Chapter II: Act THE FIRST: Scene I

_A Cavern with winding Stairs, and recesses cut in the Rock; a
large Lamp hanging in the Centre; a Table, Wine, Fruits, &c. in
disorder.--At the Head DON CAESAR; on each Side SPADO, SANGUINO,
RAPINO, and others of the Banditti._

AIR I. AND CHORUS.

Don Caesar. _Here we sons of freedom dwell,_
_In our friendly, rock-hewn cell;_
_Pleasure's dictates we obey,_
_Nature points us out the way,_
_Ever social, great and free,_
_Valour guards our liberty._

AIR.

Don Caesar. _Of severe and partial laws,_
_Venal judges, Alguazils;_
_Dreary dungeons' iron jaws,_
_Oar and gibbet--whips or wheels,_
_Let's never think_
_While thus me drink_
_Sweet Muscadine_!
_O life divine!_

Chorus.--_Here we sons of freedom dwell_, &c.

_Don Caesar._ Come, cavaliers, our carbines are loaded, our hearts are light: charge your glasses, Bacchus gives the word, and a volley makes us immortal as the rosy god.--Fire!

_Spado._ Ay, captain, this is noble firing--Oh, I love a volley of grape-shot.--Are we to have any sky-light in our cave?

[_Looking at SANGUINO's Glass._

_Don Caesar._ Oh, no! a brimmer round.--Come, a good booty to us to-night.

[_All drink._

_Spado._ Booty! Oh, I love to rob a fat priest.--Stand, says I, and then I knock him down.

_Sang._ My nose bleeds. [_Looks at his Handkerchief._] I wonder what colour is a coward's blood?

_Spado._ Don't you see it's red?

_Sang._ Ha! call me coward, [_Rises in fury._] sirrah? Captain! cavaliers!--But this scar on my forehead contradicts the miscreant.

_Spado._ Scar on your forehead!--Ay, you will look behind you, when you run away.

_Sang._ I'll stab the villain--[_Draws Stilletto._]--I will, by Heaven.

_Don Caesar._ Pho, Sanguino! you know when a jest offers, Spado regards neither time, place, nor person.

_All._ [_Interposing._] Don't hurt little Spado.

_Spado._ [_Hiding behind._] No, don't hurt little Spado.

_Sang._ Run away! Armies have confessed my valour: the time has been--but no matter.

[_Sits._

_Don Caesar._ Come, away with reflection on the past, or care for the future; the present is the golden moment of possession.--Let us enjoy it.

_All._ Ay, ay, let us enjoy it.

_Don Caesar._ You know, cavaliers, when I entered into this noble fraternity, I boasted only of a little courage sharpened by necessity, the result of my youthful follies, a father's severity, and the malice of a good-natured dame.

_Spado._ Captain, here's a speedy walk-off to old women.

_All._ [_Drink_] Ha! ha! ha! ha!

_Don Caesar._ When you did me the honour to elect me your captain, two conditions I stipulated:----Though at war with the world abroad, unity and social mirth should preside over our little commonwealth at home.

_Spado._ Yes, but Sanguino's for no head--he'll have ours a commonwealth of fists and elbows.

_Don Caesar._ The other, unless to preserve your own lives, never commit a murder.

_Spado._ I murdered since that----a bishop's coach-horse.

_All._ Ha! ha! ha!

_Don Caesar._ Hand me that red wine.

AIR II.--DON CAESAR.

_Flow, thou regal purple stream,_
_Tinctur'd by the solar beam,_
_In my goblet sparkling rise,_
_Cheer my heart and glad my eyes._
_My brain ascend on fancy's wing,_
_'Noint me, wine, a jovial king._
_While I live, I'll lave my clay,_
_When I'm dead and gone away,_
_Let my thirsty subjects say,_
_A month he reign'd, but that was May._

[_Thunder._]

_Don Caesar._ Hark, how distinct we hear the thunder through this vast body of earth and rock.--Rapino, is Calvette above, upon his post?

_Rap._ Yes.

_Don Caesar._ Spado, 'tis your business to relieve the centinel.

_Spado._ Relieve! what's the matter with him?

_Don Caesar._ Come, come, no jesting with duty--'tis your watch.

_Spado._ Let the wolves watch for me--my duty is to get supper ready.--[_Thunder._]--Go up! Od's fire, do you think I'm a Salamander?--D'ye hear?

_Sang._ No sport, I fear.

_Don Caesar._ Then call Calvette, lock down the trap-door, and get us some more wine from the cistern.

_Spado._ Wine! Ay, captain; and this being a night of peace, we'll have a dish of olives.

_Sang._ No, peace! we'll up and scour the forest presently. But well thought on; a rich old fellow, one Don Scipio, has lately come to reside in the castle on the skirts of the forest--what say you to plunder there?

_Don Caesar._ Not to-night--I know my time--I have my reasons--I shall give command on that business. But where's the stranger we brought in at our last excursion?

_Rap._ He reposes in yonder recess.

_Spado._ Ay, egad, there he lies, with a face as innocent--[_Aside._]--If my fellow-rooks would but fly off, I'd have the pigeon here within all to myself.

_Cal._ [_Appears at the Top of the winding Stairs, with a Lanthorn._] A booty.

_Sang._ Good news, cavaliers; here comes Calvette.

_Cal._ A booty!

_Sang._ What! where?

_Cal._ Soft--but one man!

_Sang._ But one man! Is he alone?

_Cal._ Quite.

_Spado._ One man, and alone--that's odd!

_Cal._ He seems in years, but his habit, as well as I could distinguish, speaks him noble.

[_Descends._

_Don Caesar._ Then he'll fight.--My arms!

_Spado._ Oh, he'll fight--get my arms; no, my legs will do for me.

[_Aside._

_Sang._ Come, my carbine--quick!

_Don Caesar._ To the attack of one man--paltry! Only you, Calvette, Sanguino, Rapino, and Spado go; the rest prepare for our general excursion.

_Spado._ Captain, don't send me; indeed I'm too rash!

_Don Caesar._ Come, come, leave buffoonery, and to your duty.

[_CALVETTE and RAPINO ascend; the rest go in at several
Recesses; SPADO, the last, ascends up slowly._

_Enter DON ALPHONSO._

_Don Alph._ I find myself somewhat refreshed by my slumber; at such a time to fall into the hands of these ruffians, how unlucky! I'm pent up here; my rival, Fernando, once my friend, reaches Don Scipio's castle, weds my charming Victoria, and I lose her for ever; but if I could secure an interview, love should plead my cause.

AIR III.--DON ALPHONSO.

_The hardy sailor braves the ocean,_
_Fearless of the roaring wind;_
_Yet his heart, with soft emotion,_
_Throbs to leave his love behind._

_To dread of foreign foes a stranger,_
_Tho' the youth can dauntless roam,_
_Alarming fears paint every danger_
_In a rival, left at home._

_SPADO returns down the Stairs._

_Spado._ [_Aside._] Now for some talk with our prisoner here--Stay, are they all out of ear-shot? How the poor bird sings in its cage! I know more of his affairs than he thinks of, by overhearing his conversation at the inn at Lorca.

_Don Alph._ How shall I escape from these rascals? Oh, here is one of the gentlemen. Pray, sir, may I take the liberty--

_Spado._ No liberty for you.--Yet upon certain conditions, indeed--give me your hand.

_Don Alph._ [_Aside._] Impudent scoundrel!

_Spado._ Signor, I wish to serve you--and serve you I will; but I must know the channel, before I make for the coast; therefore, to examine you with the pious severity of an holy inquisitor, who the devil are you?

_Don Alph._ A pious adjuration truly!--[_Aside._]--Sir, my name is Alphonso, and I am son of a banker at Madrid.

_Spado._ Banker! Oh! I thought he sung like a young goldfinch.

_Don Alph._ Perhaps, by trusting this fellow, I may make my escape.

[_Aside._

_Spado._ I'll convince him I know his secrets, and then I hold his purse-strings.

_Don Alph._ You won't betray me?

_Spado._ Honour among thieves.

_Don Alph._ Then you must know, when your gang attacked me yesterday evening--

_Spado._ You were posting full gallop to Don Scipio's castle, on the confines of the forest here.

_Don Alph._ Hey! then perhaps you know my passion for--

_Spado._ Donna Victoria, his daughter.

_Don Alph._ Then you know that she's contracted--

_Spado._ To your friend Don Fernando de Zelva, who is now on his journey to the castle, and, to the destruction of your hopes, weds the lady on his arrival.

_Don Alph._ True, while I am pent up in this cursed cavern; but how you got my story, I----

_Spado._ No matter! I could let you out of this cursed cavern.

_Don Alph._ And will you?

_Spado._ Ah, our trap-door above requires a golden key.

_Don Alph._ Your comrades have not left me a piastre.

_Spado._ Will you give me an order on your father's bank for fifty pieces, and I'll let you out?

_Don Alph._ You shall have it.

_Spado._ A bargain. I'll secure your escape.

_Enter DON CAESAR, behind._

_Don Caesar._ How's this?

_Spado._ Zounds, the captain Ramirez! [_Aside._]--Ay, you dog, I'll secure you for an escape! Do you think I'd set you at liberty without the captain's orders? Betray my trust for a bribe! What the devil do you take me for? [_In a seeming rage._] Oh, captain, I did not see you.

_Don Caesar._ What's the matter?

_Spado._ Nothing, only our prisoner here was mistaken in his man--that's all. Let you escape, indeed!

_Don Alph._ Here's a rascal!

_Spado._ Rascal! D'ye hear him? He has been abusing me this half hour, because I would not convey him out without your knowledge. Oh, what offers he did make me! but my integrity is proof against Gallions, Escurials, Perus, and Mexicos.

_Don Caesar._ Begone instantly to your comrades. [_SPADO ascends._] Signor, no occasion to tamper with my companions; you shall owe your liberty to none but me. I'll convey you to the cottage of the vines, belonging to the peasant Philippo, not far from Don Scipio's castle; there you may rest in safety to-night, and--

_Don Alph._ Ah, captain! no rest for me.

_Don Caesar._ Look ye, signor, I am a ruffian, perhaps worse, but venture to trust me.--A picklock may be used to get to a treasure--don't wish to know more of me than I now chuse to tell you; but, if your mistress loves you as well as you seem to love her, to-morrow night she's yours.

_Don Alph._ My good friend!

_Don Caesar._ Now for Philippo--I don't suppose you wish to see any of our work above--ha! ha! ha!--Well, well, I was once a lover, but now--

AIR IV.--DON CAESAR.

_On by the spur of valour goaded,_
_Pistols primed, and carbines loaded,_
_Courage strikes on hearts of steel;_
_While each spark,_
_Through the dark_
_Gloom of night,_
_Lends a clear and cheering light,_
_Who a fear or doubt can feel?_

_Like serpents now, through thickets creeping,_
_Then on our prey, like lions, leaping!_
_Calvette to the onset leads us,_
_Let the wand'ring trav'ler dread us!_
_Struck with terror and amaze,_
_While our swords with lightning blaze._

[Thunder.

_Thunder to our carbines roaring,_
_Bursting clouds in torrents pouring,_
_Each a free and roving blade,_
_Ours a free and roving trade,_
_To the onset let's away,_
_Valour calls, and we obey._

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.

_A Forest._

_A stormy Night._

_Enter DON FERNANDO._

_Don Fer._ Pedrillo! [_Calling._] What a dreadful night, and horrid place to be benighted! Pedrillo!--I fear I've lost my servant; but by the pace I rode since I left Ecceija, Don Scipio's castle can't be very far distant: this was to have been my wedding night, if I arrived there. Pedrillo! Pedrillo!

[_Calling._

_Ped._ [_Within_] Sir!

_Don Fer._ Where are you, sirrah?

_Ped._ Quite astray, sir.

_Don Fer._ This way.

_Enter PEDRILLO, groping his way._

_Ped._ Any body's way, for I have lost my own.--Do you see me, sir?

_Don Fer._ No indeed, Pedrillo!

[_Lightning._

_Ped._ You saw me then, sir. [_Thunder._] Ah, this must frighten the mules, they'll break their bridles; I tied the poor beasts to a tree.

_Don Fer._ Well, we may find them in the morning, if they escape the banditti, which I am told infests this forest.

_Ped._ Banditti! [_A shot without._] Ah! we are dead men.

_Don Fer._ Somebody in trouble!

_Ped._ No, somebody's troubles are over.

_Don Fer._ Draw and follow me, Pedrillo.

_Ped._ Lord, sir! ha'n't we troubles enough of our own?

_Don Fer._ Follow! Who can deny assistance to his fellow creature in distress?

[_Draws._--_Exit._

_Ped._ What fine creatures these gentlemen are!--But for me, I am a poor, mean, rascally servant--so I'll even take my chance with the mules.

AIR V.--PEDRILLO.

_A master I have, and I am his man,_
_Galloping, dreary, dun,_
_And he'll get a wife as fast as he can,_
_With a haily, gaily, gambo raily,_
_Giggling, niggling,_
_Galloping galloway, draggle tail, dreary dun._

_I saddled his steed so fine and so gay,_
_Galloping, dreary, dun,_
_I mounted my mule, and we rode away,_
_With our haily, &c._

_We canter'd along until it grew dark,_
_Galloping, dreary, dun,_
_The nightingale sung instead of the lark,_
_With her, &c._

_We met with a friar, and ask'd him our way,_
_Galloping, dreary, dun,_
_By the Lord, says the friar, you're both gone astray,_
_With your, &c._

_Our journey, I fear, will do us no good,_
_Galloping, dreary, dun,_
_We wander alone, like the babes in the wood,_
_With our, &c._

_My master is fighting, and I'll take a peep,_
_Galloping, dreary, dun,_
_But now I think better, I'd better go sleep,_
_With my, &c._

[Exit.

SCENE III.

_A thicker Part of the Forest.--Large Tree and Stone Cross._

_Enter DON SCIPIO, attacked by SANGUINO, RAPINO, and CALVETTE._

_Sang._ Now, Rapino, lop off his sword-arm.

_Don Scipio._ Forbear! there's my purse, you rascals!

[_Throws it down._

_Sang._ Fire!

_Spado._ [_Peeping from the large Tree._] No, don't fire.

_Sang._ I am wounded--hew him to pieces.

[_As DON SCIPIO is nearly overpowered_,

_Enter DON FERNANDO>._

_Don Fer._ Ha! what murderous ruffians!

[_Engages the BANDITTI, who precipitately disperse several ways._

_Spado._ Holloa! the forest is surrounded with inquisitors, alguazils, corrigidores, and holy fathers.

_Don Scipio._ Oh, I hav'n't fought so much these twenty years!

_Spado._ Eh, we have lost the field, cursed dark; though I think I could perceive but one man come to the relief of our old Don here.

_Don Scipio._ But where are you, signor? Approach, my brave deliverer.

_Spado._ So, here's a victory, and nobody to claim it! I think I'll go down and pick up the laurel. [_Descends from the Tree._] I'll take the merit of this exploit, I may get something by it.

_Don Scipio._ I long to thank, embrace, worship this generous stranger, as my guardian angel.

_Spado._ [_Aside._] I may pass for this angel in the dark--Villains! scoundrels! robbers! to attack an honest old gentleman on the king's highway!--but I made the dogs scamper!

[_Vapouring about._

_Don Scipio._ Oh dear! this is my preserver!

_Spado._ Who's there! Oh, you are the worthy old gentleman I rescued from these rascal banditti.

_Don Scipio._ Noble, valiant stranger--I--

_Spado._ No thanks, signor; I have saved your life; and a good action rewards itself.

_Don Scipio._ A gallant fellow, 'faith--Eh, as well as I could distinguish in the dark, you looked much taller just now.

[_Looking close at him._

_Spado._ When I was fighting? true, anger raises me--I always appear six foot in a passion: besides, my hat and plume added to my height.

_Don Scipio._ [_By Accident treading on the Purse._] Hey, the rogues have run off without my purse too.

_Spado._ O, ho! [_Aside._]--What, I have saved your purse, as well as your precious life! Well, of a poor fellow, I am the luckiest dog in all Spain.

_Don Scipio._ Poor! Good friend, accept this purse, as a small token of my gratitude.

_Spado._ Nay, dear sir!

_Don Scipio._ You shall take it.

_Spado._ Lord, I am so awkward at taking a purse.

[_Takes it._

_Don Scipio._ Hey, if I could find my cane too;--I dropped it somewhere hereabouts, when I drew to defend myself.

[_Looking about._

_Spado._ Zounds! I fancy here comes the real conqueror--no matter--I've got the spoils of the field.

[_Aside--Chinks the Purse, and retires._

_Don Scipio._ Ah, my amber-headed cane!

[_Still looking about._

_Enter DON FERNANDO._

_Don Fer._ The villains!

_Don Scipio._ Ay, you made them fly like pigeons, my little game-cock!

_Don Fer._ Oh, I fancy this is the gentleman that was attacked. Not hurt, I hope, sir?

_Don Scipio._ No, I'm a tough old blade--Oh, gadso, well thought on--feel if there's a ring in the purse, it's a relic of my deceased lady, it's with some regret I ask you to return it.

_Don Fer._ Return what, sir?

_Don Scipio._ A ring you'll find in the purse.

_Don Fer._ Ring and purse! really, sir, I don't understand you.

_Don Scipio._ Well, well, no matter--A mercenary fellow!

[_Aside._

_Don Fer._ The old gentleman has been robbed, and is willing that I should reimburse his losses.

[_Aside._

_Don Scipio._ It grows lighter: I think I can distinguish the path I lost--follow me, my hero, and [_As going, suddenly turns, and looks steadfastly at DON FERNANDO._] Zounds, signor, I hope you are not in a passion, but I think you look six feet high again.

_Don Fer._ A strange, mad old fellow this!

[_Aside._

_Don Scipio._ These rascals may rally, so come along to my castle, and my daughter Victoria shall welcome the preserver of her father.

_Don Fer._ Your daughter Victoria! Then, perhaps, sir, you are Don Scipio, my intended father-in-law?

_Don Scipio._ Eh! why, zounds! is it possible that you can be my expected son, Fernando?

_Don Fer._ The same, sir; and was on my journey to your castle, when benighted in the forest here.

_Don Scipio._ Oh, my dear boy! [_Embraces him._] Damned mean of him to take my purse though--[_Aside._] Ah, Fernando, you were resolved to touch some of your wife's fortune before-hand.

_Don Fer._ Sir--I--

_Don Scipio._ Hush! You have the money, and keep it--ay, and the ring too; I'm glad it's not gone out of the family--Hey, it grows lighter--Come--

_Don Fer._ My rascal Pedrillo is fallen asleep somewhere.

_Don Scipio._ No, we are not safe here--Come then, my dear--brave, valiant--Cursed paltry to take my purse though.

[_Aside.--Exeunt._

_Spado._ [_Who had been listening, advances._] So, then, our old gentleman is father to Victoria, my young banker Alphonso's mistress, and the other is Fernando, his dreaded rival--this is the first time they ever saw each other too--He has a servant too, and his name Pedrillo--a thought strikes me; if I could, by cross paths, but get to the castle before them, I'll raise a most delicious commotion--In troubled waters I throw my fishing-hook--[_Whistle without._]--Excuse me, gentlemen, I'm engaged.

[_Exit--A distant Whistle heard without._

SCENE IV.

_An Apartment in SCIPIO's Castle._

_Enter VICTORIA and CATILINA._

_Catil._ Nay, dear madam, do not submit to go into the nunnery.

_Vic._ Yes, Catilina, my father desires I shall take the veil, and a parent's voice is the call of Heaven!

_Catil._ Heaven! Well, though the fellows swear I'm an angel, this world is good enough for me--Dear ma'am, I wish I could but once see you in love.

_Vic._ Heigho! Catilina, I wonder what sort of gentleman this Don Fernando is, who is contracted to me, and hourly expected at the castle.

_Catil._ A beautiful man, I warrant--But, ma'am, you're not to have him. Hush! Dame Isabel, not content with making your father, by slights and ill usage, force your brother, poor Don Caesar, to run about the world, in the Lord knows what wild courses, but she now has persuaded the old gentleman to pass her daughter on Don Fernando, for you--There, yonder she is, flaunting, so be-jewelled and be-plumed--Well, if I was you, they might take my birthright--but my husband--take my man--the deuce shall take them first! Ah, no! if ever I do go to heaven, I'll have a smart lad in my company.--Send you to a nunnery!

_Vic._ Was my fond mother alive!--Catilina, my father will certainly marry this Dame Isabel; I'm now an alien to his affections, bereft of every joy and every hope, I shall quit the world without a sigh.

AIR V.--VICTORIA.

_Ah, solitude, take my distress,_
_My griefs I'll unbosom to thee,_
_Each sigh thou canst gently repress,_
_Thy silence is music to me._

_Yet peace from my sonnet may spring,_
_For peace let me fly the gay throng,_
_To soften my sorrows I sing,_
_Yet sorrow's the theme of my song._

[_Exit VICTORIA._

_Catil._ I quit this castle as soon as ever Donna Victoria enters a nunnery--Shall I go with her? No, I was never made for a nun--Ay, I'll back to the vineyard, and if my sweetheart, Philippo, is as fond as ever, who knows--I was his queen of all the girls, though the charming youth was the guitar, flute, fiddle, and hautboy of our village.

AIR VI.--CATILINA.

_Like my dear swain, no youth you'd see_
_So blithe, so gay, so full of glee,_
_In all our village, who but he_
_To foot it up so featly--_
_His lute to hear,_
_From far and near,_
_Each female came,_
_Both girl and dame,_
_And all his boon_
_For every tune,_
_To kiss 'em round so sweetly._

_While round him in the jocund ring,_
_We nimbly danced, he'd play or sing,_
_Of May the youth was chosen king,_
_He caught our ears so neatly._
_Such music rare_
_In his guitar,_
_But touch his flute_
_The crowd was mute,_
_His only boon,_
_For every tune,_
_To kiss us round so sweetly._

[Exit.

_Enter VASQUEZ, introducing SPADO._

_Vas._ I'll inform Dame Isabel, sir--please to wait a moment.

[_Exit VASQUEZ._

_Spado._ Sir!--This Dame Isabel is, it seems, a widow-gentlewoman, whom Don Scipio has retained ever since the death of his lady, as supreme directress over his family, has such an ascendancy, prevailed on him even to drive his own son out of his house, and, ha! ha! ha! is now drawing the old don into a matrimonial noose, ha! ha! ha! Egad, I am told, rules the roast here in the castle--Yes, yes, she's my mark--Hem! Now for my story, but my scheme is up, if I tell her a single truth--Ah, no fear of that.--Oh, this way she moves--

_Enter DAME ISABEL and VASQUEZ._

_Isab._ Don Scipio not returned! a foolish old man, rambling about at this time of night! Stay, Vasquez, where's this strange, ugly little fellow you said wanted to speak with me?

_Vas._ [_Confused._] Madam, I did not say--

_Spado._ No matter, young man--Hem!

[_Exit VASQUEZ._

_Isab._ Well, sir, pray who are you?

_Spado._ [_Bowing obsequiously._] Madam, I have the honour to be confidential servant and secretary to Don Juan, father to Don Fernando de Zelva.

_Isab._ Don Fernando! Heavens! is he arrived? Here, Vasquez, Lopez, Diego!

[_Calling._

_Spado._ Hold, madam! he's not arrived: Most sagacious lady, please to lend your attention for a few moments to an affair of the highest importance to Don Scipio's family. My young master is coming--

_Isab._ Well, sir!

_Spado._ Incog.

_Isab._ Incog!

_Spado._ Madam, you shall hear--[_Aside._]--Now for a lie worth twenty pistoles--The morning before his departure, Don Fernando calls me into his closet, and shutting the door, "Spado," says he, "you know this obstinate father of mine has engaged me to marry a lady I have never seen, and to-morrow, by his order, I set out for Don Scipio, her father's castle, for that purpose; but," says he, striking his breast with one hand, twisting his mustaches with the other, and turning up his eyes--"if, when I see her, she don't hit my fancy, I'll not marry her, by the----"--I sha'n't mention his oath before you, madam.

_Isab._ No, pray don't, sir.

_Spado._ "Therefore," says he, "I design to dress Pedrillo, my arch dog of a valet, in a suit of my clothes, and he shall personate me at Don Scipio's castle, while I, in a livery, pass for him--If I like the lady, I resume my own character, and take her hand; if not, the deceit continues, and Pedrillo weds Donna Victoria, just to warn parental tyranny how it dares to clap up marriage, without consulting our inclinations."

_Isab._ Here's a discovery! so then, it's my poor child that must have fallen into this snare--[_Aside._] Well, good sir.

_Spado._ "And, (continued he) Spado, I appoint you my trusty spy in this Don Scipio's family; to cover our designs, let it be a secret that you belong to me, and I sha'n't seem even to know you--You'll easily get a footing in the family (says he) by imposing some lie or other upon a foolish woman, I'm told, is in the castle. Dame Isabel I think they call her."

_Isab._ He shall find I am not so easily imposed upon.

_Spado._ I said so, madam; says I, a lady of Dame Isabel's wisdom must soon find me out, was I to tell her a lie.

_Isab._ Ay, that I should, sir.

_Enter VASQUEZ._

_Vas._ Oh, madam! my master is returned, and Don Fernando de Zelva with him.

[_Exit VASQUEZ._

_Isab._ Don Fernando! Oh, then, this is the rascally valet, but I'll give him a welcome with a vengeance!

_Spado._ Hold, madam! Suppose, for a little sport, you seem to humour the deceit, only to see how the fellow acts his part; he'll play the gentleman very well, I'll warrant; the dog is an excellent mimic; for, you must know, ma'am, this Pedrillo's mother was a gipsy, his father a merry andrew to a mountebank, and he himself five years trumpeter to a company of strolling players.

_Isab._ So, I was likely to have a hopeful son-in-law! Good sir, we are eternally indebted to you for this timely notice of the imposition.

_Spado._ Madam, I've done the common duties of an honest man--I have been long in the family, and can't see my master making such a fool of himself, without endeavouring to prevent any mischance in consequence.

_Isab._ Dear sir, I beseech you be at home under this roof; pray be free, and want for nothing the house affords.

_Spado._ [_Bows._] Good madam! I'll want for nothing I can lay my fingers on. [_Aside._]

[_Exit SPADO._

_Isab._ Heavens! what an honest soul it is! what a lucky discovery! Oh, here comes my darling girl!

_Enter LORENZA, magnificently dressed._

_Lor._ Oh, cara Madre! See, behold!--Can I fail of captivating Don Fernando? Don't I look charming?

_Isab._ Why, Lorenza, I must say the toilet has done its duty; I'm glad to see you in such spirits, my dear child!

_Lor._ Spirits! ever gay, ever sprightly, cheerful as a lark--but how shall I forget my Florence lover, my dear Ramirez?

_Isab._ I request, my dear, you'll not think of this Ramirez--even from your own account of him, he must be a person of most dissolute principles--fortunately he knows you only by your name of Lorenza. I hope he won't find you out here.

_Lor._ Then farewell, beloved Ramirez! In obedience to your commands, madam, I shall accept of this Don Fernando; and as a husband, I will love him if I can--

AIR VII.--LORENZA.

_Love! gay illusion!_
_Pleasing delusion,_
_With sweet intrusion,_
_Possesses the mind._

_Love with love meeting,_
_Passion is fleeting;_
_Vows in repeating_
_We trust to the wind._

_Faith to faith plighted,_
_Love may be blighted;_
_Hearts often slighted_
_Will cease to be kind._

_Enter VASQUEZ._

_Vas._ Madam--my master and Don Fernando.

_Isab._ Has Don Fernando a servant with him?

_Vas._ No, madam.

_Isab._ Oh, when he comes, take notice of him.

_Enter DON SCIPIO and FERNANDO._

_Don Scipio._ Oh, my darling dame, and my delicate daughter, bless your stars that you see poor old Scipio alive again--Behold my son-in-law and the preserver of my life--Don Fernando, there's your spouse, and this is Donna Isabella, a lady of vast merit, of which my heart is sensible.

_Don Fer._ Madam!

[_Salutes._

_Isab._ What an impudent fellow!

[_Aside._

_Don Scipio._ Dear Fernando, you are as welcome to this castle as flattery to a lady, but there she is--bill and coo--embrace--caress her.

[_FERNANDO salutes LORENZA._

_Lor._ If I had never seen Ramirez, I should think the man tolerable enough!

[_Aside._

_Don Scipio._ Ha! ha! this shall be the happy night--Eh, Dame Isabel, by our agreement, before the lark sings, I take possession of this noble tenement.

_Don Fer._ Don Scipio, I hoped to have the honour of seeing your son.

_Don Scipio._ My son! Who, Caesar? Oh, lord! He's--He was a--turned out a profligate--Sent him to Italy--got into bad company--don't know what's become of him--My dear friend, if you would not offend me, never mention Don Caesar in my hearing. Egad--Eh, my dainty dame, is not Don Fernando a fine fellow?

_Isab._ Yes, he's well enough for a trumpeter.

_Don Scipio._ Trumpeter! [_With surprise._] what the devil do you mean by that? Oh, because I sound his praise; but, madam, he's a cavalier of noble birth, title, fortune, and valour--

_Isab._ Don Scipio, a word if you please.

[_Takes him aside._

_Lor._ [_To FERNANDO._] Si--Signor, our castle here is rather a gloomy mansion, when compared to the beautiful cassinos on the banks of the Arno.

_Don Fer._ Arno! true, Don Scipio said in his letter, that his daughter had been bred at Florence.

_Lor._ You have had an unpleasant journey, signor?

_Don Fer._ I have encountered some difficulties by the way, it is true, madam; but am amply repaid by the honour and happiness I now enjoy.

[_Bows._

_Lor._ Sir!--I swear he's a polite cavalier! [_Aside._] Won't you please to sit, sir? I fancy you must be somewhat weary.

[_Sits._

_Don Scipio._ What the devil! Eh, sure--what this fellow only Don Fernando's footman! how! it can't be!

_Isab._ A fact; and presently you'll see Don Fernando himself in livery.

_Don Scipio._ Look at the impudent son of a gipsy--Sat himself down--Zounds! I'll--

_Isab._ Hold! let him play off a few of his airs.

_Don Scipio._ A footman! Ay, this accounts for his behaviour in the forest--Don Fernando would never have accepted my purse--[_Taps his Shoulder._]--Hey, what, you've got there!

_Don Fer._ Will you please to sit, sir?

[_Rises._

_Don Scipio._ Yes, he looks like a trumpeter. [_Aside._] You may sit down, friend.

[_With contempt._

_Don Fer._ A strange old gentleman!

_Enter VASQUEZ._

_Vas._ Sir, your servant Pedrillo is arrived.

[_Exit VASQUEZ._

_Isab._ Servant Pedrillo! Ay, this is Fernando himself.

[_Apart, joyfully to SCIPIO._

_Don Fer._ Oh, then the fellow has found his way at last. Don Scipio--Ladies--excuse me a moment.

[_Exit FERNANDO._

_Lor._ What a charming fellow!

_Don Scipio._ What an impudent rascal!

_Ped._ [_Without._] Is my master this way?

_Don Scipio._ Master! ay, this is Fernando.

_Enter PEDRILLO, with a Portmanteau._

_Ped._ Oh dear! I've got among the gentlefolks--I ask pardon.

_Isab._ How well he does look and act the servant!

_Don Scipio._ Admirable; yet I perceive the grandee under the livery.

_Isab._ Please to sit, sir.

[_With great respect._

_Lor._ A livery servant sit down by me!

_Don Scipio._ Pray sit down, sir.

[_Ceremoniously._

_Ped._ Sit down! [_Sits._] Oh, these must be the upper servants of the family--her ladyship here is the housekeeper, I suppose--the young tawdry tit, lady's maid--(Hey, her mistress throws off good clothes,) and Old Whiskers, Don Scipio's butler.

[_Aside._

_Enter DON FERNANDO._

_Don Fer._ Pedrillo! how! seated! what means this disrespect?

_Ped._ Sir, [_Rises to him._] Old Whiskers, the butler there, asked me to sit down by Signora the waiting-maid here.

_Don Fer._ Sirrah!

_Ped._ Yes, sir.

_Don Scipio._ Sir and sirrah! how rarely they act their parts! I'll give them an item, though, that I understand the plot of their comedy.

[_Aside._

AIR VIII.--QUINTETTO.

D. Scipio. _Signor!_ [To PEDRILLO.]
_Your wits must be keener,_
_Our prudence to elude,_
_Your fine plot,_
_Tho' so pat,_
_Will do you little good._

Ped. _My fine plot!_
_I'm a sot,_
_If I know what_
_These gentlefolks are at._

Fer. _Past the perils of the night,_
_Tempests, darkness, rude alarms;_
_Phoebus rises clear and bright,_
_In the lustre of your charms._

Lor. _O, charming, I declare,_
_So polite a cavalier!_
_He understands the duty_
_And homage due to beauty._

D. Scipio. _Bravo! O bravissimo!_

Lor. _Caro! O carissimo!_
_How sweet his honey words,_
_How noble is his mien!_

D. Scipio. _Fine feathers make fine birds,_
_The footman's to be seen._
_But both deserve a basting!_

Ped. _Since morning I've been fasting._

D. Scipio. _Yet I could laugh for anger._

Ped. _Oh, I could cry for hunger._

D. Scipio. _I could laugh._

Ped. _I could cry._

D. Scipio. _I could quaff._

Ped. _So could I._

D. Scipio. _Ha! ha! ha! I'm in a fit._

Ped. _Oh, I could pick a little bit._

D. Scipio. _Ha! ha! ha!_

Ped. _Oh! oh! oh!_

Lor. _A very pleasant party!_

D. Fer. _A whimsical reception!_

D. Scipio. _A whimsical deception!_
_But master and man, accept a welcome hearty._

D. Fer.} _Accept our thanks sincere, for such a welcome hearty._ Ped. }