Act 5 — Scene IV.
Reading edition · Edition 2
Another Part of the Garden.
Enter Nina and Sancho.
Nina. Nay, no more, Sancho. To me there's something dreadful in such a hasty fresh espousal. My husband's body yet uninterred, still would you have me enter into fresh bonds.
San. He was no husband to you, Nina, but a worthless wretch, who deceived you. Remember, it is for years that I have loved you. Saint Petronila be my witness.
Nina. I know it, Sancho, and wish I had never married Lopez. Why did you leave me?
San. I could but leave you, when I followed my master: but remember, when we parted, I offered you my troth. You have been unjust to me, and owe some reparation; by Saint Petronila, you do!
Nina. And in good time I'll make it, Sancho.
San. The present is good time; now we are together, and my master is no more. Come, Nina, keep your promise, and the Saint will reward you.
Nina. Nay, Sancho, do not thus persuade me. Were I to yield to your wish, you would hate me after we were married.
San. Never; by this kiss (kisses her), I swear. I have you now, and will not part with you.
[Nina throws herself into his arms.
Enter Antonio in friar's gown and hood.
Ant. (in a feigned voice). Good hugging people, are you man and wife?
San. We are not yet, but soon we hope to be.
Ant. The sooner it were better, for this dalliance In the ev'ning, in a sequester'd grove, Is most unseemly, if not dangerous. Woman, lovest thou this man?—
Nina. I do, most holy father.
Ant. And I must tell thee, maiden, it were better That you delay no longer. I have witness'd Your stolen embraces; and, by Holy Church! I think it right that you be married straight, Ere vice usurps the throne that should be held By virtue only. Children, not far from hence There is a chapel, where attending priests Chant holy masses for a soul's repose. There may you join your hands, and there receive The nuptial benediction.
San. Nina, you must obey this holy friar, and make me happy; Saint Petronila sent him.
Nina. It is against my wish that I consent; yet, father, you know best, although you know not all.
Ant. (aside). Indeed I do! (Aloud) Come with me, my children, I'll point you out the path, to where you may, By holy rites pronounced, become one flesh. [Exeunt.
Enter Serafina and Beppa.
Ser. My distracted mind, like some wild spendthrift, Has drawn upon my heart till it is bankrupt. God, how my soul is weary! I fear the sword Of that Don Felix may prevail against him. He is a man well knit in sinewy strength; Gaspar a boy. O spare him, gracious Heaven!
Bep. To wed with Isidora, and with gibes Mock at the tears of Donna Serafina! Madam, you've not the lofty soul of woman, Or you would act, and not thus vainly talk. He's lost to you for ever! I've discover'd, That since this noon he hath not left her house, And all's in preparation for their union.
Ser. Have they been left together? Then, perchance, She hath been foolish too, and much too fond. Then will he quit her soon. Truant Gaspar, These arms shall win thee back!
Bep. Oh, no! She is too wise, too prudent, and too good. Such charms of mind and body she possesses, That all do worship her; but not as one Of us mere mortals. He dare not think of it. She is too perfect. Gaspar is hers alone, And you—are thrown aside for ever!
Ser. Is it so? Don Gaspar hers! Never, never! by Heav'n, If I lose him, he shall be lost to her! If I must weep, her tears shall fall with mine! If my heart breaks, hers shall be riven too! If I must die,—and that I shall, I feel, Loves she as I do, they may dig her grave. Don Felix, may thy practised sword prove true!— And it will save me from a deed of horror.
Bep. Now do you speak as a wrong'd woman should. Keep up this spirit—you will be avenged. We must retire; for soon they will appear. [Exeunt.