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But soon I chid him thence,
For had his fond pretence
Obtain'd one favour then,
And he had press'd again,

I fear'd my treacherous heart might grant him more.

Louisa. Well, for all this, I would have sent him to plead his pardon, but that I would not yet a while have him know of my flight. And where do you hope to find protection?

Clara. The Lady Abbess of the convent of St Catherine is a relation and kind friend of mine-I shall be secure with her, and you had best go thither with me.

Louisa. No; I am determined to find Antonio first; and, as I live, here comes the very man I will employ to seek him for me.

Clara. Who is he? he's a strange figure!

Louisa. Yes; that sweet creature is the man whom my father has fixed on for

my husband.

Clara. And will you speak to him? are you mad? Louisa. He is the fittest man in the world for my purpose-for, though I was to have married him tomorrow, he is the only man in Seville, who, I am sure, never saw me in his life.

Clara. And how do you know him?

Louisa. He arrived but yesterday, and he was shown to me from the window, as he visited my father. Clara. Well, I'll begone.

Louisa. Hold, my dear Clara-a thought has struck me- -will you give me leave to borrow your name, as I see occasion?

Clara. It will but disgrace you-but use it as you please-I dare not stay-[Going.]-but, Louisa, if you should see your brother, be sure you don't inform him, that I have taken refuge with the Dame Prior of the convent of St Catherine, on the left-hand side of the piazza, which leads to the church of St Anthony.

Louisa. Ha! ha! ha! I'll be very particular in my directions where he may not find you. [Exeunt CLARA and MAID.] So! my swain, yonder, has done admiring himself, and draws nearer. [Retires.

Enter ISAAC and CARLOS; ISAAC with a Pocket

Glass.

Isaac. [Looking in the Glass.] I tell you, friend Carlos, I will please myself in the habit of my chin. Carlos. But, my dear friend, how can you think to please a lady with such a face?

Isaac. Why, what's the matter with the face? I think it is a very engaging face; and, I am sure, a lady must have very little taste, who could dislike my beard. [Sees LOUISA.] See now !-I'll die if here is not a little damsel struck with it already.

Louisa. Signior, are you disposed to oblige a lady, who greatly wants your assistance?

[Unveils. Isaac. Egad, a very pretty black-eyed girl! she has certainly taken a fancy to me, Carlos-first, ma'am, I must beg the favour of your name.

Louisa. So it's well I am provided. [Aside.] My name, sir, is Donna Clara d'Almanza.

Isaac. What !-Don Gusman's daughter? I'faith, I just now heard she was missing.

Louisa. But sure, sir, you have too much gallantry and honour to betray me, whose fault is love?

Isaac. So! a passion for me! poor girl! Why, ma'am, as for betraying you, I don't see how I could get any thing by it; so you may rely on my honour; but as for your love, I am sorry your case is so desperate.

Louisa. Why so, signior?

Isaac. Because I am positively engaged to another -an't I, Carlos?

Louisa. Nay, but hear me.

Isaac. No, no; what should I hear for? It is impossible for me to court you in an honourable way;

and, for any thing else, if I were to comply now, I suppose you have some ungrateful brother, or cousin, who would want to cut my throat for my civilityso, truly, you had best go home again.

Louisa. Odious wretch! [Aside.] But, good signior, it is Antonio d'Ercilla, on whose account I have eloped.

Isaac. How! what! it is not with me, then, that you are in love?

Louisa. No, indeed, it is not.

Isaac. Then you are a forward, impertinent simpleton! and I shall certainly acquaint your father. Louisa. Is this your gallantry?

Isaac. Yet hold-Antonio D'Ercilla, did you say? egad, I may make something of this-Antonio D'Ercilla.

Louisa. Yes; and, if ever you hope to prosper in love, you will bring me to him.

Isaac. By St Iago and I will too-Carlos, this Antonio is one who rivals me (as I have heard) with Louisa-now, if I could hamper him with this girl, I should have the field to myself; hey, Carlos! A lucky thought, isn't it?

Carlos. Yes, very good-very good

Isaac. Ah! this little brain is never at a losscunning Isaac! cunning rogue! Donna Clara, will you trust yourself a while to my friend's direction? Louisa. May I rely on you, good signior. Carlos. Lady, it is impossible I should deceive

you.

AIR.

Had I a heart for falsehood framed,
I ne'er could injure you;

For though your tongue no promise claim'd,
Your charms would make me true.

C

To you no soul shall bear deceit,
No stranger offer wrong;

But friends in all the aged you'll meet,
And lovers in the young.

But when they learn that you have blest
Another with your heart,

They'll bid aspiring passions rest,
And act a brother's part;
Then, lady, dread not here deceit,
Nor fear to suffer wrong;
For friends in all the aged you'll meet,
And brothers in the young.

Isaac. I'll conduct the lady to my lodgings, Carlos; I must haste to Don Jerome-perhaps you know Louisa, ma'am. She is divinely handsomeisn't she?

Louisa. You must excuse me not joining with you. Isaac. Why, I have heard it on all hands.

Louisa. Her father is uncommonly partial to her; but I believe you will find she has rather a matronly air.

Isaac. Carlos, this is all envy-you pretty girls never speak well of one another-hark ye, find out Antonio, and I'll saddle him with this scrape, I warrant! Oh, 'twas the luckiest thought !-Donna Clara, your very obedient-Carlos, to your post.

DUET.

Isaac. My mistress expects me, and I must go to her,
Or how can I hope for a smile?

Louisa. Soon may you return a prosperous wooer,
But think what I suffer the while :

Alone, and away from the man whom I love,
In strangers I'm forced to confide.

Isaac. Dear lady, my friend you may trust, and he'll

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Gentle maid, ah! why suspect me?
Let me serve thee-then reject me.
Canst thou trust, and I deceive thee?
Art thou sad, and shall I grieve thee?
Gentle maid, ah! why suspect me?
Let me serve thee-then reject me.

TRIO.

Louisa. Never may'st thou happy be,
If in aught thou'rt false to me.

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