ACT IV.

Don Z. What, here again already! have you sped? Chi. Lame as I am, you see I've made good speed In my return, whate'er I've had in my errand. Don Z. Leave, fool, your quibbling, and deliver me From the disquiet of uncertainty. Chi. That's quickly done. Set, sir, your heart at rest From the vain hopes of ever seeing Blanca— Now you are at ease, I trow? Don Z. You'll be at little, unless you leave your jesting With such edge-tools. Is banishment from her Matter of raillery? Say, sirrah, and say Quickly, what hopes?—— Prythee, if thou lov'st me, [Kindly. Hold me no longer in suspense, Chichon. Chi. Why, then, for fear—the devil a bit for love— I'll tell you, sir, that luckily I met The drab Francisca at the capuchin's, Lodging behind her lady, I think on purpose; For I perceiv'd her eager sparrowhawk's eye, With her veil down (ne'er stirs a twinkling-while From its sly peeping-hole) had found me straight— took my time i' th' nick, but she outnick'd me; For trudging on, her face another way, With such a voice, as some you have seen have had The trick to draw from caverns of their belly, And make one think it came from a mile off, She made me hear these words: About twilight Fail not to pass by our door, and ask no more At this time, varlet. And thus, sir, you see, That neither she nor I have been prolix, For this is all. You have leave to make your comment On a brief text. Don Z. As sweet methinks as short: such words imply Little less than a demi-assignation. Chi. All puddings have two ends,[14] and most short sayings Two handles to their meaning. Don Z. I'm sure I'll still lay hold upon the pleasing'st, Till it be wrested from me: i' th' meanwhile, If any visitants come this afternoon, Be sure to tell them I am gone abroad, That nothing else embark us at the time. You shall not go alone. Chi. I thank you for it— I cannot go alone.

Don J. All things are rightly laid, for Violante Will pass the afternoon with Blanca, and then, I waiting on her home in th' evening, Blanca Will be secure from me till late at night. I shall be where I told you, in full view Of those two windows. If the gallant come Up the great stairs, he must pass through that room, And cannot 'scape your knowledge; if up the back one, You needs must see him passing through the entry, Close by that door. If this latter way, Be sure to set the candle in that window: [Pointing. If up the other, in that: and in either case, As soon as he's within, fail not to bolt, On th' inside, th' entry-door, and so he may Find no retreat that way, I coming up The other. Don F. Be assured I shall be punctual, As you direct. [Exeunt.

Don P. Are you sure of what you say? Fulv. As sure, sir, As my own eyes can make me of what I saw. You cannot doubt my knowing him, since 'twas I (You may remember) fetch'd the surgeon to him, And saw his wounds dress'd more than once or twice. The tavern, where I was, looks into his garden, And there I left him walking to come tell you. Don P. We are well advanc'd then towards my just revenge. I found Don Julio as ready to comply With all the duke's desires as I could wish; And my great fear is over, that Don Zancho Might possibly have been some near relation Of his own: so that now, Fulvio, if you Keep but a careful eye upon his motions, And give me notice, he can hardly 'scape us. Fulv. Doubt not my diligence. [Exeunt.

Blan. You must have your will; but know, Francisca, If you expose me to his vanity, I never shall forgive you. Fran. I tell you, madam, I will bring him t' ye So mortified, he shall an object be For pity, not for anger: you'll need employ Kindness to erect the poor dejected knight. Blan. It fell out luckily, that Violante Came hither; for, my brother now engag'd With her, we're safe till ten o'clock at least. Fran. But how shall we dispose of Silvia? It will be hard to 'scape her observation, For she has wit, and of the dangerous kind— A melancholy wit. O the unlucky star, That leads a lady, engaged in love-intrigues, To take a new attendant near her person! Blan. 'Twas an unluckiness; but Violante Could not be denied, I having told her So often that I wanted one; besides, Who could have thought sh' had one ready at hand? But we must make the best on't for this night: 'Twill not be hard to busy her, till 't be late, In the perfuming-room. This near occasion Well o'er, I think it will not be amiss, Against another, to say somewhat to her, That may, in case she have perceiv'd anything, Persuade her she is not distrusted. Fran. Madam, take heed of that: whene'er you find It necessary to say anything, Be sure to say that, that she may think all. Take one rule more from my experience: Nothing so fatal as a confidence By halves in amorous transactions. But here she comes—

Blan. Come, Silvia, and take your part of this sweet place; This is a day indeed to taste its freshness. Elv. Madam, I needs must say, within a town I never saw so fine a one. Blan. In truth I think not many sweeter. Those fountains, Playing among the orange-trees and myrtles, Have a fine mix'd effect on all the senses, But think not, Silvia, to enjoy the pleasure Without contributing to make it more. Elv. How can I be so happy? Blan. Francisca tells me she has overheard you Warbling alone such notes unto yourself, As have not only a good voice betray'd, But skill to manage it. Elv. It is Francisca, That has betray'd a very ill one, madam. Blan. Under yon palm-tree's shade, there is a seat That yields to none in the advantages It lends to music: let's go sit down there. For this first time, one song shall satisfy. Elv. When you have heard that one, I shall not fear Your asking me another.

See, O, see! How every tree, Every bower, Every flower, A new life gives to others' joys; Whilst that I, Grief-stricken, lie, Nor can meet With any sweet, But what faster mine destroys. What are all the senses' pleasures, When the mind has lost all measures? Hear, O, hear! How sweet and clear The nightingale And waters'-fall In concert join for others' ears; Whilst to me For harmony Every air Echoes despair, And every drop provokes a tear. What are all the senses' pleasures, When the mind has lost all measures? Blan. I thank you, Silvia; but I'll not allow One of your youth to nourish melancholy By tunes and words so flattering to that passion. Elv. The happiness of serving you may fit me In time for gayer things. Blan. I will not ask another for the present; Not for your reason, but because I'll be More moderate in my pleasures. Now, Silvia, I have a task to give you. Elv. Whate'er it be, 'twill be a pleasing one, Of your imposing. Blan. 'Tis to gather store of Fresh orange-flowers, and then carefully To shift the oils in the perfuming-room, As in the several ranges you shall see The old begin to wither. To do it well Will take you up some hours; but 'tis a work I oft perform myself; and that you may Be sure not to mistake, I'll go thither With you, and show you the manner of it. Elv. I hope I shall not fail, so well instructed. [Exeunt.

Chi. Y'are so impatient, sir, you will mar all: I tell you that 'tis yet too light by half, The sun is hardly set: pray fetch a turn Or two more in the garden, ere you go. Don Z. You must be governor, I see, to-night, You are so proud o' th' service you have done. Come away. [Exeunt.

Elv. The task enjoin'd me is a sweet one, truly, But I smell somewhat more in the imposal. So far I am happy yet in my misfortune, That I am lighted into a lady's service Of an obliging humour; but (most of all) One that, as kind as she is, I see 's as glad To leave me alone, as I to be it. Somewhat There is mysterious in her looks and conduct: Such motions just, such inequalities, Such flatteries to those I trusted least, Such pretty employments found to busy those I would be rid of, and such arts are these To single out her confidant (unnoted), I well remember would Elvira use, Whilst the unquiet joys of love possess'd her, How innocent soever. And, besides, Francisca's sitting up so late last night, And going up and down so warily, Whilst others slept, is evidence enough What god reigns here, as well as at the court. But I forget myself. Let descants cease, Who serves, though she observes, must hold her peace.

Don Z. Advance, Chichon, I'll follow at a distance. 'Tis the right time—just light enough, you see, For warn'd expecters to know one another. I hope she will not fail you. Chi. She fail us! No sentinel perdu is half so alert As she in these occasions.

Fran. There comes the varlet; and I'm much deceived, Or that's his master lagging at a distance— I'll give them a go-by, cover'd with my veil.

Chi. By that light, as little as 'tis, 'tis she: I'll to her. Don Z. And I'll stand close the while— When you have broken the ice, I'll take my time.

Chi. What signifies a veil to hide my doxy, When every motion of a leg or wing Darts round perfuming and informing airs? Thou art the very cauliflower of women. Fran. And thou the very cabbage-stalk of men, That never stank to me, as does a blab. Chi. Curse on thee, hold thy tongue! Dost thou not see, Who stands against that wall? Fran. Away, sauce-box!

Don Z. Pass, trample on me, do, trample—but hear me! Fran. These shoes have been my lady's, and she'd ne'er Forgive it, should they do you so much honour. [Showing her foot. 'Tis thou hast caus'd all this. [Aside, turning to Chichon. Chi. Fire on thy tongue! Don Z. Ah, my Francisca, if there be no hopes Of pardon, nor of pity, yet at least Let Blanca, for her own sake, be so just As not to give me cruel death unheard: Do you your part at least, and do but give her This letter from me—

Fran. Guarda! that's a thing She has forbidden with such menaces, I dare as well become another Porcia,[15] And eat red burning coals. I had much rather Consent that, now she's all alone at home, You should transportedly rush in upon her, As following me: so possibly you might Attain your end without exposing me Who, in that case, know how to act my part So smartly against you, as shall keep her clear From all suspicion. But I am to blame Thus to forget my duty: I'll stay no longer.

Don. Z. Spoke like an angel. Fran. This is, you know, superfluous with me, And shocks my humour; but anything from you! Be sure you follow boisterously.

Chi. I'll bring you no ill-luck a second time. If for sport's sake you have projected me Another summersault from the balcony, Make your account that 'tis already done, Here you will find me halting in the street. [Exit Chichon.

Blan. How true it is that nature cheats mankind, And makes us think ourselves the only tasters Of pure delight and bliss; when as indeed, Oppressing us with pains and griefs, she makes Deliv'rance from them pass for solid pleasure! Witness in me those images of joy, Wherewith she flatters now my expectation: What will its highest satisfaction be At most, but ease from what tormented me?

Fran. It now imports you have affected rage As ready at hand as usually you have Anger in earnest. But, above all, be sure You discharge it smartly upon me; for here He presses at my heels.

Blan. What insolence is this? Think not, Francisca, That I am to be fool'd! This is your work: You shall not stay an hour within these walls— By all that's good, you shall not! Fran. For heaven's sake, madam, be not so unjust [Whining. To an old servant, always full of duty. But can I govern madmen? Would y' have had me Make all the street take notice? There he attack'd me With such transportment, the whole town had rung on't, Had I not run away. Could I imagine A man so wild as to pursue me hither Into your presence? Blan. It is well, Don Zancho; [Severely and scornfully. Blanca may be thus used; but he that does it Shall find——

Don Z. Pardon this rudeness, madam, but a man Made desperate hath nothing more to manage. Hither I come to give you satisfaction, And if my reasons can't, my heart-blood shall; But you must hear me, or here see me dead. Blan. Since to be rid of him, Francisca, I see

I must the penance undergo of hearing him, Keep careful watch to prevent accidents. Fran. Madam, your closet will be much more proper For such a conference; for in case your brother Should come, Don Zancho has a safe retreat From thence down the back-stairs. I shall be sure To give you timely notice. Don Z. And I know perfectly the passage thorough Th' entry; I've come up more than once that way During my happy days. Blan. I think y' have reason; since I must have patience, Light us in thither.

Don J. The light was in the farther window; therefore He went up this way: now, if Fernando Have not forgot to bolt the entry-door, He cannot 'scape us, sure, whoe'er he be. 'Tis the only comfort, In such misfortunes, when a man hath means To right his honour, without other help Than such a friend as is another self, And that the shame's even from domestics hid, Until it be reveng'd.

Chi. 'Slight! 'tis Don Julio that I saw go in! My master's like to pass his time but ill; I'll steal in after, and observe: although My courage cannot stead him, my wit may, As things may possibly fall out.

Blan. As fine a story as may be! No, Don Zancho, I, Blanca Rocca, am not carta blanca,[16] Fit to receive whate'er impression Your art——

Fran. Your brother's in the hall already; Quick, quick, and let him find you in your chamber Before your glass, I have set it ready there, Whilst he retires the way it was resolv'd.

Don J. Blanca, I thought you had been abed ere this. Have you had company to entertain you, And keep you up beyond your usual hour? Blan. What company can I have, you abroad, At this time of the night? Don J. I fain would find out some such as might please you.

Francisca, take a candle and light me in To Blanca's closet. Blan. Good brother, what's the matter? You were not wont to be so curious, As thus to pry into my privacies. Don J. That you shall know anon. Do as I bid you, Francisca.

These tropes are lost on me. [Exit. Fran. Let him go, now we have gain'd time enough. Blan. Thanks to thy timely fall! Fran. Persons employ'd In such trusts must have their wits about them. 'Tis clear that he suspects, but know—he cannot. When once you see all safe, 'twill then import you To play the tyrant over him, with reproaches For this his jealousy. Blan. Let me alone for that. But let us follow him in, that we may mark His whole demeanour. [Exeunt.

Don Z. Curse on't, the entry-door's bolted within, What shall I do? [He pauses.] I must seek a way, Through the perfuming-room into the garden. [Exit.

Don J. He must be gone this way, there is no other; The entry-door was bolted.

Fran. All's safe: he takes that way. Let him, a God's name, Follow his nose to the perfuming-room. Blan. He'll fright poor Silvia out of her wits; But I'll come to her succour with a peal Will ring him. [Exeunt Donna Blanca and Francisca.

Don Z. O heavens! what is't I see? 'Tis mere illusion, Or 'tis the devil in that angel's form, Come here to finish by another hand The fatal work that she began upon me By Don Fernando's. Elv. Good gods! Don Zancho here! it cannot be! Or 'tis his ghost, come to revenge his death On its occasioner; for, were he alive, He could not but have more humanity Than (having been my ruin at Madrid, And robb'd me of my home and honour there) To envy me an obscure shelter here.

Don J. Think not (whoe'er thou art), by flying thus From room to room, to 'scape my just revenge. Shouldst thou retire to th' centre of the earth, This sword should find thee there, and pierce thy heart.

Nay then, if it be you, I'm happy yet In my misfortune, since the gods thus give me The means at once, and by the self-same stroke, To right my honour, and revenge my friend; And, by that action, fully to comply With what the Duke requires in the behalf Of wrong'd Don Pedro.

Don F. I hear an outcry and [a] clattering of swords. My friend (engag'd) must find me by his side.

Don F. They are parleying: let's hear. [Aside.

Blan. 'Twas Silvia's voice: my heart misgives me somewhat. Fran. 'Tis some new accident or some mistake; Don Zancho cannot but be safe long since. Blan. However let us in, and see.

Blan. We are all undone, I fear. Fran. A little patience. [Chichon stealing over the stage. Chi. The noise is towards the perfuming-room, I know the back-way to it through the garden.

Don Z. Wit must repair the disadvantages I'm under here, and save my Blanca's honour. That once secur'd, there will be time enough To save Elvira's. [Aside.

Since, by this lady's interposing thus, You have thought fit our swords should pause awhile, It may (I think) consist enough with honour So far to seek your satisfaction, sir, As to remove mistakes. Know then, Don Julio, That, though I have presum'd upon your house, I have not wrong'd your honour: it is she, With whom you find me, that hath brought me hither; Her I have long ador'd, and, having got Intelligence that she was here conceal'd, My passion (I confess) transported me Beyond that circumspection and regard, Which men of quality use, and ought t' observe Towards one another's dwellings. Don J. Good gods, what an adventure's here! Yet all Is well, so Blanca's honour be but safe. [Aside. Sir, you surprise me much; can this be true?

Blan. Francisca, heard you that? had ever man So ready a wit in such an exigent? [Aside. Don J. [to Elvira.] What say you, madam? Fran. We're surer lost than ever, unless she Have wit and heart to take the thing upon her. [Aside. Madam, make signs to her, and earnestly. [To Blanca.

Fran. [aside to Blanca.] She looks this way, as if she comprehended Your meaning. Elv. I understand her, and I know as well What mischief I may bring upon myself; But let Elvira still do generously, And leave the rest to fate. [Aside.] Sir, since you press me,

My humour ne'er could disavow a truth: Don Zancho's passion and transportments for me, Beyond all rules of temper and discretion, Have been the cause of all my sad misfortunes, And still I see must be the cause of more. Don J. Unhappy creature! how thou hast deceiv'd My prone persuasion of thy innocence! Don Z. If that suffice not, sir, you have this ready To give you satisfaction. [Holding out his sword. Don F. Hell and furies!—but I will yet contain Myself, and see how far my friend will drive it. [Aside. Don J. Stay, Don Zancho, And answer me one question. Is this night The first of your presuming thus to enter My house by stealth? Don Z. The query is malicious; But I must thorough, as I have begun. [Aside. Blan. [Aside to Francisca.] There was a question makes me tremble still. Don Z. No, sir, it is not: I'll keep nothing from you. Last night upon the same occasion—— Don J. Hold! it suffices. Fran. [Aside hastily to Blanca.] All's safe, you see: for God's sake, let's away Ere Julio perceive us. Your presence here can serve for nothing, madam, But to beget new chances and suspicions.

Don F. Yes, it suffices, Julio, to make This hand strike surer than it did before. Elvira. Nothing was wanting to my misery, But his being here to overhear; but yet I must not suffer the same hand to kill him A second time, upon a greater error Than was the first.

Don F. [Striving to come at Don Zancho.] Strive to protect your gallant from me, do! Strive, but in vain: the gods themselves cannot! What, you, Don Julio, too?

Chi. I have lov'd to see fighting; but at present I love to hinder seeing how to fight. Knights, brandish your blades, 'twill make fine work Among the gallipots! [Aloud. You have me by your side, sir, let them come; They are but two to two. [As to his master. Sir, follow me, I'll bring you to the door.

Don Z. There's no dishonour in a wise retreat From disadvantages, to meet again One's enemy upon a fairer score.

Chi. [Aside to his master.] There 'tis; advance, sir, I'll make good the rear.

Don J. Ho! who's without? bring lights. [He stamps.] They cannot hear us, The room is so remote from all the rest.— What a confusion's this! Recall, Fernando, Your usual temper, and let's leave this place, And that unhappy maid unto its darkness, To hide her blushes, since her shame it cannot.

Elv. [Alone.] Darkness and horror welcome, since the gods Live in the dark themselves; for had they light Of what's done here below, they would afford Some ray to shine on injur'd innocence, And not, instead thereof, thus multiply Obscuring clouds upon it, such as the sun, Should he with all his beams illuminate Men's understandings, scarce could dissipate. I now begin to pardon thee, Fernando, Since what thou hast heard in this enchanted place Carries conviction in 't against my firmness, Above the pow'r of nature to suspend My condemnation: unless wrong'd virtue might Expect in thee a justice so refin'd, As ne'er was found in man to womankind. 'Tis now, I must confess, the lost Elvira Fit only for a cloister, where, secure In her own spotless mind, she may defy All censures, and without impiety Reproach her fate even to the deity. [Exit, groping her way.