Chapter III: Act THE SECOND: Scene I

_An antique Apartment in the Castle._

_Enter DON CAESAR, with Precaution._

_Don Caesar._ Thus far I've got into the castle unperceived--I'm certain Sanguino means the old gentleman a mischief, which nature bids me endeavour to prevent. I saw the rascal slip in at the postern below; but where can he have got to! [_A sliding Panel opens in the Wainscot, and SANGUINO comes out._] Yes, yonder he issues, like a rat or a spider.--How now, Sanguino!

_Sang._ Captain Ramirez!

_Don Caesar._ On enterprize without my knowledge! What's your business here?

_Sang._ Revenge! Look--[_Shows a Stilletto._] if I meet Don Scipio--

_Don Caesar._ A stilletto! I command you to quit your purpose.

_Sang._ What, no satisfaction for my wound last night, and lose my booty too!

_Don Caesar._ Your wound was chance--Put up--We shall have noble booty here, and that's our business--But you seem to know your ground here, Sanguino?

_Sang._ I was formerly master of the horse to Count D'Olivi, the last resident here, so am well acquainted with the galleries, lobbies, windings, turnings, and every secret lurking place in the castle.

_Don Caesar._ I missed Spado at the muster this morning--did he quit the cave with you?

_Spado._ [_Without._] As sure as I'm alive, it's fact, sir.--

_Don Caesar._ Isn't that Spado's voice?

_Sang._ Impossible!

_Don Caesar._ Hush!

[_They retire._

_Enter DON SCIPIO and SPADO._

_Don Scipio._ Yes, I've heard of such places; but you say you have been in the cave where these ruffian banditti live?

_Spado._ Most certainly, sir: for, after having robbed me of five hundred doubloons, the wicked rogues barbarously stripped, and tied me neck and heels, threw me across a mule, like a sack of corn, and led me blindfold to their cursed cavern.

_Don Scipio._ Ah, poor fellow!

_Spado._ There, sir, in this sculking hole the villains live in all manner of debauchery, and dart out upon the innocent traveller, like beasts of prey.

_Don Scipio._ Oh, the tigers! just so they fastened upon me last night, but your sham Fernando, and I, made them run like hares; I gave him my purse for his trouble.

_Spado._ And he took it! what a mean fellow!--you ought not to have ventured out unarmed--I always take a blunderbuss when I go upon the road--the rascal banditti are most infernal cowards.

_Don Scipio._ What a glorious thing to deliver these reprobates into the hands of justice!

_Spado._ Ah, sir, 'twould be a blessed affair--Oh, I'd hang them up like mad dogs!

_Don Scipio._ Well, you say you know the cave?

_Spado._ Yes, yes, I slipped the handkerchief from my eyes and took a peep, made particular observations of the spot; so get a strong guard, and I'll lead you to the very trap-door of their den.

_Don Scipio._ 'Egad, then we'll surprise them, and you'll have the prayers of the whole country, my honest friend.

_Spado._ Heaven knows, sir, I have no motives for this discovery but the public good, so I expect the country will order me a hundred pistoles, as a reward for my honesty.

_Don Caesar._ Here's a pretty dog!

[_Apart._

_Sang._ Ay, ay, he ha'n't long to live.

[_Apart._

_Don Scipio._ An hundred pistoles!

_Spado._ Sir, have an eye upon their captain, as they call him, he's the most abandoned, impudent profligate--[_Suddenly turning sees CAESAR, who shows a Pistol._] Captain did I say? [_Terrified._] Oh, no; the captain's a very worthy good-natured fellow--I meant a scoundrel, who thinks he ought to be captain, one Sanguino, the most daring, wicked, and bloody villain that--[_Turning the other may, perceives SANGUINO with a Pistol._] but indeed, I found Sanguino an honest, good-natured fellow too--

[_With increased terror._

_Don Scipio._ Hey, a bloody, wicked, honest, good-natured fellow! what is all this?

_Spado._ Yes; then, sir, I _thought_ I saw these two gentlemen, and at that instant, I _thought_ they looked so terrible, that with the fright I _awoke_.

_Don Scipio._ Awoke! what the devil then, is all this but a dream you have been telling me?

_Spado._ Ay, sir, and the most frightful dream I ever had in my life. I'm at this instant frightened out of my wits.

_Don Scipio._ You do look frightened indeed--poor man! I thought this cave was--

_Spado._ Don't mention cave, or I faint--heigho!

_Enter_ VASQUEZ.

_Vas._ Dame Isabel wants to speak with you, sir.

_Don Scipio._ I'll wait on her.

_Spado._ Yes, I'll wait on her.

[_Going hastily._

_Don Scipio._ You! she don't want you.

_Spado._ Dear sir, she can't do without me at this time. [_Exit_ SCIPIO.] I come.

[_Going._

_Don Caesar._ No, you stay.--

[_Pulls him back._

_Spado._ Ah, my dear captain. [_Affecting surprise and joy._] What, and my little Sanguino too! Who could have thought of your finding me out here?

_Don Caesar._ Yes, you are found out.

[_Significantly._

_Spado._ Such discoveries as I have made in the castle!--

_Don Caesar._ You're to make discoveries in the forest too.

_Sang._ Our cave!

_Spado._ Oh, you overheard that! Didn't I hum the old fellow finely? Ha! ha! ha!

_Sang._ And for your reward, traitor, take this to your heart.

[_Offers to stab him._

_Don Caesar._ Hold, Sanguino.

_Spado._ Nay, my dear Sanguino, stay! What the devil--So here I can't run a jest upon a silly old man, but I must be run through with a stilletto!

_Don Caesar._ Come, Spado, confess what really brought you here.

_Spado._ Business, my dear sir, business; all in our own way too, for I designed to let every man of you into the castle this very night, when all the family are in bed, and plunder's the word--Oh, such a delicious booty! pyramids of plate, bags of gold, and little chests of diamonds!

_Sang._ Indeed!

_Spado._ Sanguino, look at the closet.

_Sang._ Well!

_Spado._ A glorious prize!

_Sang._ Indeed!

_Spado._ Six chests of massy plate! Look, only look into the closet; wait here a moment, and I'll fetch a master key that shall open every one of them.

_Don Caesar._ Hey! Let's see those chests.

_Sang._ Massy plate! Quick, quick, the master key.

_Spado._ I'll fetch it.

_Sang._ Do but make haste, Spado.

_Spado._ I will, my dear boy.

[_Exeunt SANGUINO and DON CAESAR._

My good--honest--Oh, you two thieves!

[_Aside._

_Enter_ DON SCIPIO.

_Don Scipio._ Now, Spado, I--hey, where is my little dreamer? but why is this door open? this closet contains many valuables--Why will they leave it open? Let's see--

[_Goes into the Closet._

_Enter SPADO with a Portmanteau._

_Spado._ [_As entering._] I have no key--However, I have stolen Don Fernando's portmanteau as a peace-offering for these two rascals! Are you there? What a pity the coming of my fellow-rogues! I should have had the whole castle to myself--Oh, what a charming seat of work for a man of my industry--[_Speaking at Closet Door._] You find the chests there--you may convey them out at night, and as for cutting Don Scipio's throat--that I leave to--

_Enter DON SCIPIO._

_Don Scipio._ Cut my throat!--What, are you at your dreams again?

_Spado._ [_Aside._] Oh, zounds!--Yes, sir, as I was telling you.

_Don Scipio._ Of a little fellow you have the worst dreams I ever heard.

_Spado._ Shocking, sir--then I thought--

_Don Scipio._ Hold, hold, let me hear no more of your curst dreams.

_Spado._ I've got off, thanks to his credulity.

[_Aside._

_Don Scipio._ What portmanteau's that?

_Spado._ 'Sdeath, I'm on again!

[_Aside._

_Don Scipio._ Fernando's, I think.

_Spado._ [_Affecting surprise._] What, my master's?--'egad so it is--But I wonder who could have brought it here.--Ay, ay, my fellow servant Pedrillo is now too grand to mind his business;--and my master, I find, though he has taken the habit, scorns the office of a servant--So I must look after the things myself.

_Don Scipio._ Ay, ay, take care of them.

_Spado._ Yes, sir, I'll take care of them!

_Don Scipio._ Ha! ha! ha! what a strange whimsical fellow this master of yours! with his plots and disguises.--Think to impose upon me too.--But I think I'm far from a fool.

_Spado._ [_Looking archly at him._] That's more than I am.

_Don Scipio._ So he pretends not to know you, though he has sent you here as a spy, to see what you can pick up?

_Spado._ Yes, sir, I came here to see what I can pick up.

[_Takes up the Portmanteau._

_Don Scipio._ What an honest servant!--he has an eye to every thing!

[_Exit DON SCIPIO._

_Spado._ But before I turn honest, I must get somewhat to keep me so.

AIR X.--SPADO.

_In the forest here hard by,_
_A bold robber late was I,_
_Sword and blunderbuss in hand,_
_When I bid a trav'ler stand;_
_Zounds, deliver up your cash,_
_Or straight I'll pop and slash,_
_All among the leaves so green-o!_
_Damme, sir,_
_If you stir,_
_Sluice your veins,_
_Blow your brains,_
_Hey down,_
_Ho down,_
_Derry, derry down,_
_All amongst the leaves so green-o._

II.

_Soon I'll quit the roving trade,_
_When a gentleman I'm made;_
_Then so spruce and debonnaire,_
_'Gad, I'll court a lady fair;_
_How I'll prattle, tattle, chat,_
_How I'll kiss her, and all that,_
_All amongst the leaves so green-o!_
_How d'ye do?_
_How are you?_
_Why so coy?_
_Let us toy,_
_Hey down,_
_Ho down,_
_Derry, derry down,_
_All amongst the leaves so green-o._

III.

_But ere old, and grey my pate,_
_I'll scrape up a snug estate:_
_With my nimbleness of thumbs,_
_I'll soon butter all my crumbs._
_When I'm justice of the peace,_
_Then I'll master many a lease,_
_All amongst the leaves so green-o._
_Wig profound,_
_Belly round,_
_Sit at ease,_
_Snatch the fees,_
_Hey down,_
_Ho down,_
_Derry, derry down,_
_All amongst the leaves so green-o._

[_Exit._

SCENE II.

_An Apartment._

_Enter DON FERNANDO._

_Don Fer._ A wild scheme of my father's, to think of an alliance with this mad family; yes, Don Scipio's brain is certainly touched beyond cure, his daughter, my cara sposa of Italy, don't suit my idea of what a wife should be--no, the lovely novice, this poor relation of Dame Isabel, has caught my heart. I'm told to-morrow she's to be immured in a convent; what if I ask Dame Isabel, if--but she, and indeed Don Scipio, carry themselves very strangely towards me--I can't imagine what's become of my rascal Pedrillo.

_Enter PEDRILLO, in an elegant Morning Gown, Cap and Slippers._

_Ped._ Strange, the respect I meet in this family. I hope we don't take horse after my master's wedding. I should like to marry here myself,--before I unrobe I'll attack one of the maids!--Faith, a very modish dress to go courting in,--hide my livery, and I am quite gallant.

_Don Fer._ Oh here's a gentleman I ha'n't seen before!

_Ped._ Tol de rol!

_Don Fer._ Pray, sir, may I--Pedrillo, [_Surprised._] where have you--hey! what, ha! ha! ha! what's the matter with you?

_Ped._ Matter!--Why, sir, I don't know how it was, but somehow or other last night, I happened to sit down to a supper of only twelve covers, cracked two bottles of choice wine, slept in an embroider'd bed, where I sunk in down, and lay till this morning like a diamond in cotton.--So, indeed, sir, I don't know what's the matter with me.

_Don Fer._ I can't imagine how, or what it all means.

_Ped._ Why, sir, Don Scipio, being a gentleman of discernment, perceives my worth, and values it.

_Don Fer._ Then, sir, if you are a gentleman of such prodigious merit, be so obliging, with submission to your cap and gown, as to--pull off my boots.

_Enter VASQUEZ._

_Vas._ Sir, the ladies wait breakfast for you.

[_To PEDRILLO, with great respect._

_Don Fer._ My respects, I attend them.

_Vas._ You! I mean his honour here.

_Ped._ Oh, you mean my honour here.

_Don Fer._ Well, but perhaps, my good friend, I may like a dish of chocolate as well as his honour here.

_Vas._ Chocolate, ha! ha! ha!

[_With a sneer._

_Fed._ Chocolate, ha! ha! ha!

_Don Fer._ I'll teach you to laugh, sirrah!

[_Beats PEDRILLO._

_Ped._ Teach me to laugh! you may be a good master, but you've a very bad method--But, hey for chocolate and the ladies.

[_Exeunt PEDRILLO and VASQUEZ._

_Don Fer._ Don Scipio shall render me an account for this treatment; bear his contempt, and become the butt for the jests of his insolent servants! As I don't like his daughter, I have now a fair excuse, and indeed a just cause, to break my contract, and quit his castle; but then, I leave behind the mistress of my soul--Suppose I make her a tender of my heart--but that might offend, as she must know my hand is engaged to another--When I looked, she turned her lovely eyes averted--Doom'd to a nunnery!

AIR XI.--FERNANDO.

_My fair one, like the blushing rose,_
_Can sweets to every sense disclose:_
_Those sweets I'd gather, but her scorn_
_Then wounds me like the sharpest thorn._

_With sighs each grace and charm I see_
_Thus doom'd to wither on the tree,_
_Till age shall chide the thoughtless maid,_
_When all those blooming beauties fade._

Hey, who comes here? this is the smart little girl who seems so much attached to the beautiful novice--No harm to speak with her--

_Enter CATILINA._

So my pretty primrose!

_Catil._ How do you do, Mr--[_Pert and familiar._] I don't know your name.

_Don Fer._ Not know my name! You must know who I am though, and my business here, child?

_Catil._ Lord, man, what signifies your going about to sift me, when the whole family knows you're Don Fernando's footman.

_Don Fer._ Am I faith? Ha! ha! ha! I'll humour this--Well then, my dear, you know that I am only Don Fernando's footman?

_Catil._ Yes, yes, we know that, notwithstanding your fine clothes.

_Don Fer._ But where's my master?

_Catil._ Don Fernando! he's parading the gallery yonder, in his sham livery and morning gown.

_Don Fer._ Oh, this accounts for twelve covers at supper and the embroider'd bed; but who could have set such a jest going? I'll carry it on though--[_Aside._] So then after all I am known here?

_Catil._ Ay, and if all the impostors in the castle were as well known, we shou'd have no wedding to-morrow night.

_Don Fer._ Something else will out--I'll seem to be in the secret, and perhaps may come at it--[_Aside._] Ay, ay, that piece of deceit is much worse than ours.

_Catil._ That! what, then you know that this Italian lady is not Don Scipio's daughter, but Dame Isabel's, and her true name Lorenza?

_Don Fer._ Here's a discovery! [_Aside._] O yes, I know that.

_Catil._ You do! Perhaps you know too, that the young lady you saw me speak with just now is the real Donna Victoria?

_Don Fer._ Is it possible! Here's a piece of villany! [_Aside._] Charming! let me kiss you, my dear girl.

[_Kisses her._

_Catil._ Lord! he's a delightful man!

_Don Fer._ My little angel, a thousand thanks for this precious discovery.

_Catil._ Discovery!--Well, if you did not know it before, marry hang your assurance, I say--but I must about my business, can't play the lady as you played the gentleman, I've something else to do; so I desire you won't keep kissing me here all day.

[_Exit._

_Don Fer._ Why what a villain is this Don Scipio! ungrateful to--but I scorn to think of the services I rendered him last night in the forest; a false friend to my father, an unnatural parent to his amiable daughter! here my charmer comes.

[_Retires._

_Enter VICTORIA._

_Vict._ Yes, Catilina must be mistaken, it is impossible he can be the servant,--no, no; that dignity of deportment, and native elegance of manner, can never be assumed; yonder he walks, and my fluttering heart tells me this is really the amiable Fernando, that I must resign to Dame Isabel's daughter.

_Don Fer._ Stay, lovely Victoria!

_Vict._ Did you call me, sir?--Heavens, what have I said! [_Confused._] I mean, signor, would you wish to speak with Donna Victoria? I'll inform her, sir.

[_Going._

_Don Fer._ Oh, I could speak to her for ever, for ever gaze upon her charms, thus transfixed with wonder and delight.

_Vict._ Pray, signor, suffer me to withdraw.

_Don Fer._ For worlds I would not offend! but think not, lady, 'tis the knowledge of your quality that attracts my admiration.

_Vict._ Nay, signor.

_Don Fer._ I know you to be Don Scipio's daughter, the innocent victim of injustice and oppression; therefore I acknowledge to you, and you alone, that, whatever you may have heard to the contrary, I really am Fernando de Zelva.

_Vict._ Signor, how you became acquainted with the secret of my birth I know not; but, from an acquaintance so recent, your compliment I receive as a mode of polite gallantry without a purpose.

_Don Fer._ What your modesty regards as cold compliments, are sentiments warm with the dearest purpose; I came hither to ratify a contract with Don Scipio's daughter; you are she, the beautiful Victoria, destined for the happy Fernando.

_Vict._ Pray rise, signor:--My father perhaps, even to himself, cannot justify his conduct to me: But to censure that, or to pervert his intentions, would, in me, be a breach of filial duty.

AIR XII.--VICTORIA.

_By woes thus surrounded, how vain the gay smile_
_Of the little blind archer, those woes to beguile!_
_Though skilful, he misses, his aim it is cross'd,_
_His quiver exhausted, his arrows are lost._
_Your love, though sincere, on the object you lose,_
[Aside] _How sweet is the passion! Ah, must I refuse?_
_If filial affection that passion should sway,_
_Then love's gentle dictates I cannot obey._

_Don Fer._ And do you, can you, wish me to espouse Donna Lorenza, Isabella's daughter?--Say, you do not, do but satisfy me so far.

_Vict._ Signor, do not despise me if I own, that, before I saw in you the husband of Don Scipio's daughter, I did not once regret that I had lost that title.

_Don Fer._ A thousand thanks for this generous, this amiable condescension.--Oh, my Victoria! if fortune but favours my design, you shall yet triumph over the malice of your enemies.

_Vict._ Yonder is Dame Isabel, if she sees you speaking to me, she'll be early to frustrate whatever you may purpose for my advantage. Signor, farewell!

_Don Fer._ My life, my love, adieu!

AIR XIII. DUET.--VICTORIA _and_ FERNANDO.

Don Fer. _So faithful to my fair I'll prove,_
Vict. _So kind and constant to my love,_
Don Fer. _I'd never range,_
Vict. _I'd never change,_
Both. _Nor time, nor chance, my faith shall move._

Vict. _No ruby clusters grace the vine,_
Don Fer. _Ye sparkling stars forget to shine,_
Vict. _Sweet flowers to spring,_
Don Fer. _Gay birds to sing,_
Both. _Those hearts then part that love shall join._

[_Exeunt._

_Enter FERNANDO._

_Don Fer._ This is fortunate; the whole family, except Victoria, are firmly possessed with the idea that I am but the servant.--Well, since they will have me an impostor, they shall find me one: In Heaven's name, let them continue in their mistake, and bestow their mock Victoria upon my sham Fernando. I shall have a pleasant and just revenge for their perfidy; and, perhaps, obtain Don Scipio's real, lovely daughter, the sum of my wishes.--Here comes Don Scipio--Now to begin my operations.

_Enter DON SCIPIO._

[_As wishing DON SCIPIO to overhear him._] I'm quite weary of playing the gentleman, I long to get into my livery again.

_Don Scipio._ Get into his livery!

[_Aside._

_Don Fer._ These clothes fall to my share, however; my master will never wear them after me.

_Don Scipio._ His master! ay, ay.

[_Aside._

_Don Fer._ I wish he'd own himself, for I'm certain Don Scipio suspects who I am.

_Don Scipio._ Suspect? I know who you are, [_Advancing to him._] so get into your livery again as fast as you can.

_Don Fer._ Ha, my dear friend, Don Scipio, I was--

_Don Scipio._ Friend! you impudent rascal! I'll break your head, if you make so free with me. None of your swaggering, sirrah--How the fellow acts! it wasn't for nothing he was among the strolling players; but, hark ye, my lad, be quiet, for you're blown here, without the help of your trumpet.

_Don Fer._ Lord, your honour, how came you to know that I am Pedrillo?

_Don Scipio._ Why, I was told of it by your fellow--hold, I must not betray my little dreamer though--[Aside.]--No matter who told me; I--but here comes your master.

_Don Fer._ Pedrillo! The fellow will spoil all; I wish I had given him his lesson before I began with Don Scipio.

[_Aside._

_Don Scipio._ I hope he'll now have done with his gambols.

_Don Fer._ Sir, my master is such an obstinate gentleman, as sure as you stand here, he'll still deny himself to be Don Fernando.

_Don Scipio._ Will he? then I'll write his father an account of his vagaries.

_Enter PEDRILLO._

_Ped._ Master, shall I shave you this morning?

_Don Scipio._ Shave! Oh, my dear sir, time to give over your tricks and fancies.

_Ped._ [_Surprised._] My tricks and fancies!

_Don Fer._ Yes, sir, you are found out.

_Ped._ I am found out!

_Don Scipio._ So you may as well confess.

_Ped._ What the devil shall I confess?

_Don Scipio._ He still persists! Hark ye, young gentleman, I'll send your father an account of your pranks, and he'll trim your jacket for you.

_Ped._ Nay, sir, for the matter of that, my father could trim your jacket for you.

_Don Scipio._ Trim my jacket, young gentleman!

_Ped._ Why, he's the best tailor in Cordova.

_Don Scipio._ His father's a tailor in Cordova!

_Don Fer._ Ay, he'll ruin all--[_Aside._]--Let me speak to him. Tell Don Scipio you are the master.

[_Apart to PEDRILLO._

_Ped._ I will, sir--Don Scipio, you are the master.

_Don Scipio._ What!

_Don Fer._ Stupid dog!--[_Apart to PEDRILLO._]--Say you are Fernando, and I am Pedrillo.

_Ped._ I will--Sir, you are Fernando, and I am Pedrillo.

_Don Fer._ Dull rogue! [_Aside._] I told you, sir, he'd persist in it.

[_Apart to DON SCIPIO._

_Don Scipio._ Yes, I see it; but I tell you what, Don Fernando.--[_LORENZA sings without._] My daughter! Zounds! don't let your mistress see you any more in this cursed livery.--Look at the gentleman, hold up your head--egad, Pedrillo's acting was better than your natural manner.

_Don Fer._ Ah, sir, if you were to see my master dressed--the livery makes such an alteration!

_Don Scipio._ True! curse the livery.

_Ped._ It's bad enough; but my master gives new liveries on his marriage.

_Don Fer._ An insensible scoundrel!

[_Aside._

_Enter LORENZA._

_Lor._ Oh, caro, signor, every body says that you are [_To DON FERNANDO._] not Don Fernando.

_Don Scipio._ Every body's right, for here he stands like a young tailor of Cordova.

[_To PEDRILLO._

_Lor._ Oh, what? then this is Pedrillo?

[_To FERNANDO._

_Don Fer._ At your service, ma'am.

[_Bowing._

_Ped._ That Pedrillo! then, who the devil am I?

_Don Fer._ Here, rogue, this purse is yours--say you are Don Fernando.

[_Apart to PEDRILLO._

_Ped._ Oh, sir--now I understand you.--True, Don Scipio, I am all that he says.

_Don Scipio._ Hey! Now that's right and sensible, and like yourself; but I'll go bustle about our business, for we'll have all our love affairs settled this evening.

[_Exeunt DON SCIPIO and FERNANDO._

_Lor._ So, then, you're to be my husband, ha! ha! ha!

_Ped._ Eh!

_Lor._ Well, if not, I can be as cold as you are indifferent.

AIR XIV.--LORENZA.

_If I my heart surrender,_
_Be ever fond and tender,_
_And sweet connubial joys shall crown_
_Each soft rosy hour:_
_In pure delight each heart shall own_
_Love's triumphant pow'r._
_See brilliant belles admiring,_
_See splendid beaux desiring,_
_All for a smile expiring,_
_Where'er Lorenza moves._
_To balls and routs resorting,_
_O bliss supreme, transporting!_
_Yet ogling, flirting, courting,_
_'Tis you alone that loves._

_If I my heart surrender, &c._

[Exeunt.