it, you dog; [Kicks him.] and if your master will jus

tify 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 ow'd you a beating, sirrah, and I'm oblig'd 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.

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. Pr'ythee, Felix, don't quarrel till you know for what this is all a mistake I'm positive.

Col. Look ye, sir, that I dare draw my sword, I think, will admit of no dispute. But though fighting's my trade, I'm not in love with it, and 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 Violantes in the kingdom.

Fel. Your vanity has given me sufficient reasons to believe I'm not mistaken. I'll not be impos'd upon, sir.

Col. Nor I be bully'd, sir.

Fel. Bully'd! 'Sdeath! such another word, and I'll nail thee to the wall.

Col. Are you sure of that, Spaniard ?

Gib. [Draws.] Say na mair, mon.

[Draws.

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 shaʼn't fight [Interposes.] on bare suspicion: be certain of the injury, and then

Fel. That I will this moment; and then, sir-I hope you are to be found

Col. Whenever you please, sir.

[Exit Felix.

Gib. 'Sbleed, sir! there ne'er was a Scotsman yet that sham'd to show his face. [Strutting about.

Fred. So quarrels spring up like mushrooms, in a minute. Violante and he were but just reconcil'd, and you have furnish'd 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 tald me leed, and gin he did, the deel be my landlord, hell my winterquarters, 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? Pr'ythee, who is this warm spark ?

Fred. He is the son of one of our grandees, nam'd 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, thro' 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 fir'd with this description-'tis she.- -What's her name ?

the very

Fred. Isabella.- You are transported, colonel. Col. I have a natural tendency in me to the flesh, thou know'st, and who can hear of charms so exquisite, and yet remain unmov'd?-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.

sent.

Fred. Your humble servant, colonel. [Exit. Col. Gibby, I have no business with you at pre[Exit Colonel. Gib. That's weel.Now will I gang and seek this loon, and gar him gang with me to Don Pedro's hoose.-Gin he'll no gang of himself, Ise. gar him gang by the lug, sir. Godswarbit! Gibby hates a leer.

[Exit.

SCENE II.

Changes to VIOLANTE's Lodging. Enter VIOLANTE and ISABELLA.

Isab. 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?

Isab. Only the force of resolution a little retreated, but I'll rally it again for all that.

Enter FLORA.

Flo. Don Felix is coming up, madam.

İsab. My brother! which way shail I get out ?— Dispatch him as soon as you can, dear Violante. [Exit into the closet.

Vio. I will.

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 l -I sweat at her impudence.

[Aside.