Act 3 — Scene IV.—A room in Don Luis’ Villa.

Alv. Now, sir, that (thanks to Porcia) you have open’d Your arms to me once more, I cannot rest (So favour ever calls for favour) till You tell me what the inward trouble is That mars your outward feature. I was cause Of so much trouble to you, that I dread Lest of this also, which with troubled looks You still keep speaking to yourself apart, Like people in a play. Luis. Alvaro, no. Thank God, this trouble lies not at your door. Let that suffice. Alv. You will not trust me, sir? Luis. Why will you press me? since you must be told, It is about my friend—Don Juan Roca. Alv. Don Juan! Luis. Yes, Don Juan. Alv. What of him? (I’ll drink the cup at once!) (aside). Luis. What evil star Made him my friend! Alv. Too true! (aside). But what has happen’d? Luis. Why will you know? and should I dare to tell My friend’s dishonour? Well, no more than this— Some wretch—some villain—some accursed—but Be there bad name enough to brand him by, I have not breath for it—nor is it well For you or for myself—has ravisht from him His wife, his Serafina. And I, O God! not able to avenge him! Alv. (aside). Does he know all? and knowing whose the crime, Cannot, he says, avenge it on his son? Shall I then tell, and gain at least the grace Of a confession? Hear me, sir. Luis. Nay, nay, I know what you would say, how vain it is To vex myself who cannot help my friend— We neither knowing who the villain is, Nor whither both are fled: heaven! if we did, I should not now be idly moaning here. Alv. All’s safe! (aside). Nor I, sir; give me but a clue, (Not only for Don Juan’s sake, but yours,) I’ll track the villain through the world. Luis. Alvaro, Your words are music to me. Alv. Still, my father, I will say what to say you said was vain. Until some clue be found, let not this grief Consume you so. Luis. Such wounds are hard to heal. Yet, quicken’d by your courage, and to show How well I like your counsel—come, Alvaro, I will with you to your hill castle there; That which has been your banishment so long, Shall witness now our reconciliation. We’ll go this evening—now—together. Alv. Good, sir. But pardon me, let me go on before To apprize Belardo of your going thither— And also Serafina! (apart).

Luis. Be it so! Julia (entering). My lord, Don Pedro is without, and fain Would speak to you. Luis. Admit him, Julia. The wound re-opens—Serafina’s father! No doubt upon what errand.

Ped. Ah, Don Luis, Your arms! (They embrace.) Luis. Don Pedro, I must surely thank The cause to which my poor retirement owes This honour. Ped. Yet a thankless cause, Don Luis. These many days I have heard nothing of Don Juan and my daughter; they neither write Themselves, nor any one to whom I write To ask about them answers to the purpose. What may this mean? I have come hither thinking That you, who are the model of all friends, May deal more clearly with me. You may think What I endure from this suspense. In mercy Relieve me from it quickly. Luis (aside). Poor old man; What shall I say? tell his grey hairs at once The ruin of his honour and his love? Ped. You pause, my lord! Luis. And yet I need not wonder, I nothing hear of them if you do not. Ped. And you know nothing of them?

Por. Sir, I hear You are going (are you not?) this evening To the castle, with my brother. But who is this? Ped. Ever your slave, sweet lady. Por. Oh, pardon me, my lord. Luis. Nay, pardon me That I cut short your compliments, Porcia. (This interruption, come so opportune, Shall carry what ill news I have to tell Into the open air at least.) Don Pedro, I am going to the mountain, as she says; You to the city; for some way at least Our roads are one, and I would talk with you About this business without interruption. Will ’t please you come? Ped. Your pleasure’s mine. Adieu, Fair lady. Por. Farewell, sir. Luis. Porcia, you Will follow in the carriage.

Por. And should go More gladly, were my lover there to meet me.