune.
Ned Blunt, Ned, Ned—[and knocking within.
Belv.Why, he’s dead, Sir, without dispute dead, he has not been seen to day; let’s break open the Door—here—Boy—
Blunt.Ha, break open the Door! ’dsheartlikins that mad Fellow will be as good as his word.
Belv.Boy, bring something to force the Door.[A great noise within at the Door again.
Blunt.So, now must I speak in my own Defence, I’ll try what Rhetorick will do—hold—hold, what do you mean, Gentlemen, what do you mean?
Belv.Oh Rogue, art alive? prithee open the Door, and convince us.
Blunt.Yes, I am alive, Gentlemen—but at present a little busy.
Belv.How!Bluntgrown a man of Business! come, come, open, and let’s see this Miracle.[within.
Blunt.No, no, no, no, Gentlemen, ’tis no great Business—but—I am—at—my Devotion,—’dsheartlikins, will you not allow a man time to pray?
Belv.Turn’d religious! a greater Wonder than the first, therefore open quickly, or we shall unhinge, we shall.[within.
Blunt.This won’t do—Why, hark ye, Colonel; to tell you the plain Truth, I am about a necessary Affair of Life.—I have a Wench with me—you apprehend me? the Devil’s in’t if they be so uncivil as to disturb me now.
Will.How, a Wench! Nay, then we must enter and partake; no Resistance,—unless it be your Lady of Quality, and then we’ll keep our distance.
Blunt.So, the Business is out.
Will.Come, come, lend more hands to the Door,—now heave altogether—so, well done, my Boys—[Breaks open the Door.
EnterBelvile,Willmore,Fred.PedroandBelvile’sPage:Bluntlooks simply, they all laugh at him, he lays his hand on his Sword, and conies up toWillmore.
Blunt.Hark ye, Sir, laugh out your laugh quickly, d’ye hear, and be gone, I shall spoil your sport else; ’dsheartlikins, Sir, I shall—the Jest has been carried on too long,—a Plague upon my Taylor—[Aside.
Will.’Sdeath, how the Whore has drest him! Faith, Sir, I’m sorry.
Blunt.Are you so, Sir? keep’t to your self then, Sir, I advise you, d’ye hear? for I can as little endure your Pity as his Mirth.[Lays his Hand on’s Sword.
Belv.Indeed,Willmore, thou wert a little too rough withNed Blunt’sMistress; call a Person of Quality Whore, and one so young, so handsome, and so eloquent!—ha, ha, ha.
Blunt.Hark ye, Sir, you know me, and know I can be angry; have a care—for ’dsheartlikins I can fight too—I can, Sir,—do you mark me—no more.
Belv.Why so peevish, goodNed?some Disappointments, I’ll warrant—What! did the jealous Count her Husband return just in the nick?
Blunt.Or the Devil, Sir,—d’ye laugh?[They laugh.]Look ye, settle me a good sober Countenance, and that quickly too, or you shall knowNed Bluntis not—
Belv.Not every Body, we know that.
Blunt.Not an Ass, to be laught at, Sir.
Will.Unconscionable Sinner, to bring a Lover so near his Happiness, a vigorous passionate Lover, and then not only cheat him of his Moveables, but his Desires too.
Belv.Ah, Sir, a Mistress is a Trifle withBlunt, he’ll have a dozen the next time he looks abroad; his Eyes have Charms not to be resisted: There needs no more than to expose that taking Person to the view of the Fair, and he leads ’em all in Triumph.
Ped.Sir, tho I’m a stranger to you, I’m ashamed at the rudeness of my Nation; and could you learn who did it, would assist you to make an Example of ’em.
Blunt.Why, ay, there’s one speaks sense now, and handsomly; and let me tell you Gentlemen, I should not have shew’d my self like a Jack-Pudding, thus to have made you Mirth, but that I have revenge within my power; for know, I have got into my possession a Female, who had better have fallen under any Curse, than the Ruin I design her: ’dsheartlikins, she assaulted me here in my own Lodgings, and had doubtless committed a Rape upon me, had not this Sword defended me.
Fred.I knew not that, but o’ my Conscience thou hadst ravisht her, had she not redeem’d her self with a Ring—let’s see’t,Blunt.[Bluntshews the Ring.
Belv.Hah!—the Ring I gaveFlorindawhen we exchang’d our Vows!—hark ye,Blunt—[Goes to whisper to him.
Will.No whispering, good Colonel, there’s a Woman in the case, no whispering.
Belv.Hark ye, Fool, be advis’d, and conceal both the Ring and the Story, for your Reputation’s sake; don’t let People know what despis’d Cullies weEnglishare: to be cheated and abus’d by one Whore, and another rather bribe thee than be kind to thee, is an Infamy to our Nation.
Will.Come, come, where’s the Wench? we’ll see her, let her be what she will, we’ll see her.
Ped.Ay, ay, let us see her, I can soon discover whether she be of Quality, or for your Diversion.
Blunt.She’s inFred’sCustody.
Will.Come, come, the Key.[ToFred.who gives him the Key, they are going.
Belv.Death! what shall I do?—stay, Gentlemen—yet if I hinder ’em, I shall discover all—hold, let’s go one at once—give me the Key.
Will.Nay, hold there, Colonel, I’ll go first.
Fred.Nay, no Dispute,Nedand I have the property of her.
Will.Damn Property—then we’ll draw Cuts.[Belv.goes to whisperWill.]Nay, no Corruption, good Colonel: come, the longest Sword carries her.—[They all draw, forgetting DonPedro, being a Spaniard, had the longest.
Blunt.I yield up my Interest to you Gentlemen, and that will be Revenge sufficient.
Will.The Wench is yours—(ToPed.)Pox of hisToledo, I had forgot that.
Fred.Come, Sir, I’ll conduct you to the Lady.[Ex.Fred.andPed.
Belv.To hinder him will certainly discover—[Aside.]Dost know, dull Beast, what Mischief thou hast done?[Will.walking up and down out of Humour.
Will.Ay, ay, to trust our Fortune to Lots, a Devil on’t, ’twas madness, that’s the Truth on’t.
Belv.Oh intolerable Sot!
EnterFlorinda, running masqu’d,Pedroafter her,Will.gazing round her.
Flor.Good Heaven, defend me from discovery.[Aside.
Pedro.’Tis but in vain to fly me, you are fallen to my Lot.
Belv.Sure she is undiscover’d yet, but now I fear there is no way to bring her off.
Will.Why, what a Pox is not this my Woman, the same I follow’d but now?
[Ped.talking toFlorinda, who walks up and down.
Ped.As if I did not know ye, and your Business here.
Flor.Good Heaven! I fear he does indeed—[Aside.
Ped.Come, pray be kind, I know you meant to be so when you enter’d here, for these are proper Gentlemen.
Will.But, Sir—perhaps the Lady will not be impos’d upon, she’ll chuse her Man.
Ped.I am better bred, than not to leave her Choice free.
EnterValeria, and is surprized at the Sight of DonPedro.
Val.DonPedrohere! there’s no avoiding him.[Aside.
Flor.Valeria!then I’m undone—[Aside.
Val.Oh! have I found you, Sir—[ToPedro, running to him.]—The strangest Accident—if I had breath—to tell it.
Ped.Speak—isFlorindasafe?Hellenawell?
Val.Ay, ay, Sir—Florinda—is safe—from any fears of you.
Ped.Why, where’sFlorinda?—speak.
Val.Ay, where indeed, Sir? I wish I could inform you,—But to hold you no longer in doubt—
Flor.Oh, what will she say![Aside.
Val.She’s fled away in the Habit of one of her Pages, Sir—butCallisthinks you may retrieve her yet, if you make haste away; she’ll tell you, Sir, the rest—if you can find her out.[Aside.
Ped.Dishonourable Girl, she has undone my Aim—Sir—you see my necessity of leaving you, and I hope you’ll pardon it: my Sister, I know, will make her flight to you; and if she do, I shall expect she should be render’d back.
Belv.I shall consult my Love and Honour, Sir.[Ex.Ped.
Flor.My dear Preserver, let me imbrace thee.[ToVal.
Will.What the Devil’s all this?
Blunt.Mystery by this Light.
Val.Come, come, make haste and get your selves married quickly, for your Brother will return again.
Belv.I am so surpriz’d with Fears and Joys, so amaz’d to find you here in safety, I can scarce persuade my Heart into a Faith of what I see—
Will.Harkye, Colonel, is this that Mistress who has cost you so many Sighs, and me so many Quarrels with you?
Belv.It is—Pray give him the Honour of your Hand.[ToFlor.
Will.Thus it must be receiv’d then.[Kneels and kisses her Hand.]And with it give your Pardon too.
Flor.The Friend toBelvilemay command me anything.
Will.Death, wou’d I might, ’tis a surprizing Beauty.[Aside.
Belv.Boy, run and fetch a Father instantly.[Ex.Boy.
Fred.So, now do I stand like a Dog, and have not a Syllable to plead my own Cause with: by this Hand, Madam, I was never thorowly confounded before, nor shall I ever more dare look up with Confidence, till you are pleased to pardon me.
Flor.Sir, I’ll be reconcil’d to you on one Condition, that you’ll follow the Example of your Friend, in marrying a Maid that does not hate you, and whose Fortune (I believe) will not be unwelcome to you.
Fred.Madam, had I no Inclinations that way, I shou’d obey your kind Commands.
Belv.Who,Fred.marry; he has so few Inclinations for Womankind, that had he been possest of Paradise, he might have continu’d there to this Day, if no Crime but Love cou’d have disinherited him.
Fred.Oh, I do not use to boast of my Intrigues.
Belv.Boast! why thou do’st nothing but boast; and I dare swear, wer’t thou as innocent from the Sin of the Grape, as thou art from the Apple, thou might’st yet claim that right inEdenwhich our first Parents lost by too much loving.
Fred.I wish this Lady would think me so modest a Man.
Val.She shou’d be sorry then, and not like you half so well, and I shou’d be loth to break my Word with you; which was, That if your Friend and mine are agreed, it shou’d be a Match between you and I.[She gives him her Hand.
Fred.Bear witness, Colonel, ’tis a Bargain.[Kisses her Hand.
Blunt.I have a Pardon to beg too; but adsheartlikins I am so out of Countenance, that I am a Dog if I can say any thing to purpose.[ToFlorinda.
Flor.Sir, I heartily forgive you all.
Blunt.That’s nobly said, sweet Lady—Belvile, prithee present her her Ring again, for I find I have not Courage to approach her my self.[Gives him the Ring, he gives it toFlorinda.
EnterBoy.
Boy.Sir, I have brought the Father that you sent for.
Belv.’Tis well, and now my dearFlorinda, let’s fly to compleat that mighty Joy we have so long wish’d and sigh’d for.—Come,Fred.you’ll follow?
Fred.Your Example, Sir,’twas ever my Ambition in War, and must be so in Love.
Will.And must not I see this juggling Knot ty’d?
Belv.No, thou shalt do us better Service, and be ourGuard, lest DonPedro’ssudden Return interrupt the Ceremony.
Will.Content; I’ll secure this Pass.[Ex.Bel.Flor.Fred.andVal.
EnterBoy.
Boy.Sir, there’s a Lady without wou’d speak to you.[ToWill.
Will.Conduct her in, I dare not quit my Post.
Boy.And, Sir, your Taylor waits you in your Chamber.
Blunt.Some comfort yet, I shall not dance naked at the Wedding.[Ex.BluntandBoy.
Enter again the Boy, conducting inAngelicain a masquing Habit and a Vizard,Will.runs to her.
Will.This can be none but my pretty Gipsy—Oh, I see you can follow as well as fly—Come, confess thy self the most malicious Devil in Nature, you think you have done my Bus’ness withAngelica—
Ang.Stand off, base Villain—[She draws a Pistol and holds to his Breast.
Will.Hah, ’tis not she: who art thou? and what’s thy Business?
Ang.One thou hast injur’d, and who comes to kill thee for’t.
Will.What the Devil canst thou mean?
Ang.By all my Hopes to kill thee—[Holds still the Pistol to his Breast, he going back, she following still.
Will.Prithee on what Acquaintance? for I know thee not.