Fel. Scoundrels! [Exeunt Servants. | Lop. Ay, well, thou art a good-natured fellow, that is the truth on't-Come then, we'll to the tavern, and sign and seal this minute. Oh, Felix! why wouldst thou serve me thus ? -But I cannot upbraid thee now, nor have I time to talk. Be careful of thyself, or thou wilt break my heart.

[Exeunt LOPEZ, ALGUAZIL, Attendants, &c. Fel. Now, Frederic, though I ought to thank you for your care of me, yet till I am satisfied as to my father's accusation, for I overheard it all, I can't return the acknowledgements I owe you. Know you aught relating to my sister?

Fred. I hope my faith and truth are known to you and here by both I swear, I am ignorant of every thing relating to your father's charge.

Fel. Enough; I do believe thee. Oh, fortune! where will thy malice end?

Re-enter Vasquez.

Vas. Sir, I bring you joyful news.
Fel. What's the matter?

Vas. I am told that Don Antonio is out of danger, and now in the palace.

Fel. I wish it be true; then I'm at liberty to watch my rival, and pursue my sister. Pr'ythee, Frederic, inform thyself of the truth of this report.

Fred. I will this minute-Do you hear, let nobody in to Don Felix till my return. [To VASQUEZ, and exit. Vas. I'll observe, Sir. [Exit. Flora. [Peeps.] They have almost frightened me out of my wits-I'm sure-Now Felix is alone, I have a good mind to pretend I came with a message from my lady; but how then shall I say I came in the cupboard?

Re-enter VASQUEZ opposing the entrance of somebody.

Vas. I tell you, Madam, Don Felix is not here.

Vio. [Within.] I tell you, Sir, he is here, and I will see him.

Fel. What noise is that?

Enter VIOLANTE.

than all that Heaven e'er gave to charm the sense of man; but I would rather tear them out, than suffer them to delude my reason, and enslave my peace.

Vio. Can you love without' esteem? and where is the esteem for her you still suspect? Oh, Felix, there is a delicacy in love, which equals even a religious faith! True love never doubts the object it adores, and sceptics there will disbelieve their sight."

Fel. Your notions are too refined for mine, Madam.

How the devil came a woman there, sirrah? Lis. What shall I say now? [Aside. Vio. Now, Lissardo, show your wit to bring your master off.

Lis. Off, Madam? Nay, nay, nay, there, there needs no great wit to, to, to bring him off, Madam; for she did, and she did not come as, as, as a, a, a man may say directly to, to, to, to speak to my master, Madam.

Vio. I see, by your stammering, Lissardo, that your invention is at a very low ebb.

Fel. 'Sdeath, rascal, speak without hesitation, and the truth too, or I shall stick my spado in your guts!

Vio. No, no, your master mistakes; he would not have you speak the truth.

Fel. Madam, my sincerity wants no excuse. Lis. I am so confounded between one and the other, that I can't think of a lie.

[Aside.

Fel. Sirrah, fetch me this woman back instantly; I'll know what business she had here!

Vio. Not a step; your master shall not be put to the blushCome, a truce, Felix! Do

Flora. My stars! my lady here! [Shuts the press close. Fel. If your visit was designed to Frederic, Madam, he is abroad.

Vio. No, Sir, the visit is to you. Fel. You are very punctual in your ceremonies, Madam.

Vio. Though I did not come to return your visit, but to take that which your civility ought to have brought me.

Fel. If my eyes, my ears, and my understanding lied, then I am in your debt; else not, Madam.

Vio. I will not charge them with a term so gross, to say they lied, but call it a mistake; nay, call it any thing to excuse, my Felixcould I, think ye, could I put off my pride so far, poorly to dissemble a passion which I did not feel, or seek a reconciliation with what I did not love?-No law, whilst single, binds us to obey, but your sex are obliged to pay a deference to all womankind.

Fel. These are fruitless arguments. "Tis most certain thou wert dearer to these eyes

dow, and I'll forgive this.

Fel. I scorn forgiveness, where I own no crime; but your soul, conscious of its guilt, would fain lay hold of this occasion to blend your treason with my innocence.

Vio. Insolent! Nay, if, instead of owning your fault, you endeavour to insult my patience, I must tell you, Sir, you don't behave yourself like that man of honour you would be taken for; you ground your quarrel with me upon your own inconstancy; 'tis plain you are false yourself, and would make me the aggressor.- -It was not for nothing the fellow opposed my entrance. This last usage has given me back my liberty; and now my father's will shall be obeyed without the least reluctance: and so your servant. [Exit.

Fel. Oh, stubborn, stubborn heart, what wilt thou do? her father's will shall be obeyed; ha! that carries her to a cloister, and cuts off all my hopes at once- -By Heaven she shall not, must not leave me! No, she is not false, at least my love now represents her true, because I fear to lose her. Ha! villain, art thou here? [Turns upon LISSARDO.] Tell me this

Lis. It, it, it was Mrs. Flora, Sir, Donna Violante's woman. You must know, Sir, we had a sneaking kindness for one another a great while. She was not willing you should know it; so, when she heard your voice, she ran into the clothes-press. I would have told you this at first, but I was afraid of her lady's knowing it; this is the truth, as I hope for a whole skin, Sir.

Fel. If it be not, I'll not leave you a whole bone in it, sirrah: fly, and observe if Violante goes directly home.

Lis. Yes, Sir, yes.

Fel. Fly, you dog, fly. [Exit LISSARDO.] I must convince her of my faith. Oh! how irresolute is a lover's heart!-How_absolute a woman's power!

In vain we strive their tyranny to quit ;
In vain we struggle, for we must submit.

[Exit.

Col. B. Thou shalt have me as long or as little time as thou wilt, my dear. Come, let's to my lodging, and we'll sign and seal this minute.

Isa. Oh, not so fast, colonel; there are many things to be adjusted before the lawyer and the parson come.

Col. B. The lawyer and parson! No, no, you little rogue, we can finish our affairs without the help of the law-or the gospel.

Isa. Indeed but we can't, colonel.

Col. B. Indeed! Why, hast thou, then, trepanned me out of my warm bed this morning for nothing? Why, this is showing a man, half famished, a well furnished larder, then clapping a padlock on the door, till you starve him quite.

Isa. If you can find in your heart to say grace, colonel, you shall keep the key.

Col. B. I love to see my meat before I give thanks, Madam; therefore uncover thy face. child, and I'll tell thee more of my mind. If I like you

Isa. I dare not risk my reputation upon your ifs, colonel, and so adieu. [Going. Col. B. Nay, nay, nay, we must not part. Isa. As you ever hope to see me more, suspend your curiosity now; one step farther loses me for ever.-Show yourself a man of honour, and you will find me a woman of hon

our.

Col. B. Well, for once, I'll trust to a blind bargain, Madam. [ Kisses her hand ; exit ISABELLA.] But I shall be too cunning for your ladyship, if Gibby observes my orders. Methinks, these intrigues, which relate to the mind, are very insipid-the conversation of bodies is much more diverting. Ha! what do I see? my rascal asleep? Sirrah, did not I charge you to watch the lady? And is it thus you observe my orders, you dog?

[Kicks GIBBY, who shrugs, rubs his eyes, and yawns.

Gibby. That's true, an like yer honour; but I thought that when yence you had her in yer ain hands, ye might a ordered her yersel' weel enough, without me, e'en ye ken, an like yer honour.

Col. B. Sirrah, hold your impertinent tongue, and make haste after her. If you don't bring me some account of her, never dare to see my face again. [Exit

rin three hunder mile tae this wicked town, Gibby. Ay, this is bonny wark indeed! to and before I can weel fill my wame, to be sent What gate sal I gang to speer for this wutch a whore-hunting after this black she-devil!now? Ah! for a ruling elder, or the kirk's twa o' this. But I am sure there's nae sic honest treasurer, or his man, I'd gar my master mak' sculdudderie. folk here, or there wad na be sae muckle

Enter a SOLDIER, passing along. Gudeman, did ye see a woman, a lady, ony gate here awa' e'en now?

Sol. Yes, a great many. What kind of a woman is it you inquire after?

Gibby. Gude troth, she's no kenspeckle; she's a' in a cloud.

Sol. What, 'tis some Highland monster, which you brought over with you: I suppose see no such, not I. Kenspeckle, quotha!

Gibby. Hooly, hooly, man; the de'il pike out yer e'en, and then ye'll see the better, ye Portigeese tike.

Sol. What says the fellow? [Turns to GIBBY. Gibby. Say? Say I am a better fallow than e'er stude upon yer shanks-and gin I hear mair o' yer din, de'il o'my saul, Sir, but Ise crack yer croon.

thank your heathen dialect, which I don't unSol. Get you gone, you Scotch rascal, and derstand, that you han't your bones broke.

Gibby. Ay, an ye dinna understaun' a Scotsman's tongue, Ise see gin ye can understaun' a Scotsman's gripe. Wha's the better man, now, Sir? [Trips up his heels and gets astride over him.

Enter VIOLANTE, who crosses the stage; GIBBY jumps from the SOLDIER, and brushes up to her. I vow, Madam, but I am glad that ye and I are forgathered. [Exit SOLDIER.

M m

Gibby. In troth am I not. And gin I had nae found ye, Madam, the Laird kens when I should; for my maister bade me ne'er gang hame without tidings o' ye, Madam.

Vio. Sirrah, get about your business, or I'll have your bones drubbed.

Gibby. Gude faith, my maister has e'en done that t'yer hands, Madam.

Vio. Who is your master, Sir? Gibby. Mony a ane speers the gate they ken right weel. It is not sae lang sin' ye parted wi' him. I wish he ken ye hauf as weel as ye

ken him.

Vio. Poh, the creature's mad, or mistakes me for somebody else; and I should be as mad as he, to talk to him any longer.

[Enters DON PEDRO's house.

Enter LISSARDO, at the upper end of the stage. Lis. So, she's gone home I see. What did that Scotch fellow want with her? I'll try to find it out; perhaps I may discover something that may make my master friends with me again. Gibly. Are ye gane, Madam? a de'il scope in yer company; for I'm as wise as I was. But I'll bide and see wha's house it is, gin I can meet wi' ony civil body to speer at. [Turns and sees LISSARDO.] My lad, wot ye wha lives here? Lis. Don Pedro de Mendosa.

Gibby. And did you see a lady gang in but

now?

Gibby. In troth, very weel, Sir. Lis. You seem an honest fellow; pr'ythee, let's drink to our better acquaintance. Gibby. Wi' aw my heart, Sir, gang your gate to the next house, and Ise follow ye. Lis. Come along then.

[Exit. Gibby. Don Pedro de Mendosa-Donna Violante, his daughter. That's as right as my leg, now. Ise need nae mair; I'll tak' a drink, and then to my maister.

Ise bring him news will mak' his heart full blee;

Gin he rewards it not, de'il pimp for me. [Exit.

Vio. You have assisted me in such a dis covery already, I thank ye.

Isa. What say you, my dear?

Vio. I say I am very unlucky at discoveries, Isabella; I have too lately made one pernicious to my case; your brother is false. Isa. Impossible!

Vio. Most true.

Isa. Some villain has traduced him to you. Vio. No, Isabella, I love too well to trust the eyes of others; I never credit the ill-judging world, or form suspicions upon vulgar censures; no, I had ocular proof of his ingratitude.

Isa. Then I am most unhappy. My brother was the only pledge of faith betwixt us; if he has forfeited your favour, I have no title to your friendship.

Vio. You wrong my friendship, Isabella; your own merit entitles you to every thing within my power.

Isa. Generous maid!-But may I not know what grounds you have to think my brother false?"

Vio. Another time-But tell me, Isabella, how can I serve you?

Isa. Thus, then-The gentleman that brought me hither, I have seen and talked with upon the Terriero de Passa this morning, and I nnd him a man of sense, generosity, and good humour; in short, he is every thing that I could like for a husband; and I have dispatched Mrs. Flora to bring him hither; you'll excuse the liberty I have taken. Vio. Hither! to what purpose? Isa. To the great universal purpose, matrimony. Vio. Matrimony! why, do you design to ask him?

hope

Isa. No, Violante, you must do that for me. Vio. I thank you for the favour you design me, but desire to be excused: I manage my own affairs too ill, to be trusted with those of other people; I can't for my life admire your conduct, to encourage a person altogether unknown to you.-'Twas very imprudent to meet for him hither, knowing what inconveniency him this morning, but much more so to send you have already drawn upon me.

Isa. I am not sensible how far my misfortunes have embarrassed you; and, if you please, will sacrifice my quiet to your own.

Vio. Unkindly urged!-Have I not preferred your happiness to every thing that's

dear to me?

Isa. I know thou hast-Then do not deny me this last request, when a few hours perhaps may render my condition able to clear thy fame, and bring my brother to thy feet for pardon.

I suppose he knows you are the same woman Vio. I wish you don't repent of this intrigue. that he brought in here last night?

Isa. Not a syllable of that; I met him veiled, and to prevent his knowing the house, I ordered Mrs. Flora to bring him by the backdoor into the garden.

Vio. The very way which Felix comes; if they should meet, there would be fine workIndeed, my dear, I can't approve of your design.

Enter FLORA.

Flora. Madam, the colonel waits your plea

sure.

Vio. How durst you go upon such a message, mistress, without acquainting me?

Flora. So, I am to be huffed for every thing. Isa. 'Tis too late to dispute that now, dear Violante; I acknowledge the rashness of the action-But consider the necessity of my deliverance.

Vio. That indeed is a weighty consideration: well, what am I to do?

Isa. In the next room I'll give you instructions-In the meantime, Mrs. Flora, show the colonel into this.

Sir.

[Exit FLORA one way, ISABELLA and VIOLANTE another.

Re-enter FLORA, with COLONEL BRITON. Flora. The lady will wait on you presently, [Exit. Col. B. Very well-This is a very fruitful soil. I have not been here quite four and twenty hours, and I have three intrigues upon my hands already; but I hate the chase without partaking of the game.

Re-enter VIOLANTE, veiled.

Ha! a fine-sized woman- -Pray Heaven, she proves handsome. [Aside.]—I am come to obey your ladyship's commands.

Vio. Are you sure of that, colonel? Col. B. If you be not very unreasonable, indeed, Madam. A man is but a man. [Kisses her hand. Vio. Nay, we have no time for compliments,

colonel. Col. B. I understand you, Madam-Montrez moi votre chambre. [Takes her in his arms. Vio. Nay, nay, hold, colonel, my bea-chamber is not to be entered without a certain purchase.

Col. B. Purchase! Humph, this is some kept mistress, I suppose, who industriously lets out her leisure hours. [Aside.]—Look you, Madam, you must consider we soldiers are not overstocked with money-But we make ample satisfaction in love: we have a world of courage upon our hands now, you know. Then pr'ythee, use a conscience, and I'll try if my pocket can come up to your price.

Vio. Nay, don't give yourself the trouble of drawing your purse, colonel; my design is levelled at your person, if that be at your own disposal.

Col. B. Ay, that it is, faith, Madam, and I'll settle it as firmly upon theeVio. As law can do it.

Col. B. Hang law in love affairs; thou shalt have right and title to it out of pure inclination.A matrimonial hint again? [Aside.

Vio. Then you have an aversion to matrimony, colonel. Did you never see a woman, in all your travels, that you could like for a

wife?

Col. B. A very odd question. [Aside.]Do you really expect that I should speak the truth, now?

Vio. I do, if you expect to be dealt with, colonel.

Col. B. Why, then-Yes.

Vio. Is she in your country, or this? Col. B. This is a very pretty kind of a catechism. [Aside.]-In this town, I believe, Madam.

Col. B. No; I am not sorry for that.What the devil does she mean by all these questions? [Aside. Vio. Come, colonel, for once be sincere. Perhaps you may not repent it.

Col. B. This is like to be but a silly adventure, here's so much sincerity required. [Aside.]—Faith, Madam, I have an inclination to sincerity, but I'm afraid you'll call my manners in question.

Vio. Not at all; I prefer truth before compliment, in this affair.

Col. B. Why then, to be plain with you, Madam, a lady last night wounded my heart by a fall from a window, whose person I could be content to take, as my father took my mother, till death do us part. But whom she is, or how distinguished, whether maid, wife, or widow, I can't inform you. Perhaps you are she.

Vio. Not to keep you in suspense, I am not she, but I can give you an account of her. The lady is a maid of condition, has ten thousand pounds, and if you are a single man, her person and fortune are at your service.

Col. B. I accept the offer with the highest transports; but say, my charming angel, art thou not she?

Vio. Once again, colonel, I tell you, I am not she-But at six this evening you shall find handkerchief in her hand. Get a priest ready, her on the Terriero de Passa, with a white and you know the rest.

Col. B. I shall infallibly observe your directions, Madam.

Re-enter FLORA, hastily, and whispers V10LANTE, who starts and seems surprised. Vio. Ha! Felix crossing the garden, say you? What shall I do now?

Col. B. You seem surprised, Madam. Vio. Oh, colonel, my father is coming hither, and if he finds you here I am ruined. Col. B. Odslife, Madam, thrust me anywhere. Can't I go out this way?

Vio. No, no, no, he comes that way. How shall I prevent their meeting? Here, here, step into my bed-chamber.

Col. B. Oh, the best place in the world, Madam.

Vio. And be still, as you value her you love. Don't stir till you've notice, as ever you hope to have her in your arms.

Col. B. On that condition, I'll not breathe. [Exit.

Enter FELIX.

Fel. I wonder where this dog of a servant is all this while. But she is at home, I find. How coldly she regards me. [Aside.] You look, Violante, as if the sight of me were troublesome to you.

Vio. Can I do otherwise, when you have the assurance to approach me, after what I saw to-day?

Fel. Assurance! rather call it good nature, after what I heard last night. But such regard to honour have I in my love to you, I cannot bear to be suspected, nor suffer you to entertain false notions of my truth, without endeavouring to convince you of my innocence; so much good nature have I more than you, Violante.-Pray give me leave to ask your woman one question; my man assures me she was the person you saw at my lodgings.

Vio. Impudent baggage, not to undeceive me sooner; what business could you have

there?

Fel. Lissardo and she, it seems, imitate you and I.

Flora. I love to follow the example of my

betters, Madam.

Fel. I hope I am justified

Vio. Since we are to part, Felix, there needs no justification.

Fel. Methinks you talk of parting as a thing indifferent to you. Can you forget how have loved?

Vio. I wish I could forget my own pas

sion, I should with less concern remember yours-But, for Mrs. Flora

Fel. You must forgive her-Must, did I say? I fear I have no power to impose, though the injury was done to me.

Vio. "Tis harder to pardon an injury done to what we love, than to ourselves; but at Go your request, Felix, I do forgive her. watch my father, Flora, lest he should awake and surprise us.

Flo. Yes, Madam.

[Exit.

Fel. Dost thou then love me, Violante? Vio. What need of repetition from my tongue, when every look confesses what you

ask?

Fel. Oh, let no man judge of love but those who feel it; what wondrous magic lies in one kind look-One tender word destroys a lover's rage, and melts his fiercest passion into soft complaint. Oh, the window, Violante; wouldst thou but clear that one suspicion!

Vio. Pr'ythee, no more of that, my Felix, a little time shall bring thee perfect satisfaction,

Fel, Well, Violante, on condition, you think no more of a monastery, I'll wait with patience for this mighty secret,

Vio. Ah, Felix, love generally gets the better of religion in us women. Resolutions made in the heat of passion ever dissolve upon reconciliation.

Re-enter FLORA, hastily.

Flora. Oh, Madam, Madam, Madam, my lord your father has been in the house, and locked the back door, and comes muttering to himself this way.

Vio. Then we are caught. Now, Felix, we are undone.

Fel. Heavens forbid! This is most unlucky! Let me step into your bed-chamber, he wont look under the bed; there I may conceal myself, [Runs to the door. Vio, No, no, Felix, that's no safe place; my father often goes thither; and should you cough, or sneeze, we are lost.

Fel. Either my eye deceived me, or I saw a man within. I'll watch him close. [Aside. Flora. Oh, invention, invention! I have it, Madam. Here, here, Sir: off with your sword, and I'll fetch you a disguise, [Exit. Fel. She shall deal with the devil, if she conveys him out without my knowledge.

Vio. Bless me, how I tremble!

[Aside.

Re-enter FLORA, with a riding-hood. Flora. Here, Sir, put on this. Be sure you don't speak a word.

Fel. Not for the Indies, [Puts on the hood.

Enter DON PEDRO.

Ha! how now! Who have we here?

Flora. 'Tis my mother, and please you, Sir. strapper; why, you are a dwarf to her. How Ped. Your mother! by St. Andrew she's a many children have you, good woman?

Vio. If he speaks we are lost. [A side. Flora. Oh! dear Seignor, she cannot hear you; she has been deaf these twenty years. Ped. Alas, poor woman!-Why you muffle her up as if she was blind too; turn up her hood.

Vio. Undone for ever! St. Anthony forbid. [Aside.] Oh, Sir, she has the dreadfullest unmade her hood shut on purpose-Oh, oh, oh, lucky eyes-Pray Don't look upon them; I

oh!

Ped. Eyes! Why, what's the matter with her eyes?

Flora. My poor mother, Sir, is much afflicted she had it grievously in her stomach, and was with the colic; and about two months ago over-persuaded to take a dram of filthy English Geneva-which immediately flew up into her head, and caused such a defluxion in her eyes, that she could never since bear the day-light.

make her sit down, Violante, and give her a Ped. Say you so? Poor woman!-Well, glass of wine.

low, Sir; for my part; she has frightened me Vio. Let her daughter give her a glass beso, I sha'n't be myself these two hours. I am sure her eyes are evil eyes.

Ped. Well, well, do so-Evil eyes! there are no evil eyes, child.

Flora. Come along, mother.
Ped. Good bye, good woman.

[Speaks loud.

[Exeunt, FELIX and FLORA. Vio. I'm glad he's gone. [Aside. Ped. Hast thou heard the news, Violante ? Vio. What news, Sir?

Ped. Why, Vasquez tells me, that Don Lopez's daughter, Isabella, is run away from her father; that lord has very ill fortune with his children. Well, I'm glad my daughter has no inclination to mankind, that my house is plagued with no suitors. [Aside.

Vio. This is the first word ever I heard of it: I pity her frailty.

Ped. Well said, Violante. Next week I intend thy happiness shall begin.

Re-enter FLORA.

Vio. I don't intend to stay so long, thank you, papa. [Aside.

Ped. My lady abbess writes word she longs to see thee, and has provided every thing in order for thy reception. Thou wilt lead a happy life, my girl-fifty times before that of matrimony, where an extravagant coxcomb might make a beggar of thee, or an ill-natured surly dog break thy heart.

have her bones broke as to be a nun; I am Flora. Break her heart! She had as good sure I had rather, of the two. [Aside.] You are wondrous kind, Sir; but if I had such a father, I know what I would do.

Ped. Why, what would you do, minx, ha? Flora. I would tell him I had as good a right and title as he had.

Ped. You would, mistress! who the devil doubts it? A good assurance is a chamber