Col. Nay, what was worse- But, sir, dear sir, do hearken to this: [TO FELIX.] The nymph that introduced me, conveyed me out again over the top of a high wall, where I ran the danger of having my neck broke, for the father, it seems, had locked the door by which I entered. Fel. That way I missed him. Damn her invention!-[Aside.]-Pray, colonel-Ha, ha, ha ! 'tis very pleasant, ha, ha, ha! Was this the same lady you met upon the Terriero de Passa this morning? Fel. You'd very much oblige me, sir, if you'd let me know these reasons. Col. Sir! Fel. Sir, I say I have a right to inquire into these reasons you speak of. Col. Ha, ha! Really, sir, I cannot conceive how you, or any man, can have a right to inquire into my thoughts. Fel. Sir, I have a right to every thing that relates to Violante-and he that traduces her fame, and refuses to give his reasons for't, is a villain. [Draws. Col. What the devil have I been doing? now, blisters on my tongue by dozens ! [Aside. Fred. Prithee, Felix, don't quarrel till you know for what this is all a mistake, I'm positive. Col. Faith, I cannot tell, sir; I had a design to know who that lady was; but my dog of a Col. Look ye, sir; that I dare draw my sword, footman, whom I had ordered to watch her I think, will admit of no dispute. But, though home, fell fast asleep. I gave him a good beat-fighting's my trade, I'm not in love with it, and ing for his neglect, and I have never seen the rasçal since. Fred. Here he comes. Enter GIBBY. Col. Where have you been, sirrah? Gib. Troth, Ise been seeking ye, an like yer honour, these twa hoors and mair. I bring ye glad teedings, sir. Col. What! Have you found the lady? Gib. Geud faith ha I, sir-and she is called Donna Violante, and her parent Don Pedro de Mendosa; and, gin ye will gang wi' me, an like yer honour, Ise mak ye ken the hoose right weel. Fel. Oh, torture! torture! [Aside. Col. Ha! Violante! that's the lady's name of the house where my incognita is: sure, it could not be her; at least, it was not the same house, I'm confident. [Aside. Fred. Violante! 'tis false; I would not have you credit him, colonel. Gib. The deel burst my bladder, sir, gin I lee. Fel. Sirrah, I say you do lie, and I'll make you eat it, you dog;-[Kicks him.]—and, if your master will justify you Col. Not I, faith, sir- -I answer for nobody's lies but my own if you please, kick him again. Gib. But gin he does, Ise na tak it, sir, gin he | was a thousand Spaniards. [Walks about in a passion. Col. I owed you a beating, sirrah, and I'm obliged to this gentleman for taking the trouble off my hands; therefore, say no more: d'ye hear, sir? [Aside to GIBBY. Gib. Troth de I, sir, and feel tee. Fred. This must be a mistake, colonel; for I know Violante perfectly well, and I am certain she would not meet you upon the Terriero de Passa. Col. Don't be too positive, Frederick now I have some reasons to believe it was that very lady, think it more honourable to decline this business, than pursue it. This may be a mistake: however, I'll give you my honour never to have any affair, directly or indirectly, with Violante, provided she is your Violante; but, if there should happen to be another of her name, I hope you would not engross all the Violante's in the kingdom? Fel. Your vanity has given me sufficient reasons to believe I'm not mistaken. I'll not be imposed upon, sir. Col. Nor I be bullied, sir. Fel. Bullied! 'Sdeath! such another word, and I'll nail thee to the wall. Col. Are you sure of that, Spaniard? [Draws. Gib. [Draws.]-Say na mair, mon. O' my saul, here's twa to twa. Dinna fear, sir; Gibby stonds by ye, for the honour of Scotland. [Vapours about. Fred. By St Anthony, you shan't fight | Interposes.]-on bare suspicion: be certain of the injury, and then— Fel. That I will, this moment; and then, sirI hope you are to be foundCol. Whenever you please, sir. [Exit FELIX. Gib. 'Sbleed, sir! there ne'er was a Scotsman yet, that shamed to shew his face. [Strutting about. Fred. So, quarrels spring up like mushrooms, in a minute. Violante and he were but just reconciled, and you have furnished him with fresh matter for falling out again; and I am certain, colonel, Gibby is in the wrong. Gib. Gin I be, sir, the mon that told me, leed; and, gin he did, the deel be my landlord, hell my winter-quarters, and a rape my winding-sheet, gin I dee not lick him as lang as I can haud a stick in my hond, now see ye. Col. I am sorry for what I have said, for the lady's sake: but who could divine that she was his mistress? Prithee, who is this warm spark? Fred. He is the son of one of our grandees, named Don Lopez de Pimentell, a very honest gentleman, but something passionate in what relates to his love. He is an only son, which may, perhaps, be one reason for indulging his passion. Col. When parents have but one child, they either make a madman or a fool of him. Fred. He is not the only child; he has a sister; but I think, through the severity of his father, who would have married her against her inclination, she has made her escape, and, notwithstanding he has offered five hundred pounds, he can get no tidings of her. Col. Ha! How long has she been missing? Fred. Nay, but since last night, it seems. Col. Last night! The very time! How went she? Fred. Nobody can tell; they conjecture through the window. Col. I'm transported! This must be the lady I caught. What sort of a woman is she? Fred. Middle-sized, a lovely brown, a fine pouting lip, eyes that roll and languish, and seem to speak the exquisite pleasure her arms could give. Col. Oh! I am fired with this description'tis the very she. What's her name? Fred. Isabella.You are transported, colonel. Col. I have a natural tendency in me to the flesh, thou knowest, and who can hear of charms so exquisite, and yet remain unmoved?-Oh, how I long for the appointed hour! I'll to the Terriero de Passa, and wait my happiness: if she fails to meet me, I'll once more attempt to find her at Violante's, in spite of her brother's jealousy.-[Aside.Dear Frederick! I beg your pardon; but I had forgot I was to meet a gentleman upon business, at five: I'll endeavour to dispatch him, and wait on you again as soon as possible. Enter FELIX, in a surly humour. Felix, what brings you home so soon? Did I not say to-morrow? Fel. My passion chokes me; I cannot speak. -Oh, I shall burst! [Aside. Throws himself into a chair. Vio. Bless me! Are you not well, my Felix? Fel. Yes-no-I don't know what I am. Vio. Hey-day! What's the matter, now? Another jealous whim! Fel. With what an air she carries it! I sweat at her impudence. [Aside. Vio. If I were in your place, Felix, I'd choose to stay at home when these fits of spleen are upon me, and not trouble such persons as are not obliged to bear with them. [Here he affects to be careless of her. Fel. I am very sensible, madam, of what you mean: I disturb you, no doubt; but, were I in a better humour, I should not incommode you less: I am too well convinced you could easily dispense with my visit. Vio. When you behave yourself as you ought to do, no company so welcome-but when you reserve me for your ill-nature, I wave your merit, and consider what's due to myself. And I must be free to tell you, Felix, that these humours of yours will abate, if not absolutely des troy, the very principles of love. Fel. [Rising.] And I must be so free to tell you, madam, that since you have made such ill returns to the respect that I have paid you, all you do shall be indifferent to me for the future; and you shall find me abandon your empire with so little difficulty, that I'll convince the world your chains are not so hard to break as your vanity would tempt you to believe. I cannot brook the provocation you give. -insolent! you Fred. Your humble servant, colonel. [Exit FREDERICK. Col. Gibby, I have no business with you at present. [Exit COLONEL. Gib. That's weel. Now will I gang and seek this loon, and gar him gang with me to Don Pe- Vio. This is not to be bornedro's house. Gin he'll no gang of himself, Ise abandon! you! whom I have so often forbad gar him gang by the lug, sir. Godswarbit! Gib-ever to see me more! Have you not fallen at by hate's a leer. my feet? implored my favour and forgiveness? did you not trembling wait, and wish, and sigh, and swear yourself into my heart? Ungrateful man! if my chains are so easily broke as you pretend, then you are the silliest coxcomb living, you did not break them long ago; and I must think him capable of brooking any thing, on whom such usage could make no impression. [Exit. SCENE II.-Changes to VIOLANTE's lodgings. Enter VIOLANTE and ISABELLA. Isa. The hour draws on, Violante, and now my heart begins to fail me; but I resolve to venture for all that. Vio. What, does your courage sink, Isabella? Isa. Only the force of resolution a little retreated; but I'll rally it again, for all that. Isa. [Peeping.] A deuce take your quarrels! she'll never think on me. Fel. I always believed, madam, my weakness was the greatest addition to your power; you would be less imperious had my inclination been less forward to oblige you. You have indeed forbad me your sight, but your vanity, even then, assured you I would return, and I was fool enough to feed your pride.-Your eyes, with all their boasted charms, have acquired their greatest glory in conquering me- -and the brightest passage of your life is wounding this heart with such arms as pierce but few persons of my rank. [Walks about in a great pet. Vio. Matchless arrogance! True, sir, I should have kept measures better with you, if the conquest had been worth preserving; but we easily hazard what gives us no pain to lose.- -As for my eyes, you are mistaken if you think they have vanquished none but you: there are men, above your boasted rank, who have confessed their power, when their misfortune in pleasing you made them obtain such a disgraceful victory. Fel. Yes, madam, I am no stranger to your victories. Vio. And what you call the brightest passage of my life, is not the least glorious part of yours. Fel. Ha, ha! don't put yourself in a passion, madam; for, I assure you, after this day, I shall give you no trouble.--You may meet your sparks on the Terriero de Passa at four in the morning, without the least regard to me--for, when I quit your chamber, the world shan't bring me back. Vio. I am so well pleased with your resolution, I don't care how soon you take your leave. -But what you mean by the Terriero de Passa at four in the morning, I can't guess, Fel. No, no, no! not you.-You was not upon the Terriero de Passa at four this morning! Vio. No, I was not; but if I were, I hope I may walk where I please, and at what hour I please, without asking your leave. Fel. Oh, doubtless, madam! and you might meet colonel Briton there, and afterwards send your emissary to fetch him to your house-and, upon your father's coming in, thrust him into your bed-chamber-without asking my leave. Tis no business of mine, if you are exposed among all the footmen in town-nay, if they ballad you, and cry you about at a halfpenny a piece-they may, without my leave. Vio. Audacious! don't provoke me-don't: my reputation is not to be sported with [Going up to him.] at this rate- no, sir, it is not. [Bursts into tears.] Inhuman Felix!- -Oh, Isabella! what a train of ills hast thou brought on me! [Aside. Fel. Ha! I cannot bear to see her weep-a woman's tears are far more fatal than our swords. [Aside.] Oh, Violante-'Sdeath! what a dog am I! Now have I no power to stir.Dost not thou know such a person as colonel Briton? Prithee tell me, didst not thou meet him at four this morning upon the Terriero de Passa? Vio. Were it not to clear my fame, I would not answer thee, thou black ingrate !--but I cannot bear to be reproached with what I even blush to think of---much less to act. By Heaven, I have not seen the Terriero de Passa this day. Fel. Did not a Scotch footman attack you in the street neither, Violante? Vio. Yes; but he mistook me for another-or he was drunk, I know not which. Fel. And do not you know this Scotch colonel? Vio. Pray, ask me no more questions: this night shall clear my reputation, and leave you without excuse for your base suspicions. More than this I shall not satisfy you; therefore, pray leave me. Violante? Fel. Didst thou ever love me, Vio. I'll answer nothing- -You was in haste to be gone just now; I should be very well pleased to be alone, sir. [She sits down, and turns aside. Fel. I shall not long interrupt your contemplation.-Stubborn to the last! [Aside. Vio. Did ever woman involve herself as I have done! Fel. Now would I give one of my eyes to be friends with her, for something whispers to my soul, she is not guilty.[He pauses, then pulls a chair, and sits by her at a little distance, looking at her some time without speaking, then draws a little nearer to her.] Give me your hand at parting however, Violante, won't you[He lays his hand upon her knee several times.] won't you-won't you—-won't you! Vio. [Half regarding him.] Won't I do what? Fel. You know what I would have, Violante. Oh, my heart! Vio. [Smiling.] I thought my chains were easily broke. [Lays her hand into his. Fel. [Draws his chair close to her, and kisses her hand in a rapture.] Too well thou knowest thy strength.- -Oh, my charming angel! my heart is all thy own. Forgive my hasty passion 'tis the transport of a love sincere. Oh, Violante, Violante! DON PEDRO, within. Ped. Bid Sancho get a new wheel to my chariot presently. Vio. Bless me, my father returned! What shall we do now, Felix? we are ruined past redemption. Fel. No, no, no, my love; I can leap from the closet window. [Runs to the door where ISABELLA is, who claps to the door, and bolts it withinside. Isa. [Peeping.] Say you so? But I shall prevent you. Fel. Confusion! Somebody bolts the door withinside. I'll see who you have concealed here, if I die for it. Oh, Violante! hast thou again sacrificed me to my rival? [Draws, Vio. By Heaven, thou hast no rival in my heart! | much from the character of a gentleman, I assure let that sufficeNay, sure, you will not let my father find you here-Distraction! Fel. Indeed, but I shall-except you command this door to be opened, and that way conceal me from his sight. [He struggles with her to come at the door. Vio. Hear me, Felix-Though I were sure 'the refusing what you ask would separate us for ever, by all that's powerful you shall not enter here! Either you do love me, or you do not: convince me by your obedience. you. Fel. [Counterfeits drunkenness.] Who, I assault a lady upon honour, the lady assaulted me, sir, and would have seized this body-politic on the king's high-way-Let her come out, and deny it, if she can.- Pray, sir, command the door to be opened; and let her prove me a liar, if she knows how- I have been drinking Claret, and Champaign, and Burgundy, and other French wines, sir; but I love my own country, for all that. Fel. That's not the matter in debate-I will know who is in this closet, let the consequence be what it will. Nay, nay, you strive in vain: II will go in. Vio. Thou shalt not go Enter DON PEDRO. Ped. Hey-day! what's here to do? I will go in, and you shan't go in-and I will go inWhy, who are you, sir? say now? Fel. 'Sdeath! what shall I Ped. Don Felix, pray, what's your business in my house? ha, sir? Vio. Oh, sir, what miracle returned you home so soon? some angel 'twas that brought my father back to succour the distressed.This ruffian, he-I cannot call him gentleman-has committed such an uncommon rudeness, as the most profligate wretch would be ashamed to own. Fel. Ha! what the devil does she mean? [Aside. Vio. As I was at my devotion in my closet, I heard a loud knocking at my door, mixed with a woman's voice, which seemed to imply she was in danger Fel. I am confounded! [Aside. Vio. I flew to the door with the utmost speed, where a lady, veiled, rushed in upon me; who, falling on her knees, begged my protection from a gentleman, who, she said, pursued her. I took compassion on her tears, and locked her into this closet; but, in the surprise, having left open the door, this very person whom you see with his sword drawn, ran in, protesting, if I did not give her up to his revenge, he'd force the door. Fel. What, in the name of goodness, does she mean to do? hang me? [Aside. Vio. I strove with him, till I was out of breath; and had you not come as you did, he must have entered-But he's in drink, I suppose; or he could not have been guilty of such an indecorum. [Leering at FELIX. Ped. I'm amazed! Fel. The devil never failed a woman at a pinch-what a tale has she formed in a minute! In drink, quotha! a good hint: I'll lay hold on't to bring myself off. [Aside. Ped. Fy! Don Felix!-no sooner rid of one broil, than you are commencing another.To assault a lady with a naked sword, derogates Ped. Ay, ay, who doubts it, sir? Open the door, Violante, and let the lady come out. Come, warrant thee he shan't hurt her. Fel. No, no; I won't hurt the dear creature. Now, which way will she come off? [Aside. Vio. [Unlocks the door.] Come forth, madam; none shall dare to touch your veil--I'll convey you out with safety, or lose my life.--I hope she understands me. [Aside. Enter ISABELLA, veiled, and crosses the stage. Isa. Excellent girl! [Exit. [Aside. Fel. The devil!-a woman!-I'll see if she be really so. Vio. [To FELIX.] Get clear of my father, and follow me to the Terriero de Passa, where all mistakes shall be rectified. [Exit with ISABELLA. DON FELIX offers to follow her. Ped. [Drawing his sword.] Not a step, sir, till the lady is past your recovery; I never suffer the laws of hospitality to be violated in my house, sir. -I'll keep Don Felix here, till you see her safe out, Violante.- -Come, sir, you and I will take a pipe and a bottle together. Fel. Damn your pipe, and damn your bottle! I hate drinking and smoking; and how will you help yourself, old whiskers? Ped. As to smoking or drinking, you have your liberty; but you shall stay, sir. Fel. But I won't stay-for I don't like your company; besides, I have the best reason in the world, for my not staying. Ped. Ay, what's that? Fel. Why, I am going to be married; and so, good bye. Ped. To be married!—it can't be. Why, you are drunk, Felix. Fel. Drunk! ay, to be sure; you don't think I'd go to be married, if I were sober—but, drunk or sober, I am going to be married, for all that- -and if you won't believe me, to convince you, I'll show you the contract, old gentleman. Ped. Ay, do; come, let's see this contract, then. Fel. Yes, yes; I'll go I'll go and be married; | have an hankering kindness after the slut- WC but shan't we take a bottle, first? must be reconciled. Ped. No, no-pray, dear sir, go, and be married. Fel. Very well, very well; [Going.] but I insist upon your taking one glass, though. Ped. No, not now-some other time-consider the lady waits. Fel. What a cross old fool! first he will, and then he won't; and then he will, and then he won't. [Exit. Enter Servant. Ser. Here's Don Lopez de Pimentell to wait on you, senior. Ped. What the devil does he want? he is not going to be married, too!- Bring him up; he's in pursuit of his son, I suppose. Enter DON LOPEZ. Lop. I am glad to find you at home, Don Pedro-I was told that you was upon the road to Don Juan's chateau this afternoon. Ped. That might be, my lord; but I had the misfortune to break the wheel of my chariot, which obliged me to return. -What is your pleasure with me, my lord? Lop. I am informed that my daughter is in your house. Ped. That's more than I know, my lord; but here was your son, just now, as drunk as an emperor. Lop. My son drunk!-I never saw him in drink in my life.—Where is he, pray, sir? Ped. Gone to be married. Lop. Married!-to whom!-I don't know that he courted any body. Ped. Nay, I know nothing of that-but, I'm sure, he showed me the contract-Within, there! Enter GIBBY. Gib. Aw my sal, sir, but Ise blithe to find ye here now. Lis. Ha, brother! give me thy hand, boy. Gib. No se fast, se ye me-Brether me ne brethers; I scorn a leer as muckle as a thiefe, se ye now, and ye must gang intul this house with me, and justifie to Donna Violante's face, that she was the lady that ganged in here this morn, se ye me, or the deel ha my saul, sir, but ye and I shall be twa folks. Lis. Justify it to Donna Violante's face, quotha! For what? Sure you don't know what you say. Gib. Troth de I, sir, as weel as ye dee; therefore, come along, and make na mair words about it. Lis. Why, what the devil do ye mean? Don't you consider you are in Portugal? Is the fellow mad? Gib. Fellow! Ise none of yer fellow, sir; and gin the place were hell, I'd gar ye do me justice. [LISSARDO going.] Nay, the deel a fit ye gang. [Lays hold of him, and knocks. Lis. Ha! Don Pedro himself: I wish I were fairly off. [Aside. Enter DON Pedro. Ped. How now? What makes you knock so loud? Gib. Gin this be Don Pedro's house, sir, I would speak with Donna Violante, his daughter. Ped. Ha! what is it you want with my daughter, pray? Gib. An she be your daughter, and lik your honour, command her to come out, and answer for herself now, and either justify or disprove what this chield told me this morn. Lis. So, here will be a fine piece of work! Ped. Why, what did he tell you, ha? Gib. By my saul, sir, Ise tell you aw the truth. -My master got a pratty lady upon the how de call't- -Passa-here at five this morn, and he gar'd me watch her heam-and, in troth, lodged her here; and, meeting this ill-favoured thiefe, se ye me, I speered wha she was-and he tald me her name was Donna Violante, Don Pedro de Mendosa's daughter. Ped. Ha! my daughter with a man, abroad at five in the morning! Death, hell, and furies! By St Anthony, I'm undone ! Gib. Wounds, sir! ye put yer saint intul bon SCENE III-Changes to the street before DoNny company. Enter LISSARDO. Lis. I wish I could see Flora-methinks I Ped. Who is your master, you dog you? Ads heart, I shall be tricked of my daughter and money, too, that's worst of all. Gib. You dog you! 'Sblead, sir! dinna ca' |