University of Virginia Library

ACT II.

SCENE I.

An Apartment at Don Guzman's.
Enter Don Guzman.
GUZMAN.
Fie on the tediousness of all these knaves!
We shall have Don Ramirez here, before
They've made half preparation. Gaspar! Gomez!
Where are ye all?

Enter Balthazar and other Servants.
BALTHAZAR.
An't please your lordship's honour,
Here is one Sancho Perez at the gate,
Who bad me tell your lordship he has brought
His daughter, widow of one Vincent Nunez,
To wait upon your lordship.

GUZMAN.
Shew them up.
[Exit Balthazar.
Hark you, take care, and mind that all is ready.
We must do honour to our son-in-law.
We'll shew him something, when he comes to Seville.

[Exeunt Servants.
Enter Donna Clara as a Duenna, Bertran and Beatrice, as her Father and Mother.
GUZMAN.
Welcome, my honest friend. Whom have we here?

BERTRAN.
By your permission, good my lord, I come
With my old dame here—

BEATRICE.
Aye, my lord, we're come
To wait on your good lordship.—We're poor people,
Though not so poor but we can keep our station—
Though to be sure, we cannot be expected
To entertain a troop—

BERTRAN.
Will you give o'er?
Come forward, daughter.

GUZMAN.
Od's my life! her looks
Would give her credit for a better station,
Than that she sues for.

BEATRICE.
There my lord's the point—
Says I to Sancho, she's too young and handsome,
The world's a wicked world, the men are naught,
Our house will be no better than a fair,
With all their comings in and goings out—
Says I, a nunn'ry is the fittest place!
But, would your lordship think it? At the word,
My madam flounc'd and frump'd, and plainly told us
She'd look for a condition.

GUZMAN.
She said well.
(To Clara)
So, you'd be a duenna?—Eh! is't so?

CLARA.
If you, my lord, should not object to try me,
I'll strive by zeal and diligence to merit
Your lordship's favour.

GUZMAN.
And, egad! you'll have it.
You know the duties of your place, I warrant?

CLARA.
I would not my professions should outrun
My future service; but, unless the voice
Of common fame hath magnified her virtues,
Your daughter wants but little of my aid.

GUZMAN.
She's a good girl in truth: you'll find her so,
And so will Don Ramirez.—Now for terms.
What is't you ask?

CLARA.
I have some little means,
Which place me 'bove dependence. To be honour'd
By your approval and my lady's favour
Will more than pay my feeble services.
I pray you, good my lord, speak not of terms.

GUZMAN.
Well, well, I won't. I'll take good care of you.
Come, you shall see my daughter. Who is't waits?
Enter Balthazar.
Tell Donna Laura I would see her here.
[Exit Balthazar.
We're in a monstrous bustle just at present,
For Don Ramirez is expected hourly,
The writings all are drawn, and the espousals
Will instantly take place.—Well, Master Sancho,
I am obliged to you. You may command me.
If there be any thing which you require,
Make free with me.

BERTRAN.
I thank your noble lordship.
I want for nothing—a good glass of sherris
Sometimes to glad my heart—

BEATRICE.
For shame, what mean you?
Are these your manners, in his lordship's presence
To talk of filthy sherris?

GUZMAN.
Nay, good dame,—
(to Beatrice.)
A glass of sherris does no harm.
Enter Donna Laura.
My Laura!
Come, dear!—You know we wanted a duenna,
T'attend you when you're married. Here she is.

LAURA.
This a duenna, sir?

GUZMAN.
Aye, girl—why not?

LAURA.
She's so unlike old Catherina, sir,
Who look'd so cross, and us'd to plague me so—

CLARA.
I hope I shall not plague you.

LAURA.
No, I think not—
You smile, and look as if you were good humour'd;
You're young too—and I'm sure you're very handsome.
Dear! I should like such a duenna vastly.

GUZMAN.
Should you?—Then you shall have her if you please.
There, talk the matter over—get acquainted.
We've so much bus'ness now—Some other time,
When we've more leisure, pray ye call again—

BERTRAN.
Good morrow to your lordship—Come, good dame.

[Exeunt Beatrice and Bertran.
GUZMAN.
So, so—you've got acquainted—You seem merry.

LAURA.
Dear father! how I am oblig'd to you!
I like her vastly. Pray, ma'am, what's your name?

CLARA.
My name is Nunez, madam.

LAURA.
Nunez? Nunez?
Well, Nunez, let us have no ceremony,
But call me Laura, and I'll call you Nunez.

GUZMAN.
That's right—But get along—we shan't be ready
For Don Ramirez.

LAURA.
Lord papa! I wish
You'd not insist upon my marrying him.
I dare say he's some cross, ill-looking creature—
I cannot bear the thoughts of him—

GUZMAN.
Why not?
Go! you're a simpleton.—Heyday! What's here?

(Clara veils herself.
Enter Pedrillo and Balthazar.
PEDRILLO.
I beg, good sir, you'd take no further trouble:
I can announce myself.—Is that your master?

BALTHAZAR.
Aye—and what then?

PEDRILLO.
Then, sir, I'm your obedient.
I beg, my lord, to pay my humble duty
To your good lordship—

GUZMAN.
What's your name? Who are you?

PEDRILLO.
My name is Lazarillo, good my lord;
And as to who I am, I am the valet
Of a Toledan signor—Don Ramirez.

GUZMAN.
Of Don Ramirez?—You are very welcome.
Well—what of Don Ramirez?

PEDRILLO
(to Balthazar).
You perceive
I can announce myself. You may retire.
[Exit Balthazar.
Please you, my lord, I'm charg'd by Don Ramirez
To present compliments, and to deliver
Into you lordship's hands a letter from him.

GUZMAN.
Where is it? Let me see it!—Stay awhile—
(Puts on his spectacles.
(Reads)
—Aye, aye—“To the most excellent Don Guzman.”
Now let me see what Don Ramirez says.

PEDRILLO.
I crave your lordship's pardon—here's another—

GUZMAN.
From Don Ramirez too?

PEDRILLO.
Aye, my good lord.

GUZMAN.
Wasn't one big enough to hold his meaning?

PEDRILLO.
Your lordship misconceives me. This is one,
In which my master ventures to present
His homage to the lovely Donna Laura.

(Offers it to Laura.
GUZMAN.
Hey?—Let me look at it—

PEDRILLO
(holding it).
You see, my lord,
The superscription is, for Donna Laura.

(Offers it to her.
GUZMAN.
I wish to see a little what he says.

(Snatches it from him.
PEDRILLO
(aside).
'Sdeath, if he open it our game is up!—
An't please your lordship, I forgot to mention,
My master charg'd me to deliver it
Into the lady's hands. “Look you,” said he,
“Acquaint Don Guzman, that I have presum'd
“To pave the way for my admission to her,
“By a few lines of merely compliments,
“Which may just serve to break the ice between us.”—

GUZMAN.
Did Don Ramirez say so?

PEDRILLO.
Yes, my lord—
“Perhaps,” said he, “you may persuade my lord
“To give it her himself; it will look better,”
Said he, “and seem much more respectful tow'rds him,
“Were you to pray him to deliver it:
“He'll not,” said he, “suspect that I should send
“What is improper for his daughter's view—
“I know my duty better than that comes to,”
Said he—

GUZMAN.
Enough!—Well, Laura—here's a letter,
Comes from your lover, child—open it—read—
Let's hear what he can say.

LAURA.
Indeed I shan't.

GUZMAN.
Nay, don't be foolish—read it—I should like
To know if your young fellows now adays
Make love as we were us'd to do.

PEDRILLO.
The lady
Seems bashful. If you were, my lord, to read
Your own, she might take courage.

GUZMAN.
Like enough—
Do as you please, my dearest.

(He reads his letter.
PEDRILLO
(aside to Laura).
Read it, madam—
'Tis from Don Carlos—I'm his valet—

GUZMAN
(Taking off his spectacles).
So!—
A very modest and well written letter.

Enter Diego, opposed by Balthazar.
BALTHAZAR.
Not quite so fast.

DIEGO.
I tell you I must see him—
I'm Don Ramirez' lackey—

PEDRILLO
(aside).
He again!
One of us must decamp—so brass assist me.
(To Diego)
—What's that you say, sir?—Don Ramirez' lackey?

DIEGO.
Aye, Don Ramirez—Heyday! Pedro Lobo!
What brings you here?

PEDRILLO.
Lobo? What is't you mean?
I'm Don Ramirez' valet.

DIEGO.
Heav'n defend me!
You're an apothecary—

GUZMAN.
What's all this?

PEDRILLO.
My lord, I know not—Here is a rude fellow,
Who calls himself lackey of Don Ramirez.
I know him not.

DIEGO.
'Tis false!—He knows me well.

PEDRILLO.
Do I?—Let's look at you.—Oh! now I know him—
My lord, he is the greatest rogue in Seville—
(To Diego)
—Ay, I remember you; when we arrived,
I saw you in the court yard of the inn,
With a companion, peeping at our cloakbag.
I notic'd you. The people told me then
What pretty characters you bore, and bad me
Look well to the baggage.

DIEGO.
You're a lying knave,
And I'll come round you—

GUZMAN
(to Pedrillo).
You remember him?

PEDRILLO.
He's not so easily forgot—An't please you,
Ask him, my lord, if he has brought a letter.
You'll have him there—

GUZMAN.
I will.— (To Diego.)
—Have you a letter?

DIEGO.
A letter, hey?—From whom?—Not I, indeed.

PEDRILLO.
I told you so. Pray question him, my lord,
Who is his master's banker here in Seville?

GUZMAN
(to Diego).
Dost hear?

DIEGO.
His banker? Faith I never heard.

PEDRILLO.
There, there my lord; you see he's ignorant.

GUZMAN.
You give a bad account, sir, of yourself.
I have a mind to lay you by the heels.

DIEGO.
Why, what the deuce—send me to jail!

PEDRILLO.
Aye, sirrah!
And treat you with a cat-o'-nine-tails, varlet!
I'll firk and ferret you!—I'll teach you how
To play your rogue's tricks here—

DIEGO.
Odso! keep off—
Why what's the matter with you, Pedro Lobo?

PEDRILLO.
I'll Pedro Lobo you! Let me come at him!—

DIEGO.
I tell you I'm Diego—

GUZMAN.
Here! Balthazar!

PEDRILLO.
Leave him to me!— (Catches Diego by the throat).


DIEGO.
W—w—what d'ye mean to throttle me?—
Why, Pedro Lobo—

PEDRILLO.
Out! you scurvy knave!
[Exit Diego.
I've done his business for him.

GUZMAN.
Is he gone?
I would have giv'n him to an Alguazil,
And made him an example! Paltry knave!
To palm himself.—I'll have the rogue brought back.

PEDRILLO.
I'll find him out—I'll take good care of him—

GUZMAN.
There'll be an end of justice if he 'scape.
An impudent impostor!

(Walks about.)
CLARA
(to Pedrillo).
Hark! a word—
In some half hour be sure you come again—
Ask for the widow Nunez—

PEDRILLO.
Hush, enough—

GUZMAN.
Be sure you overtake him—

PEDRILLO.
Has your lordship
No further orders for your humble servant?

GUZMAN.
None, but my best respects, and earnest hope
We shall soon see your master Don Ramirez.

PEDRILLO.
Your lordship may be certain of his coming.
I pay my humble duty to your lordship.

(As if going.)
GUZMAN
(to Laura and Clara).
A clever fellow that! Come, follow me.

[Exit with Laura, Clara following.
PEDRILLO
(to Clara).
Hist!

CLARA
(returning).
Don't detain me, pray—

PEDRILLO.
When I come back,
You'll have a little billet—a small word
Of comfort for a poor despairing lover—

CLARA.
I'll do my best to serve you—there—begone—
I'm ruin'd if I stay—

PEDRILLO.
Good luck go with you!
You're a kind hearted creature—

CLARA.
You're a rogue!—

[Exeunt severally.

SCENE II.

Don Ramirez's Apartment.
Don Ramirez and Don Alonzo discovered seated.
ALONZO.
Come, one glass more to the fair Laura's health.

RAMIREZ.
A bumper to her fourscore thousand crowns!
There's magic in the sound!—But where's Diego?
Just at this moment, when my fancy teems
With images so blissful, thus to linger!

ALONZO.
Why how can his delay affect you thus?

RAMIREZ
(rising).
How, sir?—My all depends on his return.
I sent him to Don Guzman's to announce
My arrival here in Seville. 'Till he come,
I cannot venture to present myself.

ALONZO.
Nay, nay, be patient—he's perhaps return'd.
I'll step and ask.

[Exit.
RAMIREZ.
That is indeed most kind.
Delay is ruin to a heart like mine,
Which bitter recollection still must wound.
Oh! Clara! Clara! still thine image haunts me,
And damps the ardour which should fill my soul.

Enter Alonzo.
ALONZO.
'Tis as I thought—Diego is return'd,
But in a strange condition. I ne'er saw
A fellow so bewilder'd. I attempted
In vain to learn what had betided him,
For, 'stead of making me reply, he stood
Gaping and staring on me.—Here he is.

Enter Diego.
RAMIREZ.
Well, sir—what bring you?

DIEGO.
I have brought myself—
Though that's a lie—for, what with fright and running,
I'm sure I've melted half myself away.
Catch me at that old fellow's house again,
And give me what he promis'd me, a whipping

RAMIREZ.
What means the fool?

DIEGO.
The fool shew'd good discretion;
For, when they threaten'd him with jail and whipping,
He shew'd them a good pair of heels.

RAMIREZ.
Who threaten'd?

DIEGO.
Why, the old Don himself, and Pedro Lobo.

RAMIREZ.
Who's he?—

DIEGO.
You knew him well enough e'en now—
Th'apothecary, whom you chose to call
A tailor.

RAMIREZ.
What had he to do?

DIEGO.
I know not:
But they both fac'd me down he was your valet.

RAMIREZ.
Don Guzman fac'd you down, sir?

DIEGO.
Aye, Don Guzman—
A queer old blade—and as for Pedro Lobo—

RAMIREZ.
Pshaw! Nonsense! This is one of your old pranks.
Hark you me, sir—I'm going to Don Guzman's:
Do you repair to th'post office, and ask
For any letters which may come for me,
And bring them to Don Guzman's instantly.

DIEGO.
If Pedro Lobo should be there?

RAMIREZ.
Again?
Let's hear no more of this. Begone! I say.
Come, friend Alonzo!—Now let us set forward.

[Exit with Alonzo.
DIEGO.
Begone!—'Fore gad I know not where to go.
At ev'ry turn I pounce on Pedro Lobo.
Go where I will, still Pedro Lobo's there;
In house, in street, in church or in exchange,
He haunts me like a sprite! I do believe
My sins are doom'd to visit me in Seville,
And Pedro Lobo is the devil himself,
Who brings the catalogue to drive me mad!

[Exit.

SCENE III.

An Apartment in Don Guzman's House.
Enter Donna Laura and Donna Clara.
LAURA.
How kind you are to pity my distress!
I'm very thankful to you. If you knew
How much my Carlos merits my affection,
You would not wonder at my loving him.

CLARA.
There's nothing wonderful, that a young heart
Like your's should yield itself to first impressions.

LAURA.
You've known then what it is to love?

CLARA.
I have:
And known what 'twas to meet an ill return.
Ah my young lady! love's a fearful thing!

LAURA.
Dear Nunez, how you frighten me—Sure love
Is not so dreadful as you represent him.
To me he seems all gentleness and pleasure;
So kind his aspect, so benign his look,
The heart that can resist his first approaches,
Must be a harder one than mine.

CLARA.
Oh Laura!
I thought so once,—but—we have said enough—
May your lov'd Carlos never give you cause
To change your sentiments!—

LAURA.
He never can.
Oh Nunez! could you see him, hear him speak,
You'd own he well deserv'd my constancy.

CLARA.
You are resolv'd then not to wed Ramirez?

LAURA.
Most positively. After all, you know,
My father can but scold and threaten me;
And though sometimes he's whimsical enough,
I know the way to manage him. Besides,
I'll lay my life upon it, this Ramirez
Is some ill-favour'd, awkward, proud hidalgo,
With store of gold, who lives in an old castle,
Moated all round, hung with torn tap'stry work'd
With scripture histories, and trimm'd with velvet
That once was crimson—faugh! I'm sick to think on't.

CLARA.
You give a good description of your lover,
But 'tis not a correct one. Don Ramirez
Is not what you describe him.

LAURA.
Have you seen him?—

CLARA.
Yes—I have seen him—

LAURA.
Have you?—Is he handsome?

CLARA.
He's so esteemed.

LAURA.
As handsome as Don Carlos?

CLARA.
Whether you'll think him so I cannot tell.

LAURA.
Is he genteel and noble in his manners?
Does he dress well?—For instance—like Don Carlos?

CLARA.
He's thought the most accomplish'd man in Spain.

LAURA.
Dear! I should like to see him. You have rais'd
My curiosity—

CLARA
(aside).
Ha!—Is it so?
I may have gone too far.— (To Laura)
Should you, my dear?
That's strange, when, as you just now said, Don Carlos
Engrosses your affection.

LAURA.
So he does;
And yet, if Don Ramirez be so handsome,
And so accomplish'd, where's the harm of wishing
Just to look at him?—

CLARA.
There's no harm, my dear,
But there may be some danger.

LAURA.
How?

CLARA.
I mean
In trusting to appearances. I've heard—
Can you keep secrets?

LAURA.
Oh yes! You may trust me.
What is't?—

CLARA.
My father's house is near Toledo:
We often went there, so we knew what pass'd.
Now it was known there was a certain lady,
By name Lucretia, daughter of a notary,
With whom this Don Ramirez was suspected—

LAURA.
How?

CLARA.
He was always going to and fro;
Though he was forced to be upon his guard,
For then my lord, his father, was alive.
At length, the old man died: when, all at once,
Out came the secret.

LAURA.
What was it, good Nunez?

CLARA.
Would you believe it? This Lucretia swore
That this same Don Ramirez had seduc'd her
Under a promise of espousing her.
The notary, poor man! call'd on Ramirez
To execute his promise, but in vain;
For, when he found the matter was grown serious,
He thought it prudent to decamp.

LAURA.
And what
Became of poor Lucretia?

CLARA.
There she stays,
Almost heart broken. Ere I came away,
'Twas rumour'd Don Ramirez was engag'd
To marrry a young lady here in Seville.
Her name I heard not; but I find 'tis you.

LAURA.
I marry him! You surely cannot think it—
A reprobate like him!—I'd sooner turn
A nun at once.—Do, Nunez, stand my friend—
I'm sure you're too good-natur'd to refuse me.

CLARA.
I know not what to say—I would do much
T'assist you.—Yes—I think you're right, my dear—

LAURA.
I knew you'd say so.—What! a man like that!

CLARA.
A libertine! One too betroth'd already!
'Tis wonderful he can have the assurance
To look you in the face.—But never mind—
Don't let him guess that you have learnt his secret,
But treat him, when he's introduc'd to you,
With due civility.—Come, cheer up, ma'am—
We'll prove a match for him, I warrant you.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.

An Apartment in Don Guzman's House.
Enter Don Guzman.
GUZMAN.
This wedding is a glorious circumstance.
I feel that it revives me like a cordial,
And makes me think of old times.—Od's my life!
Old as I am, methinks I'm young enough
To be a principal in these affairs—

Enter Balthazar.
BALTHAZAR.
The gentlemen are come. I saw 'em stop
At the great gate.

GUZMAN.
Go, go, get you away;
See you conduct them in with proper state.
[Exit Balthazar.
Aye, aye, I hear 'em. If report speak true,
My future son-in-law's a sightly fellow.
I knew his grandfather.—Odso, they're coming—
Now for them—
Enter Don Ramirez and Don Alonzo, conducted by Servants.
Don Alonzo, my good friend!
You are most welcome. Is that gentleman—

ALONZO.
This, my good lord, is Don Ramirez—

GUZMAN
(to Ramirez).
Sir,
I'm honour'd by your presence; I rejoice
To see you here on this occasion.

RAMIREZ.
My lord, I'm yours.— (Looking round)
—A very noble house!

GUZMAN.
What did you say? I'm somewhat thick of hearing.

ALONZO.
My cousin spoke, my lord, about the honour
Your lordship does him.

GUZMAN.
Sir, the honour's mine.
(To Ramirez)
I was acquainted with your grandfather—
He was a worthy gentleman, who kept
An excellent good table, and was noted
For a receipt he had for stewing carp.
Pray have you got a copy of it?

RAMIREZ.
Sir!

GUZMAN.
They were most excellent. He often ask'd me
To dine with him; but we could never get him
To tell us how he dress'd 'em.—Worthy man!
He lov'd good eating—but he's gone! he's gone!

(Stands musing.
RAMIREZ
(to Alonzo).
Is this the house he has agreed to give us?

ALONZO.
The same.

GUZMAN
(musing).
He's gone! he lov'd a haunch of ven'son
With currant jelly sauce—but he is gone!—

(Still musing.
RAMIREZ
(to Alonzo).
Do'st see those hangings? I will have 'em chang'd;
They're out of fashion'd things—

ALONZO.
Hush! he'll o'erhear you.

GUZMAN
(to Ramirez).
I'll warrant me, that you young fellows now
Think yourselves far superior to us old ones.
Confess now—

RAMIREZ.
Why, my lord—

GUZMAN.
Nay, never mind—
There's no harm in't—

RAMIREZ.
As far as taste, my lord—
There we perhaps—when things are out of fashion—

GUZMAN.
Of fashion!—Pray then what may you like better?

RAMIREZ.
What do I like?
A partridge brown, my lord, sprinkled with silver—
'Tis now the only taste.

GUZMAN.
That must be curious.
Is't stew'd or roasted?

RAMIREZ.
Sir!— (to Alonzo)
—What is't he means

GUZMAN.
Well—give me the receipt—we'll have it tried—
It shall be serv'd up at your wedding dinner.
Odso! you have not seen my daughter yet—
You must be all impatience.—Who waits there?
Enter Balthazar.
Go and acquaint my daughter, Don Ramirez
Is just arrived, and beg her to come here.
[Exit Balthazar.
(To Ramirez)
Give me your hand, signor, I'm glad to see you:
You put me so in mind of your grandfather!
He was just such another as yourself,
Only, he limp'd a little in his gait,
And squinted with one eye.—You're vastly like him.

RAMIREZ.
My lord, I thank you for your compliment.
(To Alonzo)
A dev'lish queer old fellow this!

GUZMAN
(to Alonzo).
What says he?

ALONZO.
He says your lordship flatters him.

GUZMAN.
Not I—
The family resemblance is amazing.
Here comes my girl. Now tell me what you think.
Enter Donna Laura with Donna Clara veiled.
Laura, my love!—Here's Don Ramirez, child,
Who comes to see you.

RAMIREZ
(kneeling).
Suffer me to pay
My homage, madam, where 'tis justly due.
Thus let me kneel, and on your hand impress
A symbol of the vassalage I owe you.

LAURA.
I pray you rise, signor.— (To Clara)
—He's well enough!

CLARA
(to Laura).
I told you his appearance was engaging.
But mum!

GUZMAN.
Well, signor, how do you like her, hey?

RAMIREZ.
She is a constellation of perfections!

GUZMAN
(to Laura).
Well—what dost think of him?—Why dost not answer?

CLARA.
Your lordship flurries her—she's inexperienc'd,
And not accustom'd to these introductions.

GUZMAN.
Poor dear, I know she's bashful.

RAMIREZ.
Pray, my lord,
Who is that other lady, who, like night,
Shrouds her perfections in a sable veil?

GUZMAN.
Good—very good!—You'd have the moon shine, would you?
Faith! she's worth looking at!—Come, Mrs. Nunez,
Throw off that wrapper.—

CLARA.
Pardon me, my lord—
I know my station, and must wear it thus.

GUZMAN.
She is my girl's duenna, gentlemen,
But devilish handsome, I can promise you.
(To Ramirez)
—You'd be surpriz'd were you to see her face.
(To Clara)
—If you won't take it off, just open it,
And let us have a peep—there's no harm in't.

CLARA.
Excuse me, pray; I know my duty better.

GUZMAN.
There is the lawyer in another room,
Putting the last hand to the settlements.
We'll go and read them over, if you please.
Signor Ramirez! take my daughter's hand.

[Exeunt.
Manet Clara.
CLARA.
With what confirm'd assurance he bears up!
Alas! Ramirez! is it come to this?
Are all the protestations, vows and oaths
Of endless truth you utter'd, gone for ever?
Is Clara's image blotted from your soul,
And all her tenderness, her confidence,
Her faith, too rashly plighted, thus forgotten?

Enter Diego.
DIEGO.
So far all's well—I'm terribly alarm'd,
And quake from head to foot—I'd give ten ducats
I were safe back again.—Where'er I turn,
It seems to me I'm meeting Pedro Lobo—
Who's that?—Oh! nobody but an old woman.

CLARA.
What can he want?

DIEGO.
I've met with no one yet,
But Pedro Lobo's ghost, that haunts me still
With jails and whipping-posts. Would I could learn
Whether he's here—Perhaps th' old woman knows.—
Hark you, old lady!

CLARA.
Do you call me, sir?

DIEGO.
I wish you'd tell me, if one Pedro Lobo
Be here or not?

CLARA.
One Pedro Lobo, sir?

DIEGO.
Aye, Pedro Lobo:—He's a royst'ring blade—

CLARA
(aside).
I'll feign to know him—it may drive him hence.
Oh, yes, I know him—he comes often here.

DIEGO.
The deuce he does!

CLARA.
He may be here just now.
There is no answ'ring for him.

DIEGO.
You don't say so!
Pray tell me, is my master, Don Ramirez,
Here in your house?

CLARA.
He is—what want you with him?

DIEGO.
I've been to th' post office, and—here they are—
Have brought him sundry letters from Toledo.
I pray thee tell me where he may be found,
That I may go ere Pedro Lobo come.

CLARA.
He's closetted at present with my lord:
But if you'll trust 'em to my charge, good friend,
I'll carefully deliver 'em.

DIEGO.
That's kind—
You will be certain now to let him have 'em?

CLARA.
You may depend on me. You'd better go—
I'm sure I hear him—Pedro Lobo's coming—

DIEGO.
Oh lord! oh lord! I'm off!—Good bye, old dame—

[Exit.
CLARA.
These letters from Toledo—Let me think—
Cannot I make some use of them?—I have it!—
Now Don Ramirez, I'll be even with you:
You shall have letters more than you expect.
[Sits down and writes.
“Your perfidy”—Ay, that's no bad beginning—
Hum—“your ingratitude—your plighted faith”—
Hum;—“Brother—vengeance—husband”—that's enough—
Now to conclude—“your injured wife, Lucretia.”—
(Folds up the letter.
Where have I put my seal—a bleeding heart?
Oh! here it is— (Seals it.)
—So,—go there with the rest.

(Mixes it with the others.
Enter Pedrillo.
PEDRILLO.
Is the coast clear?

CLARA.
Aye, you may venture in.

PEDRILLO.
I come, good madam, as you order'd me,
To know your pleasure—

CLARA.
Signor Lazarillo,
You're punctual to your assignation, sir.

PEDRILLO.
I'm always punctual in a lady's service.
(Aside)
—My assignation—'tis a phrase of meaning.
Have you, good madam, thought of any project
T'assist our cause?—'Tis desperate without you—

CLARA.
I have—my lady has prepar'd a letter
For your good master.—Tarry here awhile,
I'll fetch it for you, good kind Lazarillo!

[Exit.
PEDRILLO.
Ho!—good—kind—punctual to your assignation!
Why how if this duenna be attracted
By my good parts—'Twould not be so surprizing—
'Tis not the first time I've done execution—

Re-enter Clara.
CLARA.
Well, Lazarillo—here's an answer for you.
I hope you've form'd a good opinion of me.

PEDRILLO.
You are the queen and empress of duennas!

CLARA.
Be quiet—hush!—Whom have we here?—Oh! friends—
Enter Beatrice and Bertran.
Come hither—We have got a new associate.
He'll tell you his own story at more leisure.
Now we are friends, and part'ners in one cause,
I'll use disguise no longer—You shall see me.—

(Unveils.
PEDRILLO.
Oh! my dear madam!— (Aside)
—Gad! if I had guess'd
The shell held such a kernel—

CLARA.
Hark ye, Beatrice—
Have you prepar'd all things as I directed?

BEATRICE.
All's ready—not a tittle is forgotten.

CLARA.
Have you dispatch'd the note to Don Ramirez?

BERTRAN.
'Tis lying ready for him at his lodging.

CLARA
(to Pedrillo).
Now, sir, if you're as well dispos'd to break
This match as I am—

PEDRILLO.
Try me—what's your plan?

CLARA.
I've one now ripe for execution,
In which, so please you, you may bear a part.

PEDRILLO.
If I don't top it, figo on my talents!
Trust me for putting tricks on travellers!

[Exeunt severally.