Isaac. Handsome! sibyl to her. Venus de Medicis was a Jerome. Give me your hand, you little jocose rogue. Egad, I thought we had been all off. Ferd. So! I was in hopes this would have been a quarrel; but I find the Jew is too cunning. Jerome. Ay, this gust of passion has made me dry-I am seldom ruffled. Order some wine in the next room. Let us drink the poor girl's health. Poor Louisa! ugly, eh! Ha! ha! ha! 'Twas a very good joke, indeed! Isaac. And a very true one, for all that. Jerome. And, Ferdinand, I insist upon your drinking success to my friend. Ferd. Sir, I will drink success to my friend, with all my heart, Jerome. Come, little Solomon, if any sparks of anger had remained, this would be the only way to quench them. Louisa. Well, well; but if either of you had known how each moment of delay weighs upon the heart of her who loves, and waits the object of her love, oh, ye would not then have trifled thus! Carlos. Alas, I know it well! Louisa. Were you ever in love, then? Carlos. I was, lady; but, while I have life, will never be again. Louisa. Was your mistress so cruel? Carlos. If she had always been so, I should havə been happier. SONG. O, had my love ne'er smiled on me, To find a grave below it. Then land was cried-no more resign'd, He glow'd with joy to hear it; Not worse his fate, his woe, to find The wreck must sink ere near it. Louisa. As I live, here is your friend coming with Antonio. I'll retire for a moment, to surprise him. [Exit Enter ISAAC and ANTONIO. Ant. Indeed, my good friend, you must be mistaken. Ciara d'Almanza in love with me, and employ you to bring me to meet her! It is impossible! Isaac. That you shall see in an instant. Carlos, where is the lady? In the next room, is she? Ant. Nay, if that lady is really here, she certainly wants me to conduct her to a dear friend of mine, who has long been her lover. Isaac. Pshaw! I tell you 'tis no such thing. You are the man she wants, and nobody but you. Ilere's ado to persuade you to take a pretty girl that's dying for you! Ant. But I have no affection for this lady. Isaac. And you have for Louisa, eh? but, take my word for it, Antonio, you have no chance there -so you may as well secure the good that offers itself to you. Ant. And could you reconcile it to your conscience, to supplant your friend? Isaac. Pish! Conscience has no more to do with gallantry, than it has with politics. Why, you are no honest fellow, if love can't make a rogue of you-so come, do go in, and speak to her, at least. Ant. Well, I have no objection to that. Isauc. [Opens the door.] There-there she is, yonder by the window. Get in, do. [Pushes him in, and half shuts the door.] Now, Carlos, now 1 shall hamper him, I warrant. Stay, I'll peep how they go on. Egad, he looks confoundedly posed: now she's coaxing him :-see, Carlos, he begins to come to. Ay, ay, he'll soon forget his con science. Carlos. Look:-now they are both laughing! Isaac. Ay, so they are. Yes, yes, they are laughing at that dear friend he talked of. Ay, poor devil, they ha outwitted him. Enter ANTONIO and LOUISA. Ant. Well, my good friend, this lady has so entirely convinced me of the certainty of your success at Don Jerome's, that I now resign my pretensions there. Isaac. You never did a wiser thing, believe me -and, as for deceiving your friend, that's nothing at all. Tricking is all fair in love, isn't it, madam? Louisa. Certainly, sir, and I am particularly glad to find you are of that opinion. Isaac. O lud! yes, ma'am. Let any one outwit me that can, I say-but here, let me join your hands. There, you lucky rogue! I wish you happily married, from the bottom of my soul! Louisa. And I am sure if you wish it, no one else should prevent it. Isaac. Now, Antonio, we are rivals no more; so let us be friends, will you? Ant. With all my heart, Isaac. Isaac. It is not every man, let me tell you, that would have taken such pains, or been so generous to a rival. Ant. No, faith; I don't believe there's another beside yourself in all Spain. Isaac. Well, but you resign all pretensions to the other lady? Ant. That I do, most sincerely. Isaac. I doubt you have a little hankering there still. Ant. None in the least, upon my soul. Isaac. I mean after her fortune. Ant. No, believe me. You are heartily welcome to everything she has. Isaac. Well, i'faith, you have the best of the bargain, as to beauty, twenty to one. Now I'll tell you a secret :-I am to carry off Louisa this very evening. Louisa. Indeed! Isaac. Yes she has sworn not to take a husband from her father's hand-so, I've persuaded him to trust her to walk with me in the garden, and then we shall give him the slip. Louisa. And is Don Jerome to know nothing of this? Isaac. O, I sha'nt want them; but as I must pay them, I'll see a caper for my money. Will you excuse me? Louisa. Willingly. Isaac. Here's my friend, whom you may command for any services. Madam, your most obedient-Antonio, I wish you all happiness. Oh, the easy blockhead! what a tool I have made of bim! This was a master-piece! [Aside.] [Exit. convey me to the convent of St. Catharine ? Louisa. Carlos, will you be my guard again, and Ant. Why, Louisa-why should you go there? Louisa. I have my reasons, and you must not be my father: perhaps, when he finds what he has seen to go with me. I shall write from thence to driven me to, he may relent. these arms should be your sanctuary. Ant. I have no hope from him. O Louisa! in father cannot force me from thence. But let me Louisa. Be patient but for a little while :-my see you there before evening, and I will explain myself. Ant. I shall obey. Louisa. Come, friend. Antonio, Carlos has been a lover himself. Ant. Then he knows the value of his trust. TRIO. Soft pity never leaves the gentle breast ACT III. SCENE I.-A Library. Enter JEROME and Servant. Jerome. Why, I never was so amazed in my life! Louisa gone off with Isaac Mendoza! What! steal away with the very man whom I wanted her to marry!-elope with her own husband, as it were!-it is impossible! Serv. Her maid says, sir, they had your leave to walk in the garden, while you were abroad. The door by the shrubbery was found open, and they have not been heard of since. [Exit. Isaac. O lud, no! There lies the jest. Don't you see that, by this step, I overreach him? I shall be entitled to the girl's fortune, without set- Jerome. Well, it is the most unaccountable affair! tling a ducat on her. Ha! ha! ha! This is trap!'Sdeath! there is certainly some infernal mystery -I'm a cunning dog, an't I? A sly little villain, in it, I can't comprehend! eh? Ant. So you are, indeed-keen-very keen. Isaac. And what a laugh we shall have at Don Jerome, when the truth comes out! eh? Louisa. Yes, I'll answer for it, we shall have a good laugh when the truth comes out. Ha! ha! ha! Enter CARLOS. doza-let me see- "Dearest sir, "You must, doubtless, be much surprised at my flight with your daughter.-[Yes, 'faith, and well may]-1 had the happiness to gain her heart at our first interview.-[The devil you had!] Carlos. Here are the dancers come to practise-But she having unfortunately made a vow not to the fandango you intended to have honoured receive a husband from your hands, I was obliged Donna Louisa with to comply with her whim.-[So, so!]-We shall abortly throw ourselves at your feet, and I hope you will have a blessing ready for one, who will then be "Your son-in-law, "ISAAC MENDOZA." A whim, eh? Why, the devil's in the girl, I think! This morning, she would sooner die than have him, and before evening, she runs away with him! Well, well, my will's accomplished-let the motive be what it will-and the Portuguese, sure, will never refuse to fulfil the rest of the article. Enter Second Servant, with a Letter. Serv. Sir, here's a man below, who says he brought this from my young lady, Donna Louisa. [Exit. Jerome. How? yes, it is my daughter's hand, indeed! Lord, there was no occasion for them both to write : well, let's see what she says "My dearest Father, [Reads. Ferd. 'Sdeath and fury, you blockhead! She can't be out of Seville. Ferd. What, could you gather no tidings of her? Nor guess where she was gone? O Clara! Clara! Lopez. In truth, sir, I could not. That she was run away from her father, was in everybody's mouth, "How shall I entreat your pardon for the rash and that Don Guzman was in pursuit of her was step I have taken?-how confess the motive?-also a very common report. Where she was gone, [Pish! hasn't Isaac just told me the motive? One or what was become of her, no one could take would think they weren't together when they upon them to say. wrote.]-If I have a spirit too resentful of illusage, I have also a heart as easily affected by kindness-[So, so, here the whole matter comes out! Her resentment for Antonio's ill-usage has made her sensible of Isaac's kindness. Yes, yes, it is all plain enough-well]—I am not married yet, though with a man, I am convinced, adores me-[Yes, yes, I dare say Isaac is very fond of her]-But I shall anxiously expect your answer, in which, should I be so fortunate as to receive your consent, you will make completely happy, "Your ever affectionate daughter, "LOUISA." My consent? to be sure she shall have it! Egad, I was never better pleased. I have fulfilled my resolution--I knew I should. Oh, there's nothing like obstinacy-Lewis! Lopes, So I said to myself, sir :-'Sdeath and fury, you blockhead, says I, she can't be out of Seville. Then some said, she had banged herself for love; and others have it, Don Antonio had carried her off. Ferd. 'Tis false, scoundrel! No one said that. Ferd. Go, fool, get home, and never let me see you again, till you bring me news of her. [Erit LOPEZ.] Oh, how my fondness for this ungrateful girl has hurt my disposition! Enter ISAAC. Isaac. So, I have her safe, and have only to find a priest to marry us. Antonio now may marry Clara, or not, if he pleases! Ferd. What! what was that you said of Clara? Isauc. I'faith, you shall hear. This morning, as I was coming down, I met a pretty damsel, who told me her name was Clara d'Almanza, and begged my_protection. Ferd. How? Isaac. She said she had eloped from her father, Don Guzman, but that love for a young gentleman in Seville was the cause. Ferd. O Heavens! did she confess it? Isaac. O yes, she confessed at once. But then, says she, my lover is not informed of my flight, nor suspects my intention. Ferd. Dear creature! No more I did, indeed! Oh, I am the happiest fellow? [Aside.] Well, Isaac ! Isaac. Why, then she entreated me to find him out for her, and bring him to her. Ferd. Good Heavens, how lucky! Well, come along, let's lose no time. [Pulling him. Isaac. Zooks! where are we to go? Ferd. Why, did any thing more pass? Isaac. Any thing more! Yes-the end on't was that I was moved with her speeches, and complied with her desires. Fera. Well, and where is she? N Ferd. But, for Clara-infamy on ber! she is Lot worth my resentment. Isaac. Where is she? why, don't I tell you, I complied with her request, and left her safe in the arms of her lover? Ferd. 'Sdeath, you trifle with me! I have never seen her. Isaac. No more she is, my dear brother-in-law.I'faith, I would not be angry about her--she is not worth it, indeed. Ferd. 'Tis false! sho is worth the enmity of Isaac. You! O lud, no! How the devil should you? 'Twas Antonio she wanted: and with Anto-princes. nio I left her. Ferd. Hell and madness! [Aside.] What, Antonio d'Ercilla? Isaac. Ay, ay, the very man; and the best part of it was, he was shy of taking her at first. He talked a good deal about honour, and conscience, and deceiving some dear friend; but, Lord, we soon overruled that. Ferd. You did? Isaac. Oh yes, presently." Such deceit!" says he. "" Pish!" says the lady, "tricking is all fair in love." "But then, my friend!" says he. "Pshaw! damn your friend! says I. So, poor wretch, he has no chance :-no, no; he may hang himself as soon as he pleases. Ferd. I must go, 'or I shall betray myself. Isaac. But stay, Ferdinand: you ha'n't heard the best of the joke. Ferd. Curse on your joke! Isaac. Good lack! what's the matter now? I thought to have diverted you. Ferd. Be racked! tortured! damnedIsaac. Why, sure, you are not the poor devil of a lover, are you? I'faith, as sure as can be, he is. This is a better joke than t'other! Ha! ha! Ferd. What, do you laugh! you vile, mischievous varlet! [Collars him.] But that you're beneath my anger, I'd tear your heart out. [Throws him from him. Isaac. O mercy! here's usage for a brother-inlaw! Ferd. But, hark ye, rascal? tell me directly where these false friends are gone, or by my soul[Draws. Isaac. For Heaven's sake, now, my dear brotherin-law, don't be in a rage!-I'll recollect as well as I can. Ferd. Be quick, then! Isaac. I will, I will-but people's memories differ some have a treacherous memory-now mine is a cowardly memory-it takes to its heels, at sight of a drawn sword; it does, i'faith; and I could as soon fight as recollect. Ferd. Zounds! tell me the truth, and I won't hurt you. Isaac. No, no, I know you won't, my dear brother-in-law-but that ill-looking thing thereFerd. What, then, you won't tell me? Isaac. Yes, yes, I will; I'll tell you all, upon my soul-but why need you listen sword in hand? Ferd. Why, there. [Puts up.] Now. Isaac. Why, then, I believe they are gone tothat is, my friend Carlos told me, he had left Donna Clara-dear Ferdinand, keep your hands off at the convent of St. Catharine. Ferd. St. Catharine! Isaac. True, true, so she is; and I pity you exceedingly for having lost her. Ferd. 'Sdeath, you rascal! how durst you talk of pitying me? Isaac. Oh, dear brother-in-law, I beg pardon; I don't pity you in the least, upon my soul. Fred. Get hence, fool, and provoke me no further; nothing but your insignificance saves you. Isaac. I'faith, then, my insignificance is the best friend I have. I'm going, dear Ferdinand. What a cursed hot-headed bully it is! [Exeunt. SCENE III.-The Garden of the Convent. Enter LOUISA and CLARA. Louisa. And you really wish my brother may not find you out? Clara. Why else have I concealed myself under this disguise? Louisa. Why, perhaps, because the dress becomes you; for you certainly don't intend to be a nun for life. Clara. If, indeed, Ferdinand had not offended me so last night. Louisa. Come, come; it was his fear of losing you made him so rash. Clara. Well, you may think me cruel-but I swear, if he were here this instant, I believe I should forgive him. SONG.-CLARA. By him we love offeled, How soon our anger flies! Behold him, and it dies. I fear my eyes would pardon Before my tongue could chide. Louis. I protest, Clara, I shall begin to think you are seriously resolved to enter on your probation. Clara. And, seriously, I very much doubt whe ther the character of a nun would not become me best. Louisa. Why, to be sure, the character of a nun is a very becoming one at a masquerade; but no pretty woman, in her senses, ever thought of taking the veil for above a night. Clara. Yonder I see your Antonio is returned, Isaac. Yes; and that Antonio was to come to I shall only interrupt you. Ah, Louisa, with what her there. happy eagerness you turn to look for him! [Exit. Enter ANTONIO. Ant. Well, my Louisa, any news since I left you? Louisa. None-the messenger is not returned from my father. Ant. Well, I confess, I do not perceive what we are to expect from him Louisa. I shall be easier, however, in having | [Looks out.] Yes, that is the perfidious Clara, inmade the trial. I do not doubt your sincerity, deed! Antonio; but there is a chilling air around poverty, that often kills affection that was not nursed in it. If we would make love our household god, we had best secure him a comfortable roof. How oft, Louisa, hast thou told, Nor wilt thou the fond boast disown, Thou wouldst not lose Antonio's love, To reign the partner of a throne. And by those lips, that spoke so kind, And by that hand, I've pressed to mine, To be the lord of wealth and power, By Heav'ns, I would not part with thine! Then how, my soul, can we be poor, Who own what kingdoms could not buy? Of this true heart thou shalt be queen,In serving thee, a monarch I. Thus uncontroll'd, in mutual bliss, And rich in love's exhaustless mine, Do thou snatch treasures from my lips, And I'll take kingdoms back from thine. Enter Maid with a letter. Louisa. My father's answer, suppose. Ant. My dearest Louisa, you may be assured, that it contains nothing but threats and reproaches. Louisa. Let us see, however.-[Reads.]" Dearest daughter,-Make your lover happy: you have my full consent to marry as your whim has chosen; but be sure come home, and sup with your affectionate father." Ant. You jest, Louisa! Louisa. [Gives him the letter.] Read-read. Ant. 'Tis so, by heavens! Sure there must be some mistake; but that's none of our business.Now, Louisa, you have no excuse for delay. Louisa. Shall we not then return, and thank my father? Ant. But first let the priest put it out of his power to recall his word.-I'll fly to procure one. Louisa. Nay, if you part with me again, perhaps you may lose me. Ant. Come, then-there is a friar of a neighbouring convent is my friend. You have already been diverted by the manners of a nunnery: let us see whether there is less hypocrisy among the holy fathers. Louisa. I'm afraid not, Antonio-for in religion, as in friendship, they who profess most are ever the least sincere. [Exeunt. Enter CLARA. Clara. So, yonder they go, as happy as a mutual and confessed affection cau make them, while I am left in solitude. Heigho! love may perhaps excuse the rashness of an elopement from one's friend, but I am sure, nothing but the presence of the man we love can support it. Ha! what do 1 see! Ferdinand, as I live! How could he gain admission? By potent gold, I suppose, as Antonio did. How eager and disturbed he seems! He shall not know me as yet. [Draws her veil. Enter FERDINAND. Ferd. Yes, those were certainly they :-my in formation was right. [Going. Clara. [Stops him.] Pray, signior, what is your business here? Ferd. No matter-no matter' Oh, they stop. Clara. So, a jealous error. I'm glad to see him so moved. [Aside. Ferd. Her disguise can't conceal her. No, no; I know her too well. Clara. Wonderful discernment! But, signiorFerd. Be quiet, good nun! don't tease me. By heavens, she leans upon his arm,-hangs fondly on it! O woman! woman! Clara. But, signior, who is it you want? Ferd. Not you, not you; so pr'ythee don't tease me. Yet, pray stay. Gentle nun, was it not Donna Clara d'Almanza just parted from you. Clara. Clara d'Almanza, signior, is not yet out of the garden. Ferd. Ay, ay; I knew I was right. And pray, is not that gentleman, now at the porch with her, Antonio d'Ercilla? Clara. It is indeed, signior. Ferd. So, so; now but one question more. Can you inform me for what purpose they have gone away? Clara. They are gone to be married, I believe. Ferd. Very well:-enough. Now if I don't mar their wedding! [Exit. Clara. [Unveils.] I thought jealousy had made Louisa's story accounts to me for this error, and I lovers quick-sighted; but it has made mine blind. am glad to find I have power enough over him to make him so unhappy. But why should not I be he's through the porch, I'll follow him; and, perpresent at his surprise when undeceived? When haps, Louisa shall not singly be a bride. |