Enter BIRON, Nurse following him. Poor Isabella! now I know the cause, Of all ill stars combin'd, of heav'n, and fate- Into despair; they have not urg'd my doom; My father and my brother are my fates, How dear her love was to me-Yet they stood, Nurse. Here's strange things towards, Sampson: what will be the end of 'em, do you think? Sam. Nay, marry, nurse, I can't see so far; but the law, I believe, is on Biron, the first husband's side. Nurse. Yes; no question, he has the law on his side. Sam. For I have heard the law says, a woman must be a widow all out seven years before she can marry again according to law. Nurse. Ay, so it does; and our lady has not been a widow altogether seven years. Sam. Why then, nurse, mark my words, and say I told you so: the man must have his wife again, and all will do well. Nurse. But if our master, Villeroy, comes back again Sam. Why if he does, he is not the first man that has had his wife taken from him. Nurse. For fear of the worst, will you go to the old count, desire him to come as soon as he can; there may be mischief, and he is able to prevent it. Sam. Now you say something; now I take you, nurse; that will do well indeed: mischief should be prevented a little thing will make a quarrel, when there's a woman in the way. I'll about it instantly. [Exeunt. SCENE II. BIRON is discovered asleep on a Couch. Enter ISABELLA. Isa. Asleep so soon! Oh, happy! happy thou, Who thus can sleep! I never shall sleep moreIf then to sleep be to be happy, he Who sleeps the longest, is the happiest ; Death is the longest sleep-Oh, have a care! Mischief will thrive apace. Never wake more. [To Biron. If thou didst ever love thy Isabella, To-morrow must be doomsday to thy peace. -The sight of him disarms ev'n death itself; And pleasure grows again With looking on him But is a look enough for Help, help me, Villeroy! -Let me look my last- -Where am I going! Divide your love, never to meet my shame. [Throws herself upon the Floor; after a short Pause, she raises herself upon her Elbow. What will this battle of the brain do with me? This little ball, this ravag'd province, long Cannot maintain What noise was that? A knocking at the gate! It may be Villeroy -No matter who. Biron. Come, Isabella, come.-————— Isa. Hark! I'm call'd! Biron. You stay too long from me. Isa. A man's voice! in my bed! How came he there? Nothing but villany in this bad world; Here's physic for your fever. [Rises. [Draws a Dagger, and goes backward to the Couch. If husbands' go to heav'n, Where do they go that send 'em?-This to try[As she is going to stab him he rises; she knows him, and shrieks. What do I see! Biron. Isabella, arm'd! Isa. Against my husband's life! Isa. Madness has brought me to the gates of hell, And there has left 3. Biron. Why dost thou fly me so? Isa. I cannot bear his sight; distraction, come, Shake off thy chains, and hasten to my aid;- [Running out. Biron. Poor Isabella, she's not in a condition To give me any comfort, if she could: Lost to herself -as quickly I shall be To all the world- -Horrors come fast around me; Enter Nurse. [Rises. [Exit Nurse. Nurse. Sir, there's somebody at the door must needs speak with you; he won't tell his name. Biron. I'll come to him. 'Tis Belford, I suppose; he little knows Of what has happen'd here; I wanted him; I must employ his friendship, and then SCENE III. The Street. Enter CARLOS, with three Ruffians. Car. A younger brother! I was one too long, We must be sudden. Younger brothers are Thrust out of their nobility of birth [Exit. But how shall I prevent it?-Biron comes Biron. Ha! am I beset? I live but to revenge me. Enter VILLEROY, with two Servants; they rescue him; CARLOS and his Party fly. Vil. How are you, sir? Mortally hurt, I fear. Take care, and lead him in. Biron. I thank you for the goodness, sir; though 'tis Bestow'd upon a very wretch; and death, Though from a villain's hand, had been to me [He is led in. SCENE IV. The Inside of the House. Enter ISABELLA. Isa. Murder my husband! Oh! I must not dare To think of living on: my desperate hand In a mad rage may offer it again: Stab me any where but there. Here's room enough In my own breast, to act the fury in, The proper scene of mischief. [Going to stab herself; Villeroy runs in and prevents her, by taking the Dagger from her. Vil. Angels defend and save thee! Attempt thy precious life! Lay violent hands upon thy innocent self! Isa. Swear I am innocent, and I'll believe you. What would you have with me? Pray let me go. -Are you there, sir? You are the very man Have done all this-You would have made |