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his own, cheaper than he can ride post, split | I desire you will command my sword or for

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tune.

Clo. Pray, sir-is there no joke in all this? D. Du. There, sir, the little all I'm master of, may serve, at present, to convince you of my sincerity; I ask for no return, but to be informed how I may do you farther service. [Gives him a purse.

Clo. Sir, your health- -I'll give you informa tion presently.[Drinks.]-Pray, sir, do you know the gentleman's sister, that I fought with? That is, do you know what reputation, what fortune she has?

D. Du. I know her fortune to be worth above twelve thousand pistoles; her reputation yet unsullied; but pray, sir, why may you ask this?

Clo. Oh, damned scandalous, sir-they use their mistresses as bad as their wives, faith. I tell you what, sir; I knew a citizen's daughter there, that run away with a lord, who, in the first six months of her preferment, never stirred out, but she made the ladies cry at her equipage; and, about eight months after, I think, one morning reeling pretty early into a certain house in the Savoy, I found the self-same, cast-off, solitary lady, in a room with bare walls, dressing her dear, pretty head there, in the corner bit of a lookingglass, prudently supported by a quartern brandy- Clo. Why, this very lady, after I had killed pot, upon the head of an oyster-barrel. her brother, gave me the protection of her house; D. Du. I find few mistresses make their for-hid me in her closet, while the officers that tunes there; but pray, sir, among all your adventures, has no particular lady's merit encouraged you to advance your own marriage?

Clo. Sir, I have been so near marriage, that my wedding-day has been come; but it was never over yet, split me!

D. Du. How so, sir?

Clo. Why, the priest, the bride, and the dinner, were all ready dressed, faith; but, before I could fall to, my elder brother, sir, comes me in, with a damned long stride, and a sharp stomach -says a short grace, and-whipped her up like an oyster.

D. Du. You had ill fortune, sir.

Clo. Sir, fortune is not much in my debt; for you must know, sir, though I lost my wife, I have escaped hanging since, here in Lisbon.

D. Du. That I know you have; be not amazed, sir.

Clo. Hey! what the devil? have I been all this while treating an officer, that has a warrant against me-Pray, sir, if it be no offence-may I beg the favour to know who you are?

D. Du. Let it suffice, I own myself your friend-I am your debtor, sir; you fought a gentleman they call Don Duart-I knew him well; he was a proud insulting fellow, and my mortal foe: but you killed him, and I thank you; nay, I saw you do it fairly, too; and for the action,

Clo. Now, I'll tell you, sir-twelve thousand pistoles, you say?

D. Du. I speak the least, sir.

brought in the dead body came to search for
me; and, as soon as their backs were turned,
poor soul! hurried me out at a private door,
with tears in her eyes, faith! Now, sir, what
think you? Is not this hint broad enough for a
man to make love upon?
D. Du. Confusion!

[Aside.

Clo. Look you, sir, now, if you dare, give me a proof of your friendship; will you do me the favour to carry a letter to her?

D. Du. Let me consider, sir-death and fire! is all her height of sorrow but dissembled, then? A prostitute, even to the man supposed my murderer! If it be true, the consequence is soon resolved- -but this requires my farther search. [Aside.]-May I depend on this for truth, sir?

Clo. Why, sir, you lady of her quality?

don't suppose I'd banter a

D. Du. Damnation !-[Aside.]-Well, sir, I'll take your letter; but first let me be well acquainted with my errand.

Clo. Sir, I'll write this moment; if you please, we'll step into the house here, and finish the bu siness over another bottle.

D. Du. With all my heart.
Clo. Allons! Entrez,

[Exeunt..

SCENE I.

ACT V.

ELVIRA is discovered alone in mourning, a lamp by her. DON DUART enters behind, disguised.

Elv. I'll dispatch immediately--will you walk this way, sir?

D. Du. Madam, I wait on you- -Revenge and daggers! [Exeunt.

D. Du. THUS far I am passed, unknown to any of the servantsnow for the proof of what I fear-Ha! yonder she is―This close retirement, those sable colours, the solemn silence that attends her, no friends admitted, nor even the day to visit her-These seem to speak a real sorrow; if not, the counterfeit is deep indeed-fright. I'll fathom it madam

Elo. Who's there? another murderer! where are my servants? will nothing but my sorrows wait upon me?

D. Du. Your pardon, lady; I have no evil meaning; this letter will inform you of my business, and excuse this rude intrusion.

Ely. For me! whence comes it, sir?

D. Du. The contents, madam, will explain to you-She seems amazed! looks almost through the letter I should suspect the stranger had belied her, but that he gave me such convincing circumstances- -Ha, she pauses! 'sdeath! a smile too I fear her now!

Elv. My prayers are heard; justice at length has overtaken the murderer: his vowed protection having been strictly paid, I now, unperjured, It lies on me, may revenge my brother's blood. if I neglect this fair occasion: but 'twere not safe to shew my thought; therefore, to be just, I must dissemble. [Aside.] I ask your pardon for my rudeness, sir; upon your friend's account, you might, indeed, have claimed a better wel

come.

D. Du. So; then she's damned, I find. But I'll have more, and bring them face to face. [Aside.] My friend, madam, thought his visits would be unseasonable, before the sad solemnity of your brother's funeral.

Elv. A needless fear! My brother, sir! Alas, I owe your friend my thanks, for having eased our family of so scandalous a burthen! A riotous, unmannered fellow; I blush to speak of him.

D. Du. Oh, patience! patience! [Aside Elo. Pray, let him know, his absence was the real cause of this mistaken mourning: 'tis true, indeed, I gave it out 'tis for my brother's death; but womens' hearts and tongues, you know, must not always hold alliance; you'd think us fond and forward, should not we now and then dissemble.

D. Du. How shall I forbear her? [4side. Elv. I grow impatient till he's wholly mineto-morrow! 'tis an age! I'll make him mine tonight--I'll write to him this minute-Can you have patience, sir, till I prepare a letter for you?

D. Du. You may command me, madam.

SCENE II.-Louisa's house.

Enter LOUISA and JACQUES,
Lou. Is the lady seized?
Jaq. Yes, madam, and half dead with the

Lou. Let them be ready to produce her, as I directed. When the stranger's taken, bring me immediate notice: 'tis near his time, away.[Erit JAQUES.] Had he not loved another, methinks I could have borne this usage, sat me down alone content, and found a secret pleasure in complaining; but to be slighted for a girl, a sickly, poor, unthinking wretch, incapable of love: that, that stabs home! 'Tis poison to my thoughts, and swells them to revenge! My rival! no, she shall never triumph. Hark! what noise! they have him sure! How now!

Enter JAQUES.

Jaq. Madam, the gentleman is taken. Lou. Bring him in-Revenge, I thank thee now!

Enter Bravoes with CARLOS disarmed. So, sir, you are returned, it seems; you can love then! You have an heart, I find, though not for me! Perhaps you came to seek a worthier mistress here; 'would be uncharitable to disappoint your love-I'll help your search: if she be here, be sure she's safe-Open that door there.

Enter more Bravoes with ANGELINA, an handkerchief on her neck, which they hold ready to strangle her.

Now, sir, is this the lady?

Car. My Angelina! Oh!

Lou. Now, let me see you smile, and rudely throw me from your arms; now scorn my love, my passion, and my fortune; now, let your squeamish virtue fly me as a disease to modesty; and tell her, now, your shameful tale of my intemperance!

Car. Oh, cruelty of fate! that could betray such innocence.

Lou. What, not a word to soften yet thy obstinate aversion! thou wretched fool, thus to provoke thy ruin--End her! [to the Bravoes.

Car. Oh, hold! for pity hold, and hear ine! Lou, I've learned from you to use my pityOn one condition yet she lives an hour; but, if refused

Car. Name not a refusal; be it danger, death, or tortures; any thing that life can do to save her,

Lou. Presuming fool! were I inclined to save her life, (which, by my hopes of peace, I do not mean) canst thou believe this insolent concern for her to my face would not provoke my vengeance?

Car. Yet hold! forgive my rashness, I was to blame, indeed; but passion has transported both

of us.

Lou. How he disarms my anger! But must my rival triumph, then?

Ang. Charge me not with such abhorred ingratitude: be witness, Heaven, I'll for ever serve you, court you, and confess you iny preserver.

Car. For pity, yet resolve, and force your temper to a moment's pause. See, at your feet, my humbled scorn imploring, crushed, and prostrate, like a vile slave, that falls below last contempt, and, trembling, begs for mercy.

your

Lou. He buries my revenge in blushes. Now, live long and happily; forgive my follies past, and you have overpaid me. [Joins their hands.

D. Lew. What, my little blossom! my gilliflower! my rose! my pink! my tulip! faith, I must smell thee. [Salutes ANGELINA.] Odd, she's a delicate nosegay ! I must have her touzed a little-Charles, you must gather to-night: I can stay no longer-Well, faith, I am heartily joyed to see thee, child.

Ang. I thank you, sir, and wish I may deserve your love: our fortune, once again, is kind; but how it comes about

D. Lew. Does not signify three-pence; when fortune pays me a visit, I seldom trouble myself to know which way she came- -I tell you, I am glad to see you.

Enter JAQUES.

Jaq. Madam, here's the lord governor come to wait upon your ladyship.

Lou. At this late hour! What can his business be? Desire his lordship to walk in.

it.

Enter GOVERnor.

Car. My Angelina! do I then live to hold thee thus? Oh, I have a thousand things to say, to ask, Gov. Pardon, madam, this unseasonable visit. to weep, and hear of thee-But, first, let's kneel Lou. Your lordship does me honour. and pay our thanks to Heaven, and this our kind Gov. At least, I hope, my business will excuse Some strangers, here below, upon their ofpreserver. Lou. Nay, now, you give me a confusion.fered oaths, demanded my authority to search [Raises them.] But if you dare trust me with the your house for a lost young lady, to whom the story of your love's distress, as far as my fortune one of them affirms himself the father: but the can, command it freely to supply your present respect I owe your ladyship, made me refuse wants, or any future means proposed to give you their search, till I had spoken with you. lasting happiness.

Car. Eternal rounds of never-ending peace reward your wondrous bounty!--But I have been too busy in my joy; I almost had forgot my friendly uncle, the ancient gentleman that first came hither with me; how have you disposed of him?

Lou. I think he's here, and safe--who waits there? [Enter JAQUES.] Release the gentleman above, and tell him, that his friends desire him. [Erit JAQUES.] You'll pardon, sir, the treatment I have shewn him; he made a little too merry with my folly, which, I confess, at that time, something too far incensed me.

Car. He's old and cheerful, apt to be free; but he'll be sorry when his humour gives offence.

Enter DON LEWIS, JAQUES bowing to him. D. Lew. Prithee, honest Dumb, don't be so ceremonious. A pox on thee! I tell thee its very well as it is, (only my jaws ache a little :) but as long as we're all friends, its no great matterMy dear Charles, I must buss thee, faith!-Madam, your humble servant- -I beg your pardon, d'ye see--you understand me? [Exit JAQUES.

Lou. I hope we are all friends, sir. D. Lew. I hope we are, madam--I am an honest old fellow, faith: though, now and then, I'm a little odd, too. uncle.

Car. Here's a stranger,

Ang. It must be they- -Now, madam, your protection, or we yet are lost.

Lou. Be not concerned! would you avoid them?

Car. No, we must be found; let them have entrance; we have an honest cause, and would provoke its trial.

Lou. Conduct the gentlemen without. [Exit JAQUES.] My lord, I'll answer for their honesty; and, as they are strangers, where the law's severe, must beg you'd favour and assist them.

Gov. You may command me, madam; though there's no great fear: for having heard the most that they could urge against them, I found, in their complaints, more spleen and humour than any just appearance of a real injury.

Enter CHARINO, ANTONIO, and CLODIO.
Cha. I'll have justice.

Ant. Don't be too hot, brother.
Cha. Sir, I demand justice.

Car. My father! Sir, your pardon and your blessing.

Ant. Why truly, Charles, I begin to be a little reconciled to the matter; I wish you well, though I can't join you together; for my friend and brother here is very obstinate, and will admit of no satisfaction: but, however, Heaven will bless you, in spite of his teeth.

Cha. This is all contrivance, roguery! I am abused! I say, deliver my daughter she is an

heiress, sir; and to detain her is a rape in law, sir, and I'll have you all hanged; therefore, no more delays, sir; for I tell you beforehand, I am a wise man, and 'tis impossible to trick me.

Ant. I say, you are too positive, brother; and when you learn more wisdom, you'll have some. Cha. I say, brother, this is mere malice, when you know, in your own conscience, I have ten times your understanding; for you see I am quite of another opinion: and so, once more, my lord, I demand justice against that ravisher.

Gov. Does your daughter, sir, complain of any violence?

Cha. Your lordship knows young girls never complain, when the violence is over; he has taught her better, I suppose.

Ang. [To CHARINO, kneeling.] Sir, you are my father, bred me, cherished me, gave me my affections, taught me to keep them hitherto within the bounds of honour and of virtue; let me conjure you, by the chaste love my mother bore you, when she preferred, to her mistaken parents' choice, her being yours without a dower, not to bestow my person, where those affections ne'er can follow-I cannot love that gentleman more than a sister ought; but here my heart's subdued, even to the last compliance with my fortune: he, sir, has nobly wooed, and won me; and I am only his, or miserable.

Cha. Get up again.

Gov. Come, sir, be persuaded; your daughter has made an honourable and happy choice; this severity will but expose yourself and her.

Cha. My lord, I don't want advice: I'll consider with myself, and resolve upon my own opi

nion.

Enter JAQUES.

Jaq. My lord, here's a stranger without, enquires for your lordship, and for a gentleman that calls himself Clodio.

Clo. Hey! Ah, mon cher ami!

Enter DON DUART, disguised. Well, what news, my dear? Has she answered my letter!

D. Du. There, sir- -This to your lordship. [Gives him a letter, and whispers. | Gov. Married to night! and to this gentleman, sayest thou? I'm amazed!

This business is all at an end-for, look you, I find your daughter's engaged; and, to tell you the truth, so am I, faith. If my brother has a mind to marry her, let him; for I shall not, split me--And now, gentlemen and ladies, if you will do me the honour to grace mine and the lady Elvira's wedding, such homely entertainment, as my poor house affords, you shall be all heartily welcome to.

D. Lew. Thy house! ha, ha! Well said, puppy! Clo. Ha! old Testy !

Cha. What dost thou mean, man?

[TO CLODIO. Gov. 'Tis even so, I can assure you, sir; I have, myself, an invitation from the lady's own hand, that confirms it: I know her fortune well, and am surprised at it.

Ang. Blessed news! This seems a forward step to reconcile us all.

Cha. If this be true, my lord, I have been thinking to no purpose; my design is all broke to pieces.

Ant. Come, brother, we'll mend it as well as we can; and since that young rogue has rudely turned tail upon your daughter, I'll fill up the blank with Charles's name, and let the rest of the settlement stand as it was.

Chu. Hold! I'll first see this wedding, and then give you my final resolution.

Clo. Come, ladies, if you please, my friend will shew

you.
Lou. Sir, we wait upon you.

Cha. This wedding's an odd thing.

D. Lew. Ha, ha! if it should be a lie, now.
[Exeunt.

SCENE III-ELVIRA's apartment.- -ELVIRA
alone, with CLODIO's letter in her hand,
Elv. At how severe a price do women pur-
chase an unspotted fame, when even the justest
title cannot assure possession? When we reflect
upon the insolent and daily wrongs, which men
and scandal throw upon our actions, 'twere enough
to make an honest mind despair: If we are fair
and chaste, we are proud; if free, we are wan-
ton; cold, we are cunning; and if kind, forsa-
ken-nothing we do or think on, be the motive
ever so just or generous, but still the malice, or
the guilt of men, interprets to our shame. Why
should this stranger, else, this wretched stranger,

D. Du. Here is her choice, my lord. Clo. [Reading the latter.]-Um-um-charms whose forfeit life I rashly saved, presume, from -irresistible-excuse-so soon--passion--blushes that mistaken charity, to tempt me with his love?

-consent-provision--children-settlementmarriage- -If this is not plain, the devil's in'tHold, here's more, faith- [Reads to himself. Gov. 'Tis very sudden- -but give my service, I'll wait upon her.

Clo. Ha, ha, ha! poor soul! I'll be with her presently; and, faith, since I have made my own fortune, I'll e'en patch up my brother's, too. Hark you, my dear dad, that should ha' been

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Elv. Conduct the company. Now, justice shall

uncloud my fame, and see my brother's death revenged.

Enter hautboys playing, CLODIO singing, D. DUART, GOVERNOR, D. MANUEL, LOUISA, CARLOS, ANGELINA, ANTONIO, CHARINO, and D. LEWIS.

D. Du. Ha!

Gov. What can this mean?

Clo. Gads me! what, is my deary in her frolics already?

Elv. And now, my lord, your justice on that

murderer.

Gov. How, madam!

Clo. That bitch, my fortune!

Clo. Well, madam, you see I'm punctualyou've nicked your man, faith; I'm always criti- D. Lew. Madam, upon my knees, I beg you cal-to a minute. You'll never stay for me. La- don't carry the jest too far; but if there be any dies and gentlemen, I desire you'll do me the bo-real hopes of his having a halter, let's know it in nour of being better acquainted here—my lord- three words, that I may be sure at once for ever, Gov. Give you joy, madam. that no earthly thing but a reprieve can save him. [Apart to ELVIRA.

Clo. Nay, madam, I have brought you some near relations of my own, too-This Don Antonio, who will shortly have the honour to call you daughter.

Ant. The young rogue has made a pretty choice, faith!

Ant. Pray, madam, who accuses him?
Elv. His own confession, sir.
Cha. Of murder, say you, madam?
Elv. The murder of my brother.

Gov. Where was that confession made?
Elv. After the fact was done, my lord, this

Clo. This Don Charino, who was very near having the honour of calling me son. This my el-man, pursued by justice, took shelter here, and, der brother-and this my noble uncle, Don Choleric Snapshorto de Testy.

D. Lew. Puppy! Clo. Peevish!

D. Lew. Madam, I wish you joy with all my heart; but, truly, I can't much advise you to marry this gentleman; because, in a day or two, you'll really find him extremely shocking: those, that know him, generally give him the title of Don Dismallo Thickscullo de Halfwitto.

Cio. Well said, nuncle-ha, ha!

D. Du. Are you provided of a priest, sir? Clo. Ay, ay, pox on him! would he were come, though!

D. Du. So would I; I want the cue to act this justice, on my honour; yet I cannot read the folly in her looks. [Aside. Gov. You have surprised us, madam, by this sudden marriage.

Elv. I may yet surprise you more, my lord. D. Du. Sir, don't you think your bride looks melancholy?

Clo. Ay, poor fool, she's modest- -but I have a cure for that-Well, my princess, why that demure look, now? Elv. I was thinking, sirClo. I know what you think of- -You don't think at all- -You don't know what to thinkYou neither see, hear, feel, smell, nor tasteYou han't the right use of one of your sensesIn short, you have it. Now, my princess, have not I nicked it?

Elv. I am sorry, sir, you know so little of your self, or me.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. Madam, the priest is come.

Elv. Let him wait, we've no occasion yetWithin, there-seize him.

[Several Officers rush in, who seize CLODIO, and bind him.

VOL. II.

trembling, begged of me for my protection; he seemed, indeed, a stranger, and his complaints so pitiful, that I, little suspicious of my brother's death, promised, by a rash and solemn vow, I would conceal him: which vow, Heaven can witness with what distraction in my thoughts I strictly kept, and paid; but he, alas! mistaking this my hospitable charity, for the effects of a most vile, preposterous love, proceeds upon his error, and in his letter, here, addresses me for marriage; which I, once having paid my vow, answered in such prevailing terms, upon his folly, as now have, unprotected, drawn him into the hands of justice.

D. Du. She is innocent, and well has disappointed my revenge. [Aside. D. Lew. So, now, I am a little easy-the puppy will be hanged.

Gov. Give me leave, madam, to ask you yet some farther questions.

Clo. Ay, I shall be hanged, I believe.

Cha. Nay, then, 'tis time to take care of my daughter; for I am convinced that my friend Clody is disposed of—and so, without compliment, do you see, children, Heaven bless you together.

[Joins CARLOS and ANGELINA's hands. Car. This, sir, is a time unfit to thank you as we ought.

Ant. Well, brother, I thank you, however; Charles is an honest lad, and well deserves her; but poor Clody's ill fortune I could never have suspected.

D. Lew. Why, you would be positive, though you know, brother, I always told you, Dismal would be hanged; I must plague him a little, because the dog has been pert with me Clody, how dost thou do? Ha! why you are tied !

Clo. I hate this old fellow, split me!

D. Lew. Thou hast really made a damned

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