University of Virginia Library

Scena Tertia.

Constantia.
Con.
Now that my Brother's safe, my next design
Must be, how to secure his fame, for honour
To a Cavaleer of his Complexion
Is of more dear concern by far than life:
'Tis an hard Task, yet what I want in Art
My Courage shall supply, for I'me all heart.
I heard some tread, I will obscure a while.

[She hides behind a Tree.
Enter Buggio.
Bug.
The Coast is clear, and I've time to invent
Some delicate Romance, a fine-spun lie
To please my fancy, and to save my bones,
Shou'd fair Constantia miss of her design
To stay Honorio.

Con.
He speaks of me, I'le listen nearer.

Bug.
If he come first Amante's very sick,
And sent a Messenger to make excuse.
But if Amante on Honorio's behalf,
I'le make submission.

Con.
Base Slave!

Bug.
And beg a pardon for the injuries
He did him: oh delicate, dainty lyes!
How you tickle, and delate my Genius!
There is no Paradise, but in Romance.

Con.
What a strange Fellow's this? yet to me
I fear his Story was too true, for see
Amante comes.

Enter Amante, Garbato.
Bug.
Now for a dainty fancy to make Fools—

Aman.
We are in time I see, here's only Buggio,
And without a Sword.

Gar.
Oh he's a Man of peace.

Bug.
He shou'd be a Conjurer by his Guess.

Con.
'Tis time I shew my self.

Bug.
Noble Gallants, Signior Honorio—

Con.
Honorio! If any here have ought
To say against him, I appear his Champion,
And in the just defence of his true Honour
Oppose my Innocence to your rude Swords.

Bug.
She has spoyl'd the rarest Fable brain e're
Gave being to—Cursed Woman—

[Exit.
Gar.
Is not this Constantia?

Aman.
The same.

Con.
Yes 'tis the same, the same Constantia;
I wou'd you were the same Amante too!
But wherefore shou'd I wish you so much ill?
No, prosper in your Love, and set in me
A period to your hate.

Aman.
How much I prize your life, the Gods bear witness.

Con.
How little you esteem my love, this heart
Can witness; yet tell me, false, and cruel,
How many new vexations you design me?
Y'ave rob'd my heart of Love, my life of peace,
And now pursue my sole surviving comfort,
My Brothers life.

Aman.
Alas I pitty your misfortunes Madam,
And own my self unworthy of your Love,
Vil'd and inconstant;
But for your Brother as he made the strife,
'Tis justice he shou'd answer't with his life.

Con.
His life! can nothing else obtain his peace?

Aman.
Ballance my injuries, and be you Judg.
He has reproach'd me with a Cowards name,
And with much baseness urg'd me to the Field,
Himself not daring as a Gentleman to meet
Me here, or give me satisfaction.

Con.
Suspend your sentence till you understand
By what necessity he is detain'd,
I've lock'd him up, and am come here my self
To make you Friends, or else supply his Room,
If we must fight, come on,
[She draws her Sword.
Yet sure you'l gain
But small repute, to kill a Maid half slain
By Love before, whose valour will appear,
More in her tongue than hand, most in a Tear.

Aman.
My heart dissolves, I shall forget my wrongs.

Gar.
Friend, let me intercede, who can deny
A Lady pleading with a weeping Eye?
'Twas for her sake Honorio did forgive
Your change in Love, for her sake let him live.

Aman.
I am content, we're on an even score;
Besides it is as little as I can do
In satisfaction for my wrongs to you.

Con.
This is a relique of some kindness yet,
But once your love, and vowes did promise more,
I now must study to forget both them, and you,
Farewel for ever.

[Exit.
Aman.
She's passionate.

Gar.
Sh'as reason for't, her injuries wou'd vex
The strongest Patience of that Noble Sex.

[Exeunt.