let that suffice-Nay, 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.

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: I 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 sha'n't go in-and I will go in-Why, who are you, sir?

Fel. 'Sdeath, what shall I say now?

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. Hal 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 gentle. man, 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 enteredBut 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. Fie, Don Felix!—no sooner rid of one broil, but you are commencing another.To assault a lady with a naked sword, derogates much from the character of a gentleman, I assure you.

Fel. [Counterfeits drunkenness.] Who, I assault a

I

lady upon honour the lady assaulted me, sir, and would have seized this body politic on the king's highway- Let her come out, and deny it if she -Pray, sir, command the door to be opened; and let her prove me a liar, if she knows how

can

I have been drinking Claret, and Champaign, and Burgundy, and other French wines, sir, but I love my own country for all that.

Ped. Ay, ay, who doubts it, sir? Violante, and let the lady come out. rant thee he sha'n't hurt her.

Open the door,

Come, I war

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.

[Exit.

Enter ISABELLA veiled, and crosses the stage. Isab. Excellent girl!

[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, Vio

lante.-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

berty; but you shall stay, sir.

have your

li.

Fel. But I won't stay-for I don't like your company; besides, I have the best reasons 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 cann'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 shew you the contract, old gentleman.

Ped. Ay, do; come, let's see this contract, then.

Fel. Yes, yes, I'll shew you the contract-I'll shew you the contract--Here, sir-here's the contract.

[Draws a pistol.

Ped. [Starting.] Well, well, I'm convinced-go, go— pray go and be married, sir.

Fel. Yes, yes; I'll go—I'll go and be married; but sha'n't we take a bottle first?

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.

Enter Servant.

[Exit.

Serv. 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

of his son, I suppose.

Bring him up; he's in pursuit

Enter Don LOPEZ.

Lop. I am glad to find you at home, Don Pedro; I was told that you was seen upon the road to-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 i

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 shewed me the contract-Within, there!