Chapter XXXII: Act IV: Scene I. Carlo’s House

After a Noise of Musick without, enter _Haunce_ drest as _Alonzo_ was, follow’d by _Gload_, in Masquerade.

Hau. Hold, hold, I do not like the Salutations I receive from all I meet in this House.

Glo. Why, Sir, methinks they are very familiar Scabs all.

Hau. _Salerimente_, they all salute me as they were my old Acquaintance. Your servant, _Myn heer Haunce_, crys one; your servant, Monsieur _Haunce_, crys another.

Enter _Servant_.

Serv. Your servant, Sir, you come indeed like a Bridegroom all beset with Dance and Fiddle.

Hau. Bridegroom! ha, ha, ha, dost hear, _Gload?_ ’tis true faith. But how the Devil came he to know it, man, hah?

Serv. My Master, Sir, was just asking for you, he longs to speak with you.

Hau. Ha, ha, with me, Sir? why, ha, ha, who the pox am I?

Serv. You, Sir, why, who should you be?

Hau. Who should I be? why, who should I be?

Serv. _Myn heer Haunce van Ezel_, Sir.

Hau. Ha, ha, ha, well guest, i’faith now.

Glo. Why how should they guess otherwise, coming so attended with Musick, as prepar’d for a Wedding?

Hau. Ha, ha, ha, say’st thou so? faith, ’tis a good Device to save the Charges of the first Compliments, hah: but 286 hark ye, hark ye, Friend, are you sure this is the House of Don _Carlo?_

Serv. Why, Sir, have you forgot it?

Hau. Forgot it! ha, ha, ha, dost hear, _Gload?_ forgot it! why how the Devil should I remember it?

Glo. Sir, I believe this is some new-fashion’d Civility in Spain, to know every Man before he sees him.

Hau. No, no, you fool, they never change their Fashion in Spain, Man.

Glo. I mean their manner of Address, Sir.

Hau. It may be so, I’ll see farther. Friend, is Don _Carlo_ within?

Serv. He has not been out since, Sir.

Hau. Since, ha, ha, ha, since when? hah.

Serv. Since you saw him, Sir.

Hau. _Salerimente_, will you make me mad? why you damnable Rascal, when did I see him? hah.

Serv. Here comes my Master himself, Sir, [Enter _Carlo_.] let him inform you, if you grow so hot upon the Question.

Car. How now, Son, what, angry? You have e’en tir’d your self with walking, and are out of Humour.

Hau. Look there again—the old Man’s mad too; why how the pox should he know I have been walking? Indeed, Sir, I have, as you say, been walking [Playing with his Hat.] —and am—as you say, out of Humour—But under favour, Sir, who are you? Sure ’tis the old Conjurer, and those were his little Imps I met. [Surlily to him.

Car. Sure, Son, you should be a Wit, by the shortness of your Memory.

Hau. By the Goodness of yours, you should be none, ha, ha, ha. Did I not meet with him there, _Gload_, hah? But pray refresh my Memory, and let me know you; I come to seek a Father amongst you here, one Don _Carlo_.

Car. Am I not the Man, Sir?

Hau. How the Devil should I know that now, unless by instinct?

287 Glo. The old Man is mad, and must be humour’d.

Hau. Cry you Mercy, Sir, I vow I had quite forgot you. Sir, I hope Donna _Euphemia_—

Car. Oh, Sir, she’s in a much better Humour than when you saw her last, complies with our Desires more than I cou’d hope or wish.

Hau. Why look you here again—I ask’d after her Health, not her Humour.

Car. I know not what Arts you made use of, but she’s strangely taken with your Conversation and Person.

Glo. Truly, Sir, you are mightily beholden to her, that she should have all this good Will to your Person and Conversation before she sees you.

Hau. Ay, so I am; therefore, Sir, I desire to see your Daughter, for I shall hardly be so generous as she has been, and be quits with her before I see her.

Car. Why, Sir, I hop’d you lik’d her when you saw her last.

Hau. Stark mad—I saw her last! why, what the Devil do you mean? I never saw her in all my Life, man. Stark mad, as I am true Dutch— [Aside.

Car. A Lover always thinks the time tedious: But here’s my Daughter.

Enter _Euphemia_ and _Olinda_.

Hau. Ay, one of these must be she: but ’tis a Wonder I should not know which she is by instinct. [Aside.

[Stands looking very simply on both.

Euph. This is not _Alonzo_—has he betray’d me? [Aside.

Car. Go, Sir, she expects you.

Hau. Your pardon, Sir; let her come to me, if she will, I’m sure she knows me better than I do her.

Glo. How should she know you, Sir?

Hau. How? by instinct, you Fool, as all the rest of the House does: don’t you, fair Mistress?

Euph. I know you—

288 Hau. Yes, you know me; you need not be so coy mun, the old Man has told me all.

Euph. What has he told you?—I am ruin’d. [Aside.

Hau. Faith, much more than I believ’d, for he was very full of his new-fashion’d Spanish Civility, as they call it; But ha, ha, I hope, fair Mistress, you do not take after him?

Euph. What if I do, Sir?

Hau. Why then I had as lieve marry a Steeple with a perpetual Ring of Bells.

Glo. Let me advise you, Sir; methinks you might make a handsomer Speech for the first, to so pretty a Lady—Fakes, and were I to do’t—

Hau. I had a rare Speech for her thou knowest, and an Entertainment besides, that was, tho I say it, unordinary: But a pox of this new way of Civility, as thou call’st it, it has put me quite beside my part.

Glo. Tho you are out of your complimenting Part, I am not out of my dancing one, and therefore that part of your Entertainment I’ll undertake for. ’Slife, Sir, would you disappoint all our Ship’s Company?—

Hau. That’s according as I find this proud Tit in Humour.

Car. And why so coy? pray why all this Dissimulation? Come, come, I have told him your Mind, and do intend to make you both happy immediately.

Euph. How, Sir, immediately!

Car. Yes, indeed; nay, if you have deceiv’d me, and dissembled with me, when I was so kind, I’ll show you Trick for Trick i’faith— [Goes to _Haunce_.

Euph. What shall we do, _Olinda?_

Olin. Why marry Don _Alonzo_, Madam.

Euph. Do not rally, this is no time for Mirth.

Olin. Fie upon’t, Madam, that you should have so little Courage; your Father takes this Fellow to be _Alonzo_.

Car. What Counsel are you giving there, hah?

Olin. Only taking leave of our old Acquaintance, since you talk of marrying us so soon.

289 Car. What Acquaintance, pray?

Olin. Our Maiden-heads, Sir.

Hau. Ha, ha, ha, a pleasant Wench, faith now; I believe you would be content to part with yours with less warning.

Olin. On easy Terms perhaps, but this marrying I do not like; ’tis like going a long Voyage to Sea, where after a while even the Calms are distasteful, and the Storms dangerous: one seldom sees a new Object, ’tis still a deal of Sea, Sea; Husband, Husband, every day,—till one’s quite cloy’d with it.

Car. A mad Girl this, Son.

Hau. Ay, Sir, but I wish she had left out the simile, it made my Stomach wamble.

Glo. Pray, Sir, let you the Maid alone as an Utensil belonging to my Place and Office, and meddle you with the Mistress.

Hau. Faith now, thou hast the better Bargain of the two; my Mistress looks so scurvily and civil, that I don’t know what to say to her—Lady—hang’t, that look has put me quite out again.

Car. To her, Son, to her—

Hau. Hark ye, Lady—Well, what next now? Oh pox, quite out, quite out; tell me whether the old Man ly’d or no, when he told me you lov’d me.

Euph. I love you!

Hau. Look you there now, how she looks again.

Car. She’s only bashful, Sir, before me; therefore if you please to take a small Collation, that has waited within for you this three Hours—

Hau. That’s strange now, that any thing should wait for me, who was no more expected here than _Bethlehem-Gaber_: Faith now, Lady, this Father of yours is very simple.

Euph. To take you for his Son.

Hau. I meant to have surpriz’d you I vow, before you had dreamt of me; and when I came, you all knew me as well as if you had cast a Figure for me.

290 Car. Well, Son, you’ll follow.

Euph. You will not leave me alone, Sir, with a Man?

Hau. Go your ways, go your ways—I shall know more of your Secrets before [_Gload_ makes Grimaces to _Olinda_ of Love.] night yet, you little pouting Hypocrite you.

Euph. You know my Secrets! why, who are you?

Hau. Ha, ha, ha, that’s a very good one faith now: who am I, quoth thou? why there’s not a Child thus high in all your Father’s House would have ask’d me so simple a Question.

Olin. Madam, I find by this Man, this is your expected Lover, whom you must flatter, or you are undone, ’tis _Haunce van Ezel_. [To _Euphemia_.

Euph. The Fop himself.

Hau. Oh, do you know me now?

Euph. ’Tis impossible.

Hau. This is an extreme the other way now. [Aside. Impossible, ha, ha, ha! No, no, poor thing, do not doubt thy Happiness: for look ye, to confirm you, here are my Bills of Exchange with my own natural Name to them, if you can read written Hand— [Shews her Papers.

Glo. Not love you! I’ll swear you lye now, you little Jade, I am now in Masquerade, and you cannot judge of me; but I am Book-keeper and Cashier to my Master, and my Love will turn to account, I’ll warrant you.

Olin. There may be use made of him. [Aside. I shall think of it. But pray why are you thus accouter’d?

Glo. Fakes, to entertain your Lady, we have brought the whole Ship’s Company too in Masquerade.

Olin. That indeed will be very proper at this time of the Day, and the first Visit too.

Glo. Shaw, that’s nothing, you little think what Blades we are mun—Sir, I’ll call in the Fiddles and the Company.

Hau. Well remember’d, faith, now I had e’en forgot it.

Euph. What’s the meaning of this? [Fiddles strike up.

Hau. To show you the difference between the damnable 291 dull Gravity of the _Spanish_, and brisk Gaiety of the _Dutch_. Come, come, begin all.

Enter _Dutchmen_ and Women dancing.

Nay, I’ll shew you what I can do too, come, _Gload_. [They two dance. There’s for you now, and yet you have not seen half my good Qualities; I can sing the newest Ballad that has been made, so I can. [Sings a _Dutch_ Song.

Euph. Be these your Friends, Sir? they look as if you had ransack’d a Hoy for them.

Hau. How! look on them well, they are all States or States-fellows, I tell you that now, and they can bear witness who I am too.

Euph. Now I’m convinced, and am sorry I doubted my Happiness so long: I had such a Character of you.

Hau. Of me! oh Lord, I vow now—as they say—I don’t know—ha, ha—

Euph. I heard you were the most incorrigible Fool, the most intolerable Fop.

Hau. Ha, ha, ha, do you hear, _Gload_—who, I a Fop? I vow they were mistaken in me, for I am counted as pretty a Merchant as any walks the Change; can write a very plain Hand, and cast Account as well—my man _Gload_—can’t I, Sirrah?

Glo. Yes indeed, forsooth, can he.

Hau. Egad, a Fool, a Fop, quoth ye— [Walks angry.

Olin. By all means flatter him, Madam.

Euph. I’m satisfy’d, Sir.

Hau. I care not whether you are or no, for I shall have you whether you will or no, mun.

Euph. ’Tis very likely; but there is a certain troublesome Fellow in love with me, that has made me vow whenever I marry to ask him leave.

Hau. How, ask his leave? I scorn to ask any Body’s leave, I tell you that, tho ’twere my Mistress—

292 Euph. I cannot marry you then.

Hau. How, not marry me? look here now: [Ready to cry. _Gload_, can’t you marry, and let no living Soul know it?

Euph. Oh no, Sir, I love your Life better, which would be indanger’d.

Hau. Why, what a cursed Custom you have in _Spain_, a Man can neither marry, nor console his Neighbour’s Wife without having his Throat cut. Why, what if he will not give you leave?

Euph. Why, then you must fight him.

Hau. How! fight him, I fight him!

Glo. Why, yes, Sir, you know you can fight, you try’d but this very Morning—

Hau. Softly, you damn’d Rogue, not a Word of my Prowess aloud. _Salerimente_, I shall be put to fight when I am sober, shall I, for your damn’d prating, ye Rascal?

Euph. I am glad you have that good Quality.

[_Olinda_ speaking to _Gload_, pushes him to speak.

Glo. Ay, Madam—my Master—has many more: But if you please to tell him his Rival’s Name—

Hau. I’ll have your Ears for this, Sirrah, the next time I’m soundly drunk, and you know that won’t be long. [Aside. Lord, Madam, my Man knows not what he says. Ye Rascal, say I have no Courage—or I will drink my self to the Miracle of Valour, and exercise it all on thee.

Glo. I know what I do, Sir, you had Courage this Morning, is the Fit over?

Hau. Have I not slept since, you Rogue, have I not?

Glo. I have a trick to save your Honour, Sir, and therefore I will stand in’t you have Courage.

Hau. A Pox of your Trick, the Rogue knows I dare not chastise him now, for fear they should think I have Valour.

Glo. Madam, my Master’s modest, but tell him who ’tis he must fight with—

Hau. Oh, for a Tun of Rhenish—that I might abundantly beat thee—

293 Euph. Your Rival’s Name’s _Alonzo_, Sir.

Hau. Oh the Devil, a thundring Name too; but will this same—_Alonzo_ make no allowance for necessity?—I vow ’tis pure necessity in me to marry you: the old Men being agreed upon the Matter, I am but an Instrument—alas, not I, [Crys. A very Tool, as they say, so I am.

Glo. Lord, Sir, why do you cry? I meant no harm.

Hau. No harm, you Rascal—to say I am valiant.

Glo. Why, yes, Sir, and if you would say so too, at worst ’twas but getting Don _Lovis_ to have fought for you; you know that’s a small courtesy to a Friend.

Hau. Faith, now thou art in the right; he’ll do his Business for him, I’ll warrant him. [Wipes his Eyes. Nay then, Madam, I have Courage, and will to this Don—this _Alonzo_ you speak of; and if he do not resign you, and consign you too, I’ll make him; yes, make him, do ye see—If _Lovis_ should refuse me now— [Aside.

Glo. Shaw, Sir, he makes nothing to kill a Man, ten or twenty.

Euph. Well, since you are so resolv’d, my Brother will tell you where to find this _Alonzo_; and tell him, I must marry you to day, for I am resolv’d not to lie alone tonight.

Hau. What would not a Man do for so kind a Mistress?

Euph. Well, get you about it strait then, lest my Father’s coming prevent it. [Exeunt _Euphemia_ and _Olinda_.

Hau. I am gone—but if _Lovis_ should fail—

Glo. He would beat you, if he thought you doubted him.

Hau. I’ll keep my Fears then to my self. [Go out.

Scene II. The Street.

Enter _Hippolyta_ drest like a Man, with a Paper.

Hip. Thus I dare look abroad again: Methinks I am not what I was, My Soul too is all Man; 294 Where dwells no Tenderness, no womanish Passions. I cannot sigh, nor weep, nor think of Love, But as a foolish Dream that’s gone and past. Revenge has took possession of my Soul, And drove those Shadows thence; and shows me now Love, in so poor, so despicable a Shape, So quite devested of his Artful Beauty, That I’m asham’d I ever was his Votary. Well, here’s my Challenge to _Antonio_; But how to get it to him is the Question. Base as he is, he’ll not refuse to come, And since he never saw the wrong’d _Alonzo_, Sure I may pass for him. Who’s here?—

Enter _Haunce_ and _Gload_. She stands aside.

Hau. _Gload_, if it were possible I could be sober, and valiant at once, I should now be provok’d to exercise it: for I cannot find _Lovis_, and then how I shall come off, the Lord knows. And then again, for letting the Lady go, whom I rescu’d in the Grove this Morning.

Glo. Should I disobey a Lady, Sir? for she commanded me to let her go so soon as she came into the Gate. And, Sir, look, here comes Don _Lovis_.

Enter _Lovis_ and _Alonzo_.

Hau. Oh, Brother _Lovis_, where the Devil have you been all this Day? I stay’d for you to go with me to your Sister’s, as long as Flesh and Blood could forbear.

Lov. Why, have you been there without me?

Hau. Yes, marry have I, Sir.

Alon. I am undone then— [Aside.

Hau. I needed no Recommendation mun, for when I came they were all as well acquainted with me—I never saw them before; but by the way, they are all no wiser than they should be, except your Sister, who is the pretty’st loving, sweet Rogue—

295 Alon. How’s this?

Lov. But have you seen my Sister?

Hau. Seen her! yes, and will marry her too mun before Night, an she were a thousand Sisters—but harkye, _Lovis_, the business is this—you must know that before I marry her, I am to seek out a certain Fellow, they call—they call _Alonzo_, ay, ay, _Alonzo_—a Pox on him, a troublesome Rascal they say he is; and his leave, it seems, must be askt to marry your Sister.

Lov. Well, Sir, and what if he will not give you leave?

Hau. Why then, you must know I am to get him very well favour’dly beaten.

Alon. Sure this is the Coxcomb himself.

Hau. Now for your Sister’s sake, who loves me, poor thing, I will not run the danger of beating him my self, but must desire that small courtesy of thee.

Lov. How! I beat him?

Hau. You beat him, yes, you; what a Pox do you scruple such a kindness to a Friend? I know you make no more of killing a Man next your Heart in a Morning, than I do of eating a pickled Herring.

Lov. But she desir’d you to do’t.

Hau. That’s all one so it be done, mun; besides, why should I run my self into a Premunire, when I need not? Your Father is bound by Agreement to mine, to deliver me the Wares (that is, his Daughter) safe and sound; and I have no more to do, but to protest against him in case of Non-performance. ’Twill be a dear Commodity to me at this rate. [Cries.

Lov. Well, Sir, I’ll see what may be done.

Hau. Spoke like a Friend now: Well, you must about it instantly, for I must be married to day.

Alon. Must you so, Sir?—

Hau. Yes marry must I, Sir—Who the Devil’s this now? [To _Lovis_.

Alon. That same _Alonzo_ whom you inquire for.

296 Hau. Are you so, Sir?—Why, what then, Sir,—_Lovis_, _Lovis_. [Runs behind _Lovis_.

Alon. What then, Sir? then I tell you, I will not be beaten.

Hau. Look ye here now—_Lovis_.

Lov. Ha, ha, ha, canst thou be angry with him? [To _Alonzo_.

Hau. I, can you be angry with me?

Alon. I know not why an Ass should have more privilege than any other rude Beast.

Lov. Ha, ha, ha, this Humour’s so pleasant in thee, I wish thou wouldst pursue it a little—_Haunce_, bear up to him, he’s but a mere Huff, ha, ha, ha. [Claps him on the Back, he goes fearfully forward.

Glo. I, Sir, as long as Don _Lovis_ is here, you may say what you will.

Hau. May I so?—and why, Sir?—am I, Sir—an Ass, Sir? [Runs behind _Lovis_.

Alon. ’Sdeath, you Rascal, do you question me?

Hau. Oh, hold, Sir, hold, not I, God forbid I should question it, _Lovis_—is it, indeed, _Alonzo_, hah?

Lov. Yes indeed is it.

Hau. And wilt thou not do so much as to beat him for me a little?

Lov. Not I, I dare not, he’s a terrible Man.

Hau. Why look you here now, you damn’d Rogue, [To _Gload_.] Have not you serv’d me finely, hah?

Gload. Why, Sir, ’tis but crying Peccavi.

Hau. Peccavi, and be hang’d to you—Lord, Sir, [To _Alonzo_.] why are you so angry? I came but to ask you a civil Question, from my Wife that must be.

Alon. You must ask me leave, first.

Hau. Yes, yes, Sir, so she said mun; for she must marry me to night.

Alon. Yes, you shall have it with this—too. [Draws.

Hau. Why look you [_Haunce_ runs away, _Lovis_ stays 297 him.] here now, here’s damn’d doings. For my part, I declare it here upon my Death-bed, I am forc’d to what I do, and you kill me against my Will.

Alon. Do’st think we are not discover’d in our Design? I’d kill the Dog if I thought we were.

Lov. I believe not; and perceive by my Sister’s Message, that we are to come to her, and prevent this Fellow’s marrying her.

Alon. Well, Sir, I’ll spare your Life, and give your Mistress leave to marry to night.

Hau. How, Sir, to Night?—But is he in earnest, _Lovis?_

Lov. In very good earnest.

Hau. Tan, ta, ra, ra, ra—hay, Boys, what a Night we’ll have on’t, _Gload_, for Fiddles and Dancing.

Alon. Tell your Mistress I will dispatch a little Affair, and wait on her.

Gload. And pray, Sir, may I have leave to marry the Maid too?

Alon. We’ll consider on’t.

Hau. I am not such a Fool to venture tho, till I know the Coast is clear, for his very Looks are terrible; but go you, _Gload_, and tell her what he says. [_Alonzo_ talks to _Lovis_.

Enter _Hippolyta_ from aside.

Hip. These be the Men that rescu’d me this morning, And are not to be employ’d in my Affair. But yonder Stranger has a noble Look, And from him I’ll intreat this Favour—Sir— [To _Alonzo_.

Alon. With me, Sir?

Hip. Yes, please you to walk a little this way, Sir. [Takes him aside.

Hau. Well, make you sure of Fiddles, for look ye, we’ll appear to night like our selves.

Gload. It shall be done, Sir.

Hip. I am a Stranger and a Gentleman, And have an humble Suit to you.

298 Alon. You may command me any thing.

Hip. Sir, there is a Gentleman, if I may call him so, that dares do ill; has put a base Affront upon a Lady—a Lady whom all brave Men are bound to vindicate: I’ve writ him here a Challenge, and only beg you’ll give it him; I will attend you in St. _Peter’s_ Grove, where I desire the perfidious _Antonio_ (for that’s his Name, to whom this is directed) to meet me.

Alon. I’m pleas’d to see this Gallantry in a Man so young, and will serve you in this, or whatever else you shall command. But where is this _Antonio?_

Hip. That I’ll inquire of these. Sir, pray can you give any account of the Cavalier [To _Haunce_, who starts as afraid.] you fought with this Morning in St. _Peter’s_ Grove, that had a Lady with him?

Hau. So, now perhaps I shall be hang’d for that. [Aside. I fight, Sir! I never fought in my Life, nor saw no Man, not I.

Gload. ’Sha, you may confess it, Sir; there’s no Law against killing in _Spain_.

Hip. How, have you murder’d him? [Takes hold of him.

Hau. This Rogue has a mind to have me dispatch’d. [Aside. Hold, Sir, the Man’s as well and alive as you are, and is now at my Lodgings: look ye, here’s the Dagger I disarm’d him of—but that I do not love to boast. [Shews it.

Hip. It is the same.

Alon. Sir, I shall not fail to wait on you with the Answer I receive.

Hip. I humbly thank you, Sir.

Alon. So prithee, dear _Lovis_, go make my excuse to your Sister for a moment, and let her get all things ready against I come; let the Priest too wait, for I see my Destiny, which I can no longer prevent, draws on apace. [Exit _Lovis_. Come, Sir, you must conduct me to _Antonio_.

[Exeunt _Alonzo_, _Haunce_, and _Gload_.

299

Hip. So now the Work’s half done, that will redeem All the lost Credit of our Family. To kill, or to be kill’d, I care not which, [Weeps. So one or both expire; be strong, my Soul, And let no feeble Woman dwell about thee. Hence Fears and Pity, such poor things as these Cannot the Storms of my Revenge appease: Those Showers must from his treacherous Heart proceed, If I can live and see _Antonio_ bleed. [Sighs, and Exit.

Scene III. A deep Grove.

Enter _Marcel_ alone.

Mar. The hour is almost come which I appointed, And yet no _Silvio_ appears, the time seems long to me; But he that’s circled in his Mistress’ Arms, Forgets the hasty hours, And passes them as unregarded by, As Men do Beggars who demand a Charity.

Enter _Hippolyta_.

Young Man, hast thou encounter’d none within this Grove?

Hip. Not any, Sir,—_Marcel!_ my injur’d Brother!

Mar. Why dost thou turn away, and hide thy Face?

Hip. ’Tis not my Face I hide, but Sorrow there. [Weeps.

Mar. Trust me, thou weepest; would I could do so too, That I might be less angry; And Silence best expresses Grief: But thine’s a saucy Sorrow dares approach A Face so fair and young.

Hip. If the Ingrate for whom I grieve had thought so, I might have spar’d my Tears. Farewel, Sir.

Mar. Stay, hast thou been a Lover?

Hip. A very, very passionate one.

Mar. And wert thou not belov’d?

300 Hip. At first, to draw me in, the cunning Artist Made me believe I was.

Mar. Oh! I could kiss thee now, for the alliance Between thy Grief and mine. Hadst thou a loose and wanton Sister too, Then thou wert perfect wretched, as I am. [Weeps. But prithee leave me, now I think of it: For shouldst thou stay, thou’dst rob me of my Anger; For since a Youth like thee can be unhappy, With such a Shape, and so divine a Face, Methinks I should not quarrel with my Star, But bow to all my faithless Mistress’ Scorns.

[Hollowing within.] So ho, ho, so ho, ho—

Mar. So ho, so ho, ho, ho—’Tis my false Rival. Now leave me, Sir, to reassume my Anger.

Hip. I will obey—farewel— My own Despair makes me neglect his Life. [Goes out.

Enter _Silvio_.

Mar. ’Tis _Silvio_.

Silv. You see I have obey’d you, Sir.

Mar. Come, Sir, your Sword.

Silv. You are my Brother, and ’twere an impious Action, To fight you unprovok’d: give me a cause, Nay, and a just one too, or I shall find it hard —To wound _Cleonte’s_ Brother. [Aside sighing.

Mar. Thou cam’st prepar’d to talk, and not to fight. I cannot blame thee for’t, for were I _Silvio_, Thus I would do to save a Life belov’d: [Offers to fight, _Silvio_ steps back. But ’twill not serve you now.

Silv. Your Reason, Sir, and I’m ready, if it be just.

Mar. Oh do not urge me to repeat my Wrongs, For if thou dost, I hardly shall have Man enough remain To fight thee fairly. [Offers still.

Silv. Surely he knows my Passion for _Cleonte_— [Aside. I urge the Reason still.

301

Mar. Hast thou forgot thy last Night’s Treachery? How like a Thief thou stol’st into her Lodgings?

Silv. ’Tis so—’tis true, _Marcel_, I rudely did intrude—

Mar. Oh, quickly haste—this looks like Women’s jangling. [Offers to fight again.

Silv. Oh, is it bravely done, _Marcel_, to punish A Passion which you ought to pity rather? ’Tis what I cannot reconcile nor justify: And so distracted it has made me too— I will not fight in so unjust a Cause. Kill me, and I’ll embrace you whilst I die; A thousand Wounds imprinted on this Body, Will bring less Pain than that her Eyes have caus’d. Here strike—Pity my Pain and ease me. [Opens his Arms, and throws away his Sword.

Mar. I find thou hast a Charm about thy Tongue, And thou implor’st thy Death in such a way, I cannot hurt thee; and it gives me hopes Thou art not yet so bless’d to be belov’d, For then thou wouldst not be thus desperate.

Silv. Oh yes, I am belov’d.

Mar. Oh do not say thou art, Nor take me from a Calmness, that may spare thee.

Silv. Not say I am belov’d! thou canst not hire me With Life or fuller Joy, to say I am not. If there be Truth and Love in Innocence, she loves me.

Mar. Yet, yet, ye Gods, I can endure—say, but thou art not, For I would yet preserve thee.

Silv. Oh, canst thou wish that I should fall so low, To save my Life with Lyes; the poorest Sin of all the number?

Mar. Then once again thou hast debauch’d my Pity. [Takes to his Sword.

Silv. Her Passion I will justify, but not my own; Her’s is as pure as Prayers of Penitence; 302 But mine—I cannot give a Name to.

[They fight: Enter _Alonzo_, and parts them.

Alon. How now, what’s here to do! _Marcel?_

Mar. _Alonzo!_ the only Man I wish to shun.

Silv. I’m glad, who e’er thou be’st thou hast prevented us.

Alon. Thou hast more Wit than he, then I find: Your Quarrel, Sir, may a Man have leave to enquire into’t?

Mar. This is that _Silvio_, that noble Youth my Brother, whom thou hast often heard me name.

Alon. An excellent Character for an Enemy, Noble, and Brother: For shame put up your Swords, and I’ll be Judge between ye.

Mar. The Case is soon decided; I will not tell you with how tedious a Courtship I won the Heart, as I thought, of a young Beauty of this Town—and yesterday receiv’d a Billet from her, to wait on her at night, to receive the recompence of all my Pains and Sufferings—In this extasy of Joy I show’d him the Paper; and he getting thither before me, rob’d me of my Prize.

Silv. I am so pleas’d at this mistake of thine, I can forgive it freely.

Mar. Not content with this, most treacherously, hid in the shades of Night, he met me in the Hall of this false Woman, and stab’d me, which did secure his flight with her; and wouldst thou have me put this Injury up?

Alon. Faith, you must, and your Sword too, Unless you mean to keep it drawn on me. ’Twas I that wounded you i’ th’ dark; and it was I That rob’d you of _Clarinda_.

Mar. Thou?

Alon. I, am I so unlikely a Man to do such a feat?

Mar. How dare you, Sir, do this?

Alon. I dare do any thing, but break my Word, as thou hast basely done with me—But I am now in haste, and should be glad to know where to meet you anon.

Mar. I’ll wait on you at the farther side of this Grove by the River.

303 Alon. I will not fail you— [Ex. _Alonzo_.

Mar. Come, Sir, till I can better prove you are my Rival, I will believe you are my Friend and Brother.

Silv. When thou shalt know my miserable Story, Thou wilt believe and pity me. [Go out.

Enter again _Hippolyta_ from out of the Wood.

Hip. I wonder this Cavalier stays so long, Pray Heaven he meet _Antonio_.

Enter _Alonzo_.

Your Servant, Sir.

Alon. The Cavalier to whom you sent me, Sir, Will wait upon you here.

Hip. I humbly thank you, Sir, and should be glad to know how I might pay my Gratitude.

Alon. My Duty ends not here; I have a Sword to serve you.

Hip. You shame me with this Generosity; but, Sir, I hope my own will be sufficient in so good a Cause.

Alon. Tho you are young, I question not your Bravery; But I must beg to stay and see fair play, And offer you my Service when you’ve done.

Hip. The Enemy appears, Sir,—and since you are so good, I beg you would retire behind those Trees; for if he see us both, since he is single, he will suspect some treachery.

Alon. You’ve reason, Sir, and I’ll obey you. [Goes aside.

Enter _Antonio_ reading a Paper.

SIR,

I do desire you to meet me in _St. Peter’s_ Grove, with your Sword in your Hand, about an Hour hence; you will guess my Business, when you know my name to be

Alonzo.

Alon. How’s that? [Aside.

Ant. I wish’t had been another Enemy, Since from the Justice of his Cause I fear 304 An ill success; would I had seen _Hippolyta_, That e’er I dy’d I might have had her pardon. This Conscience—’tis ominous, But ne’er appears in any horrid shape, Till it approaches Death—

[Goes forward, sees _Hippolyta_, who justles him in passing by; he stops and looks.

Hip. You seem, Sir, to be he whom I expect.

Ant. I’m call’d _Antonio_, Sir—

Hip. And I _Alonzo_; the rest we need not ask, For thou art well acquainted with my Injuries, And I with thy Perfidiousness. [Draws.

Ant. I know of none you have receiv’d from me, If on _Hippolyta’s_ account you fight: She lov’d me, and believ’d; and what dull Lover Would have refus’d a Maid so easily gain’d?

Hip. Ah, Traytor, by how base a way Thou wouldst evade thy Fate? Didst thou not know she was my Wife by promise? Did not _Marcel_, _Ambrosio_, all consent To make her mine as soon as I arriv’d?

Alon. Who the Devil’s that young Bully that takes my Name, and my Concerns upon him? [Aside.

Hip. But why should I expect a Truth from thee, Who after so much time, so many Vows, So many Tears, Despairs and Sighs, at last Didst gain a Credit with this easy Fool, Then left her to her shames, and her despairs?—Come, Sir— Or I shall talk my self to calmness— [Aside.

Ant. I’m ready, Sir, to justify the Deed.

[They offer to fight, _Alonzo_ steps forth.

Alon. Hold! hold! fair Thief that rob’st me of my Name, And wouldst my Honour too; [Puts her by. If thou hast wrong’d the fair _Hippolyta_, [To _Antonio_. No Man but I has right to do her justice. Or you are both my Rivals—tell me which, 305 Which of you is it I must kill—or both? I am _Alonzo_, who dares love _Hippolyta?_

Hip. Let not your friendship, Sir, proceed so far, To take my Name, to take my Quarrel on you.

Alon. In this Dispute none’s more concern’d than I, And I will keep my ground in such a cause, Tho all the Rivals that her Beauty makes me, Were arm’d to take my Life away.

Ant. Come, Sir, I care not which of you’s _Alonzo_. [They go to fight, she holds _Alonzo_.

Hip. This Gallantry’s too much, brave Stranger. _Antonio_, hurt him not; I am the wrong’d _Alonzo_, And this a perfect Stranger to the business, Who seeing me appear less Man than he, And unacquainted with my Deeds abroad, In Bounty takes my Name and Quarrel on him.

Alon. Take heed, young Man, and keep thy Virtue in, Lest thus misguided it become a Crime. But thou, he says, hast wrong’d _Hippolyta_, [To _Antonio_. And I am he must punish it.

Hip. Sure it is he indeed— For such a Miracle my Brother render’d him, [Aside. Hold, hold, thou Wonder of thy Sex— [They fight.

Alon. Stand by, I shall be angry with thee else, And that will be unsafe—

[As _Alonzo_ fights with one Hand, he keeps her off with t’other; she presses still forward on _Antonio_ with her Sword, indeavouring to keep back _Alonzo_.

Enter to them _Marcel._

Mar. Sure I heard the Noise of Swords this way! [Draws. Hah, two against one! Courage, Sir. [To _Antonio_.

[They fight all four, _Marcel_ with _Hippolyta_ whom he wounds, and _Alonzo_ with _Antonio_, who is disarmed.

Hip. Good Heaven, how just thou art!

306 Mar. What, dost thou faint already?—Hah, the pretty talking Youth I saw but now! [Runs to her, and holds her up. Alas, how dost thou?

Hip. Well, since thy Hand has wounded me—

Ant. My Life is yours, nor would I ask the Gift, But to repair my Injuries to _Hippolyta_.

Alon. I give it thee— [Gives him his Sword.

Mar. How, _Antonio!_— What unkind Hand has rob’d me of the justice Of killing thee?

Alon. His that was once thy Friend, _Marcel_.

Mar. Oh! dost thou know my Shame? [Turns away.

Alon. I know thou art false to Friendship, And therefore do demand mine back again, thou’st us’d it scurvily.

Mar. Thou knowst too much to think I’ve injur’d thee.

Alon. Not injur’d me! Who was it promis’d me _Hippolyta?_ Who his Alliance, and his Friendship too? And who has broke them all, but thou perfidious? Come, ’tis _Hippolyta_ that I demand.

Mar. By this he should not know my Sister’s Shame. [Aside. Oh, Sir, you must not have _Hippolyta_.

Alon. How! not have _Hippolyta!_ Tho every Step were guarded by a Brother, Tho she were circled round about with Rivals, Ye should not all have Power to keep her from me. Not have _Hippolyta!_— ’Sdeath, Sir, because I do not know my Birth, And cannot boast a little empty Title, I must not have _Hippolyta_.— Now I will have her; and when you know I can, You shall petition me to marry her. And yet I will not do’t. Come, Sir— [Offers to fight.

307 Hip. Hold, hold, brave Man, or turn your Sword on me. I am the unhappy Cause of all your Rage: ’Tis I, generous _Alonzo_, that can tell you What he’s asham’d to own, And thou wilt blush to hear.

Mar. _Hippolyta!_ thou wretched wicked Woman: Thus I reward thy Sins— [Offers to kill her, _Antonio_ steps between.

Ant. Hold, Sir, and touch her not without my leave, She is my Wife; by sacred Vows my Wife.

Alon. I understand no riddling; but whoever thou be’st. Man or Woman, thou’rt worth our Care— She faints—come, let us bear her hence. [She faints, _Antonio_ kneels to her.

Ant. Oh stay, _Hippolyta_, and take me with thee, For I’ve no use of Life when thou art gone. [Weeps. Here, kill me, brave _Marcel_—and yet you need not; My own Remorse, and Grief will be sufficient.

Mar. I credit thee, and leave thee to their Mercy.

Hip. That Goodness, Sir, has call’d me back to Life, To pay my humble Thanks; could you have Mercy too, To pardon me—you might redeem my Soul.

Mar. Some Pity I have yet, that may preserve thee too, Provided this Repentance be not feign’d.

Ant. My Life, Sir, is Security for both.

Mar. Doubt not, I’ll take the Forfeit, Sir—Come, _Hippolyta_. Thy Father’s House shall once again receive thee.

Ant. Lean on my Arm, my dearest.

Mar. Sir, by the way, I’ll let you know her Story, And then perhaps you will not blame my Friendship.

Alon. And in return, I’ll give you back _Clarinda_— And beg your Pardon for the Wound I gave you. [Exeunt, leading _Hippolyta_.

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