 | Fatal Friendship |  |
ACT II.
SCENE I.
Roquelaure's House.Enter Bellgard, and a Servant of the Counts.
Serv.
Be pleas'd to stay here, Sir,
My Lord will wait upon you instantly;
Bell.
You have told him I am here.
Serv.
I did, and hear him coming.
[Exit Serv.
Enter Roquelaure.
Roq.
You're welcome, my Bellgard, the only Man
That can give comfort to my tortur'd Heart.
Bell.
None can be prouder, or more joy'd to serve you.
Count.
I'm just return'd from visiting your Sister,
Whom I have seen in such a graceful Sorrow,
11
More than it mov'd my pity.
Bell.
And how my Lord
Has she receiv'd the honour you design her?
Count.
With such aversion as she'd meet her fate;
At first I found her in a solemn sadness,
Her Eyes all Languishing, fix'd on the ground,
But rous'd at my approach, the flowing blood,
Flush'd to her Cheeks, yet soon again forsook 'em;
Thus pale, and trembling, we met alike disorder'd,
Tho' with such different passions, hate in her
Produc'd the same effect as Love in me.
Bell.
Hate, my Lord,
Can you suspect her of so great injustice?
Count.
What else can make her so inexorable?
Upon her knees she fell, and grasping mine,
She weeping beg'd me to desist my suit,
With such engaging Action, and words so moving,
As whilst they made me wish I cou'd obey her,
Depriv'd me of the power.
Bell.
Stubborn Girl.
Count.
Finding me more enflam'd, and still persisting,
She said I might expose her to your anger,
And all the ruine you had lately threatned,
But there was such an Obstacle in nature,
As never wou'd permit her to be mine.
Bell.
So positive, my Lord, I'll make her find
There's not an Obstacle but I can vanquish.
Count.
I fear her early kindness for my Son,
Which we too long neglected,
Tho' they seem parted now, their rooted loves
May join, and still produce fresh springing hopes.
Bell.
Then we must strive to blast 'em; I cou'd wish
Gramont were married to yours, and his own liking;
What think you of Lamira for a Daughter?
Count.
So well, I must not think of it.
Bell.
My Lord, I've a relations interest in her,
And more that of a Friend, on which relying,
I have propos'd it to her, and may tell you
She much Esteems your Son, and would be proud
Of your alliance, which if desir'd by you,
I know she'll not refuse.
Count.
'Tis generously offer'd, and here he comes
[Enter Gramont.
To join with me in thanks. Your looks are sad,
My Son, is there a cause?
Gra.
There is, my Lord, if I have any sense
Of honour, Gratitude, or Friendship; Castalio
12
Where he is kept in chains, as he were guilty
Of some flagitious action.
Count.
For what is he so us'd?
Gra.
For me, you know, my Lord,
He sav'd my life, with hazard of his own,
For which the General Committed him,
And representing to the absent King
The case as he thought fit, next had him fin'd,
Three thousand Crowns, and keeps him thus secur'd
Till 'tis discharg'd.
Bell.
Some such mean vengeance,
I apprehended from his barbarous nature.
Gra.
Castalio of a generous Soul,
Knowing no use of Wealth but to bestow
On others wants, scarce mindful of his own,
I know must needs be unprepar'd for this:
Tho his great services, and merit plead,
Malice in power will be heard against 'em,
And his reward be there to Starve neglected.
Count.
Honour forbid.
Gra.
Honour, justice, gratitude, and Friendship,
All forbid, yet I th'unhapyy cause
Look on, and suffer it, unable to assist him.
Count.
He must, he shall be aided, and by you,
For whom he suffers all.
Gra.
O my honour'd Father, more than Father now,
'Tis more than Life you have given, like that unask'd,
Restor'd a Friend to me, preserv'd my honour,
How shall I pay my thanks.
Count.
To save you that be all the Act your own.
Gra.
Wou'd heav'n but give the power.
Count.
Give it your self, and lose not time in wishing,
A Friend, and Father, point you out the way,
You know, Lamira.
Gra.
Ha! what of her, my Lord?
Count.
She may be yours.
Gra.
Mine, my Lord.
Bell.
One thing 'tis fit you know e'er you determine;
Her deceas'd husband, by nature jealous, and severe,
Left the considerablest part of her Estate,
Conditional that she remain unmarried,
The terms to one so young, unreasonable,
And unjust, therefore I think 'em not in honour
Obligatory, only to keep the Marriage secret
Whilst her Sister lives, to whom she forfeits,
If so you can approve it.
13
Far be it from me, t'expose Lamira
To such a hazard of her ruine;
'Twill be impossible to keep it secret.
Bell.
Her long refusal of the greatest matches,
Has rais'd in many different Conjectures;
All which to end, she'll suddenly declare
The true conditions of her husbands will,
That will prevent all pryings, or suspicions
Of her Marriage.
Count.
Especially to him, a younger Brother
Will ne'er be thought an Object for her choice,
And prudence must direct the management
Of future accidents, that may occur.
Bell.
My Lord, I'll leave you to consult together.
[Exit Bell.
Count.
You seem not much to relish this proposal;
Cou'd you expect a match so advantageous?
Gra.
Marriage, my Lord, I hold a sacred bond,
Which shou'd be made for nobler ends than interest;
Hearts shou'd first be join'd.
Count.
And who deserves your Heart more than Lamira?
Gra.
It is not merit only gives us love,
Else every heart wou'd take the same impression,
But each we see receives a different Image,
As it were fitted for that stamp alone;
Hers is perhaps of too refin'd a nature
To strike this grosser mold, I cannot mend it,
And hope you will not press a monstrous Union
Of things by nature not agreeing.
Count.
By heav'n a meer rebellious Sprit moves thee
To this refusal, had it not been offer'd,
Thy own desires wou'd have prevented us.
Gra.
Can I so far forget my filial duty!
My Lord, I honour you, and your Commands
Equal almost to heav'ns; but you have told me,
A state so lasting shou'd be well consider'd
E'er resolv'd on, and that Marriage bonds
Were of too pond'rous weight, for youth to bear.
Count.
Are you still a Boy? I have consider'd for you,
Your part is to obey.
Gra.
I have yet too large a Stock of coming years,
To be laid out upon one hasty purchase.
Count.
Go satisfy your Friend thus, tell him the last
Of that fine fansied stock, shall be laid out
For his relief.
Gra.
O Castalio!
Count.
You Love him well indeed ingrateful wretch,
Insensible of every benefit,
14
When thy Extravagance had left thee Friendless,
Persu'd by many, by the rest abandon'd,
I took thee to my bosom, shelter'd thee
Even from Royal anger; used all my interest
With vast expence to gain thy pardon,
And this day, resolv'd to pay th'exacted summ
For which 'twas granted, but ungracious Boy,
I'll not so dearly buy thy Liberty,
Till thou can'st find a better way to use it,
Than disobeying me.
Gra.
I know I don't deserve it, give me up
To Death, to Banishment, or Slavery,
I'll own your Justice, but let not poor Castalio
Suffer for my fault;
His Freedom will not cost you half so dear,
Nor he be so ingrateful.
Count.
Impudent request! what Friendship do I owe him,
For sending me such a rebellious Son?
You may go to him,
And rot for me together in a Dungeon;
Hence from my House, and till thou art obedient,
By heav'n if thou wert Starving at my gates,
I'd send thee no relief; the first I do,
May it become to both eternal ruin.
Now foolish Boy, go seek a better fortune.
[Exit Count.
Gra.
Cast from the field, the Court, and my own Father,
Where shou'd I fly! to poor Felicia's Arms,
She's kind, and will be fond to share my misery;
Alass too soon she must, thus she'll be us'd,
For so her Brother threatn'd; cruel thought!
Must I behold that tender part of me,
expos'd to all th'extreamities of want,
My helpless Infant asking food in vain;
O fate! O heav'n! you cannot mean it;
They're innocent, how, how have we deserv'd your anger?
If there be a Guilt it must be mine.
Why then ye Powers,
Must she be involv'd in my unhappiness?
O you are just, and cannot suffer it,
Thus prostrate I implore, O spare her heav'n,
Wreck, Wreck on me your vengeance; but she is part of me,
And so must share it:
O let me fly from thought, or from the World,
E'er this impetuous ruine over whelm
My sinking reason. O I shall grow mad!
[Exit.
15
SCENE II.
A Prison.Castalio solus
Cas.
No, proud insulting Spain, not ev'n thus
Can I repent my leaving Conquer'd Naples;
Thy Pageant freedom, and precarious honours,
Were heavier baser slavery than these chains;
And I am less asham'd of them, tho' here,
Perhaps the Object of Lamira's scorn.
Ha! what of that? by heav'n I cannot form
One thought for Glory, since I knew that Woman,
But still 'tis mix'd with Love, with passion stain'd.
And makes the best, and bravest of my Actions,
But glittering frailties;—she's strangely Charming,
Well is't not enough to think her so?
Or say I wish her mine?
But why thus fix my Soul upon a Woman?
Why these tumultuous ravings, hopes, and fears?
[Enter Gramont.
Gramont! I blush as if I thought he saw my heart,
Asham'd to own my self for what I am;
Stifling my passion may extinguish it.
No more of this.—My Friend, this welcome sight
Makes all my wrongs, and pains insensible,
That thou art free, and safe, is to Castalio,
Easie and Liberty.
Gra.
Dearer than either, how do I enjoy 'em,
Whilst purchas'd at the sad expence of yours!
How can I look upon a Friend thus ruin'd,
By saving me at his extreamest peril,
Whilst I but Mourn for him, with aidless pity?
Cas.
No my Gramont;
'Tis not for freeing thee that I am thus,
Occasions had been found, tho' this not giv'n
T'exert the Generals malice; but do not grieve,
His Triumph is but short, I shall be free.
Gra.
You hide a truth you fear t'afflict me with,
I know that publick Spirit, which at Naples
Made you in favour of the common interest
Neglect your own, has mov'd you here as nobly,
Your frequent bounties to the murmuring Soldiers,
Must have disabled you for the discharge
Of such a summ.
16
I cou'd no less than give to your Kings Service,
What he so frankly had bestowed on me;
And being just upon the point of Battle,
'Twas then the only way to quell the Mutiny;
But can I doubt to find him grateful now,
Whose generosity when undeserv'd
I have so far experienc'd?
I every hour expect Bernardo's coming,
And doubt not but he brings me Liberty;
That faithful follower of my fortunes hearing
The General had left the Camp, and order'd
My removal hither, hastned to Court,
That he might there in Person answer ought
Alledg'd against me, in Confidence the King
When well inform'd of the injustice done me,
Will soon command my freedom.
Gra.
You'll find you have a subtle Enemy,
Tho' in his hate bare fac'd, close in revenge,
Which having fail'd when against me directed,
I fear will now be bent with surer aim,
And fall with double force on you.
Cas.
He shou'd indeed have made my ruine sure,
Or not have dar'd so much.
Gra.
What can his motive be of sending you from th'army?
Cas.
He durst not in his absence trust me to
The Soldiers love, which he had found when present,
Scarce his Authority cou'd balance; that chiefly,
But in part he serves his malice, pleas'd
Whilst he can to make me bear the hardships,
And inconvenience of a common Prison;
He has intended me the vilest usage,
Alotting me a dark and noisome dungeon,
Tho' I'm by stealth allowed the freedom of this Air.
[Enter Bernardo.
Bernardo return'd already; what News from Court?
Bern.
That you have been too honest.
Cas.
I shan't repent it.
Bern.
By Heav'n, I had rather seen you led in Triumph
A Slave to Spain, they might have show'd you
As an Enemy, but had not call'd you Traytor.
Cas.
Ha! but thou talk'st with rage, speak to my understanding.
Bern.
My Lord your pardon, 'tis my hearty Love,
Makes me forget all method, and respect,
I've been at Court, where sure no honest Man
Can keep his Temper.
Cas.
Why, what reception found you there?
Bern.
Such as they'd give a man the Plague had seiz'd;
All shun'd me as I pass'd, and those in office,
17
Wou'd not know me.
Cas.
Deny'd to see the King!
Barn.
I wou'd not be denyed.
Cas.
Be brief to your success with him.
Barn.
He ask'd me coldly if I came to speak
In your Defence; I said I hop'd 'twas needless
To defend an Act which all brave Men,
And Friends to justice, must admire.
Cas.
What did the King return?
Barn.
He own'd Gramont had been unjustly Sentenc'd,
And therefore had his pardon;
But 'twas of ill example to oppose
In such a hostile way a Generals orders,
And might encourage others if your fine
Shou'd be remitted; I urg'd your Services,
And lastly, that you had not ask'd for favour,
But that to keep his Soldiers in their duty
Who mutiny'd for pay, you had strip'd your self
Of what might now discharge you; he said you'd been
Too zealous in his Service, so abruptly left me.
Cas.
By Heav'n I think he's in the right, if zeal
Be thus rewarded.
Barn.
My Lord, the King's abus'd,
The treacherous General has found a Spring
That will supply his malice whilst you have any virtues,
He makes 'em all appear as Arts put on
T'ingratiate with the Soldiers, on design
To serve the Spanish interest.
Cas.
How, tax'd with Treason! the basest too,
Made blacker by th'ingratitude; he dares not say it,
Nor wou'd the King believe it.
Barn.
Somewhat that way his last words seem t'import,
But what I further learn'd was from an officer
That honours you, and whom the General trusts;
A correspondence held with Spain is talk'd of,
With hints of proofs to be produc'd against you.
Cas.
Impossible, my words, my heart, and Actions,
Have been open, there's such unartful plainness
In my nature, as cannot be suspected.
Gra.
There's no security against such malice
As makes your highest virtues seem your Crimes;
And Prince's ever in jealousy of power,
Give easy credit to reports of danger.
Barn.
Doubtless he will not fail of Evidence
To back his accusation; in short my Lord,
Unless you know, or find some speedy way
18
I wou'd not answer for your Life.
Gra.
O Fate!
All this t'oppress a wretch already loaded,
Ruine on ruine heap'd!
Is't not enough to have determin'd mine,
But I must pull all that surround me down,
To crush me in my fall, and with my own,
Bring all the weight of their destruction on me;
It is not to be born? what to be made
Ill fates crust instrument, distributer
Of direst miseries, and bane of virtue!
I am all this, I, I, Castalio, am.
The balefull Planet, whose malignant influence
Ruines your fortunes, blasts your spreading Glories,
And all your kinder Stars had purpos'd you defeats.
Cas.
You share too much my wrongs, but have not caus'd 'em.
Let your resentment strike where justice bids,
I must not see you rashly loose your passion
Against a Man I love, my only Friend.
Gra.
Alass you do not know with how much reason
My passion spoke, nor what a wretch I am,
Abandon'd by my Father, banish'd his House,
And with his Curse if ever I return.
Cas.
For ever?
Gra.
It must be ever, the only terms
Of my admittance, ne'er can be perform'd.
Cas.
'Tis cruel, what cause can you have given him to proceed
To such extremities?
Gra.
You know the dearest secret of my Life,
My long conceal'd, and unsuspected marriage.
Cas.
'Tis then discover'd.
Gra.
Not that, nor dare I own it,
My Father loves Felicia, not knowing her
My Wife, and has commanded me t'accept
Another, whom Fortune, Birth, and Nature,
Have left without Objection, which my refusing
Has thus irreconcilably incens'd him.
Cas.
Your case indeed is hard.
Gra.
Yet there is worse behind,
I've not disclos'd the wound that grieves me most,
Not spoke how you're involv'd in my undoing;
My Father was dispos'd in gratitude
For a Sons life and liberty receiv'd,
To have perform'd the Terms of gaining yours,
But thus offended at my disobedience,
Your saving me appears an injury,
19
Not to relieve tho' he shou'd see you perish.
Heav'ns shou'd the fate of such a Man,
By which the Worlds might rather be determin'd,
It self be influenc'd by any others?
But why must I be made his destiny?
Yes, yes, trace back through all the windings of your fortune,
And you will find that I alone have been
Your evil Genius, that you have cause to curse
Your Fatal Friendship, the unlucky hour
You sav'd my Life, or that which gave me Birth;
O that it ne'er had been. I want the patience
To support this load of wretched Life,
That growing heavier as it wasts, leaves not,
A hope of ease; tell me Castalio, Friend,
Through all this Gloom of endless Miseries,
Is there a dawn of any comfort left me?
Cas.
Nor endless, my Gramont, nor Comfortless,
No Man can be to that degree unhappy,
That has on any Terms his fortune in his power,
For his rejecting that when virtue bids,
Shews there's a good in her, that wou'd not fix,
Unless it cou'd reward his choice.
Enter a Soldier.
Sold.
My Lord, I beg you'll retire to your Chamber,
The Governour will be return'd this minute,
And must not know you have had this Liberty.
Cas.
I thank thee, honest Soldier. Farewel my Friend,
Remember Death's the worst we have to fear.
And that whilst we unmov'd preserve our virtue,
Rather to be desir'd.
[Cas. goes within the Scene, Gra. Advances, a Scene shuts representing the outside of the Castle. Manet Gramont.
Gra.
To be desir'd indeed, since vertue here
Is ever thus oppress'd, without relief,
But in its future prospect.
Enter a Servant.
Serv.
Sir, I am sent with an unwelcome Message
From my Lord your Father; the time you took,
For payment of your fine being now expir'd,
'Tis rigorously demanded, and by my Lord refus'd;
He says he wou'd advise you so to act
That it may be discharg'd, if not you must
Deliver up your person, for he vows
He never will assist you.
Gra.
Tell him I will obey him, this alone were light,
But added to the rest compleats the weight.
What News hast thou? how does my little Son?
[Enter another Servant.
Thy looks forebode me ill, if my Child is dead,
Smile when thou tell'st me, for he is happy!
20
Sir, he lives, but in a wretched state;
The place you sent him to being near the Sea,
His Nurse walked often with him on the Shoar,
But most unhappily, some weeks ago
Was by our famous Pirate, seen, and seiz'd,
And with her infant charge carry'd on board.
Gra.
O fatal accident! a strang one too;
What can the Villain gain by such a prize?
Methinks it shou'd be more a burthen to him,
Than advantage.
Serv.
They say he does it, Sir,
In hopes of a Considerable ransom,
If his young Captives prove of quality;
But if he finds they will not be redeem'd,
He throws 'em to the mercy of the Waves.
Ora.
Ha! what pains the fates are at to make a Villain of me!
Must it be so? shall I give up my honour,
To save my self, and all I love from ruine?
No, that's in my own power, the rest in fates,
And spite of fate I'll keep my honesty;
Tho' my best Friend must be for me undone,
In Fame, in Fortune, and perhaps his Life
A Sacrifice to treacherous revenge;
My infant by inhumane Pyrates Murder'd,
The dearest fruit of my Felicia's Love.
My Wife too, O my Wife! she'll be thrown out
To wander through the World, poor, and distress'd,
To curse her fatal love, to curse her Husband,
The wretched source of bitterest miseries,
Who sees her starving, and can give no succour?
I cannot bear the thought, it shall not be;
I'd pluck these Eyes out rather than behold it,
So dear I hold her, I cou'd cut off these limbs
To let her piece meal feed upon my flesh;
I must, I must prevent at any rate
This dismal Scene of misery, and ruine,
Turn Villain, any thing when she's at stake,
My Child too, and my Friend, I cou'd by Heav'n
Suffer a thousand racking death's for each;
And shou'd I Sacrifice 'em all, to keep
A little peace of mind, the pride of never straying?
Walk on by Rules, and calmly let 'em perish,
Rather than tread one step beyond to save 'em?
Forbid it Nature, no, I'll leap o'er all.
Castalio, my suffering Babe, and Lov'd Felicia
See how dear you're to me, how strong my Love,
When it can turn the Scale against my Virtue;
21
[Enter Bellgard.
He's surely sent just at this very point,
To keep me warm, and firm for villainy,
Welcome Bellgard, where's Lamira? where my Father?
Tell him I will be his, and hers, and yours,
Mold me as you please, but take me quickly,
For now I grow impatient, when shall it be done?
Bell.
Gramont, I love you, and am much rejoic'd
To see you fond of your own happiness,
But yet must wonder at this new impatience.
Gra.
I dare not trust delays, they're dangerous,
May hinder, or reveal the fatal secret,
That you know wou'd ruine us;
But let us not confide in our best Friends,
Or near relations, shall we swear to it?
You'll not discover it where you most cou'd trust
Your Sister, or if any one is dearer.
Bell.
On my honour, but there needs no Oath,
My Friendship to you both will tie me stricter.
I was just going to my Lord your Father,
Shall I tell him? but we'll go together,
Since you are for dispatch, he best can forward it.
Gra.
I'll wait on you, 'tis done, I'm enter'd now,
And to plunge through, must leave all thought behind me,
No happiness I for my self expect,
But wou'd preserve my Friends from ruine;
Let me without a Partner be unfortunate,
'Tis all the priviledge, I beg from Fate.
[Exeunt.
| Fatal Friendship | |