Fatal Jealousie.

Act the First. Scene the First.

The Curtain drawn Discovers Don Antonio and Cælia in Morning-Gowns. Chamber and Bed.

Cæl. MY Lord, you well may blame my conduct of that bus’ness, Since it produc’d such dismal Accidents, As my heart trembles but to think upon; Yet for Don Lewis’s Innocence and mine, In the contrivance of that Fatal Meeting; I must for ever, during Life, be Champion. And, as he with his dying breath protested, He ne’re meant wrong to you; so am I ready To dye a Martyr to my Innocence.

Anto. Come, come, these are but wyles to Palliate things, Can you believe me stupid, or an Ass? To think my Wife should meet a Man i’ th’ Night; Nay, more; a Man that was my seeming Friend; Yet taken in at Window privately! Nay, which was most, stay with him two full hours, And in a Room made proper by a Bed, And yet not Cuckold me; the thing’s too plain, I do not doubt the deed, which Iv’e Reveng’d In part, by killing him: No, I am mad, That you should think so meanly still of me, As to hope time may alter my belief; Which is by such unerring Reasons fixt: Or else that you suspect my Truth, when I have sworn By all things sacred; nay upon my Honour (Which I am so Jealous of) that if you would Relate the truth of your so close amours, I from my memory would blot it all, And look on you at worst, but as the Widdow Of your dead Couzen Lewis.

Anto. Cælia, stand up, I will perswade my self. By this —— I will as much, as e’re I can,

[Kisses her.

B2

That thou art Innocent, for if thou bee’st not, What Woman in the World ought to be thought so? But prethee be discreet, mannage thy Actions With strictest Rules of Prudence, for if not, Like to a Bow or’e-bent, I shall start back, And break with passion on thee: wilt thou be careful?

Cæl. Oh! I am paid for all my sufferings, This kindness does or’e-joy me, which, my Lord, Let me for ever lose when any Act Of mine, shall justly make a forfeit of it.

Enter Flora.

Flor. My Lord, here’s Don Gerardo come to see you.

Anto. Admit him in.

[Exit Flora.

Cæl.I will retire, my Lord.

Anto. You need not, Cælia.

[Enter Gerardo.

Welcome, Gerardo, this is like a Friend, That name should know no Ceremonious Laws, Let them make formal Visits that maintain, As formal Friendships; ours is try’d and true.

Gerar. This, as I take it, was your Wedding-day, At which (your pardon, Madam, for a truth.) I was a Jealous waiter; your great worth Made me to fear I then had lost a Friend, And in that room should an acquaintance find.

Cæl. But now, my Lord, you see how you mistook, I was a Rival to his Mistresses, But to his Friends, one to increase their number.

Ger. I find the truth so great, I wish you may Live long and happy to possess that place; Yet I’le confess I did not lose my fears, Till my dear Friend was pleas’d to use my Sword, As Second, in the Quarrel with your Kinsman, The Unfortunate Don Lewis; and I protest Such Joy I met to be employ’d by him, That I ne’re sought to know what caus’d the quarrel.

Cæl. My Lord, I beg your pardon, I have some little bus’ness in my Closet Which forces me retire.

Ger. Your Lady looks as if she were displeas’d.

Anto. That Kinsman whom I slew is never nam’d, But if she hears it she avoids the place.

Ger. I’m troubled much to be th’ occasion now.

Anto. No matter, Friend, she only knows the cause, Why from such Friendship we grew Enemies, And there is reason why she should be griev’d.

Ger. That sudden and so secret Quarrel Did much amaze all Naples; And I (as Actor in it) often have been prest To tell the cause, which yet I never could.

Anto. No, Friend, nor never must: The Gen’rous Lewis; so I’le call him now, Since he so bravely dy’d, was alwayes just During that little time he breath’d this Air; After his mortal Wound, for he Related A Story of it fitted us for pardon: Yet never told that Secret, only known On Earth, to him, to Cælia and my self.

Ger. I’me not inquisitive, nor never was, There may be secrets fit for no Mans hearing. And ’tis an Act of Friendship full as great To tell a Friend I hide a secret from him, As to Relate it, since they both shew Candor—

Anto. Happy Antonio, in a Friend so just!

Ger. Happy Gerardo, rather, that can say He’s sure he has a Friend, that dares employ him; For confidence in Friends makes Friendship sure.

Anto. And dearest Friend, I’le not doubt yours so much, To think you would not use this Life of mine, As ’twere your own in any thing concerns you.

Ger. Ne’re doubt it, Friend, I soon shall find occasion Boldly to use the power, and to speak truth; My coming now was chiefly to that purpose; Though I intended to spend this day too In Recreation with you, and to see you Bedded, Like a new Bride and Bride-groom, Then wishing you long: long and lasting Joys, Retire, and wish to Copy out your Life.

Anto. Has Don Gerardo Service for Antonio, His own Antonio and yet defers to name it? Speak your Commands, that I as swift may flye To put ’em into Action as I did At first to meet those pleasures Lovers long for.

Ger. My fears perswade me I shall speak too soon, Yet dress your self, and come into the Garden, I with impatience there will wait to tell you.

Anto. Go then, you shall not long be silent.

[Ex. Gerardo.

Who waits there?

[Enter Pedro, and Exit.

Pedro, call my Wife— My Wife, said I! Gerardo, didst thou know The secret fears contain’d within this Bosome, Thou’dst sooner pitty me, than wish my Life: How can I think her story of the Jewels, And other matters ’bout her Fathers Will, Could have produc’d so scandalous a Meeting? And yet she still avows it! Oh, Jealousie! Where will these panting fears still hurry me? I hourly seek to find what I wou’d give, A thousand Worlds my heart would ne’re believe; And yet for what do I thus vex my self? For that, which if ’twas gone, I cou’d not miss; No, would I could, for then I’de never fear, But when I found her Honour gone astray, I’d send her Life to fetch mine back again.

Enter Cælia.

Cæl. What’s your Command, my Lord?

Anto. Prethee, my Dear, do not retire too much, But shew a merry freedom to our Friends, That they may think us happy, themselves welcome.

Cæl. My Lord, I shall, and reason have to do it; But I desire you would dispence my absence, Only a little time, I being preparing A general Confession I shall make to Morrow.

Anto. You’l be too long about it.

Cæl. No, my Lord, I take the shortest way In writing what my thoughts can re-collect.

Ant. You would not let me read it, when y’have done?

Cæl. I do confess I should be loath, my Lord. But yet from any Sin concerns your self, I am as free as are the purer Angels, Or may I find no profit by my Prayers.

Anto. I will believe thee; go, make haste and do it.

[Ex. Cælia.

Yet, if’t be possible, I’m resolv’d to see it; ’Twill Cure my fears, perhaps, or change their Natures, And make ’em certainties the lesser evil cause sooner Cur’d: For Jealousies with fear doth plague the mind, But that is Cur’d when certainties we find.

[Ex. Anto.

The Scene changes, Discovers Jasper, as from Bed, Buttoning himself.

Jasp. Oh, plague o’this Old Bitch, she has kept me so awake with her Coughing all Night, that I have quite out-slept my self.

[Looks on’s Watch.

By Heav’n near Ten a Clock, and she not gone yet—plague on her—she’l be catch’d, and I shall be turn’d away—why Nurse—make haste, ’tis Ten a clock and past, you will be wanting.

Nurse within. That cannot be, alas, the times but short that I’ve been with thee, my Dear.

Jasp. No, perhaps you think so; but let me ever want money to drink, if I have not thought the time longer then her Life has been, and that began beyond the mem’ry of man. What drudgery am I forc’d to undergo to get a little money to support me—that I may Live to watch all apted times for my Revenge on this whole family, who Rise upon the Ruines of our House. This Nurse of Ninety never stayes with me but I’de as live have been Rid by a Night-Mare.

Enter Nurse.

Nurse. What’s that, Night-Mare? Am I a Night-Mare?

Jasp. No, Nurse, I said, I was troubl’d with a Night-Mare, and should be worse, were it not for thy Company.

Nurse. Nay, I am good Friend of thine every way.

Jasp. That’s true; but Nurse make haste, for I am damnably afraid Flora suspects us e’re since she took me in your Chamber, and if she shou’d take you here, and tell my Lady, I should be turn’d away, for you know she loves me not e’re since I gave my Lord notice of her meeting Don Lewis, to give him the money and Jewels, her Father left privately in her hands for him when he dy’d.

Nurse. I Chuck, but why didst thou do so?

Jasp. In hopes to have got some of the money for my discovery, what made her tempt me with the trust of money, and give me none to keep Counsel. But prethee Nurse be gone.

Nurse. I, give me but one buss, and I will.

[Kisses him, and is going.

Jasp. What a belch was there to perfume it?

[She comes back.

Nurse. Sweet Rogue, I cannot go without the other kiss.

Jasp. Oh, Nurse! you will undo me; prethee no more.

Nurse. What, Rascal, slight my favours? you shall repent it.

Jasp. No, Nurse, think not so, but—

Flora within.

Why, Nurse, Nurse, my Lady wants you; come away there, I know where you have been all Night.

Jasp. Why, there ’tis—this is what I fear’d, I am undone, a plague of Cubbard Love—step into the Closet.

Nurse. What’s that you say, Cubbard Love?

Jasp. No, no, prethee no Arguments, but step into the Closet.

Flora within. Why, Nurse, I say! why don’t you come away? My Lady wants you.

[Jasper goes to the Door.

Jasp. Flora, what’s the matter with you? Nurse is not here; do but come in and see.

[Enter Flora.

Flor. Come, come, she must be here; for she was not in her own Bed to Night, and where should she be, but with you?

Jasp. With me! what the Devil should she do with me? Can’t her Old Chopps mumble her Beads o’re, but I must keep count of her Pater Nosters: No, no, she’s gon on Pilgrimage to some Shrine, to beg Children for my Lady; ’tis a devout Old Woman.

Flor. Devout! I, her Devotion and yours are much alike, the Fit ne’re took you but once in your Lives, and then, ’tis true you wept at Prayers, that was, at your own Christnings.

Jasp. Prethee more Charity, sweet dear Flora; come, let me kiss thee.

Flor. Pray forbear, I’de sooner kiss a Horse.

Jasp. Why so scornful, dear Flora?

Flor. That’s not my bus’ness; come, tell me, where’s the Nurse?

Jasp. Prethee, why dost ask me for the Nurse? Dost think i am so hot to make Love to a Monument? Why, she’s old enough to be Mother of all Mankind; her skin’s turn’d to parchment, he that should enjoy her, had as good lye with a bundle of Old Records. In truth, she’s fit for nothing now, but to be hang’d up amongst the monsters in a ’Pothecaries Shop, where, with abuse to the Beast, she would be taken for a large Apes skin stufft with Hay. Ah, Flora, if she were as Young as thou art, then’t might be likely, I might find her when she was lost.

Flor. Well, if she be not here now, I’m sure it was not for nothing you once lost your way into her Chamber, and staid all Night.

Jasp. Meer Drunkenness, by this Light, Flora! Why, if it had been a Vault full of Dead Carkasses, I should have slipt into it in the pickle I was in—Nay, for ought I know, with more pleasure too.

[Enter Nurse.

Nurse. Now out upon you for a Rogue, there’s no enduring this.

Jasp. Do but hear me, Nurse.

C Flor. Ay, hear him, Nurse, he’l be sure to recant and swear you’re as sweet as—a—fogh—so sweet—

Nurse. What, Hussy, dare you abuse me—I that gave suck to my Lady before thou wast born—you Young Whore.

Flor. Young Whore! why not Old Whore, Nurse, as well as young Whore?

Nurse. You damn’d Young Slut, I’le tear out your Eyes.

Flor. My Feet shall save my Eyes, except you can out-run me to my Lady.

[Exit Flora.

Jasp. Have not you made fine work now? I but dissembled to take off suspition—and you must shew your self, i’m sure I shall be turn’d away for your folly.

Nurse. But dissembled, said you? Marry, there’s dissembling indeed.

Jasp. Nay, Nurse, consider, dost think I would have spoke so in thy hearing, had it been for any other thing? But prethee kiss me—I protest thou’rt as sweet as Arsifettito.

Nurse. Arsifettito! What’s that?

Jasp. A Rich perfume the Chymists make, and good against fits o’ th’ Mother. But what shall I do now? I shall be turn’d away.

Nurse. I’le warrant thee, I’le place thee with Eugenia, she shall take care of thee for mine and a Friends sake of hers.

Jasp. Ay, ay, that’s Francisco; but you have promis’d me often to tell me a secret concerns them; prethee do’t now, Nurse.

Nurse. But will you ne’re speak on’t? If you do, I shall get no more money for thee, Jasper; that’s the way, i get all, Chuck; no, no, no matter what’s between them, trust thou to me.

Jasp. Well, Nurse, I thought you had Lov’d me, but I see you do not; you know I can keep secrets.

Nurse. Ay, but this is such a one I dare not tell it; besides, it was not Eugenias fault at first—alas, poor fool, she was in a sad taking, when she found her Couzen Francisco in Bed with her.

Jasp. In Bed, sayst thou?

Nurse. Lord bless me! what have I done? If you should tell now.

Jasp. Ne’re fear it, tell me all: I would not for the world have mist this Story, it makes a full amends for all my Crosses; come, Nurse, prethee quickly tell me all passages.

Nurse. I tell no more, my mind misgives me I’ve said too much already.

Jasp. Not tell me more, Old Beldame? Speak it quickly, or what I know shall soon unto my Lord.

Nurse. How now! Is this dissembling too?

Jasp. No, ’tis as great a truth as what you told me of, Don Francisco’s Bedding with Eugenia; tell me the rest, and by it save your Life.

Nurse. Dear Jasper, be not angry, and I will.

Jasp. Come, Nurse, do it, and then we’l kiss and be Friends. I shall have use of her.

[Aside.

Nurse. Now thou shalt have my heart; and thus it is: Don Francisco doth often meet Eugenia i’th’ garden, who, to avoid suspition, after her Sisters in Bed, by my means gets her Night-Gown, and puts it on so to avoid being known, shou’d any see her.

Jasp. Oh, Excellent! when do they meet again?

Nurse. I’ve promis’d him this Night, though she was loath, till I told her he would but take his leave, for she’s grown a little backward, now she’s to marry Don Gerardo.

Jasp. Is she to marry him, sayst thou?

Nurse. I, sure, for he makes Love to her, and she’s so hot upon’t, that she vows after this Night never to meet Francisco any more; but I’le go Live with her, and so shalt thou.

Jasp. Ay, so I will—i’th’ Garden, sayst thou, and in her sisters Gown, no body with them!

Nurse Yes, the Lord Sebastian, he knows all, and alwayes waits upon ’em.

Jasp. That’s well, keep thou the secret close, and ne’re fear me; but if my Lord should ask suspitiously questions C2 about his Wife—name Pedro to him, say, when he’s from Home, that Fellow stayes too long within her chamber, and say, that Flora waits; leave me to prove it true.

Nurse. Why, ’tis not so, I dare not tell my Lord so damn’d a Lye.

Jasp. Why? Y’are a Fool, there shall no hurt come of it, only we’l be Reveng’d of Pedro, and that Slut, for they’re our Enemies; besides, if you won’t, I’le swear you told me so, and moreover, let him know all the rest y’have told me.

Nurse. Nay, don’t be angry, and I’le do any thing.

Enter Cælia, Pedro, and Flora.

Cæl. Oh, thou Old doting Fool! what, still remain here! What punishment is proper for thy Age? As for you, Sirrah, I believe my Lord will find a way quickly to send you packing.

Jasp. It may be so, but ’tis without a cause.

Cæl. Impudent Villain! how I do hate thy sight. Follow you me.

[To Nurse.] [Ex. Cæl. Nurse, & Flora.

Ped. What, i’th’ dumps, Seignior! all a mort for your mistress, faith man, take it not so to heart, there are others i’th’ World as Young, though few may be as handsome.

Jasp. Ay, Sir, ’tis to be suppos’d; you can boast it by Experience, there are Young Ladies for spruce Pedro’s—Jasper— must be content with their Nurses.

Ped. Content, say you? I, Marry, if she content you not, the Devil can’t; why, she’s a Dish of variety, like a huge olio; there’s all Ages of Women in her. Thou art the happiest man in a Mistress, Jasper—faith, I envy thee.

Jasp. ’Tis very well.

Ped. Not too well neither.

Jasp. You may laugh; you stand on the top of Favour, have a care of falling down, I may catch you one day.

Ped. No, never with an Old Woman; it’s worse then committing Incest; to Cuckold, for ought I know, a dozen Generations.

Jasp. Rest you merry, I can leave you.

Ped. But I’le not quit you so.

[Exeunt.

Enter Antonio and Gerardo Discoursing.

Ger. In this dear Friend, consists my happiness; Therefore deny me not—Why pause you, Sir? My fears are come about—

Anto. What, hath Eugenia given her consent?

Ger. I say not so, my Lord, but her denyals Were spoke so faintly, I Interpret well.

Anto. Dear Friend, I am afraid you do mistake The Object of your Joyes, let me perswade You to believe, there’s not that happiness In Marriage-Beds, as single People guess, No, no, so far from that, that thousands be Flatter’d by hopes to endless misery. And where there’s two obtain their hearts desire, Ten thousand miss it, and in grief expire.

Ger. Were these Positions true, there’s no man, sure, If Widdowed once, could other Wives endure. And yet we see the first depriv’d of Life, There’s few that seek not for a second Wife.

Anto. ’Tis true, though strange, but yet our minds are such, As alwayes find too little, or too much; Desire’s a Monster, whose extended Maw Is never fill’d, tho’ it doth all things draw: For we with envious Eyes do others see, Who want our ills, and think they happy be, Till we possessing what we wish’d before, Find our ills doubl’d, and so wish for more.

Ger. Suppose all true which you wou’d have me fear, Ills in possession still the greatest are: And my desires to such a height do rise, T’ attain their ends, I shou’d all else despise.

Anto. Since y’are resolv’d, I’le not your ends deny, But pray my words prove false when e’re you try; Though well they speak, who say the damned State, Chiefly consists in wishing things too late: Eugenia’s Father left her to my care, Which trust to end so well I did despair: Then name the day of Marriage—

Ger.No delay My thoughts admit; I wish it were to day.

Anto. That cannot be, to Morrow I approve.

Ger. Time will flye slow, though Impt with wings of Love.

Enter Cælia and Eugenia.

Cæl. My Lord, I beg your pardon for a short interruption.

Ger. Madam, ’tis I have cause to beg your pardon, Thus to detain your Lord, on’s Wedding-day, A Day in Justice should be wholly yours.

Cæl. My Lord is happy so to be detain’d And I am alwayes happy when he’s so. Whispers Anto. he takes a paper privately out of her pocket. But good, my Lord, your Ear—

Ger. Madam, if you repent not what y’have said, In answer to those Vows of my Affection, I then dare hope I may in time be happy.

Eugen. Tho’ I ne’re thought your words were further means, Then to pass time away in Raillery; Yet were my Answers such, as if you had Told me a real Story of your Love: And the same Answers I’le again renew; My Will’s confin’d; my Fathers last Commands Left me no Choice but anothers will; If I were free, I then durst speak my thoughts: But I, in all, my Brother must obey.

Ger. He checks your Actions only, thoughts are free, Suppose him willing, would you favour me?

Eugen. But to suppose without his Will’s a Crime, If I that supposition should declare.

Ger. I do confess I should be loath to own That Blessing which I rate above my Life, If ’twere bestow’d by any hands but yours; Therefore by all your hopes I do conjure you, If you dislike my Love, Command my silence.

Eugen. Interpret well my blushes, when I say I cannot find a thought for such Commands.

Ger. Then I am happy ’bove the reach of Envy; For I have his consent already granted, He nam’d the day of Marriage as you enter’d.

Eugen. You see, my Lord, that I had cause for fear, Since I’m bestow’d, and my consent ne’re askt. Sure my dead Father ne’re design’d it so?

Ger. Madam, I beg your pardon, for a truth Might well excuse your Brother in this matter; I urg’d to him I doubted not your favour, On which Condition he did grant me his.

Eugen. I shall hear further of it from himself, Till when, I beg your pardon.

[Offers to go out.

Anto. Sister, pray stay, for I have bus’ness with you. I know, my Dear, you never Lov’d that Fellow, Which since you do not, though he serves me well, Yet I’m resolv’d for this to part with him, Tho’ I could think a Pension for your Nurse, To keep her at a distance, were as well.

Cæl. Though now her dotage makes her want discretion, Her Love to us was great.

Anto. Come, trouble not your self about it, he shall go.

Cæl. My Lord, I’le trouble you no further.

Ger. I’le wait upon you, Madam.

[Ex. Gerar. and Cæl.

Anto. Sister, you know your Father was my Friend, And was so confident that I was his, He trusted all your Fortunes in my hands, Though he had Brothers Living when he Dy’d, He told you too, and left it in his Will, That what you had was mine, if you did Marry Without my Approbation: Is’t not true?

Eugen. Sir, ’tis a truth I’m glad of.

Anto. These things your Kindred though, did call contrivance, Which made their hatred rise so much against me, It makes a few’d betwixt our Families, Which soon would come to Blood, but for Respect They bear my Wife, their Cozen.

Eugen. Brother, I cannot answer for their Actions, My own Respects to you were never wanting.

Anto. I do not deny it, Sister; and to prove I never did, nor will deserve worse from you, If you are willing now to change your State, And know a man preferr’d in your Election, Let him have Blood and worth, you and your Fortune I freely will resign into his hands. Then truly speak your thoughts.

Eugen.Surely, my Lord, You’d scarcely think I should be worth your care, If I should choose before you nam’d one to me.

Anto. Sister, I see your Kindreds Jealousies Partly infects you too; but to remove them, What think you of Gerardo, for a Husband? My wishes meet with yours, if he’s their Object; You know I’m no Dissembler.

Eugen. Nor shall you find me so; for I confess In this you prove your Kindness, Care, and Justice; And I must meet it with my greatest thanks.

Anto. I’m joyful for it; to morrow is the day, A private Wedding will prevent all Rumour, You’d best withdraw then to provide your self.

[Ex. Eugen.

What Paper’s this I got out of her Pocket? Pray Heaven it be the right; it is the same, The very same —— what makes me tremble! Is’t horror or desire, or both assault me? Be it what it will, ’tis Hell to live in doubt; But stay, my Conscience sayes ’tis Sacriledge— What’s that? A word by cunning Priests invented To keep the Cheats they live by from our knowledge; As the Ægyptian did with Hieroglyfficks; But be it what it will, a Name, or thing, I’le read it, for’t may Cure my Jealousie, And surely that exceeds Hells misery. But to my Closet, where no Eye can see, All are call’d Pious, who live scandal free.

[Exit.

Enter Eugenia and Nurse.

Eugen. Since he has promis’d but to take his leave, And neither then, nor never urge more Sin, I am content to give him this last meeting.

Nurse. He’l be a glad man, I’m sure—but what shall poor Jasper do?

Eugen. If he will marry you, I’le keep you both.

Nurse. Thank you, Madam, I’le tell him your good will.

[Exit.

Eugen. What by this cursed Sin am I reduc’d to? To be a Slave to Slaves; nay, worse, a Bawd, A Name so base, profest ones do detest it, And yet I’m one, this cursed Hellish Hagg has made me so. The first did sell, and then betray’d my Honour, Yet thinks she has oblig’d me by the Action. Nay, I am forc’t to say so now to please her; Some heavenly Angel make me Chaste again, Or make me nothing, I am resolv’d to try, Before I’de still live Whore, I’de choose to dye.

Enter Jasper.

Jasp. I’m come to thank your Lady-ship for the great care, Nurse sayes, you have of me; but faith, Madam, I was ne’re made to be Steel to a Tinder-Box; she’s meer Touch-wood; no, I’m not for Marrying great grannums: But if your Lady-ship knows any Young Dame, that wants a strong back to do her drudgery, though it be in her Lord’s absence, I’m content.

Eugen. What, is the Fellow mad?

Jasp. No, Madam, not mad at all, but can as soberly keep councel as the best Young Gallant of ’em all; and am as able to do the feat: Please your Lady-ship to try me, and praise me as you find; if you dislike my work, I’le lose my labour, and have nothing for my pains.

Eugen. Oh, strange, unheard-of Impudence! Out, Villain.

[Ex.

Jasp. So scornful! Villain! Nay, if you call me so, ’tis time to be so; what a Devil ayls my face, that she contemns me thus? May be my Nose is not long enough she thinks, pox on her Pride, ’tis that or’e-comes her Leachery—I must D alter my Trade, for I was ne’re born I see to thrive by love; then I’le set up a shop of hatred, and the Wares I vent shall be Revenge, that may hit; but hold, my Lord.

Enter Antonio.

Anto. What have I got? Am I more satisfy’d By this same Paper then I was before? No, not at all; and yet why should I not? There’s not a thought set down concerneth me— Yet that’s her policy— She either fear’d that I should get the Paper, Or else on purpose did contrive I might; But how can I know that? This Jealousie, If it continue long, will make me mad.

Jasp. Well, the Devil has put him on this pin meerly to do me a kindness.

Anto. And yet it must continue, who can Cure it? Ay, there’s it, who can Cure it? Then I must be mad! Nay, I’m mad already, stark mad!—

Jasp. My good Lord.

Anto. What’s the matter? I fear he heard me.

[Aside.

Jasp. I come to take leave of your Lordship, I have enemies I hear have turn’d me going.

Anto. Is’t not deservedly, thou Goat?

Jasp. Yes, yes, it may be so, since they will have it so; but if I had never seen, I had ne’re been turn’d away for doing: If I were as ready to make mischief, as I am fear’d to be; Nurse and I had not been only the Sufferers.

Anto. Explain your Riddle, Sirrah.

Jasp. Nay, let my Tongue come out e’re I say any thing to disquiet your Lordship, I love you better.

Anto. Disquiet me! What lyes within thy power to say that can disquiet me?

Jasp. Nay, nothing it may be, my Lady is my Lady, and you are a kind Lord, that’s all I know; so begging your Lordships Discharge, I’m gone, and then their Fears are over.

Anto. Villain, thou’st given me poyson; my veins swell with it, produce the Antidote, or I’le dissect thy Soul to find it out; what is’t you know that can disquiet me?

Jasp. I know little, my Lord, to’ th’ purpose, besides, it will but vex you, since there may be no harm in it.

Anto. Come, come, no going back, tell quickly what you know.

Jasp. I know, why, I know that my Lady hates me, because I told your Lordship the time she was to deliver the Jewels and Money to Don Lewis, and still she calls me false in being true to you—but—

Anto. But what?

Jasp. But if I should say all I know—well, but let that alone, good, my Lord, your Discharge.

Anto. Vile Dog, dost raise my Anger for to play with it? I’le vent it upon thee then.

[Draws, and cuts at him.

Jasp. Hold, hold, my Lord, and I’le tell all I know.

Anto. Let’s hear it.

Jasp. When you lay hid about Don Lewis’s death, I’ve often seen a Lady in the Night to meet two Men i’th’ Garden, but am not sure it was your Lady.

Anto. What makes you name her then?

Jasp. Her Gown, I think it was her Gown.

Anto. Wa’st often, say you?

Jasp. Yes, every Night, except you lay at home, for I took pains to watch, they never fail’d coming, but there was but one of them went into the House, Sir, and he neither would not stay above an hour at most: this is all.

Anto. All, quoth a! What Devil would have more, if ’twas my Lady.

Jasp. I can’t say that, but yet I dare be sworn it was her Gown, I do believe, I mean, I think it was.

Anto. Could you not guess the men?

Jasp. I think they were Francisco and Sebastian.

Anto. It must be they; a plague upon their Fewds; They can Revenge themselves upon my Wife: Go, call the Nurse, this she must needs conspire in; D2 But keep all private from her.

[Exit Jasper.

Is she so bucksome? Has she more Kinsmen Stallions? I’le cleanse her Blood, or empty all her veins; confessions calls she these! Betwixt Religion and her Leachery the Devil dances Barley-break—but hold—why may’nt the Rogue contrive this for Revenge? For if I reflect his pretending not to tell, did but usher in the Story. I must be cautious of a too light belief.

Enter Cælia.

Cæl. My Lord, by Accident I’ve lost a Paper, which troubles me.

Anto. A Paper, say you? I took up one i’th’ Garden, and I think this is it.

Cæl. It is, my Lord, and I rejoyce no other Person found it.

Anto. Why, what is it?

Cæl. ’Tis the Confession that I told you of.

Anto. I might have read it then, and ne’re askt you, had I but known it.

Cæl. If your Lordship pleases you may read it.

Anto. No, no, I will not, but prethee keep it better.

Cæl. My Lord, there are some Tenants, who desire to express their Loves by Rural Recreations—

Anto. Bid e’m stay, their sports are more in season after Dinner. So willing now to have it read, and yet before so backward!

[Ex. Cæl.

Why, this confirms me she is false, it was contriv’d on purpose for my sight. The Devil’s not so cunning as a Woman.

[Enter Nurse.

Oh, Beldame, are you come? Tell me, you Bawd, Who Whores my Wife? For Whore I know she is, And you’re her Bawd. Tell me, I say, the man, The place, the Circumstance, and very time, Or I will quarter thee, and throw thy flesh to’th’ dogs.

Nurse. Alas, my Lord, I know nothing, but that when you’re from Home, Pedro goes to her Chamber, and stays there all Night, but what they do, I know not, for none but Flora’s with them.

Anto. Pedro! Oh monstrous, she would devour a Legion! Is’t every Night, do you say?

Nurse. Yes, every Night; but I durst never tell you! Alas, she suckt these Breasts.

Anto. Shew me this Night Pedro, in Bed with her, or I will cut thy Tongue out.

Nurse. ’Tis impossible when you are at home.

Anto. I will contrive a Journey out of Town, but will at twelve return, then let me in; for if you fail I’le cut your Throat.

Nurse. I’le do my best.

[Exit.

Anto. Pedro! What sordid Devil prompted her to that? Why, I am known to all the World a Cuckold; The very Boys i’th’ street must point at me; But hold, this new Intelligence struck out the old, And made me quite forget about Francisco.

Enter Jasper.

Oh, Jasper! I’m confirm’d my Wife’s a Devil, And I will send her to the rest e’re Morning; Go and contrive a Letter from Don John; Shall intimate he’s sick, and wants my presence, Then I’le contrive the rest.

Jasp. Be not too rash, my Lord, might I advise You should be certain e’re you Acted ought.

Anto. How can I be more certain then this Night, To be Eye-witness of her Lust my self, As Nurse has undertook I shall.

Jasp. Ay, Sir, but things may fail, and they not meet.

Anto. Name a more certain way then.

Jasp. My Lord, there lives a Woman in the Suburbs, Mighty in Science, who by Art can tell All that she pleases, I’de have you go to her.

Anto. Is she of your acquaintance?

Jasp. No, my Lord, she scorns such things as me, She’s for the great ones; though for Charity, She sometimes helps poor people to their goods, I’me sure she’d serve your Lordship.

Anto. I fear she’l never trust us, lest we should betray Her to the Inquisition.

Jasp. No fear of that, she cannot be betray’d, She knows Mens bus’ness er’e they come unto her.

Anto. Well then, contrive my absence, I’le go thither, I’m sure to know whether she cheats or no, For if she names Don Lewis ’mongst the rest, I shall believe her. Well, about the Letter.

[Exit.

Jasp. Are you there with your Beares; Don Lewis say you? Marry now I find ’twas Jealousie of his Wife; and not the matter of Money made him kill him, whether he was guilty or no; I’le be sure he shan’t be forgot, for I’le before hand to my Aunt, and tell her all; I hope, she is a Witch; the People say so, a mighty Artist I am sure she is, for she has done strange things, and all men fear her, besides I know she loves me, and will strive all she can to do me good, and hap what will my Lord will think me honest; for Night will surely shew his sister to him, drest in’s Ladyes Gown, what though he kill her, the mistake will lye o’th’ Night, and not on me, thus I make good the Villain that she call’d me, in my Revenge on her; and if Nurse fails me not, I’le have my Lady, and Pedro; finely firkt. When this is done, my Lord rewards my care, Let him the danger I’le the profit share. And since things Excellent commended be, ’Tshall be my Aym t’excell in Villany.

The End of the first Act.

Act the Second.

Enter Jasper and the Witch.

Jasp. THis kindness, Aunt, I beg, your Art must do; For I have no way else to save my place.

Witch. Why, ’tis impossible; I’ve no such Art As People think, to call up Spirits to me; Nor know I any thing, but what is told me.

Jasp. Now you dissemble, Aunt, for han’t you often Rais’d Storms, have rent up Trees, and shook strong Towers? Seeming to threaten Nature with it’s end; And at such times have sent strange shaped Spirits, who have restored to owners stolen Goods. These things so many know, it is impossible For you to keep it private; but I find, Rather then trust me with your mighty secrets, Or help me with your Art, you’l see my Ruine.

Jasp. I’m sure I tremble for your want of power, More then I should to see Hells dreadfull’st shape, For I must flye the Town.

Witch. Jasper, not so; though I can raise no Devils, Yet I Confederate with Rogues and Juglers, Things that can shape themselves like Elves, And Goblins— And often do like Spirits haunt great Houses, Most times to steal, but many times for mirth; Enter a little Devil, and tumbles the Summerset. These I’le soon send for; arise, my Pincula.

Jasp. Heav’ns bless me! save me, good Aunt.

Witch. From what? You Fool, ’tis but a little Boy, Which I instruct to carry on my Cheats: Come, leave your Fooling, I have bus’ness for you; Uncase your self, and quickly go and find Ranter, and Swash, Dive, Fob, Snap, Gilt, and Pick-lock, Those are my Archest Devils; as you go Call upon Dog’rell the Ballad-maker, and say I want him strait, bid them be sure To bring home half a dozen more with them, For I shall need their help, let e’m not fail, For money’s to be got.

Devil. ’Tis that will make e’m come; I’le haste, forsooth.

[Exit.

Jasp. I’m glad it’s gone, for surely it was a Devil, What ever you pretend.

Witch.Thou’rt a Fool: It was a Boy, I tell thee, and no Devil; Nor am I a sorceress, though I could wish To do thee good I was: But ’tis no matter, Bring thou thy Lord, I’le practice well enough To make him think all true, that I shall shew him.

Jasp. You now Revive my Drooping Spirits, Aunt, and Make my hopes grow strong! Ah sweet Revenge, How my soul Dances but with thoughts of it; Assist me, Aunt, to get this mighty Blessing, and I Shall dye your slave.

Witch. O rare Boy! How I rejoyce to see this Spirit in thee, For ’tis the vertue of our Family To seek Revenge, not basely swallow wrongs: Don Sancho De Mensalvo, thy Grandsire Was for a while Vice-Admiral of Spain, But then disgrac’d turn’d Pyrate and Reveng’d With Fire and Sword on all Mankind, the wrongs He thought the Court had basely plac’d on him; At last he was betray’d and lost his head, Thy Father turn’d Bandetto, what he got I did dispose of for him; but his Fate Betray’d him too to Death by Execution: Since when I by these Arts do strive to live, And thou art forc’d to serve— That very Lord, who does those Lands Possess should have been thine.

Jasp. But will e’re long mount to some higher sphere, Or dye in the attempt; this Plot, perhaps, may do, And I thereby obtain some part of my Estate Again; for if the plotted mischiefs shall succeed, I’le tell him whom I am, and my resolves, either To share his Fortunes or Reveal all. Then I will Rise Don Jasper De Monsalvo and Cheek by Jole, E Ask how Antonio does. Then don’t forget the names.

Witch. Not one of them: I know them very well.

Jasp. Farewell, Dear Aunt, but don’t you seem to know me.

Witch. Out you great Fool! What become my Instructer? Be careful of your self, and fear not me. Farewel, boy.

[Exeunt.

Enter Antonio, Gerardo, Cælia, Eugenia, as to a Masque, and take their seats.

Ger. Have you heard, Madam, what they represent?

Cælia My Lord, I’m told they mean to play the Gipsies, And tell our fortunes to us.

Anto.I would they could.

Eugen. If all Man’s life determin’d is before, I would not know my Destiny me-thinks, For good is best, when least it is Expected; And bad fore-seen is doubl’d by our fear Things certain no fore-knowledge can prevent Such knowledge only can bring discontent.

Ger. In this with you I perfectly agree.

Anto. Yet for all that I wish I could foresee.

Cælia. My Lord, what profit by it wou’d you gain?

Anto. ’Twould cure doubt to me the deadliest pain.

Ger. Doubt is th’effect of fear or Jealousie, Two Passions which to Reason give the Lye For fear torments, but never does assist, And Jealousie is love lost in a Mist. Both Hood-wink truth, then go to blind-mans buff, Cry here, then there, seem to direct enough: But all the while shift place making the mind As it goes out of breath despair to find. And if at last something it stumbles on, Perhaps it calls it false and then ’tis gone. If true, what’s gain’d only just time to see A breachless Play a Game at Liberty; That has no other end then this, that men Run to be tyr’d just to set down agen.

Anto. This is a truth, and so for ought I know, To the same purpose tends all things we do: Life’s a Disease, and yet we seldom say, That Man is sick whom we see laugh and play; And ’tis as well to bid the Bed-rid ride, As to bid Men in doubt be satisfy’d: For ’tis the mind’s Disease, and Physick should Be proper to’t, or else the Patient’s fool’d. And there’s no Drug in Nature doubt to Cure But only one, and that is to be sure.

Cæl. Yes, Circumstance, my Lord, if well apply’d.

Anto. I’ve known that often fail, when it was try’d But they come—

[Flourish.

Enter first Gipsie, and sings.

Enter second Gipsie, and sings.

Enter all the rest, and sing.

Chor. We know &c.

1. Gip. Come then, and follow, a prize, a prize, a prize.

2. Gip. Give the word then, and helloa.

All. A prize, a prize, a prize.

E2 1. Gip. Here are Gallants and Ladies have fortunes to tell.

2. Gip. We’l tell e’m good Fortune if they give us a spell.

1. Gip. A hand crost with silver the Spirit infuses.

2. Gip. There’s no Prophet lately that mettle refuses.

1. Gip. Men get Heaven now by Bargain and Sale. Masses, Trentals and Dirges Are not had for no Charges, And a Vicar for nothing won’t tell you a Tale.

All. Masses, &c.

1. Gip. All things are bought and sold.

2. Gip. Good Fortune goes with Gold.

1. Gip. Fall on to your Trading then.

Men Gip. W’are for the Ladies.

Wom. Gip. And we for the Men.

1. Gip. To Cæl. Lady, you have lost a Lover, Cross my hand, I’le more discover.

2. Gip. To Anto. My Lord, I know you baseness scorn, And would be loath to wear a Horn.

1. Gip. To Eug. Lady, some do speak you fair, That hatred to your welfare bear.

2. Gip. To Ger. My Lord, you Love a handsom Lady, She Loves you as well it may be.

1. Gip. sings. Thus we seldom miss the matter, Things past we can tell, by these Generals well, And ne’re stay to prove the truth of the latter.

All. Things past, &c.

1. To Cæl. You shall Live long and happily, Lady.

2. To Anto. My Lord, I can tell you, good Fortunes your Friend.

1. To Eug. You shall e’re long play with your own Baby.

2. To Ger. Your Love my Lord, will have good end.

1. Gip. sings. Thus we Live merrily, merrily, merrily, And thus to our Dancing we sing; Our Lands and our Livings Lye in others believings, When to all Men we tell the same thing: And thus to our Dancing we sing. Thus we, &c.

[An Antique of Gipsies, and Exeunt.

Anto. By this we see that all the Worlds a Cheat, Where truths and falshoods lye so intermixt, And are so like each other, that ’tis hard To find the difference; who would not think these People A real pack of such as we call Gipsies.

Ger. Things perfectly alike are but the same; And these were Gipsies, if we did not know How to consider them the contrary; So in Terrestial things there is not one But takes its Form and Nature from our fancy; Not its own being, and is what we do think it.

Anto. But truth is still it self.

Ger. No, not at all, as truth appears to us; For oftentimes That is a truth to me that’s false to you, So ’twould not be if it was truly true.

Enter Pedro and a Servant, with a Letter to Antonio.

Serv. My Lord, Don John salutes you in that Letter.

Cæl. How does my Couzen, Friend?

Serv. Madam, I fear he’s drawing near his end.

Cæl. ’Pray Heav’n divert it.

Anto. The Letter shews, that Death did guide his hand; It only says, Oh Friend, come now or never.

Ger. How did his Sickness take him?

Serv. Chacing the Buck too hard; he hot with Labour, Drunk of a cooling Spring too eagerly, And that has given him pains, the Doctors say, Will give him Death immediately.

Cæl. Heav’n grant him help.

Anto. Return, and tell thy Lord, I’m at thy heels. Pedro, bring my Boots, and bid two Horses be made ready.

Cæl. Whom do you take, my Lord?

Anto. Pedro:—but hold, Jasper is not discharg’d, I’le ee’n take him.

Cæl. Jasper, my Lord! Pray take not him.

Enter Ped. with Boots. Anto. Why not him, there are no Nurses there? Where’s Jasper Pedro?

Ped. He said he wou’d not dine, and went abroad, yet I suppose he may be now in’s Chamber.

Anto. Reach my Bootes, who has worn ’em lately? I do believe you get into my Bootes.

Strikes Pedro with a Boot’top. Ped. I, my Lord.

Anto. I, you, my Rogue! Go, see for Jasper.

[Exit Pedro.

Cæl. My Lord! Why do you thus disturb your self?

Anto. You see the blow don’t maim him, you need not be concern’d.

Cælia. What means my Lord?

Anto. As you hate Jasper, I hate whom I please.

Enter Jasper.

Cæl. His sight strikes terror to me!

Anto. Jasper, make ready, you must go with me.

[Exit Jasp.

Cæl. Here on my knees I beg you would not take him: But if you be resolv’d, let me go too.

Anto. That cannot be: Don John’s a Batchellor, And is not fitted to have Women guests.

Cæl. I will dispence with any thing, my Lord, Then let me go, or do not take Jasper.

Anto. Come, I must break this Childish way of yours, Jasper shall go, and you shall stay at home, And so Farewell; make merry with our Friends.

Ger. Do not resolve, my Lord; see how she takes it.

Anto. This passion soon will over; farewell, Friend, I shall return to give Eugenia to you.

[Exit Anto.

Ger. I ne’re perceiv’d his will to reign before, Some sudden fancy makes him Obstinate.

Eug. So, give her Air, she comes to her self.

Cæl. Where is my Lord! What gone! am I deluded? I Saw an Angel lead him back again.

Ger. Her fancy is disturb’d, make no answer:

Cæl. Why Sister, where’s my Lord?

Eug. Do not disturb your self, my Brother’s well.

Cæl. Get me a horse, for I will follow him.

Enter Antonio Bleeding.

Anto. Fetch me some water there.

Cæl. My Dream was true, my Dearest Lord’s return’d! What makes you Bleed?

Anto. As I was lifting up my Foot to the Stirrop, my Nose Gusht out a Bleeding.

Eugen. My Sister dreamt, an Angel led you back, And I believe it now.

Ger. Pray take some other with you, I, if you please Will keep you Company.

Ant. No, I’m resolv’d to stay, and send him word, I am Took ill my self; my Nose leaves Bleeding.

Cæl. I am satisfy’d, my Lord, you do not go, and therefore Will Retire.

[Ex. all but Anto. and Gerar.

Anto.Do so, my Dear. Now I must tell my Friend, I dare not stay, Twould look but ill to say a Bleeding Nose Made Don Antonio slight his dying Friend.

Ger. If that was all, it would; but yet reflect There are more Prodigies forbid this Journey Then Cæsar had t’avoyd the Senate-House.

Anto. Had Cæsar not been slain, those Accidents We now call Prodigies, had been forgot; And so will these when I am safe return’d.

Ger. Consider but your Ladies high concern, Her suddain sounding, and recovery, On which she cry’d an Angel brings him back, Your Bleeding and Return speaks the dream’t true, The stopping of it too was not the least, All these together force me to believe That you from heav’n these warnings did receive.

Anto. Surely, Gerardo, we must heav’n offend To think that it these Accidents should send. It is detraction to the Pow’rs above, To think they suffer what they don’t approve, For if they did this to divert my ill, They go about, for they might change my will. But mine’s more firm; nay, more, should I not go, The threaten’d ill I meet, for ought I know; For if their boads be certain, then I may Meet th’ effects whether I go or stay.

Ger. Vainly we speak of heav’n, when vainly we By human Wit set Rules to heav’ns decree, The pow’r that made us gave us scope of will, Freely to take the good, or choose the ill: And though it can, it does not change that course, Only perswades to Act what it could force.

Anto. This you believe, but you must pardon me, If in this point I don’t with you agree; For if to Man such a free-will be given, That damns all Præscience and so baffles heav’n: But I delay whilst Reason bids me go, And Reason ’tis, since it to me is so, Then pray divert my Wife, so farewell, Friend.

[Exit.

Ger. Farewell: May all my fears to nothing tend; Yet still I fear what should the Reason be, That I shou’d fear, yet nothing fearful see, I am resolv’d to send some Servants out Shall wait him at a distance; In doing all I can, I do the best, I can no more, let heav’n do the rest.

[Exit.

Enter Don Francisco and Nurse.

Fran. Well, ’tis so sweet a sin to Wench in danger, that I am like to lose the best part of my Recreation; but prethee Nurse, tell me, what causes this change?

Nurse. Now if I would be hang’d, I cannot forbear telling. Faith, my Lord, Gerardo’s like to be the Man now, though I am for your Lordship still, you’re my best Friend.

Fran. By heav’n I’le be his Death, and hers to boot; can she slight me for him, he Whore our Kindred! When did he first enjoy her?

Nurse. Not so, my Lord, he’s to Marry her.

Fran. Nay, if’t be so; then I’m Reveng’d already, For’s joyning with Antonio ’gainst our house, He’s Antidated Cuckold, and by me! O rare Revenge! There’s for thy News, Nurse.

[Gives money to her.

Were all my Enemies but serv’d the same; At a more full Revenge I’de never aim.

Nurse. Me-thinks you should not be so merry for losing my Lady; ’faith, had I known it, you should not have come into the place you wot’on, by my means.

Fran. Nay, be not angry, Nurse, I find her drift. She loves our family, and studies to Revenge it. To make him Cuckold; how it pleases me! Poyson, nor Poniards is not half so well, Go, tell her; Nurse I’m glad she takes this way: I glory in her love! by Heaven I do, I’le find Sebastian out, and laugh with him, Till I e’en split my sides.

Nurse. Sir, you’le tell no body I hope.

Fran. No, none but him: To say as he goes by, there goes my Cuckold; And then to laugh, go Nurse, and tell her I’le be sure to meet—

[Exit.

Nurse. Another double Pistoll for my Jasper! I’le have him one whole night for this. For to speak truth, I find the Rogue does not love me: Heavens! What a bad world is this, an Old Woman, though never so willing, can scarce get a friend for ready money: when such as Eugenia can make the Gold fly about; but time will come she must be fain to turn tail, and pay for one as I do, or go without. But it pleases me, my Lady says, he shall be my husband, then I shall need give money no longer: for faith if he be negligent, I’le ring him a Peal to quicken him to his duty. thus marry’d once, I’le doe like other wives that make their husbands drudge for quiet lives.

The End of the Second Act.

F

Act the Third.

Enter Don Gerardo with a Book in his Hand.

Song.

1.

SOme Happy Soul come down and tell What Joys are those with you do dwell? If it be Happiness like ours below, Which from our want of ills does only flow, Then ’tis plain that mighty theam Of Immortality is but a Dream.

2.

’Tis Love, ’tis Love, for nothing can Give real Happiness to Man, But Joys like those that Lovers Souls enjoy, which here on Earth there’s nothing can destroy; Ay, ay, ’tis Love only can be The Happy Souls endless felicity.

Enter a Servant.

Return’d already; what can be the cause?

Serv. Sir, Don Antonio likewise is return’d.

Ger. What reason had he for it, dost thou know?

Ser. My Lord, I do not; for we by your appointment Having took Horse, did with our greatest speed Pursue the Road should lead us to Don John’s; When near a Thicket stands some two Miles off, I spy’d Antonio lying on the ground, And Jasper walking of the Horses by him, Fearing his seeing us, we took the Thicket, Where shelter’d from their Eyes, I left my Fellows. But I approach’d as near as possible, Hoping I did you Service, if I could By their Discourse gather their cause of stay.

Ger. ’Twas like thy self, both diligent and prudent.

Serv. But all my care did signifie but little, The Wind blew fresh, and rustling in the Wood, Wholly destroy’d their Voyces, so that few words Of what they said I heard; and those I did, Came so divided they had no connexion.

F2 Ger. What sort of Actions did you then perceive?

Serv. My Lord, I saw Antonio much disturb’d; Sometimes he’d rise and walk a turn or two With eager pace, then stop as suddenly, Then stamp and tear his hair; then loudly cry. She’s dead, she’s dead! Oh, Cælia, Oh, Antonio! Then lye him down again, and rest a space: Sometimes call Jasper to him, talk a while, And soon again rise in another Passion; Seldom I heard a word, except a Curse! Or now and then a Name; as Lewis, Cælia, Pedro, Francisco, Flora; nay, my Lord, Sometimes I heard your Name, and then Eugenia’s; Then suddenly holding his hands to Heav’n, He’d down again, and there a while would role.

Ger. These Actions sure did seem a perfect madness.

Serv. It seem’d indeed a madness methodiz’d, Like theirs who are Transported far with Passion.

Ger. But how perceiv’d you Jasper bear himself?

Serv. Quite in another manner, but as strange! For when his Lord look’d down, his looks would be As full of mirth, ready to burst in Laughter; That I perceiv’d he scarce contain’d himself: But if his Lord did look about to speak, Then was his Face demure, with hand on Breast, Turning his Eyes to Heav’n, and groaning sighs. As you have seen, my Lord, a Canting Preacher Aiming to cheat his Audience, wanting matter, Sigh to seem Holy, till he thought on something. So at that distance seem’d his Actions to me; But when his back was turn’d, the Rascal would Make Mouths, and point with signs of greatest scorn.

Ger. There is some Fatal Villany in this; Some Mystery beyond my Fathoming: But how long staid they thus?

Serv. About two hours, when mounting both their Horses, I took mine, and un-espy’d did dogg e’m to the City, And where they Hous’d I know not; for they enter’d Remote from Home, and I i’th’ streets soon lost e’m.

Ger. Do both your Fellows know this?

Serv.No, my Lord, I did not think it would become my Duty To tell them any thing but what they saw.

Ger. I never knew thee yet mistake thy trust; Thy secrecy was well: Preserve it still, For I must use it further, therefore go, And Charge your Pistols, we must walk a Round About Antonio’s House to watch their motion; For there the Scene must lye of this design; If there be mischief in’t, thy courage now (If theirs occasion) must again be try’d. And well Rewarded too.

Serv.’Tis so, my Lord, Above all other wayes in that you trust it. But I’le be gone, and Execute your Orders.

[Exit.

Ger. A Faithful Servant is the best of Friends, Since he is nearest alwayes to assist us; But stay, I cannot guess from all I’ve heard, The cause that should disturb Antonio; Except ’tis Jealousie: Yet how can that be? If Cælia’s vitious there’s no vertuous Women. But now I think how much he rail’d at Marriage, And more our Arguments concerning doubt, These things perswade he’s Jealous! But of whom? The more I think, the more I am confounded! How Clouded Man Doubts first, and from one doubt doth soon proceed A thousand more in solving of the first; Like Nighted Travellers we lose our way; Then every Ignis Fatuus makes us stray. By the false Lights of Reason led about, Till we arrive where we at first set out: “Nor shall we e’re Truths perfect High-way see, Till dawns the Day-break of Eternity.”

[Exit.

Enter Eugenia.

Eug. I am amaz’d the Nurse should stay so long; My Anger makes each minute seem an hour: That Woman is a thing made up of mischief; Some Fatal Devil sure did guide the Choyce My Mother made, in choosing her our Nurse. She’s Fool to th’ height: And yet hath wit enough To tread all Labyrinths of Treachery; But that’s no wonder: For who’s Treacherous That wants not Eyes to see it’s ugly Form? For now I fear, and I believe not vainly, That Villain, Jasper, knows all my concerns, Or what could prompt him to that Impudence He did express in his address today.

Enter Nurse.

Thou fatal Hagg, thou Mother of all mischief, What Devil taught thy perjur’d Tongue the way To tell the shame which thou didst first occasion?

Nurse. Pray what ayls you, Madam, are you mad?

Eug. I wish I was, as I have cause enough, For then I should not know the shame attends me, In being Table-talk for every Rascal, As thou (Hell thank thee for it) now hast made me.

Nurse. I made you Table-talk! There’s no such thing; I’ve been too faithful to you, that I have; Losing my sleep full oft to watch your pleasure. And is this all I get? It is no matter, I Shall be even with you.

Eug. Threaten on (for thou hast Acted all thy threats, Imp) In letting Jasper know my shame and folly.

Nurse. Jasper knows nothing, that he does not, from me, And I will ask him; fore your face, I will, If I e’re said Francisco lay with you.

Eug. ’Tis plain, thy guilt transported thee to madness, Else thou wouldst never make thy Tongue a Herauld So loud, for to proclaim to all the House The Action you’d perswade me still is secret.

Nurse. If you talk lowd your self, why may not I? But I’le bring Jasper to you shall deny all.

Eug. What mischief upon mischief she designs? Dost think, like thine, my Modesty is gone? To have this argu’d out before my face And such a Villaine by?—

Nurse.A Villain, say you? No Villain neither, I wou’d have you know; No more then is Francisco: pick that bone, Or if you will, I’le bid Gerardo do it. Dee’ think to rail at me? Is that my thanks?

Eug. My feares I see will force me to dissemble; Nurse, I but try’d thy patience; I believe Thou would’st not tell that secret for the world, No, tho’ it were to Jasper.

Nurse. Jasper’s an honest fellow, and no Villain; And did he know a secret, he could keep it.

Eug. But have you told it then?

Nurse. No matter what I’ve done, I will not tell you, Because you vext and rated at me so.

Eug. Well, Nurse, I did believe you lov’d me better.

[Weeps.

And wou’d trust me with any thing you did, But I perceive your kindness all for Jasper.

Nurse. I love Jasper well, and love you too, And you shall have no wrong I warrant you.

Eug. The thing is plain, I need not ask no further. But where’s the remedy? Nurse, prethee tell me, What did Francisco say unto my message?

Nurse. I, there’s a bus’ness now worth asking for. He sayes, he’s glad you’l condescend to meet; Nay, he’s a glad man, I’le tell you that, i’ faith, He bid me say, you were a gallant Girle, So to Revenge his quarrel on Gerardo.

Eug. Gerardo, said you! O thy mouth’s a Sieve! There’s not a secret thou canst keep a moment; Did I not charge thee not to name Gerardo, Till I should speak of it myself to him? Nay, ’tis the greatest motive makes me meet him, For to prevent the mischiefs else may follow; Well, I am curst for sin, and thou art made The cause o’ th’ sin, and curse that does attend it.

Nur. What, are you got to railing again for nothing? Pray who has most discretion to tell a bus’ness, You, or I? But you, forsooth, are grown so proud of late Because you hope to Marry Don Gerardo; That there’s no speaking to you: Marry gip. ’Faith I shall spoil your Market.

[Exit.

Eug.Do thy worst (for I am resolv’d to suffer once for all) Death would be better then this Slavery, And that’s the worst can happen Should she tell my Brother, or Gerardo, my whole story; That’s dying once, but I by fear thus fool’d, Do hourly dye, since still I Death behold.

[Exit.

Enter Jasper and Antonio.

Jasp. My Lord, I’m confident this is the House, Wherein the Woman Lives I told you of.

Anto. Knock then; and if she comes, do you speak to her, I’le stand aloof a while, and hear you talk.

[Jasper knocks.

Enter Witch with a block Rod, which she turns over her Head, whilst Jasper makes a private sign of his Lord’s being there.

Jasp. Hail, Reverend Mother; I suppose you are That famous Artist who Commands this House, Which if you be, with confidence I beg, You would resolve some Questions I should ask; Which if you please to do, my gratitude Shall be proportion’d to the kindness done.

Witch. What prating Fellow’s here? Your Lord Antonio Need not to doubt my Art, or if he did, He might have sent some wiser Man to try me. Come, come, my Lord, I am no Cheating Chymist, that requires A Faith in Fools to make his work successful. No, no, my Power is boundless, I can search The secrets of your Soul, and when I’ve done Solve all the doubts that there possess your mind; That Women should be Women, is no wonder.

Anto. But that Women should turn Devils, is.

Witch. No, no, my Lord, I am no Devil neither.

Anto. Mother! I meant not you, when I said so.

Witch. Son, Son, excuse it not, you have no cause To love us Women much, and I’m not angry At what you said, though I know what you meant.

Ant. Then, Mother, by these Powers you practice by, I do Conjure you, shew me all the truth Of what you know concerns my coming hither.

Witch. Come, enter in, my Lord, and nothing fear; There’s not a doubt of yours but shall be clear. I’ve sent a Spirit out, who will e’re long, Bring all the Names of those have done you wrong.

[Ex. and return.

Enter Antonio, Jasper, and Witch, as in the House; in the Scenes a Chair, by which Jasper stands, and Witch goes round.

Witch. Sit in this Chair, my Lord, whilst I do draw A Sacred Line, which shall the Spirits aw. About, about, I tread a Round, Where I tread is Sacred Ground. Thus and thus the Air I charm, To keep my Circle free from harm; Thus I sprinkle Water pure, And by it all the Charm secure; The Spirits that fiery are dare not come near us, Earth, Air, and Water do make e’m to fear us. Then boldly sit, boldly see, boldly despise What Spirits soever do happen to rise.

Witch sings.

Rise, arise, arise, rise and come away, My little pretty Spirit Puncula: What, not appear at thy Mistresses call, I’le surely torment thee; thou shalt not suck at all. Arise then, I say—

[Spirit within sings.

G Spir. I come, I come away, The Wind it blows hard, and forces me astray.

Witch. Let’s wait a little, he’l appear, my Lord.

Anto. Fear seizes me so fast, that all my Spirits Retire, and leave an Ague in my Joynts.

Enter a Spirit.

Witch. Come, have you done What I gave you in charge, If you have, I command you to tell it at large.

Spirit sings. As you bid, I did go to the Caverns below Where the Spirits Inhabit that Govern the Wind. And though in their motions they be, And see Far, far quicker than we, Yet no Intelligence there I could find. From thence, like Lightning, I shot to the Pole, Where at a hole I glided to the Region of the Air: But the Spirits above Do Mankind so love, That they drove me from them with despair. From thence, in a moment, to Ætna I came, Where the Spirits of fire that Inhabit that flame: Told me, all that I sought for they knew; Though to Spirits of Earth, As I am by Birth; They’d not tell it; yet hither they flew. And hereabouts they stay, till you pray, And attone them with Offerings to tell your desire; For these from of Old Have been Lovers of Gold, The Mettles being Govern’d by Spirits of fire.

[Exit.

Witch. It’s necessary, Son, you throw them something, for o’re these Spirits I have no Command.

Anto. Oh, any thing; take this and throw it them; But do release me of the fear I’m in, And quickly solve my doubts, take all I have.

Witch. There is Gold, there is Gold to you Spirits of fire; He does willingly offer what you do desire.

Enter first Spirit, second Spirit Ascends. After some flashes of fire they sing.

1. Spir. What Spirit did Lewis attend?

2. Spir. It was I.

1. Spir. Declare to that Lord what you know.

2. Spir. I need not, the cause he did dye Was that truth to him known long ago.

Chor. He’s dead, he’s dead, he’s dead, and now For hot desires, In endless fires Must Live, must now forever Live with us below.

Chor. He’s dead, he’s dead, &c.

Anto. Horrid and wonderful.

1. Spir. Who all Cælia’s Crimes does know?

2. Spir. It is I, but must not shew All her ill, For I will

[Third Spirit Ascends.

Fit her better e’re she go To her Paramour below.

3. Spir. But I that Francisco attend, Can declare, That he as a Friend To Don Lewis doth share I’th’ stolen Embraces of Cælia’s sweet Arms; They kiss and lye down, Then Lewis bemoan, Thus with thoughts of Revenge they double Loves charms.

Chor. They kiss and lye, &c.

Anto. Thus I have warm’d a Viper in my bosom, That wanted only heat enough to sting me, And give me Death it self.

1. Spir. After him can Pedro stay til’t be day; Thus they sport the Night away, Flora watching whilst they do Laugh at you, Saying, where’s the Cuckold now?

G2

1. Spir. They sport.

2. Spir. They laugh.

3. Spir. They kiss and play, Till your return, doth make e’m mourn, And spoils their Holy~day.

Chor. Thus they will do untill they dye, When we in Hell, shall think it well To have their pleasant Company.

[They Descend.

Anto. And that shall be this Night; make ready then Fires that may fit so brave a pack of Letchers; If you delight in Offerings; and for Gold Can but increase their Torments, I will sell All my Estate to turn it into that, Daily to add more fewel to their flames. Let Fools that spend their Wealth on Priests for Prayers, Be Cheated still, I’le take a surer way, Torments for Souls are penny-worths I’le buy, And there is Reason in it; for ’tis likely Hell may take Bribes, when surely Heav’n won’t. Oh Excellent project! Is’t not a good one, Jasper? By Hell it self, this Night Hell hath e’m all.

Witch. Your Lordship’s much disturb’d, I by my Art Will cause the Air to give a Melody, So to compose your Spirits to themselves.

[She waves her stick. Musick and an Antick Dance of Devils handing the Purse (Antonio threw) to one another, toward the Close of which a noise without makes both Musick and Dance stop: But beginning again, a noise within makes e’m flye. The Witch trembles.

Within. Break op’e the doors, nay, sure enough they’re here.

Anto. By Heav’n some Cheat, for these can be no Devils. I’le follow e’m, and see—

[Draws his Sword.

Jasp. It is some trick to draw you from the Circle.

[Jasp. holds him.

Anto. Be what it will, Death cannot make me worse; Unhand me then, or I will sheath this in you.

[Exit.

Witch. O, we’re undone, the Officers will enter,

[Noise continues.

and my Lord will see the holes they creep into, and so discover them, then we shall all be hang’d. I’le tell my Lord the truth of all the Cheat, and that way save my Life.

Jasp. What’s that? No stratagem to help it? Have you no hole near us, Aunt?

Witch. Yes, here is one, but should we go into’t, The other taken once, will soon betray us.

Jasp. I’le hazzard that, rather then certain Death. And therefore to save one, I’le hide you there.

[Kills her.

Witch. O thou ungrateful Dog, dost kill me for my Love?

[Runs her through often, then throws her into the hole, she shun’d him, then lyes down and trembles. Jasp. No muttering, Aunt, dye quietly, and lye as quietly; ’tis the greatest kindness you can do me; So, now a ready lye clears all I hope.

Enter Antonio.

Anto. The Officers entring, they all vanish’d.

Jasp. The last is well.

Anto. Where’s the Witch? What makes you tremble so?

Jasp. O, do not take me too, good Devil, do not.

Anto. What ayls the Fellow? Jasper, don’t you know me?

Jasp. Alas, is’t you, my Lord?

Anto. Ay, where’s the Witch?

Jasp. She got upon a fiery Dragons back, And mounted like a Rocket through the Air, Leaving me half distracted.

Anto. ’Tis strange and wonderful.

[Enter Captain and Watch.

1. Watch. Here’s two of them.

Capt. My Lord Antonio! ’Tis strange to meet you thus in a suspitious House so late in the Evening.

Anto. Riding by the River side to take the Air, My Horse threw me, which made me see For some convenient House to rest a while, And met with this, wherein I have slept this hour, And I believe had done so longer yet, Had not your noise awak’d me.

Capt. My Lord, I’ve no Commission to enquire, Into Persons bus’ness of your eminent Rank; It is for other Men that I search now, Some half a score the most notorious Rogues About the Town were seen to enter here. Saw you none such, my Lord?

Anto. No, on my Honour; For since I enter’d here, no human shape Was seen by me, but one Old wither’d Woman; And where she’s gone, I know not.

Capt. My Lord, that Woman is the greatest Cheat About the Town; the simple think her a Witch; But I can witness for her she is none; My Lord, you’l pardon me, if I search for her.

Anto. With all my heart: Pray find her if you can; ’Twas my misfortune doubled to light here.

Capt. It might have prov’d so: search the House.

[Exit Watch.

Anto. A subtle Cheat it was, and very likely, And you deserv’d Reward that did detect it.

Jasp. A Halter it should be, were I to give it.

[Aside.

Enter the Watch with one of the Devils Remarkable Habits, and a Viol.

1. Watch. We’ve search’d sufficiently, but all we find Is a poor Devils skin, and a base Viol.

Capt. I, this is like the other, I’m glad ’twas found, ’Twill prove the story true I told your Lordship.

Anto. It does, to my amazement.

Capt. I’m glad it was my hap to meet you here, Your Lordship might have got some mischief else.

Anto. I might indeed, and I’m beholding to you: And, Captain, take my word, I’le speak your worth To the Vice-Roy, who is my Kinsman, And will take care for to advance your merit.

Capt. In that you’l bind my Service: Yet, my Lord, shall I not wait your Lordship to your House?

Anto. No, ’twill be wonder’d at, besides, I’ve Horses here.

Capt. Then Health and a good Night attend your Lordship.

Anto. I thank you. Captain; here, Watch, there’s some- thing for you.

1. Watch. Bless your Noble Lordship.

[Ex. Capt. and Watch.

Anto. Jasper! Did you hear this?

Jasp. Ay, my good Lord, and wonder at it too; but I do still believe she is a Witch, and only did pretend such things to the Captain, to save a Burning from th’ Inquisition.

Anto. Fetch our Horses.

[Exit Jasper.

[Exit.

Enter Francisco and Sebastian.

Sebast. Couzen, believe me, I am loath to go. And I could likewise wish that you were so. Oft have I fear’d the danger when I went, Yet dreaded more the sin then punishment. For I consider’d, should I then be slain, That Death would but begin an endless pain; Then pardon me, though I could well obey All Friendships Laws, I dare not do’t this way.

Fran. Sure Couzen, you are sick, or lately have Had melancholy thoughts about a Grave: Is this Sebastian, he, whose ready hand Was quick to Act all Friendship did Command? He, who no sooner heard Francisco say, A Danger’s there, but made that strait his way, And now he’s turn’d my Ghostly Father sure.

Sebast. I would, so I might make a Ghostly Cure. Francisco, thou art sick, and so am I; Sick at our Souls, and shou’d we chance to dye E’re our Disease was Cur’d, ’tis ten to one, We should in an Eternal Feaver groan.

Fran. Come, prethee say no more, ’tis ominous, I wonder much what ’tis shou’d make thee thus. Come, you must go this Night: I’le tell you why, ’Twill be the last, for she’s to Marry, To Marry Don Gerardo! O ’tis rare, I am Reveng’d to th’ purpose.

Sebast.Sure you are Turn’d Coward, or you ne’re wou’d glory in Revenge so base, this doubles all your sin. Gerardo’s brave, and sure all Honour bleeds, When such are Wounded by Ignoble deeds. It is the Curse of Man, that he must be Subject to shame by Womens Levity; But hold, I wrong Eugenia, if I blame Her, and not you alone, for all her shame. You Rob’d her of her Chastity by force, Though fear of shame still kept her from Remorse.

Fran. Pish! Force! That was her policy to you, She did no more then what all Women do, Seem to resist what they do most desire, To raise the flame, yet seem to cool the fire; Believe this Truth, Sebastian, Women can Resist it, and perform it more then Man.

Sebast. Thus like the Devils we at first betray Their Innocence, then blame on them we lay; As if their guilt cou’d have another cause Then that which it from our Temptation draws.

Fran. Let it be so, I’le not dispute it now; It grows too near the time that I should go, And though my Actions do so much offend, I will not doubt to find another Friend.

Sebast. Do you so little prize Eugenia’s Fame, That you can suffer more to know her shame?

Fran. Sebastian, you mistake, I do not go This Night on the same terms I us’d to do. No, ’tis to take my leave, for she does vow In spight of fear she is turn’d vertuous now.

H Sebast. Nay, then I’le go my self, happen what will, For it is only dang’rous to do ill; My Company her Vertue may protect, And I should sin, if that I did neglect.

Fran. That shall not need, for I’m resolv’d to speak Nothing that may her Resolution break.

Sebast. Go boldly then, for in a cause so good He’s more then Coward fears to shed his Blood; And though I think Antonio would be glad That he our Lives at such advantage had; Yet I this Night durst boldly meet him there, Since in my Breast such Innocence I wear; By this security I plainly feel ’Tis guilt that wounds us deeper far then steel.

[Exeunt.

Enter Cælia and Eugenia.

Cæl. Blame not my Husband, Sister, ’twas my fault, I strove ’gainst Reason to oppose his Will. Had I forborn my importunity, ’Tis ten to one he had not been so wilful; Husband’s prerogatives are absolute, Their wills we must obey, and not dispute.

Eug. I beg his Pardon, if I think amiss, But I believe there’s some design in this; His Eyes shew’d more of Anger then could be A bare concern for’s Friend’s Infirmity.

Cæl. I will no censure on his Actions lay, My Duty is for their success to pray.

Enter Don Gerardo.

Ger. Your Servant, Ladies, where is Don Antonio?

Cæl. Why, at Don Johns, my Lord, do not you know it?

Ger. Then he is not come back, as I had thought.

Cæl. My Lord, why thought you so?

Ger. Madam, I did not know but that he might, Since ’tis not five hours bus’ness to Ride thither, And to return again; but, Madam, pray How came the Lord Francisco to be here? I think he does not use it.

Eug. Francisco! O my fears!

Cæl. No sure, my Lord, he ne’re came within these doors Since my good Father dy’d.

Ger. Sure I’m mistaken, Madam, if I did not Meet him just now as he came forth this Room: And more, he shak’d his head in Anger at me.

Cæl. I’m sure, my Lord, you’re mistaken much, For you’re the first that enter’d here but us.

Ger. It may be I’m mistaken.

Cæl. Yes, sure, my Lord, you are.

Ger. Madam, if your Commands

[To Eugenia.

Extend to any thing within my pow’r, pray name it, I shall be proud to serve you; else I’m gone, For I have certain bus’ness does require it.

Eug. The greatest Service you can do to me, Is to be careful of your self, my Lord.

Ger. This kindness doth oblige me, pardon my haste, Good Night, and Rest unto your Ladyships.

[Exit.

Cæl. Good Night, my Lord; Flora is so possest her Dream is true, she dare not venture in that Room again.

Eug. She is not such a Fool, sure.

Cæl. Well, Sister, I am not well, and will to Bed; the Nurse will wait on you, I’le send her to you. Come, Flora, go with me.

[Ex. Cæl. and Flora.

Eug. Madam, good Rest unto you. This I can wish to her, whilst I must want it: Gerardo sure has some Intelligence Of Don Francisco’s coming to me; Or else why Nam’d he him, for well he knows He never us’d to make a Visit here: Well, if he does, I cannot help it now. The time draws nigh, That I must meet Francisco! Oh, that word Gives heaviness a new unto my Soul, And makes my thoughts run backwards, The Accidents oth’ day seems Ominous H2 To all the House, but most of all to me, My guilty Breast feels most of misery. This time will quickly over, then I shall See what they tend to, or not see at all. “There’s comfort yet, that miseries at height Lose their worst property, which is to fright.”

[Exit.

The End of the Third Act.

Act the Fourth.

Cælia on a Couch, Flora by her.

Cæl.

Flora, I cannot sleep, for all my thoughts Infected with my griefs, flye up and down, Collecting only things to keep me waking.

Flo. I’le not stir from you, Madam, all this Night.

Cæl. Flora, thy diligence deserves Reward, And I’le not long be backward for to thank thee. But prethee sing that Song I love so well, That harmony, perhaps, will Charm my cares, And give my senses Rest.

The Song.

1.

Flor. sings. Ah, Choridon, in vain you boast,

You still do Cloris Love;

For better ’tis your heart were lost,

Then thus suspitious prove:

You then would kill me by disdain, But dying thus you blot my Name.

For all will say

Cloris was false, and went astray; Cloris was false, and did deserve her shame.

2.

For happy shepherd, well you know,

Your Fame does mine excell;

All Gen’rous Choridons do know,

But none my Tale can tell:

Cloris, though true, must lose that Name, But Choridon will keep his Fame;

For all will say

Cloris was false, and went astray, Cloris was false, and did deserve her shame.

3.

But Cruel Shepherd, when you hear

That I am dead indeed,

I do believe you’l shed a tear,

Though new you have decreed,

That Cloris true must lose that Name, For Choridon to keep his Fame;

And then you’l say

Cloris was true, and ne’re did stray; Cloris was true, and I deserve her shame.

Flora. She’s faln asleep, may none but happy Dreams Possess her Fancy.

[The Scene shuts.

Enter Antonio and Jasper in the Garden.

Anto. Your confidence in this doth much amaze me.

Jasp. Sir, still I’le pawn my Life, that what I said, Appears e’re long a truth Infallible, And your own Eyes will bear me witness of it.

Anto. Well, pitch upon a private stand for us, That you know most convenient.

[Ex. Jasp.

Strange it is, If this should prove a falshood after this; I’ve threaten’d him with Death upon the failer, Yet still he has persisted to affirm it, Besides, I climb’d the Garden Wall before him, And that way gave him time for his escape, If he’d design to make it: These Circumstances Do half perswade ’tis true. Oh, apprehension! So terrible the consequence appears, It makes my brain turn round, and Night seem darker. The Moon begins to drown her self in Clouds, Leaving a duskish horror every where, My sickly fancy makes the Garden seem Like those benighted Groves in Plato’s Kingdoms, Which Poets fancy that the damn’d inhabit.

Jasp. My Lord, my Lord.

[Enter Jasper.

Anto. What now?

Jasp. The Garden Door just opens, step this way, lest You be seen.

[They stand close.

Enter Francisco and Sebastian.

Fran. ’Tis hardly late enough, we’l stay a little, For I perceive no light i’ th’ usual Window.

Sebast. But are you confident Antonio’s absent?

Fran. I’m told for certain that he went from home To see Don John Valasco, who is sick.

Sebast. Nay, then with safety we may walk a turn, Though I confess, do what I can, my fears Surmount my Reason and perswades there’s danger.

Fran. A hundred times I’ve past it in as much, Yet then with confidence you slighted all; Prethee forbear to urge them any more; I’m half turn’d Coward with your fears already.

Sebast. Let’s take a turn then further from the House, And by some other talk divert our thoughts.

[Exeunt.

Anto. Jasper, I find thy Informations true, Thus far at least; these are my Wife’s kind Couzens. Hell rid e’m from the World.

Jasp. A hundred times they had been here before In as much danger: Mark you that, my Lord?

Anto. I, and in Soul retorted back the Lye, For they in all their Lives ne’re knew a danger Equal to that they’re near: Heark! how the Owl Summons their Souls to take a flight with her, Where they shall be Eternally benighted: Now I again believe it was a Witch; For here me-thinks I see a thousand Devils Waiting in the Air with fire-forks in their hands, Just as our City Serjeants wait with Maces, To toss their Souls to their Eternal Prison; Look there, that flash of Lightning does confirm it. Nay, do but stay a little, you shall have all. All, all; not a Soul of e’m shall escape this Night. No, no, ’twill spoil good Company to part them, But hold, a Light appears, draw back to cover.

[Exeunt.

Enter Francisco and Sebastian.

Sebast. The Light is there, make haste and give the sign.

Francisco strikes a Key upon his Sword; Eugenia appears above in Cælia’s Gown.

Eug. Who’s there, Francisco?

Fran. The same, and would desire your Company below.

Eug. This distance fits us better! Oh, Francisco, Had we but alwayes kept it, I had been A spotless Off’ring to my Bridal Bed, But now must cloud my Marriage Joys with shame, And fear of what will follow.

Fran. Pray descend, this distance is not safe, The Family may chance o’re hear our words.

Eug. I’ve more cause, should I come down, You would attempt my strength, and Argument To violate my Vows, as first you did My Virgin-Honour.

Fran. No, upon my Life, do but descend, And may the Heav’ns pour all their Vengeance on me If I do attempt you with a sillable To break your Resolution.

Eug. Is any with you?

Fran. Yes, my Friend, Sebastian.

Eug. Let him speak, then.

Sebast. Madam, upon my Life, I will secure you, And glory I have so much cause to do it.

She takes the Light from above. Eug. Your Virtue I rely on for my safety.

Enter Antonio and Jasper.

Anto. I cannot hear their words, yet I’m sure It’s Cælia’s there, her Habit tells me that. Let’s draw a little nearer.

Sebast. Look there, Francisco, are not those two Men Are creeping there?