Chapter XIII: Act IV: Scene I
Enter, _as aboard the Ship_, Guiliom, Isabella, Francisco, Julia,
Antonio, Clara, Jacinta, Pedro _and his Wife_, Pages.
_Guil_. Ladies and Gentlemen, you are very welcome aboard--Come, put off to Sea, Rogues, Scoundrels, Tarpaulins, to your Business, and then, every man his Bottle,--hey, Page, Rogues, where are my Men? Come, spread the Table--for we are very hungry.
_Isa_. Heav’ns, what a peculiar Grace there is in every word that comes from the Mouth of a Cavalier.
_Guil_. By _Mars_, the God of Love!
_Page_. By _Cupid_, Sir. [Aside to him.
Guil. _Cupid_, Sirrah! I say, I’ll have it _Mars_, there’s more Thunder in the Sound: I say, by _Mars_, these Gallies are pretty neat convenient Tenements--but a--I see ne’er a Chimney in ‘em:--Pox on’t, what have I to do with a Chimney now?
_Isa_. He is a delicate fine Person, _Jacinta_; but, methinks he does not make Love enough to me.
_Jac_. Oh, Madam, Persons of his Quality never make Love in Words, the greatness of their Actions show their Passion.
_Jac_. Ay, ‘tis true all the little Fellows talk of Love.
_Guil_. Come, Ladies, set; Come, _Isabella_, you are melancholy,--Page --Fill my Lady a Beer-glass.
_Isa_. Ah, Heav’ns, a Beer-glass.
_Guil_. O, your Viscountess never drinks under your Beer-glass, your Citizens Wives simper and sip, and will be drunk without doing Credit to the Treater; but in their Closets, they swinge it away, whole Slashes, i’faith, and egad, when a Woman drinks by her self, Glasses come thick about: your Gentlewoman, or your little Lady, drinks half way, and thinks in point of good manners, she must leave some at the bottom; but your true bred Woman of Honour drinks all, _Supernaculum_, by _Jove_.
_Isa_. What a misfortune it was, that I should not know this before, but shou’d discover my want of so necessary a piece of Grandeur.
_Jac_. And nothing, but being fuddled, will redeem her Credit.
_Guil_. Come--fall to, old Boy,--thou art not merry; what, have we none that can give us a Song?
_Ant_. Oh Sir, we have an Artist aboard I’ll assure you; Signior _Cashier_, shall I beg the favour of you to shew your Skill?
_Pet_. Sir, my Wife and I’m at your service.
_Guil_. Friend, what Language can you sing?
_Pet_. Oh, Sir, your Singers speak all Languages.
_Guil_. Say’st thou so, prithee then let’s have a touch of Heathen _Greek_.
_Pet_. That you shall, Sir, Sol la me fa sol, &c.
_Fran_. Hum, I think this is indeed Heathen _Greek_, I’m sure ‘tis so to me.
_Guil_. Ay, that may be, but I understand every word on’t.
_Fran_. Good lack, these Lords are very learned Men.
_Pet_. Now, Sir, you shall hear one of another Language from my Wife and I. [_Sing a Dialogue_ in French.
_Enter the_ Captain.
_Capt_. Well, Gentlemen, though the news be something unpleasant that I bring, yet to noble minds ‘tis sport and pastime.
_Guil_. Hah, Fellow! What’s that that’s sport and pastime to noble minds.
_Fran_. Oh Lord, no goodness, I’ll warrant.
_Capt_. But, Gentlemen, pluck up your Spirits, be bold and resolute.
_Fran_. Oh Lord, bold and resolute! why, what’s the matter, Captain?
_Capt_. You are old, Signior, and we expect no good from you but Prayers to Heaven?
_Fran_. Oh Lord, Prayers to Heaven! Why, I hope, Captain, we have no need to think of Heaven.
_Capt_. At your own Peril be it then, Signior, for the _Turks_ are coming upon us.
_Fran_. Oh Lord, Turks, Turks!
[_Ex_. Cap.
_Guil_. Turks, oh, is that all? [_Falls to eating_.
_Fran_. All--why, they’ll make Eunuchs of us, my Lord, Eunuchs of us poor men, and lie with all our Wives.
_Guil_. Shaw, that’s nothing, ‘tis good for the Voice.--how sweetly we shall sing, ta, la, ta la la, ta la, &c.
_Fran_. Ay, ‘twill make you sing another note, I’ll warrant you.
_Enter a Seaman_.
_Sea_. For Heaven’s sake, Sirs, do not stand idle here; Gentlemen, if you wou’d save your lives,--draw and defend ‘em. [_Exit_.
_Fran_. Draw! I never drew any thing in my Life, but my Purse, and that most damnably against my will; oh, what shall I do?
_Enter_ Captain.
_Capt_. Ah, my Lord, they bear up briskly to us, with a fresh Gale and full Sails.
_Fran_. Oh, dear Captain, let us tack about and go home again.
_Capt_. ‘Tis impossible to scape, we must fight it out.
_Fran_. Fight it out! oh, I’m not able to indure it,--why, what the Devil made me a ship-board?
[_Ex_. Cap.
_Guil_. Why, where be these _Turks_? set me to ‘em, I’ll make ‘em smoke, Dogs, to dare attack a man of Quality.
_Isa_. Oh, the Insolence of these _Turks_! do they know who’s aboard? for Heaven’s sake, my Lord, do not expose your noble Person.
_Guil_. What, not fight?--Not fight! A Lord, and not fight? Shall I submit to Fetters, and see my Mistress ravish’d by any great _Turk_ in Christendom, and not fight?
_Isa_. I’d rather be ravish’d a thousand times, than you should venture your Person.
[_Seamen shout within_.
_Fran_. Ay, I dare swear.
_Enter Seaman_.
_Sea_. Ah, Sirs, what mean you? Come on the Deck for shame.
_Ant_. My Lord, let us not tamely fall, there’s danger near. [_Draws_.
_Guil_. Ay, ay, there’s never smoke, but there’s some fire--Come, let’s away--ta la, tan ta la, la la, &c. [Draws.
[Exit _singing, and_ Antonio _and_ Pet.
_Fran_. A Pox of all Lords, I say, you must be janting in the Devil’s name, and God’s dry Ground wou’d not serve your turn. [_Shout here_. Oh, how they thunder! What shall I do?--oh, for some Auger-hole to thrust my head into, for I could never indure the noise of Cannons,--oh, ’.is insupportable,--intolerable--and not to be indur’d. [_Running as mad about the Stage_.
_Isa_. Dear Father, be not so frighted. [_Weeps_.
_Fran_. Ah, Crocodile, wou’d thou hadst wept thy Eyes out long ago, that thou hadst never seen this Count; then he had never lov’d thee, and then we had never been invited a ship-board. [_A noise of fighting_.
_Enter_ Guiliom, Pet. _and_ Antonio, driven in fighting
by Guzman _and other_ Turks.
_Ant_. Ah, Sir, the _Turks_ have boarded us, we’re lost, we’re lost.
_Fran_. Oh, I am slain, I’m slain. [_Falls down_.
_Guil_. Hold, hold, I say, you are now in the presence of Ladies, and ’.is uncivil to fight before Ladies.
_Guz_. Yield then, you are our Slaves.
_Guil_. Slaves, no Sir, we’re Slaves to none but the Ladies.
[_Offers to fight_.
_Isa_. Oh, hold, rude man,--d’ye know whom you encounter?
_Guz_. What’s here--one dead--
[_Looking on_ Francisco.
_Fran_. Oh, Lord!
_Guz_. Or, if he be not, he’s old, and past service, we’ll kill the Christian Dog out of the way.
_Fran_. Oh, hold, hold, I’m no Christian, Gentlemen; but as errant a Heathen as your selves.
_Guz_. Bind him strait, neck and heels, and clap him under hatches.
_Jul_. Oh, spare him, Sir, look on his Reverend Age.
_Guz_. For your sake, Lady, much may be done, we’ve need of handsom Women. [_Gives her to some Turks that are by_.
_Fran_. Hah,--my Wife! My Wife ravish’d--oh, I’m dead.
_Jul_. Fear not, my dear, I’ll rather die than do thee wrong.
_Fran_. Wou’d she wou’d, quickly,--then there’s her Honour sav’d, and her Ransom, which is better.
_Guz_. Down with the muttering Dog; [_He descends_. --And takes the Ladies to several Cabins. [_The Turks take hold of the Men_.
_Isa_. Must we be parted then?--ah, cruel Destiny! [_Weeps_.
_Guil_. Alas! this Separation’s worse than Death.
_Isa_. You possibly may see some _Turkish_ Ladies, that may insnare your Heart, and make you faithless;--but I, ah Heavens! if ever I change my Love, may I become deformed, and lose all hopes of Title or of Grandure.
_Guil_. But should the _Grand Seignior_ behold thy Beauty, thou wou’dst despise thine own dear hony Viscount to be a _Sultana_.
_Isa_. A _Sultana_, what’s that?
_Guil_. Why, ‘tis the great _Turk_, a Queen of _Turkey_.
_Isa_. These dear expressions go to my Heart. [_Weeps_. And yet a _Sultana_ is a tempting thing-- [_Aside smiling_. --And you shall find your Isabella true,--though the _Grand Seignior_ wou’d lay his Crown at my feet,--wou’d he wou’d try me though--Heavens! to be Queen of _Turkey_. [_Aside_.
_Guil_. May I believe thee,--but when thou seest the difference, alas, I am but a Chimney--hum, nothing to a great _Turk_.
_Isa_. Is he so rare a thing?--Oh, that I were a she great _Turk_.
[_Aside_.
_Guz_. Come, come, we can’t attend your amorous Parleys.
[_Parts ‘em_.
_Jul_. Alas, what shall we poor Women do?
[_Ex. Men_.
_Isa_. We must e’en have patience, Madam, and be ravisht.
_Cla_. Ravisht! Heavens forbid.
_Jac_. An please the Lord, I’ll let my nails grow against that direful day.
_Isa_. And so will I, for I’m resolv’d none should ravish me but the great _Turk_.
_Guz_. Come, Ladies, you are Dishes to be serv’d up to the board of the _Grand Seignior_.
_Isa_. Why, will he eat us all?
_Guz_. A slice of each, perhaps, as he finds his Appetite inclin’d.
_Isa_. A slice, uncivil Fellow,--as if this Beauty were for a bit and away;--Sir, a word,--if you will do me the favour, to recommend me to be first served up to the _Grand Seignior_, I shall remember the Civility when I am great.
_Guz_. Lady, he is his own Carver, a good word by the bye, or so, will do well, and I am--a Favorite--
_Isa_. Are you so? here, take this Jewel,--in earnest of greater Favours-- [_Gives him a Jewel_.
[Exeunt all.
SCENE II. _A Garden_.
_Enter Don Carlos and_ Lopez.
_Car_. But, why so near the Land? by Heaven, I saw each action of the Fight, from yonder grove of Jessamine; and doubtless all beheld it from the Town.
_Lop_. The Captain, Sir, design’d it so, and at the Harbour gave it out those two Galleys were purposely prepared to entertain the Count and the Ladies with the representation of a Sea-fight; lest the noise of the Guns should alarm the Town, and, taking it for a real fight, shou’d have sent out Supplies, and so have ruin’d our Designs.
_Car_. Well, have we all things in readiness?
_Lop_. All, Sir, all.
_Enter_ Page.
_Page_. My Lord, a Barge from the Galley is just arriv’d at the Garden-Stairs.
_Enter_ Guzman.
_Car_. I’ll retire then, and fit me for my part of this Farce.
_Guz_. My Lord, you must retire, they’re just bringing the Old Gentleman ashore.
_Car_. Prithee how does he take his Captivity?
_Guz_. Take it, Sir! he has cast himself into a Fit, and has lain like one in a Trance this half hour; ‘tis impossible for him to speak Sense this fortnight; I’ll secure his Reason a play-day for so long at least; your Servants, in _Turkish_ habits, are now his Guards, who will keep him safe enough from hindering your designs with _Julia_.
_Car_. Whatever you do, have a care you do not overfright the Coxcomb, and make a Tragedy of our Comedy.
_Guz_. I’ll warrant you, Sir, mind your Love-affairs,--he’s coming in,--retire, Sir.--
[_Ex_. Car. _and_ Page _and_ Lop.
_Enter some _Turks _with the body of _Francisco _in chains,
and lay him down on a Bank_.
1st _Turk_. Christian, so ho ho, Slave, awake.--
[_Rubbing and calling him_.
_Fran_. Hah! where am I?--my Wife,--my Wife--where am I?--hah! what are you?--Ghosts,--Devils,--Mutes,--no answer?--hah, bound in chains, --Slaves, where am I?
1st _Turk_. They understand not your Language; but I, who am a _Renegade Spaniard_, understand you when you speak civilly, which I advise you to do.
_Fran_. Do you know me, Friend?
1st _Turk_. I know you to be a Slave, and the Great _Turk’s_ Slave too.
_Fran_. The Great Turk,--the Great Devil, why, where am I, Friend?
1st _Turk_. Within the Territories of the _Grand Seignior_, and this a Palace of Pleasure, where he recreates himself with his Mistresses.
_Fran_. And how far is that from _Cadiz_?--but what care I? my Wife, Friend, my own Wife.
1st _Turk_. Your own,--a true Musselman cou’d have said no more; but take no care for her, she’s provided for.
_Fran_. Is she dead? That wou’d be some comfort.
1st _Turk_. No, she’s alive, and in good hands.
_Fran_. And in good hands! oh, my head! and, oh, my heart! ten thousand tempests burst the belly of this day, wherein old _Francisco_ ventur’d Life and Limbs, Liberty and Wife to the mercy of these Heathen _Turks_.
1st _Turk_. Friend, you need not thus complain; a good round Ransom redeems ye.
_Fran_. A round Ransom! I’ll rot in my chains first, before I’ll part with a round ransom.
1st _Turk_. You have a fair Wife, and need not fear good usage, if she knows how to be kind. You apprehend me.
_Fran_. Patience, good Lord.
1st _Turk_. Perhaps the _Grand Seignior_ may like her, and to be favour’d by him in such a Glory--
_Fran_. As the Devil take me if I desire.
1st _Turk_. And then you may in triumph laugh at all the rest of your Brother Cuckolds.
_Fran_. Hum, and has the Devil serv’d me thus?--but no matter, I must be gadding, like an old Coxcomb, to _Cadiz_,--and then, jaunting to Sea, with a Pox, to take pains to be a Cuckold, to bring my Wife into a strange Land, amongst Unbelievers, with a vengeance, as if we had not honest Christian Cuckold-makers enough at home; Sot that I was, not to consider how many Merchants have been undone by trusting their Commodities out at Sea; why, what a damn’d ransom will the Rogues exact from me, and more for my Wife, because she’s handsome; and then, ‘tis ten to one, I have her turned upon my hands the worse for wearing; oh, damn’d Infidels! no, ‘tis resolv’d, I’ll live a Slave here, rather than enrich them.
1st _Turk_. Friend, you’ll know your Destiny presently; for ‘tis the custom of the Great _Turk_ to view the Captives, and consider of their Ransoms and Liberties, according to his pleasure. See, he is coming forth with the _Vizier Bassa_.
_Enter_ Carlos _and_ Guzman _as_ Turks _with Followers_.
Most mighty Emperor, behold your Captive.
_Fran_. Is this the Great _Turk_?
1st _Turk_. Peace.
_Fran_. Bless me! as we at home describe him, I thought the Great _Turk_ had been twice as big; but I shall find him Tyrant big enough, I’ll warrant him.
_Guz_. Of what Nation art thou, Slave? speak to the Emperor, he understands thee, though he deign not to hold discourse with Christian Dogs.
_Fran_. Oh fearful!--_Spain_, so please you, Sir.
_Guz_. By _Mahomet_, he’ll make a reverend Eunuch.
_Fran_. An Eunuch! oh, Lord!
_Turk_. Ay, Sir, to guard his Mistresses, ‘tis an honour.
_Fran_. Oh! Mercy, Sir, that honour you may spare, Age has done my business already.
_Guz_. Fellow, what art?
_Fran_. An’t please your Worship, I cannot tell.
_Guz_. How, not tell?
_Fran_. An’t please your Lordship, my Fears have so transform’d me, I cannot tell whether I’m any thing or nothing.
_Guz_. Thy name, dull Mortal, know’st thou not that?
_Fran_. An’t please your Grace, now I remember me, methinks I do.
_Guz_. Dog, how art thou call’d?
_Fran_. An’t like your Excellence, Men call’d me Signior Don _Francisco_, but now they will call me Coxcomb.
_Guz_. Of what Trade?
_Fran_. An’t please your Highness, a Gentleman.
_Guz_. How much dost thou get a day by that Trade? Hah!
_Fran_. An’t like your Majesty, our Gentlemen never get but twice in all their lives; that is, when Fathers die, they get good Estates; and when they marry, they get rich Wives: but I know what your Mightiness wou’d get by going into my Country and asking the Question.
_Guz_. What, Fool?
_Fran_. A good Cudgelling, an’t please your Illustriousness.
_Guz_. Slave! To my Face!--Take him away, and let him have the Strapado.
_Car_. _Baridama, Dermack_.
_Fran_. Heavens, what says he?
_I Turk_. He means to have you castrated.
_Fran_. Castrated! Oh, that’s some dreadful thing, I’ll warrant,-- Gracious Great Turk, for Mahomet’s sake, excuse me; alas, I’ve lost my wits.
_Car_. _Galero Gardines_?
_Guz_. The Emperor asks if thou art married, Fellow.
_Fran_. Hah--Married--I was, an’t like your Monsterousness, but, I doubt, your People have spoiled my Property.
_Guz_. His Wife, with other Ladies, in a Pavillion in the Garden, attend your Royal pleasure.
_Car_. Go, fetch her hither presently.
[_Ex_. Guz.
1st _Turk_. This is no common Honour, that the Great Turk deigns to speak your Language; ‘tis to sign you’ll rise.
_Fran_. Yes, by the height of a pair of Horns.
_Car_. Is she handsom?
_Fran_. Oh, what an Ague shakes my Heart,--handsom! alas, no, dread Sir; what shou’d such a deform’d Polecat as I do with a handsom Wife?
_Car_. Is she young?
_Fran_. Young, what shou’d such an old doting Coxcomb as I do with a young Wife? Pox on him for a Heathen Whoremaster.
_Car_. Old is she then?
_Fran_. Ay, very old, an’t please your Gloriousness.
_Car_. Is she not capable of Love?
_Fran_. Hum, so, so,--like Fire conceal’d in a Tinderbox,--I shall run mad.
_Car_. Is she witty?
_Fran_. I’m no competent Judge, an’t like your Holiness, --This Catechism was certainly of the Devil’s own making. [Aside.
_Enter_ Guzman, _bringing in_ Julia, Clara, Isabella, Jacinta,
Guiliom, Antonio, &c. _Women veil’d_.
_Car_. These, Sir, are all the Slaves of Note are taken.
_Isa_. Dost think, _Jacinta_, he’ll chuse me?
_Jac_. I’ll warrant you, Madam, if he looks with my Eyes.
_Guz_. Stand forth. [_To the Men_.
_Guil_. Stand forth, Sir! why, so I can, Sir, I dare show my Face, Sir, before any Great _Turk_ in Christendom.
_Car_. What are you, Sir?
_Guil_. What am I, Sir? Why, I’m a Lord, a Lord.
_Fran_. What, are you mad to own your Quality, he’ll ask the Devil and all of a ransom.
_Guil_. No matter for that, I’ll not lose an Inch of my Quality for a King’s ransom; disgrace my self before my fair Mistress!
_Isa_. That’s as the _Great Turk_ and I shall agree. [_Scornfully_.
_Car_. What are you, Sir?
_Ant_. A Citizen of _Cadiz_.
_Car_. Set ‘em by, we’ll consider of their ransoms--now unveil the Ladies. [Guzman _unveils_ Jacinta.
_Fran_. Oh, dear Wife, now or never show thy Love, make a damnable face upon the filthy Ravisher,--glout thy Eyes thus--and thrust out thy upper lip, thus.-- [Guzman _presents_ Jacinta.
_Guil_. Oh, dear _Isabella_, do thee look like a Dog too.
_Isa_. No, Sir, I’m resolv’d I’ll not lose an Inch of my Beauty, to save so trifling a thing as a Maiden head.
_Car_. Very agreeable, pretty and chearful--
[_She is veil’d and set by: Then Clara is unveil’d_.
A most divine bud of Beauty--all Nature’s Excellence--drawn to the life in little,--what are you, fair one?
_Cla_. Sir, I’m a Maid.
_Fran_. So, I hope he will pitch upon her.
_Cla_. Only, by promise, Sir, I’ve given my self away.
_Car_. What happy Man cou’d claim a title in thee, And trust thee to such danger?
_Isa_. Heavens, shall I be defeated by this little Creature? What pity ’.was he saw me not first?
_Cla_. I dare not name him, Sir, lest this small Beauty which you say adorns me, shou’d gain him your displeasure; he’s in your presence, Sir, and is your Slave.
_Car_. Such Innocence this plain Confession shows, name me the man, and I’ll resign thee back to him.
_Fran_. A Pox of his Civility.
_Ant_. This Mercy makes me bold to claim my right. [_Kneels_.
_Car_. Take her, young Man, and with it both your Ransoms.
_Guil_. Hum--hum--very noble, i’faith, we’ll e’en confess our loves too, _Isabella_.
_Isa_. S’life, he’ll spoil all,--hold--pray let your Betters be serv’d before you.
_Guil_. How! Is the Honour of my Love despised?--wer’t not i’th presence of the Great _Turk_, for whom I have a reverence because he’s a man of quality--by _Jove_, I’d draw upon you.
_Isa_. Because you were my Lover once, when I’m Queen I’ll pardon you.
[Guzman _unveils her, and leads her to_ Carlos, _she making
ridiculous actions of Civility_.
_Car_. What aukard, fond, conceited thing art thou? Veil her, and take the taudry Creature hence.
_Guil_. Hum--your Majesty’s humble Servant.
[_Putting off his Hat ridiculously_.
_Fran_. How! refuse my Daughter too! I see the Lot of a Cuckold will fall to my share.
_Guz_. This is the Wife, Great Sir, of this old Slave.
[_Unveils_ Julia.
_Car_. Hah! what do I see, by _Mahomet_, she’s fair.
_Fran_. So, so, she’s condemn’d; oh, damn’d _Mahometan_ Cannibal! will nothing but raw flesh serve his turn.
_Car_. I’ll see no more,--here I have fix’d my heart.
_Fran_. Oh, Monster of a _Grand Seignior_!
_Guz_. Have you a mind to be flead, Sir?
_Car_. Receive my Handkerchief. [_Throws it to her_.
_Fran_. His Handkerchief! bless me, what does he mean?
_Guz_. To do her the honour to lie with her to night.
_Fran_. Oh, hold, most mighty _Turk_. [_Kneeling_.
_Guz_. Slave, darest thou interrupt ‘em,--die, Dog.
_Fran_. Hold, hold, I’m silent.
_Car_. I love you, fair one, and design to make you--
_Fran_. A most notorious Strumpet. A Pox of his Courtesy.
_Car_. What Eyes you have like Heaven blue and charming, a pretty Mouth, Neck round and white as polisht Alabaster, and a Complexion beauteous as an Angel, a Hair fit to make Bonds to insnare the God of Love,--a sprightly Air,--a Hand like Lillies white, and Lips, no Roses opening in a Morning are half so sweet and soft.
_Fran_. Oh, damn’d circumcised _Turk_.
_Car_. You shall be call’d the beautiful _Sultana_, And rule in my Seraglio drest with Jewels.
_Fran_. Sure, I shall burst with Vengeance.
_Jul_. Sir, let your Virtue regulate your Passions; For I can ne’er love any but my Husband.
_Fran_. Ah, dissembling Witch!
_Jul_. And wou’d not break my Marriage Vows to him, For all the honour you can heap upon me.
_Fran_. Say, and hold; but _Sultana_ and precious Stones are damnable Temptations,--besides, the Rogue’s young and handsome,--What a scornful look she casts at me; wou’d they were both handsomely at the Devil together.
_Guz_. Dog, do you mutter?
_Fran_. Oh! nothing, nothing, but the Palsy shook my Lips a little.
_Guz_. Slave, go, and on your knees resign your Wife.
_Fran_. She’s of years of discretion, and may dispose of her self; but I can hold no longer: and is this your _Mahometan_ Conscience, to take other Mens Wives, as if there were not single Harlots enough in the World? [_In rage_.
_Guz_. Peace, thou diminutive Christian.
_Fran_. I say, Peace thou over-grown _Turk_.
_Guz_. Thou _Spanish_ Cur.
_Fran_. Why, you’re a _Mahometan_ Bitch, and you go to that.
_Guz_. Death, I’ll dissect the bald-pated Slave.
_Fran_. I defy thee, thou foul filthy Cabbage-head, for I am mad, and will be valiant.
[Guz. _throws his Turbant at him_.
_Car_. What Insolence is this!--Mutes--strangle him.--
[_They put a Bow-string about his neck_.
_Jul_. Mercy, dread Sir, I beg my Husband’s life.
_Car_. No more,--this fair one bids you live,--henceforth, _Francisco_, I pronounce you a Widower, and shall regard you, for the time to come, as the deceased Husband of the Great _Sultana_, murmur not upon pain of being made an Eunuch--take him away.
_Jul_. Go, and be satisfied, I’ll die before I’ll yield.
_Fran_. Is this my going to Sea?--the Plague of losing Battels light on thee.
_When ill success shall make thee idle lie,
Mayst thou in bed be impotent as I_.
_Car_. Command our Slaves to give us some diversion; Dismiss his Chains, and use him with respect, because he was the Husband of our beloved _Sultana_.
_Fran_. I see your Cuckold might have a life good enough if he cou’d be contented. [_They pull off his Chains_.
[Carlos _and_ Julia _sit under an Umbrella_.
The SONG.
_How strangely does my Passion grow,
Divided equally twixt two_?
Damon _had ne’er subdued my Heart,
Had not_ Alexis _took his part:
Nor cou’d_ Alexis_ powerful prove,
Without my_ Damon’s _aid, to gain my Love.
When my_ Alexis _present is,
Then I for_ Damon _sigh and mourn;
But when_ Alexis _I do miss_,
Damon _gains nothing but my Scorn:
And, if it chance they both are by,
For both, alas! I languish, sigh, and die.
Cure then, thou mighty winged God,
This raging Fever in my Blood.
One golden-pointed Dart take back;
But which, O_ Cupid, _wilt thou take?
if_ Damon’s, _all my hopes are crost:
Or, that of my_ Alexis, _I am lost_.
_Enter Dancers, which dance an Antick_.
_Car_. Come, my dear _Julia_, let’s retire to shades. [_Aside to her_. Where only thou and I can find an entrance; These dull, these necessary delays of ours Have drawn my Love to an impatient height. --Attend these Captives, at a respectful distance.
[_Ex. all but _Isa_. who stays_ Guil.
_Guil_. What wou’d the Great _Sultana_?
_Isa_. Ah! do not pierce my Heart with this unkindness.
_Guil_. Ha, ha, ha,--Pages,--give order, I have Letters writ to _Sevil_, to my Merchant,--I will be ransomed instantly.
_Isa_. Ah, cruel Count!
_Guil_. Meaning me, Lady! ah, fy! no, I am a Scoundrel; I a Count, no, not I, a Dog, a very Chim--hum,--a Son of a Whore, I, not worthy your notice.
_Isa_. Oh, Heavens! must I lose you then? no, I’ll die first.
_Guil_. Die, die, then; for your Betters must be served before you.
_Isa_. Oh! I shall rave; false and lovely as you are, did you not swear to marry me, and make me a Viscountess.
_Guil_. Ay, that was once when I was a Lover; but, now you are a Queen, you’re too high i’th’ mouth for me.
_Isa_. Ah! name it not; will you be still hard-hearted?
_Guil_. As a Flint, by _Jove_.
_Isa_. Have you forgot your Love?
_Guil_. I’ve a bad memory.
_Isa_. And will you let me die?
_Guil_. I know nothing of the matter.
_Isa_. Oh Heavens! and shall I be no Viscountess?
_Guil_. Not for me, fair Lady, by _Jupiter_,--no, no,--Queen’s much better,--Death, affront a man of Honour, a Viscount that wou’d have took you to his Bed,--after half the Town had blown upon you,--without examining either Portion or Honesty, and wou’d have took you for better for worse--Death, I’ll untile Houses, and demolish Chimneys, but I’ll be revenged. [_Draws and is going out_.
_Isa_. Ah, hold! your Anger’s just, I must confess: yet pardon the frailty of my Sex’s vanity; behold my Tears that sue for pity to you.
[_She weeps, he stands looking on her_.
_Guil_. My rage dissolves.
_Isa_. I ask but Death, or Pity. [_He weeps_.
_Guil_. I cannot hold;--but if I shou’d forgive, and marry you, you wou’d be gadding after honour still, longing to be a she Great _Turk_ again.
_Isa_. Break not my heart with such suspicions of me.
_Gull_. And is it pure and tender Love for my Person, And not for my glorious Titles?
_Isa_. Name not your Titles, ‘tis your self I love, Your amiable, sweet and charming self, And I cou’d almost wish you were not great, To let you see my Love.
_Guil_. I am confirm’d--
_’.is no respect of Honour makes her weep_;
_Her Loves the same shou’d I cry--Chimney Sweep.
[_Ex_.
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The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume IIIChapter XIII: Act IV: Scene I
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