University of Virginia Library

ACTUS V.

SCENA I.

Riccamare, Garbato, Arabella.
Gar.
May we give credit to this happiness,
Or do you only tempt us with a bliss,
To try how soon we'll credit what we wish?

Ara.
It seems unlikely, yet I'de fain believe.

Ric.
What do you take me for, a Fabler, Niece?
I did expect another kind of thanks.

Ara.
Good Uncle be not angry, we thank you.

Gar.
Our thanks but shame us Sir; there's none but you
Cou'd have oblig'd so much.

Ric.
I did introth compassionate your loves,
And that compassion urg'd me to assist you.
What pains I took, and how I press'd my Brother
By pray'rs, entreaties, and some slender reasons
Before I cou'd prevail, is not material:
It is enough I compass'd my design.
He'll seem for the present enrag'd at the Match,
And afterwards receive you into Grace,
Which in effect's as good as a consent.

Gar.
Y' have done a charity, becomes a Saint.
Now Arabella you have no excuse,
Your duty being safe.

Ara.
My blushes do consent, yet I wou'd fain
Be blest before the Nuptial Rights.

Ric.
By th'Priest you may; but Niece it is in vain.
T'expect your Father's yet.

Gar.
Be satisfy'd; I hope we sha'not long
Be barr'd that happiness.

Ric.
Not six hours I dare pass my word.

Ara.
If I transgress, it is upon your soore.

Ric.
Make haste to Church, and here make all things sure.

Gar.
Never went Lovers to that sacred place
With a more innocent, and pure flame.

[Exeunt.
Ric.
My Plot succeeds thus far, to my own wish,
This Match must disinherit her for certain.
And then stand I our houses Candidate.
I'le seek my Brother, and so aggravate
His Daughters Crime, that his misgovern'd rage
May hear no reason, nor admit excuse;
But like a Bedlam, furiously before
She makes defence, may turn her out of dore.

[Exit.

Scena Secunda.

Strega, Furfante, Sanco.
Streg.
From Signior Cicco, say'st thou honest Friend?

Fur.
Yes forsooth, he's my Master, and a very proper Gentleman,
Though I say it.

Streg.
Very likely, and he'd have leave to visit me, is't not so?

Fur.
To kiss your hand, and vow himself your adorer.

Streg.
O fine, he'll make a Saint of me.

Fur.
He may—for she has preserv'd her Carcass
Ninety years beyond the course of Nature, and
Kept it by a Miracle from stinking

(aside)
Streg.
Of what profession is thy Master Friend?

Fur.
A Courtier forsooth, he has a good estate of
His own, which he daily improves by a kind of
Facility he has to beg any thing that comes
In his way.

Streg.
Belike then he's a very thriving Gentleman.

Fur.
A most resistless Courtier, for he never designs
Any thing, but he obtains it by his importunity.

Sanc.
Have courage Mistress, there's life in a Muscle, if this
Be not another sweet-heart, ne're trust a livery Prophet.

Streg.
A sweet-heart! the word warms at heart
Like a Cup of Muskad ne, commend me to thy Master
Heartily, and tell him that he shall be heartily, heartily
Welcome, with all my heart heartily.

Fur.
A very hearty commendation.

[Exit.
Streg.
What dost thou think Sanco?

Sanc.
That your capering days are not done yet, you talk
Of your decays, and deformities, but if you have the grace
To keep them to your self, you'll pass well enough
In a croud I warrant you.

Streg.
Be like I had best change my Method, and make
No more discoveries of my imperfections.

Sanc.
They'll discover themselves fast enough never fear it.
Alas forsooth you were born in a plain dealing Age,
When Men meant honestly, and Virgins were proud
To shew a handsome Leg; but now, no dissimulation,
No life. Every deformity is conceal'd, and every
Perfection set off to advantage.

Streg.
As how good honest Sanco?

Sanco.
Marry thus, a good Eye sparkles through a Vizard
Mask, whil'st the bad features, and worse complexion
Lies conceal'd, good features are illustrated with
Counterfeit complexions, and good complexions heightned
With black Patches.

Streg.
Thou art much improv'd Sanco?

Sanc.
I have not altogether lost my time in your Worships service.

Streg.
Nay thou art a shrew'd clung pated Fellow,
I'le say that for thee

Sanc.
I do pick, and glean now and then some small
Crums, and fragments of knowledg out of my continual
Observation.

Streg.
Marry, and 'tis very discreetly done Sanco, when
I am marri'd, thou shalt instruct me in the
Customs and fashions of the present Age, for belike
A Wife is quite another thing than what 'twas in my days.

Sanc.
Marry is it Mistress, for then they stay'd at home
To entertain their honest Neighbours, now they
Gad abroad to be entertain'd by their Wild Gallants.
Then they took a Pride to be thought modest, now
'Tis their glory to be thought Modish, the World's
Turn'd upside down.

Streg.
Dost think I shall ever learn to endure this fashion?

Sanc.
A little use will make it as familiar to you as
Taking of Fees to an old covetous Lawyer, or
Killing to an unskilful Physician.

Streg.
Then belike I may be brought to a Modish Lady agen?

Sanc.
As modish as if y'had travail'd to Paris for
Your Cloaths, or to London for a confident behaviour.

Streg.
And they say your London Ladies are courtly indeed,
Sanco—But here comes the Gentleman.

Enter Cicco, Furfante and Buggio.
Sanc.
Observe him warily Mistress, and seem the whilst
To speak to me; my observation learn't that
Trick of a Country Parson, who spoke to the
Congregation, and fix'd his Eyes the whilst on a
Handsome VVench.

Cic.
Is she not a Miracle of Nature, what an Eye's there?

Bug.
Brighter than the Ottoman Diamond, it fills the Room with luster.

Fur.
And him with darkness.

Bug.
Then for a Lip.

Cic.
I observe that too; the Ruby thence receive its tincture.
Oh but the pretty Mole!

Bug.
Where Sir? I see none.

Cic.
A pox on't, I must be prating still before
My time, and shame my self.

Bug.
I can't find that Mole, tho' I have survey'd
Her face most critically.

Cic.
I mean the form of her face, Nature form'd
Hers, and Venus's in one Mould.

Streg.
How he extols me Sanco? by my holy dame
I have not been so complemented these forty years.

Sanc.
I'me perswaded that your face, like fashions laid by
Twenty years, begins to grow a la mode.

Streg.
A very pretty observation.

Sanc.
Old folks they say are twice Children, and you have
Been old enough for that Proverb these twenty
Years, so that by observation you shou'd be much about your prime.

Streg.
And that may very well be.

Sanc.
I believe your Sciatica is nothing but the Rickets;
And your ach in the Jaws, breeding of teeth, which your
Artificial ones hinder from cutting.

Streg.
Then belike I may renew my youth agen,
I am resolv'd to fling away these rotten Teeth
And cut my Gums with munching loaf Sugar.

Sanc.
You wou'd do well to buy a Corral.

Streg.
That is not so good, but I'le eat store of Rabbits
Brains to make me tooth more easily.

Cic.
I can observe no longer, for I discern such
Excellence, I can't contain my self,
I must speak to her.

Fur.
If he cou'd find her out, but I'le assist him.

Cic.
Fair Strega, and therefore the more fair because
Strega, do not disdain the humble flame which spouts—

Bug.
Which blazes—

Cic.
Which blazes from a young Lovers heart.

Streg.
I never was addicted much to scorn.

Bug.
Now is the rest of his pen'd speech lost; and
Our Lover in a brown study how to proceed.

Cic.
If not to scorn, I hope to love.

Bug.
Well urg'd old Man how e're extempore.

Streg.
Belike Love is a very comfortable thing,
But it will require debate, if you please
We'll walk in, and confer notes.

Cic.
You cannot more oblige me.

[Exeunt.
Fur.
His speech had like to have ruin'd all.

Bug.
He wou'd not be perswaded otherwise,
Come lets in and share the mirth.

Fur.
My old Master, cannot move without me.

[Exeunt.

Scena Tertia.

Honorio, Constantia.
Hon.
With what a strange, and yet mysterious art,
Love has intangled, and engag'd each heart
Yours to Amante, to fair Clara his,
Hers unto me, what a strange Maze is this?
Mine was intangled too, but since got free
By a rash vow, dislikes that liberty,
Because it cruelly prevents thy peace,
And renders me unable to release
Amante from his flame, by wedding Clara.

Con.
Ah that you wou'd but so befriend my love!

Hon.
I dare not think you wish a happiness,
That I must purchase with so great a Crime.

Con.
I wou'd not have you sin, yet I'de fain be
Eas'd of this load of Love, and misery.
But is there no expedient, no just art
To break a Vow, which else must break my heart?
Not only mine, but loving Clara's too,
And that I'me confident won't much please you.

Hon.
Not in the least; for I at present find
Such an indifferency to Arabella,
That I had rather oblige Clara's love,
And make Amante capable of thine,
VVou'd my rash vow permit it.

Con.
It is not better to dispense one Oath,
Than kill a Mistress and a Sister both?
VVhen by two Sins you equally are prest,
It is a Virtue sure to chuse the least.

Hon.
But I perceive no such Dilemma here.
I may preserve my Vow, and you your lives.
Enter Clara.
But Clara comes I dare not trust my self
Lest my Compassion shou'd destroy my Virtue.
[Exit Hono.

Scena Quarta.

Cla.
I fear your Rhetorick prevails but little
To perswade his lover, since he avoids my presence.

Con.
'Tis altogether hopeless, he's so constant
To that curs'd vow, there's no removing him.

Cla.
We must find some evasion, some reservation.

Con.
But where my Clara? you still cherish hope.
Though you have nought in Prospect but despair.

Cla.
That's the last passion love shou'd entertain.
Weigh but discreetly this perplexive vow,
And the evasion won't seem difficult.
It was if I remember it but rightly,
Never to speak of love to Woman more.

Con.
It was, what shadow of hope can you derive from thence?

Cla.
A certain joy, if nothing else obstruct my happiness.

Con.
Find an evasion for that curst resolve,
And I'le assure your marriage.

Cla.
Why let him keep his Vow religiously,
And never speak of love to me, or any,
I'le understand his signs, if he'll consent
The Priest shall make us one. Besides Constantia
He may write his love, that's not within his Oath.

Con.
How dull was I, not to discern it sooner!
'Tis evident, plain as the light that shines,
I'le straight convince him of it.

[Exit.
As Clara follows, Amante Enters, takes her by the hand and stops her.

Scena Quinta.

Aman.
Though y' are still so cruel, and deaf to all my vows,
Yet lend an ear to my sad sufferings.

Cla.
The Lady that went hence suffers much more
For you, than you can do for me.

Aman.
Alas, I pitty her!

Cla.
I pity you;
But pitty more your base inconstancy.

Aman.
Impute that crime to love, and beauty Madam:
Since they conspir'd to betray my heart.
To one far more deserving, now 'tis fixt.

Cla.
Like to an exhalation, for a moment.

Aman.
For ever Madam.

Cla.
What hope of constancy can there be found
In love, of which inconstancy's the ground?
What truth, when both alike must be untrue?
You in your change, and I in loving you?

[Exit.
Aman.
She has struck me dumb, yet will not give me time
To answer, or extenuate my Crime,
Or if she had, I cou'd make small defence,
Guilt can but ill dispose with innocence.
But I'le reform, and though I cannot gain
Her love, her good opinion I'le obtain.
Then let her know tho' once I went astray,
Her brave reproofs has set me in the way.

[Exit.

Scena Sexta.

Garbato, Arabella.
Gar.
'Tis a strange, solitary house this; None
But an Old Woman to bid us welcome!

Ara.
I do'nt like my Uncles absence neither

Gar.
That seems suspicious too: But I applaud
However the design, since it obtain'd me such a happiness.

Ara.
I must applaud it too, since 'tis my fate,
Repentance after Marriage comes too late.
Enter Riccamare, Cicco, Strega, Buggio, and Furfante.
But here my Father comes? I fear too soon.

Gar.
Your Uncle with him too, nay then we're safe.

Ric.
What, are you senceless Sir? she has married a Beggar.

Cic.
And I a Mine; 'twere a hard case if I cou'd not
Afford one Portion; set your heart at rest,
I'me resolv'd to make this Day a Jubilee.
And I'le begin with my Daughter first, call her,
Furfante, that I may forgive her.

Ric.
Forgive her! is he possest?

Fur.
Why Sir she's by you.

Cic.
How strangely I forget my self! oh love,
Love, how thou distractest youth! Arabella.

Gar.
To him in this humour, and get a blessing.

Ara.
I hope you are as ready to forgive as you were wont.
That I disobey'd you in my choice
I must confess, but 'twas not till the choice
You made abandon'd me, that very Minute
You design'd me his VVife.

Cic.
Thou had'st more VVit I see than thy old Father,
I do forgive thee Girl, and hope thy Husband
Will make that out in love, he wants in fortune.

Ric.
How riches alters some Mens tempers!
Oh! I cou'd curse!

Gar.
My love I hope has been unquestionable,
And by so many Acts confirm'd, it needs
No farther proof, let it suffice I married
(On a bare promise of your favour Sir) for her
Own Merits, without least assurance of
Any Portion, which the fair Estate newly
Faln to me by an Uncles death might
Justly challenge.

Ric.
He's rich too! a Curse on my design, they're
Both ways crost, in advantage, and revenge.

Fur.
How th'old Man courts him now! before
Forgiveness was a favour. Signior Buggio
Your Cake's Dough.

Bug.
I find lying a very unprofitable calling.

Fur.
It may be one day pay'd Sir with a basting.

Bug.
Then will I make you my Receiver.

Cic.
May the Heavens pour down blessing on you.
She shall not want a Portion.

Gar.
Uncle I thank you for your kind design,
My Father will no doubt declare you his Heir.

Ric.
Oh, they may laugh, that win.

Gar.
Y'have lost your fortunes both wayes, in a
Wife, and an Inheritance.

Ric.
Yet I'le not cry for the matter, except
It be my Nieces pardon.

Ara.
Alas, you never injur'd me.

Ric.
In thought I did, for I design'd thy ruine,
And cannot find an apter recompence,
For having sought to disinherit thee,
Than by th'addition for my poor fortune.
I here adopt you mine, and when I dye,
What I possess, is yours.

Both.
You are too Noble.

Streg.
If she be yours, Sir, I must salute her.

Cic.
Do so good Wife, whilst I give directions
For th'invitation of our VVedding Guests.

Ara.
My duty shou'd have thrown me at your feet
For your dear blessing Madam, had I known,
Y'had been my Fathers choice.

Streg.
How prettily she prattles Sanco!

Sanc.
She call'd you Madam too in the Court dialect.

Streg.
Dialect! prithee Sanco make me understand
These fine words.

Sanc.
I'le buy you a Dictionary forsooth, and that
Shall teach you.

Streg.
A very pretty Word, prithee let me have it.

Cic.
Be sure none be forgotten.

Fur.
I'le table them exactly.

Cic.
Prithee Buggio, do thou assist him.

Bug.
I shall Sir. Pray one Word—

(whispers.)
Cic.
You mean my Daughter, but she's
Dispos'd you see, but I've a Niece, a rich
One for you.

Fur.
Ha, ha, ha—he has paid him in his own coyn,
Lye, for lye.

Cic.
Now let us in to entertain our Guests.
This ought to be a double marriage feast.

[Exeunt.

Scena Septima.

Honorio, Amante.
Hon.
I must avow, 'tis highly generous,
But now such actions are not in request,
I know your love to Clara, and suspect it
A cunning Stratagem to sift my heart.

Am.
Your thoughts of me Honorio are too mean:
'Tis true I have been faulty in my Love,
And made by beauty a too easie Conquest,
But I have fortify'd my heart with Virtue,
Both against Clara's, and all other Charms,
Except these first, which in Constantia
Surprized, and made a Conquest of my Love.

Hon.
Let me adore thee, Friend. This noble Act
Will canonize inconstancy, and make't a Virtue.

Am.
I wish Constantia receive it so.

Hon.
She'l be but too much joy'd, and so will Clara,
For the kind resolve I've made on her behalf.
See they appear to share the happiness.

Am.
Turn not aside your face, for I'me become,
Loves penitent, y' have wrought a perfect cure,
And by your reproof my inconstancy taught
My Love steddy Virtue.

Cla.
I rejoyce in't.
And shall be proud to perfect the good work,
By joyning you to fair Constantia.

Am.
Your Virtue shall dispose me.

Cla.
Here Constantia, receive a convert to your Love. Nay
Neither blush nor doubt, he's proof I warrant you.

Hon.
Against the World.

Am.
No beauty now, but yours has power to charm me.

Hon.
May the Gods still encrease your happiness.

Con.
I dare believe you. My Joyes now are perfect,
And so shall thine be Clara, lend's thy hand,
I here Dispose thee to Honorio;
Love him, he's a Gentleman deserves it.

Cla.
Y'are my Noblest Parent, and have given me
A fresh life of happiness.

Hon.
Now all is as it shou'd be, but methinks,
Constantia, you presum'd too much to dispose
Clara without her own consent.

Cla.
She knew my heart had done it long before.

Hon.
Then nought remains, but that we lead to Church,
And there confirm our joyes by sacred Rites,
Love Joyns our hearts, but 'tis the Church Unites.

Aman.
I must implore Constantia's pardon first,
For my so long revolt.

Con.
Y'are to me in your return more welcome,
Than Reprieves to Malefactors that despair of life.

Hon.
Say no more, I dare assure your pardon, Love still
Prepares our Joyes with bitterness, to make us
Relish them with more delight:
By inconstancy, deluded hopes, and fears,
The wish'd fruition he at length endears.

Am.
Y'are strangely merciful.

Enter Buggio, Furfante.
Hon.
But who are these?

Am.
Sure one is Buggio.

Hon.
That fatal cause of all our difference?

Am.
He is not worth this heat—let's observe him.

Fur.
Thou art so whimsical, I tell thee I'le abuse
My Master no longer. Tho' he be blind, my Mistress has one eye.

Bug.
Do me this kindness then, say, I have lost my memory.

Fur.
Do you think I'le tell a lye?

Bug.
'Tis not the first.

Fur.
Not by a thousand. But to tell a lye without
Design, or profit, goes against my conscience.

Bug.
I must bribe the Rascal, for now Honorio, and
Amante are friends, I perceive a basting coming
Towards me, unless I can maintain a loss
Of memory, come Furfante, prithee be honest.

Fur.
Yes and tell a lie gratis, I thank you heartily.

Bug.
Come here's a Crown.

Fur.
Well, it is for love of thee, and this.

Hon.
We hear nothing, prithee let's advance,
I must be upon that Rascals bones.

Am.
Stay, his Companion makes toward us.

Fur.
Signior Cicco lately married to the rich VVidow:
Strega, desires all your Companies at his Wedding supper.

Hon.
Marryed! sure this is coupling time why we
Are going to perform that Ceremony, and then
We'll wait upon him.

Am.
It falls out happily since we are so unprovided
For the solemnity.

Con.
They'll be a rare Comedy of Mirth.

Cla.
Rather a Masquerade by their odd antique dress.

Hon.
Or a French Farce for th'extravagancy of
Their humours, the old man conceales his
Infirmities, and she takes a Pride in
Manifesting hers.

Am.
This is a strange Fellow, he'll neither know me,
Nor you, nor any injury he did us.

Hon.
I shall revive his memory.

Am.
Be patient dear Honorio, your anger here
Is thrown away.

Fur.
I can assure you Sir he has lost his
Memory above these ten years.

Hon.
How Slave will you help t'outface us too?
Did not I see him within these too days?
And speak with him? this is an impudence
Beyond Imagination.

Fur.
If y' had seen him within this hour, he can no
More remember you, than the moment he was born.

Am.
Nay, prithee Honorio.

Bug.
Pray be not angry Gentlemen, I have travelled
Far, it may be I had the honour of your
Acquaintance in Peru, Cattai, Mascar, or Mexico,
Or some Clime more remote, I have a brief head
And a short memory.

Fur.
A very short head Sir, he can't remember that
He told a truth in all his life.

Bug.
VVhy Rogue, Furfante?

Hon.
This Fellow wou'd be kill'd.

Am.
Or rather kick'd, but he's a punishment
Sufficient to himself.

Con.
You must forgive him, 'tis a day of Joy.

Hon.
Upon a Conditon he'll ne're tell lye more,
I am content.

Am.
That's the next way to make him
He'll ne're keep Covenant.

Hon.
I'le make him tell a truth then, did not
You tell me, like a Rascal, that Amante
Had divulged my Sister was unchaste?

Bug.
Que dicte vous Mounsieur.

Hon.
That trick shan't serve you Sirrah, answer
Me directly, and in your own language, or—

Bug.
'Tis very true Sir.

Am.
VVhat's true Rascal, did ever I divulge that scandal?

Bug.
Not as I remember.

Hon.
Then 'tis very false Rogue.

Am.
Howe're h'as sham'd the Devil once.

Con.
The injury concern'd me most, I pray forgive him.

Bug.
A Noble Lady, I'le never lie agen,
But in thy commendations.

Hon.
May he deserve your mercy. Now to Church:
But stay what Musick's this?

Enter Cicco, Strega with Musick, Garbato, Arabella following.
Am.
As I live, th'old couple revelling upon the Piana.

Hon.
What a mischief 'tis we are not married now,
That we might Dance.

Am.
A frisk or too before, will do no harm.

A Dance.
Which done they wish them joy.
Cic.
I thank you Gentlemen,
And hope e're long to wish like joy to you.

Hon.
'Twill not be much unseasonable now,
For we are marching to find out the Priest.

Cic.
I've one at home shall save you all that labour,
And a slight Supper you shall be welcome to.

Con.
We had not best refuse the old Mans kindness,
We shall fare worse at home.

Am.
Oh by no means; since fortune made us meet
Thus happily, we'll celebrate this Night to
Gawdy Hymen in a leash of Marriages.

Gar.
Pray let us fill the Mess.

Am.
I beg your pardon Friend, I believ'd yours
Past the celebration.

Cic.
But not the consummation.

Hon.
Every thing in its proper season Sir. Love once
Propos'd me Madam for your Bridegroom,
But your commands dismiss'd my happiness.

Ara.
I must acknowledg mine your generous gift.

Hon.
Fortune has made some reparation here.

Ara.
May you be happier in this Ladies love,
Than possibly you cou'd have been in mine.

Cla.
So kind a wish deserves my best acknowledgment.

Hon.
We Truant it too long, let's now make hast
To compleat all our joys.
You're now my lot, though not at first design'd,
Fortune, and Love, dispose of all mankind.