 | Fatal Friendship |  |
1
ACT I.
SCENE I.
Enter Bellgard and Felicia.Bell.
Felicia , You are young, and full of hopes,
Unknowing how the World will disappoint 'em,
But I have seen such strange unlook'd for Chances,
Such fatal blasts to blooming expectations,
As teaches me judiciously to fear,
And cautiously advise; Can I remember
Our Noble Family in dazling Splendors,
As Rich, as Ancient, made the mark of Envy,
Now (by an Enemies successful Faction
Maliciously unjust) without regard,
Reduc'd so low, that I (the only left,
To keep our name from falling with our Fortune)
Have but sufficient means, with thrifty care,
Just to preserve you, and your infant Sisters,
From asking help at charitable Hands,
Can I consider this,
And not use all a Brothers interest in you
To move you to imbrace a happy offer,
To place you sure in that exalted rank
Which both by Birth, and Merit is your due.
Feli.
You have so dear an interest in my Heart,
That tho' you had not all Authority,
Yet ever where I cou'd Controul my self,
You still shou'd govern me; but oh my Brother,
There is a strong reluctance in my Soul,
Which to my self deny's me my consent,
For this unequal match.
2
'Tis true the Count Roquelaure has not the Charms of Youth,
But then consider he's without their faults;
I've weigh'd it for you with a Brothers Love,
and find the youthful ballance far the lighter;
Marriage requires a steddy, ripen'd vertue,
Judgement to chuse, solidity to fix,
Prudence to govern, all by experience perfected.
Feli.
'Tis not the Counts grave years makes me abhor the Match,
But some more secret cause, yet to my self unknown,
Bell.
Sister I fear you know the cause too well,
He's Father to Cramont; Ha? that conscious blush
Confesses I have guess'd it,
A shameful Witness of your Childish passion;
Is it not time throw away the Toy's
You cry'd for when a Girl?
Fel.
Forgive me an involuntary fault,
Love took possession of my infant Heart,
Grew up with me a dear, familiar Guest,
And now refuses to remove his Seat.
Bell.
Reason must dispossess him.
Fel.
Cou'd reason tell me I had plac'd my Love
On a vile Object; half the work were done,
But you have own'd he merits all your friendship,
Nay, 'twas your fondness for him, first rais'd mine,
And all that can be offer'd now against him,
Amounts to this, that he's a younger Brother,
Whose fortune is injurious to his Worth.
Bell.
Cou'd yours repair the wrong his fortune does him,
I wou'd with joy bestow you to your wishes,
But am too fond, too tender of you both,
To give consent that you shou'd Starve together;
For shame Felicia, let not passion sway you
Thus to your ruine,
I have till now giv'n way to all your folly,
In hopes that time, and absence wou'd destroy it.
Nor ever press'd you to a second choice
These full two years since first I knew your Loves,
And made Gramont, forbear to visit you,
But must no longer thus indulge your weakness.
Fel.
If for two years I have forborn to see him,
Is not that sacrifice sufficient from a Sister?
Must I be made the next to one I hate?
You cannot be so cruel, do but defer it,
Who know's the turns of fortune?
You have seen you say a fatal one in ours,
Why may not those who now are at the lowest,
By some more happy chance, be rais'd as high?
3
There's not a ground to hope for young Gramont,
He meant to raise his fortune as a Soldier,
And might have reach'd the Noblest height in War,
Had not that fatal quarrel, in which he kill'd
The Generals only Son, soon stop'd his Progress,
In whose revengeful Father, he will find
An Enemy, as powerful at Court,
As in the Army.
Fel.
'Twas well he 'scap'd with Life.
Bell.
For the security of the Surviver,
They wou'd not fight in France;
And yet the General at his return
By Arbitrary Law, condemn'd, and wou'd have shot him,
Had not his Noble Friend the brave Castalio
Charg'd on his guard, freed him and kept the fight
Till he escap'd in safety.
Fel.
For which may he or never need, or always find a Friend.
[Aside.
Bell.
You see the desperate State of his affairs,
Therefore be Wise, and Tempt not your ill Fate;
Either resolve to marry Count Roquelaure;
Or share a beggars Fortune with his Son.
Fel.
Why wou'd you force me to a wretched choice?
You have been hitherto a Parent to me,
How am I grown so burthensome a charge;
That you wou'd cast me from you, tho' to ruine?
Bell.
I wou'd prevent your ruine and my own;
And if you'd have me still a Parent to you,
I shall expect th'obedience of a Daughter,
Or else by Heav'n, I'll turn you to your Lover.
[Exit Bellgard.
Fel.
Then I must Perish with him; Alass my Brother
Thou little think'st to what thou dost perswade me;
My Husbands Father? O my Barbarous Stars!
For sure Love cou'd not shoot so cross a Dart:
What's to be done? shou'd I confess our Marriage?
O no his fiery Temper cou'd not brook it!
And how wou'd my Gramont's harsh Father use him.
[Enter Gramont.
Oh he is sent by Heav'n to my relief!
My dear Gramont!
Gra.
My dearest Wife, what sadness hangs upon thee?
Am I not welcome to those weeping Eyes?
Fel.
More than the light; but they have cause to weep
For you, and me, and for our helpless infant;
My Brother has been pleading for your Father,
Threatens if I refuse to Marry him,
To throw me as a stranger from his Care.
Gar.
My poor Felicia, what thou bearest for me?
How shall I recompence thy suffering virtue?
4
When Hymen drew the knot!
Fel.
Do you repent that knot?
Gra.
By Heav'n, my Love, I cannot.
Fel.
Then I am happy.
Gra.
Nothing is so that's plac'd within my fate,
A Wretch but born to scatter Miseries,
On all whom Love brings near enough to reach 'em.
Fel.
Have you receiv'd no News yet of our Child?
Gra.
None for this full three Weeks, which much concerns me;
But I have sent a Messenger express
To learn its health, who will return this day.
Fel.
Heav'n guard the tender Babe.
Gra.
Oh my Heart bleeds for that dear part of me,
Now I am Lost to all my hopes of Fortune,
Precariously depending on my Father,
How may it expos'd to wants, and Cares,
Farewel, my Dear, I must not stay with thee,
To morrow we will give some hours to Love,
Where shall I see you?
Fel.
Here if you please, my Brother will be early out.
Gra.
I will not fail.
Fel.
Let it be early then you bring me joy,
And I have need of it.
Gra.
Impatient wishes
Eager as in our first soft stealths of Love,
Will keep me waking till the Long'd for hour.
Fel.
But how my dearest durst you venture now?
Gra.
I met your Brother going to Lamira's,
And took the advantage just to steal a Look,
And beg the dear appointment for to morrow,
He expects me there, where he imagines I design
To make Addresses, being a Young, Rich, Widow,
But thou art all the Treasure I can covet.
Fel.
My Life, you'll not forget to morrow Early.
Gra.
Can I forget my only Happiness?
[Exeunt several ways.
SCENE the Second
Lamira's House.Enter Bellgard, and Lamira.
Lam.
You've counsell'd like that Friend I ever thought you,
A Friend both to my Honour, and my Interest.
Bell.
Not my own Honour can be dearer to me,
With pain I see your hours of rest disturb'd,
5
Regardless of your fame, for their own interest.
Lam.
O how much happier and to be envied,
Is she, whose humble Fortune enough supplying
Natures wants,
Has not expos'd her to the treacherous Arts,
And false pretences of designing Men.
Bell.
The hard conditions by which you possess
So large a Fortune, gives you equal means
To free your self from those designing Lovers.
Lam.
For which I have intended to declare
The Secret of my Husbands jealous bounty.
Bell.
You've prudently resolv'd, but why, Lamira,
Are you regardless of Castalio's Vows?
He Loves and seeks you for your self alone,
Nay when I told him you refus'd all offers,
Forfeiting if you wed your best possessions,
With eager Words, and Eyes that sparkl'd joy,
Pressing me in his Arms he said, O Friend,
How much more dear to me wou'd such a sacrifice
Make the ador'd Lamira! cou'd I hope
She wou'd for me abandon all her glittering Fortune,
To reward my Love with nobler Treasure,
How wou'd I then improve your Kings regard for me,
How welcome all his Bounty, and his Honours,
To doubly recompence what she can Lose,
And make her great beyond my own Ambition.
Lam.
'Twas generously spoke,
Deserving all esteem, and gratitude,
That as a Debt his merit claims I pay
But 'twere to Tempt ill fate, to strip my self
Of what I now possess secure from hazard,
To run th'uncertain Fortunes of a Stranger,
Depending on the breath of a Kings Favour,
Which should he Lose, he'll n'er return to Naples.
Bell.
You've urg'd as an Objection, that which most
Shou'd recommend him, where can he be a Stranger?
What Monarch wou'd not cherish such a Subject?
What Nation not be proud to 'dopt a Son so Worthy?
He that to the last of a Large Fortune
Supply'd the Publick wants, whilst there was hopes
To free his Country from th'invading Spaniard;
Then courted by the Conquerour, disdains
All Obligations from his Countries Tyrant;
But banishing himself seeks nobler refuge
In a foreign Court;
6
With what a modest greatness he refus'd
All Honours which our King prest his accepting,
But what were in the Army,
Seeming to scorn the Lazy gifts of Favour,
As if all glories were below his virtue,
But what in Arms he forc'd from unbrib'd Fame.
Lam.
We have cause to bless the choice, for he is said
To have done important service in the War.
Bell.
The Court have stil'd him France's better Genius,
The Soldiers Idolize him, and as Admired,
He's Lov'd by all, unless the General,
Who looks with Envy on his rising Fortune.
Lam.
A Dangerous Enemy.
Bell.
He has indeed with all a Soldiers heart;
The Closer Malice of a Subtle Statesman,
And the Contempt of his Authority.
Castalio shew'd in forcing from the Guards
His Friend Gramont, by him unjustly sentenc'd,
I fear may rouse his hatred to revenge.
Lam.
It was a Godlike Action; his Friendship
For Gramont, shows he not only knows himself
To merit, but value it in others.
Bell.
The choice his heart here makes is the best proof of that;
But let what you admire give softer Thoughts,
And whisper to your heart, If for Gramont
He cou'd do thus, what wou'd not Love inspire!
Lam.
I prize it to its height, but when you'd plead
Castalio's cause with me name not Gramont.
Bell.
Not name him! Why is that an Obstacle.
Lam.
No matter, nothing, 'twas a half form'd Thought,
I know not what it meant, you may speak of him.
Bell.
Let me by any Argument prevail
At least to know, if he has leave to hope.
Lam.
Then think not that I wrong Castalio's worth,
When I declare, he has not, cannot have
An interest in my heart, I value him,
But 'twere unjust to give him hopes of more,
Love is not in our power.
Bell.
Madam, I've done, tho' griev'd at my success,
Since 'tis in vain, I'll touch this Theme no more.
You have reason now, deliver'd from the Tyrant
Your Parents forc'd upon your tender years
To let your heart direct your second choice.
Lam.
O I fear the heedless partial guide,
Wou'd blindly Lead me on some Fatal ruine.
7
Unjustly you distrust it, tell me whither,
Where wou'd it direct you?
And I may better judge how faithfully.
Lam.
Perhaps I have not ventur'd to consult it,
'Tis safest not to ask, or hear advice,
When 'tis as pleasing as 'tis dangerous.
Bell.
True, if we can avoid it;
But Inclination's an Officious Councellour,
That waits not to be ask'd, and will be heard;
Tell me, Lamira, what has yours been saying?
Lam.
Nothing.
Bell.
Is this your Friendship? (for I wou'd not plead
Our Kindred Bloud but a more near Alliance)
Is this your boasted truth, and trust in me?
Lam.
I wou'd not hide from you,
But what I wou'd conceal from my own heart.
Let me, Bellgard, yet O I fear, I fear,
It speaks too much, and loud, not to be heard,
And plain enough for you to understand.
Bell.
If I have leave to guess, I think I cou'd,
May I interpret what your Eyes have spoke,
And some late words confirm?
Lam.
O my shame! in such a fruitful Harvest
Of voluntary growth, untoil'd for hearts,
T'ave cast my own upon a barren soil
That yields me no return.
Bell.
You know not that, Gramont may love in secret,
Not daring to reveal it, or hope success,
Where he beholds the noblest Offers scorn'd,
Sees mighty Fortunes every day rejected;
Does not his late assiduous Visits, speak
All that a Fortune low as his shou'd dare?
Lam.
Suppose it did, what thought our hearts were one,
If we must live at an Eternal distance?
Bell.
What hinders you to be for ever join'd?
Lam.
Are not the Obstacles invincible?
Bell.
Is any such to love?
Lam.
My Husbands Will;
And yet I cou'd submit to his severity,
Throw all my Titles, and my Treasure from me,
And think Gramont too full a recompence;
But then to see him miserably poor,
Wretched for me, my Love cou'd never bear it.
Bell.
Generous and tender, all I see that's left
For Friendship now to undertake, or hope,
Is not to cure, but satisfie her love;
8
Your happiness, and Fortune.
Lam.
How whilst my Husbands Sister lives? you know
I forfeit all to her, upon a second Marriage.
Bell.
But if you keep it secret, who shall claim the forfeit?
Lam.
How kindly you indulge my fondest wishes,
How Carefully contrive my Happiness;
But Alas, vainly my busy, pleas'd imagination,
Has Leap'd at once o'er all difficulties,
When yet the first, and greatest is unpass'd,
He does not, and perhaps will never love me.
Bell.
Not Love you! those Eyes that with their native fires
Scorch'd so many, now Love has added his,
What heart so frozen not to feel their heat!
Gramont, I think will presently be here,
For so he promis'd, will you for a while
Leave us together and permit me sound his Thoughts?
Lam.
What court him for me!
Bell.
You have not us'd to doubt
The safety of your honour in my hands.
[Enter Marian.
Mar.
Here's a Gentleman without to wait upon your Ladiship.
Lam.
Admit him. If 'tis Gramont,
I am too much disorder'd yet to see him,
Make my Excuse, and, my best Friend, remember
I trust you with the nicest, dearest parts of me,
My Love, and Honour.
[Exit Lamira
Bell.
Both shall be my care;
Her satisfaction chiefly I regard,
But since she's resolute against Castalio,
This New design which way so e'er I view it,
Gives me a pleasing prospect; Gramont I love,
And for his interest wish it; next for Felicia's,
Her little rest of hopes eluded thus,
May turn her Thoughts on Search of certainties,
And make Roquelaure appear a happy refuge.
Enter Gramont.
Gra.
Alone Bellgard, where's the fair Lamira?
Bell.
Some small affairs detain her for the present,
She'll not be long.
Gra.
'Tis pity she shou'd bear the weight of business,
Her youth, and charms, wou'd fit more soft Imployments.
Bell.
That youth, and Charms will well reward the Man
Who frees her from that weight; what think you of it?
Cou'd you not bear the Toil, for such a Prize?
Gra.
Nothing wou'd seem a Toil, or difficult,
To one that cou'd have hopes of gaining it.
Bell.
Prethee attempt it.
9
What vanity can make me hope success,
When those who much excell me every way,
In merit as in fortune, yet are slighted?
I cou'd have no pretence for such presumption.
Bell.
Your noble Birth forbids that Imputation,
And the Alliance of so great a Family
As yours, may well be coveted;
Lamira values you, and such Esteem,
When Love, and youth like yours together plead,
Is quickly rais'd to passion and desire.
Gra.
If so, why are those more deserving Lovers,
Who have with youth, charms that I want, refus'd?
Bell.
You know my interest in her, perhaps the Friendship
I've express'd for you, may've turn'd the balance,
Where merit was but equal, how e'er it be,
Not one of those who long have Languish'd for her,
Does she receive with half that Complaisance,
Or speak of in such Terms of Admiration,
As I have heard her when your name was mentioned.
Gra.
She fears to give encouragement to her adorers,
Shou'd I commence the Lover, like them I should be us'd.
Bell.
Is it a Prize of such low Consequence,
Not worth the hazarding of a refusal?
Unless your faith already is bestowed,
Let me engage you to it, on our Friendship.
Gra.
My faith! I must not leave him that suspicion.
[Aside.
There needs not sure so dear a Conjuration,
To make me aim at what all France contests for,
An ample fortune, with so bright a Beauty.
Enter Lamira.
Lam.
My blushes own me guilty of a rudeness,
Tho', Sir, I hope my Cousin has excus'd me.
Bell.
I'll leave you now to make your own Apology.
[Exit Bell.
Gra.
We have been lamenting, Madam, that so long
You have Condemn'd your self to bear alone
The painful load of Business.
Lam.
I had rather much sustain that load for ever,
Than seeking ease only to change my Burthen
For a much worse, and Heavier?
Gra.
Among the many wou'd be proud to bear it,
Can you not find out one, on whom to throw it
Upon easier Terms, or may I ask,
Why you who can dispose of thousand hearts,
Let all alike be wretched?
Lam.
Had high ambition been my darling passion
I had been tempted to exalt my fate,
But my own honours bound my largest wishes,
10
Therefore all pleas, but merit, unconsider'd,
My heart bestows me freely on the Man
Whom it shall speak most Worthy.
Gra.
What vain presumer dare pretend, or think
To merit such a wonder? this resolution known,
What forward lover wou'd not cease his suit,
In just despair of ever gaining it?
Lam.
Either you flatter me, or are too modest;
Whither was I going? I have observ'd
The most deserving ever most distrustful
Of their own worth, which if it be a fault;
It is the only I've remarked in you,
But all that diffidence, and modesty,
Speak louder for you, than the Boasts of others.
Gra.
Then it must speak, for you have silenc'd me,
Hence forward I shall only dare to wish,
That you were less divine, or I more worthy.
Lam.
You're worthy all that you can dare to ask.
Gra.
I ne'er shall dare to ask, a Prize too noble
For any mortal aim.
[Exit Bowing.
Lam.
So cold!
Or its the Character of awful Love?
If so, my words were kind, and plain enough
To chase away his fears;
'Tis now too late, that humble way to move,
Respect is rudeness, when we offer love.
[Exit Lam.
| Fatal Friendship | |