Man. This is the time and place, where I expect My fugitive mistress; if I meet with her, I may forget the wrongs, her brother did me; If otherwise, his blood shall expiate them. I hope her woman keeps her ignorant How all things passed, according to her promise.

A door opens,—Enter ANGELINA in boy's clothes. LEONORA behind at the door.

Leon. I had forgot to tell him of this habit She has put on; but sure he'll know her in it.

[Aside.

Man. Who goes there?

Ang. 'Tis Don Manuel's voice; I must run back: The door shut on me?—Leonora! where?—Does she not follow me? I am betrayed.

Man. What are you?

Ang. A poor boy.

Man. Do you belong to Rodorick?

Ang. Yes, I do.

Man. Here's money for you; tell me where's his sister?

Ang. Just now I met her coming down the stairs, Which lead into the garden.

Man. 'Tis well; leave me In silence.

Ang. With all my heart; was ever such a 'scape? [Exit running.

Man. She cannot now be long; sure by the moons shine I shall discover her:

Enter RODORICK and JULIA.

This must be she; I'll seize her.

Jul. Help me, Roderick.

Rod. Unhand the lady, villain.

Man. Roderick! I'm glad we meet alone; now is the time To end our difference.

Rod. I cannot stay.

Man. You must.

Rod. I will not.

Man. 'Tis base to injure any man; but yet Tis far more base, once done, not to defend it.

Rod. Is this an hour, for valiant men to fight? They love the sun should witness what they do; Cowards have courage, when they see not death; And fearful hares, that sculk in forms all day, Yet fight their feeble quarrels by the moonlight.

Man. No; light and darkness are but poor distinctions Of such, whose courage comes by fits and starts.

Rod. Thou urgest me above my patience; This minute of my life was not my own, But hers, I love beyond it. [They draw, and fight.

Jul. Help, help! none hear me! Heaven, I think, is deaf too: O Roderick! O brother!

Enter GONSALVO, and HIPPOLITO.

Jul. Whoe'er you are, if you have honour, part them! [MANUEL stumbles, and falls.

Gons. Hold, sir, you are too cruel; he, that kills At such advantage, fears to fight again.

[Holds RODORICK.

Man. Cavalier, I may live to thank you for this favour. [Rises.

Rod. I will not quit you so.

Man. I'll breathe, and then—

Jul. Is there no way to save their lives?

Hip. Run out of sight, If 'tis concerning you they quarrel.

[JULIA retires to a corner.

Hip. Help, help, as you are cavaliers; the lady. For whom you thus contend, is seized by some Night-robbing villains.

All. Which way took they?

Hip. 'Twas so dark I could not see distinctly.

Rod. Let us divide; I this way. [Exit.

Gons. Down yonder street I'll take.

Man. And I down that. [Exeunt severally.

Hip. Now, madam, may we not lay by our fear? They are all gone.

Jul. Tis true; but we are here, Exposed to darkness, without guide or aid, But of ourselves.

Hip. And of ourselves afraid.

Jul. These dangers, while 'twas light, I could despise; Then I was bold, but watched by many eyes: Ah! could not heaven for lovers find a way, That prying people still might sleep by day?

Enter ANGELINA.

Hip. Methinks I'm certain I discover some.

Jul. This was your speaking of them, made them come.

Hip. There is but one, perhaps he may go by.

Ang. Where had I courage for this bold disguise, Which more my nature than my sex belies? Alas! I am betrayed to darkness here; Darkness, which virtue hates, and maids most fear: Silence and solitude dwell every where: Dogs cease to bark; the waves more faintly roar, And roll themselves asleep upon the shore: No noise but what my footsteps make, and they Sound dreadfully, and louder than by day: They double too, and every step I take Sounds thick, methinks, and more than one could make. Ha! who are these? I wished for company, and now I fear. Who are you, gentle people, that go there?

Jul. His voice is soft as is the upper air, Or dying lovers' words: O pity us. Ang. O pity me! take freely as your own My gold, my jewels; spare my life alone.

Hip. Alas, he fears as much as we.

Jul. What say you, Sir, will you join with us?

Ang. Yes, madam; but If you would take my sword, you'll use it better.

Hip. Ay, but you are a man.

Ang. Why, so are you.

Hip. Truly my fear had made me quite forget it.

Enter GONSALVO.

Gons. Hippolito! how barbarous was I To leave my boy! Hippolito!

_Hip. _Here, here. Now, madam, fear not, you are safe.

Jul. What is become, sir, of those gentlemen?

Gons. Madam, they all went several ways; not like To meet.

Jul. What will become of me?

Gons. Tis late, And I a stranger in the town; yet all Your dangers shall be mine.

Jul. You're noble, sir.

Gons. I'll pawn the hopes of all my love, to see You safe.

Jul. Whoe'er your mistress be, she has My curses, if she prove not kind.

Ang. And mine.

Hip. My sister will repent her, when she knows For whom she makes that wish; but I'll say nothing, Till day discovers it. [Aside.] A door opens; I hope it is some inn.

[A door opens, at which a Servant appears.

Ang. Friend, can you lodge us here?

Serv. Yes, friend, we can.

Jul. How shall we be disposed?

Serv. As nature would; The gentleman and you: I have a rule, That, when a man and woman ask for lodging, They are ever husband and wife.

Jul. Rude and unmannered!

Gons. Sir, this lady must be lodged apart.

Serv. Then the two boys, that are good for nothing But one another, they shall go together.

Ang. Lie with a man! sweet heaven defend me!

Hip. Alas, friend, I ever lie alone.

Serv. Then to save trouble, sir, because 'tis late, One of the youths shall be disposed with you.

Ang. Who, I! not for the world.

Hip. Neither of us; for, though I would not lodge with you Myself, I never can endure he should.

Ang. Why then, to end the difference, if you please. I and that lady will be bed-fellows.

Hip. No, she and I will lodge together rather.

Serv. You are sweet youths indeed; not for the world You would not lodge with men! none but the lady Would serve your turn.

Aug. Alas, I had forgot I am a boy; I am so lately one. [Aside.

Serv. Well, well; all shall be lodged apart.

Gons. to Hip. I did not think you harboured wanton thoughts; So young, so bad?

Hip. I can make no defence, But must be shamed by my own innocence. [Exeunt.