 | Elvira : or, The worst not always true |  |
ACT. II.
SCÆNE changes to the Room in the Inn.Enter Don Julio, and Don Fernando.
Don Jul.
Albricias friend, for the good news I bring you,
All has fallen out as well as we could wish.
As to Elvira's setling with my Sister,
So lucky a success, in our first aims
Concerning her, I trust does boad good fortune
17
Of this Affair.
Don Fer.
There's no such thing in Nature left as better,
Julio, The worst proves always always true with me,
Yet prithy tell, how does that Noble beauty
(Wherein high Quallity is so richly stamp't)
Comport her servile Metamorphosis.
D. Jul.
As one, whose body, as Divine as 'tis,
Seems bound to obey exactly such a mind,
And gently take, what ere shape that imposes.
D. Fer.
Ah, let us mention her no more, my Julio
Idæas flow upon me too abstracted
From her unfaithfulness, and may corrupt
The firmest reason; Above all be sure
I do not see her so transform'd, least that
Transform me too, I'le rather pass with Blanca,
Both for unkind and rude, And leave Valencia
Without seeing her.
D. Jul.
—Leave that to me Fernando,
But if you intend the honour to my Sister
It will be time, the night draws on a pace.
Fer.
Come let's be gone then,
(As they are going out,
(Enter Fabio hastily.
Fab.
Stay Sir, for heaven's sake stay
D. Fer.
—Why what's the matter?
Fab.
That will surprise you both, as much me
Don Pedro de Mendoca is below
Newly alighted.
D. Fer.
—Ha, what say'st thou Sirrah?
Elvira's father?
Fab.
—Sir, the very same,
And he had scarcely set one foot to ground
When he enquired, where lives Don Julio Rocca?
D. Jul.
For my house Fabio? It cannot be,
I never knew the man.
18
The thing does speak it self, and my hard fate
What else can bring him hither, but pursuite
Of me, and of his Daughter, having learn't
The way we took, And what so easie Julio
Here at Valencia, as to know our friendship
And then of consequence, your house to be
My likeliest retreat.
D. Jul.
—'Tis surely so,
Let us apply our thoughts to best preventives.
D. Fer.
Whil'st we retire into the inner Room
T'advise together, Fabio be you sure
(Since unknown to him) to observe his motions.
(Exeunt omnes.
Scene changes to the Prospects of Valencia.
Enter Don Zancho and Chichon as in the street neer Don Julio's house.
D. Zanc.
—Newly gone out say you?
That is as luckey as we could have wished,
And see but how invitingly the door
Stands open still.
Chich.
An open door may lead to a face of wood,
(Aside
(To Don Zancho.
But mean you Sir, to go abruptly in
Without more ceremony;
D. Zanc.
Surprize redoubles (fool) the joys of Lovers;
But stay Chichon let's walk aside a while
Till yonder Coach be past.
(Exeunt.
Scene changes to the Room in the Inn.
Enter Don Julio and Don Fernando.
D. Jul.
There is no safty in any other way,
You must not stir from hence, until w'have got
Some further light, what course he means to steer,
19
Down that back stairs, and take such order there
Not to be found, in case he come to enquire,
As for this Night at least, shall break his measures,
And in the morning w'eel resolve together
Whether you ought, to quit Valencia or no.
D. Fer.
Farewell then for to night, I'le be alerte,
But see y'excuse me fairely to my Cozen.
(Exeunt.
Scene changes to Blanca's Antechamber.
Enter Donna Blanca and Francisca.
D. Blan.
As well as Silvia pleases me Francisca,
I'me glad at present that she is not well,
She would constraine me else, she has wit enough
To descant on my humour, and from thence
To make perhaps discoveries, not fit
For such new Comers.
Fran.
If she has wit she keeps it to her self,
At least from me, of pride, and Melancholly
I see good store.
D. Blan.
—Still envious and detracting?
Enter Don Zancho and Chichon.
See who comes there Madam, to stop your mouth.
Donna Blanca casting an Eye that way, and Chichon clinging up close behind his Master and making a mouth.
Chic.
S'has spide us, and it thickens in the cleer,
I fear a storm. (To his Master.
Goes not your heart pit a pat?
D. Blan.
Ah, the bold Traytour! But I must dissemble,
(Aside.
And give his impudence a little Line,
The better to confound him.
Donna Blanca advancing to him, and as it were embracing him with an affected cheerfulness.
D. Blan.
Welcome, as unexpected, my D. Zancho.
20
Nay, then we are safe Chichon.
(Aside to Chichon.
Incomparable Maid, heaven bless those Eyes,
(to Her.
From which I find a new life springing in me;
Having so long been banish't, from their Rays,
How dark the Court appear'd to me without them?
Could it have kept me from their Influence,
As from their light, I had expired long since.
D. Blan.
Y'express your love now, in so courtly a Stile
I fear you have acted it in earnest there,
And but rehearse, to me, your Country Mistress.
Don Zanc.
Ah, let Chichon but tell you, how he hath seen me
During my absence from you.
Chic.
I vow I have seen him even dead for Love,
You might have found it in his very looks,
Before you brought the blood into his Cheeks.
D. Blan.
E'ne dead you say for Love, but say of whom?
Don Zanc.
Can Blanca ask a question so Injurious?
As well to her own perfections, as my Faith.
Don. Blan.
I can hold no longer.
(Aside to Francisca.
My faithful Lover, then it is not you.
(To him scornfully.
Chic.
She changes tone I like not faith the Key,
(Aside to his Master.
The musick will be jarring.
Blan.
'Tis not then you, Don Zancho, who having chang'd
[continues.]
His sute at Court, into a love Pretension,
And his Concurrents, into a Gallant Rival,
Fell by his hand, a bloody Sacrifice
At his fair Mistress feet, Who was it then?
Don Zancho stands a while as amazed with folded Arms.
Chichon behind his Master holding up his hands and making a pitiful face, Francisca steals to him, and holding up her hand threatningly.
Fran.
A Blab Chichon, a Pickthank, Peaching Varlet
(Aside
Nere think to look me in the face again.
(To Chichon.
21
In what part shall I look thee, hast thou a worse?
(Aside
It is the Divel has discover'd it,
(To Fran.
Some Witch dwells here, I've long suspected thee.
Fran.
I never more shall think thee worth my Charms.
D. Blan.
What, struck dumb with guilt? Perfidious Man
That, happens most, to the most impudent
When once detected; Well, get thee hence,
And see thou nere presum'st to come again
Within these Walls, or I shall let thee see
'Tis not at Court alone, where hands are found,
To let such mad men blood.
She turns as going away, and Don Zancho holds her gently by the Gown.
Don Zancho.
Give me but hearing, Madam, and then if—
Don Jul.
What ho, no lights below stairs?
(Alowd as below.
Fran.
O heavens, Madam, here you not your Brother,
Into the Chamber quickly, and let them
Retire behind that hanging, there's a place
Where usually we throw neglected things.
I'le take the lights, and meet him certainly
His stay will not be long from Violante
At this time of the Night; besides you know,
He never was suspicious.
Don Zancho and Chichon go behind the hanging, and Donna Blanca retiring to her Chamber says.
D. Blan.
Capricious fate, must I who whilst I lov'd him
Nere met with checking Accident, fall now
Into extreamest hazards, for a man
Whom I begin to hate.
(Exit. And Francisca at another door with the lights.
(Francisca re-enters with Don Julio.
D. Jul.
Where's my Sister?
Fran.
—In her Chamber, Sir,
Not very well, she's taken with a Megrum.
22
Light me In to her.
(Exit Don Julio.
(Francisca lighting him with one of the lights.
(Chichon peeping out from behind the hanging.
Chic.
If this be Cupids Prison, 'tis no sweet one,
Here are no chains of Roses, Yet I think
Y' had rather b'in't, then in Elvira's chamber
As gay, and as perfum'd as 'twas.
D. Zan.
Hold your peace Puppy, is this a time for fooling?
Enter Francisca and Chichon start's back.
Francisca.
Chichon look out, you may, the Coast is cleer.
coming to the hanging.
(Chichon looks out.
Could I my Lady's neer concerns but sever,
From yours in this occasion, both of you
Should dearly pay your falshood.
Cich.
You are jealous too, I see, but help us out
This once, and if you catch me here again,
Let Chichon pay for all, faithful Chichon.
Fran.
Y'are both too lucky, in the likelihood
Of getting off so soon, stay but a moment
Whilst I go down to set the Wicket open,
And see that there be no body in the way.
(Exit Francisca.
Chich.
It is a cunning Drab, and knows her trade.
(Re-enter Francisca and comes to the hanging.
Fran.
There's now some Witch a wing indeed Chichon,
Julio, that never till this night, forbore
To go to Violantes e're he slept,
And pass some hours there, Julio who never
Inquired after the shutting of a door,
Hath lock't the Gate himself, at's coming In,
And bid a servant wait below till midnight,
With charge to say, to any that should knock
And ask for him, that hee's gone sick to bed;
What it can mean I know not.
Chic.
I would I did not, but, I have too true
23
Far surer then fowl weather, he has us faith
Fast in Lobb's Pound; Heaven send him a light hand,
To whom my fustigation shall belong,
As for my Master, he may have the Honour
To be rebuked at sharp.
Fran.
May terror rack this Varlit; But for you Sir,
Be not dismay'd, the hazard's not so great,
Yonder Balcon at further end o'the' Room
Opens into the Street, and the descent, is
Little beyond your height, hung by the Arms:
When Julio is asleep, I shall not fail
To come and let you out, I keep the Key,
In the mean while you must have patience.
Chic.
It were a nasty hole to stay in long,
(Aside.
Did not my fear correct it's evil savour.
Dame, you say well for him, with whom I think
(To her.
Y'have measur'd length, you speak so punctually
Of his dimensions; But I see no care
For me, your prity, not your proper man,
Who does abhor feats of activity.
Fran.
I'le help, you, with a halter.
(Exit Francisca and Chichon retires.
Scene changes to Blanca's Bed-Chamber.
Enter Blanca, Silvia, and soon after Francisca as in Blanca's Chamber she sitting at her Toylet undressing.
Blan.
My Brother told me I should see him again,
Before he went to rest.
Fran.
I think, I hear him coming.
Blanca
to Francisca.
Hee'l not stay long I hope, for I am on thorns
Till I know they are out, I'th' mean while
We must perswade Silvia to go to bed,
24
Before I know her fitness for such trusts.
Enter Don Julio.
(Silvia offers to unpin her Gorget.
D. Blan.
I prithy Silvia, leave, and get thee gone
To Bed, you ha'nt been well, nor are not yet;
Your heavy Eyes betray indisposition:
D. Sil.
Good Madam, suffer me, t'will make me well
To do you service.
Blan.
—Brother, I ask your help,
[to D. Julio.]
Take Silvia hence, and see her in her Chamber,
This night she must be treated as a stranger,
And you must do the honour of your house.
(Julio goes to Silvia, and taking her by the hand leads her away.
Sil.
[making a low cursie.]
Since you'l not yet let me begin to serve,
I will begin to obey.
Fran.
[bridling.]
Quaint in good faith.
D. Jul.
[to Silvia as he leads her.]
My Sister's kinder then she thinks, to give me
This opportunity of telling Silvia.
How absolutely Mistriss in this place
Elvira is.
(Francisca whispers all this while with Blanca.
Silv.
Good Sir, forget that Name.
(Exeunt Julio and Silvia.
D. Blan.
If that be so, what shall we do Francisca?
What way to get them out?
Fran.
It is a thing so unusual with him,
It raises ominous thoughts, Else I make sure
To get them off, as well as you can wish,
But if already awaken'd by suspition,
Nothing can then be sure.
D. Blan.
O fear not that what you have seen him do
25
To quite another business.
Fran.
Then set your heart at rest, from all disturbance
Arising from this accident.
D. Blan.
—If you are certain,
To get them off so clear, from observation,
'Twill out of doubt be best, I tell my Brother
Don Zancho is return'd, and had call'd here
This evening to have seen him, For my fears
Sprange only from the hour, and the surprize,
Warm'd as he then had found me, since you know
How little apt he is to jealousie.
Fran.
Madam, Y'have reason, that will make all sure,
In case he should be told of's being here
The time of's stay, can hardly have been noted.
Enter Don Julio.
D. Jul.
As an obedient Brother I have perform'd
What you commanded me.
D. Blan.
A hard Injunction from a cruel Sister,
To wait upon a handsome Maid to her Chamber.
D. Jul.
You see I've not abused your Indulgence
By staying long, nor can I stay indeed
With you, I must be abroad so early
To morrow morning, therefore Dear good night.
Donna Blanca.
Stay Brother, stay, I had forgot to tell you
[as he is going.]
Don Zancho de Menezes is return'd
And call'd this evening here, t'have kiss'st your hands,
Francisca spake with him.
D. Jul.
I hope he's come successful in his sute,
To morrow I'le go see him,
(Exit D. Julio.
D. Blan.
You see he's free from Ombrage on that Subject.
Fran.
I see all's well, and may he sleep profoundly,
The sooner Madam, you are a bed, the better.
D. Blan.
Would once my fears were over, that my Rage
Might have it's course.
26
—I shall not stop it,
But after it has had it's full Careere,
'Twill pawse I hope, and reason find an Ear.
(Exeunt.
Scene changes to the Room in the Inn.
Enter Don Fernando and Fabio.
D. Fer.
Is he gone out?
Fab.
—No Sir, not as yet,
But seeing the servant he had sent abroad
Newly return'd, I listen'd at his door,
And heard him plainly give him this account.
That he had found Don Julio Rocca's house,
And having knock'd a good while at the door,
Answer was made him without opening it,
Don Julio's not at home, where at Don Pedro
Impatient rose, and calling for his Cloak
And Sword, he swore he'd rather wait himself
Till midnight at his door, then loose a night
In such a pressing business; This I thought
Fit to acquaint you with, and that he spake
Doubtfully of his returning to lodge here.
D. Fer.
You have done well, but must do better yet
In following him, and being sure to loose
No circumstance of what he does.
Fab.
To dog him, possibly might be observ'd
This Moon light, by his servant, but since Sir,
W'are certain whether he goes, my best course
I think will be to go out the back way,
And place my self before hand in some Porch,
Near Julio's house, where I may see and hear
What passes, and then do as I shall see cause.
D. Fer.
'Tis not ill thought on, but how late soever
Your return be, I shall expect to see you
Before we go to bed.
27
—I shall not fail.
(Exeunt.
Scene changes to Donna Blanca's Ante-Chamber.
Enter Francisca and goes to the hanging where Don Zancho and Chichon are hid.
Fran.
Ho, trusty servant with his faithful Master,
Come out, the Balcone's open, loose no time,
Julio's a bed, and fast a sleep e're this,
There's no body in'the street, it is so light
One may discover a mile, therefore be quick.
Scene changes to the Prospect of Valencia.
Don Zancho and Chichon come out from behind the hanging and follow her as leading them to the Balcone.
(Exeunt.
Enter Fabio as in the street, and setling himself in a Porch.
And soon after Don Zancho and Chichon appear as in the Balcone, and Francisca's head as peeping out of the door into it.
Fab.
Here is a Porch as if 'twere built on purpose.
(Fabio looking up perceives them in the Balcone.
Ha, here's a vision that I little dream't of,
Stand close Fabio, and Mumm.
Don Zancho get's over the Balcone, and letting himself down at Arms and, leaps gently into the Street, Chichon offers at the like, but takes a fall as he lights, and rising counterfeits lameness.
(Francisca retires and locks the Balcone.
Chic.
Curse on the Drab, I think I've broke my leg.
28
The Moon has turn'd my brains, or I've seen
That person some where, and that very lately.
(He pawses scratching his head.
But sure I'me mad, to think it can be he.
Exeunt Don Zancho and Chichon as turning down the next Sreet.
Enter Don Pedro and Fulvio.
Fabio
[retiring into the Porch.]
O now I see my men.
D. Ped.
This is the Street you say; which is the house?
Fulv.
That fair one over against the Monastery;
Shall I go knock?
D. Ped.
—What else?
(Fulvio knocks as at Don Julio's door, and no body answers.
D. P.
Knock harder.
(He knocks again, and one asks as from within who's there.
D. Ped.
A stranger, who must needs speak with Don Julio.
Although unknown to him, my business presses.
[From within.
Who e're you be, and what so e're your business,
You must have patience till to morrow Sir,
Don Julio went sick to bed, and I dare not
Wake him.
D. Ped.
Fortune takes pleasure sure, in disappointing,
When men are prest with most impatience,
But since there is no remedy, guide Fulvio,
Unto the lodging y'have provided for me,
I hope 'tis nere at hand.
Fulv.
Not above three doors from Don Julio's
[Pointing.
There where it makes the corner of the Street.
Fabio.
Here I must follow till I've harbour'd them.
[stealing after them]
(Exeunt.
Scene changes to the Room in the Inn.
Enter Don Fernando alone as in his Chamber.
D. Fer.
It cannot now be long, ere Fabio come,
29
For rest I'me sure I should not.
(He walks about the Room pensively.
Ah, my Elvira, [Mine?] thou do'st infect
My very words with falshood when I name thee:
Did ever Mistress make a Lover pay
So dear as I, for the short bliss she gave?
What now I suffer in exchange of that,
May make mankind, a fear'd of joyes excessive
But here he comes.
(Enter Fabio.
— (To Fabio.
Have you learn't any thing,
That's worth the knowing?
Fab.
Two things, I think considerable Sir;
The one, that Julio hath found means to gain
This night to cast your business in, without
Admitting of Don Pedro, whose pressures
Might have been troublesome, And urged you
To hasty resolutions, whereas now
Y'have time to take your measures. The other Sir,
Is, that Don Pedro lodges here no more,
And consequently hath eased you of constraint
Whilst you rest here, and left the way more free,
For intercourse betwixt Don Julio and you,
This more I must observe t'ee, that Don Pedro
Took special care to have his lodging nere
Don Julio's house, whereby 'tis evident,
That there he makes account his business lies.
D. Fer.
The news you bring me, hath been worth your pains
And thanks t'ee for't, I suppose that is all.
Fer.
Say Fabio, what is't?
Fab.
—Pray, Sir, allow me
This night to think, whether it be fit or no
To tell it you, since 'tis a thing relates not
As I conceive to you, nor to your business,
30
May trouble you.
Fer.
Be not overwise, I prithee, I will know
What 'tis, since you have raised curiosity
By such Grimasses!
Fab.
You must be obey'd, but pray remember Sir,
If afterwards I'am call'd fool, for my pains,
Who made me so, but since I do not onely
Expect the fool, but ready to be thought
A madman too, e're I have done my story
In this I will be wilful, not to tell it
T'ill y'are a bed, that I may run away
So if you long to here it hasten thither.
(Exit Fabio as to the Chamber within.
D. Fer.
Content i' faith, you ask no great compliance.
(Exeunt.
Scene changes to the Room in Don Zancho's house.
Enter Don Zancho, And Chichon as at home halting.
D. Zan.
W'are well come off from danger, would we were it
But half as well, from Blanca's jealousie.
Chic.
Speak for your self, I never came off worse,
Apox upon your Venery, it has made me
Another Vulcan.
(He halts about grumbling.
D. Zanc.
Go rest, to night, or grumble, as you please,
But do not think, limping shall serve your turn
To morrow, faith I'le make you stir your stumps,
Think you a Lover of my temper likely
To sit down by it so?
Chic.
I'me sure I am only fit to sit down by it,
Since I can hardly stand.
(He makes as if he would sit down, and Don Zancho giving him a kick in the britch.
D. Zanc.
Coxcomb come away.
Chic.
To night's, to night, to morrow's a new day.
(Exeunt.
| Elvira : or, The worst not always true | |