University of Virginia Library

ACT. V.

Enter Don Julio talking to himself, and at another door Fernando, who perceiving it, stands close.
Don. Jul.
Blest be the gods, that yet my Honour's safe,
Amidst such strange perplexities, from which
Fortune, and wit, I think, together joyn'd
With all their strength, could hardly an issue find.
To temper, comfort, or to serve my friend;
What argument? What means? how to assist
Don Pedro in his aims, and to comply
With what I owe the Duke, I see as little,
And less conceive, how to behave my self
As ought a Gentleman towards a Lady,
With whose Protection he hath charg'd himself,
And brought her to his house on that assurance,
Whom to expose, cannot consist with honour,
However she may have expos'd her own,
And least of all, how to repair to Blanca
The injury I have done her, whose high spirit
I fear will be implacable. O Heavens!
What a condition's mine?

[He stands pawsing, and startles seeing Fernando.
Enter Fernando.
D. Fer.
Pardon dear Cousin, if to avoid one rudenss
I have another unawares committed.
Whilst fearing to interrupt, I have overheard,
Yet nothing Cousin, but the self same things,
My thoughts have been revolving all this night,
Concern'd for you, much more then for my self,
For I upon reflexion, find I am
Much easier then I was; By certainty
Free'd from the sorest weight, Perplexity.
In the first place, You must forgive your friend,
The high distemper of last Nights transportments,
I hope you'l find me well recover'd from them,
And that my morning resolutions are
Such, as will make amends.

D. Jul.
Make no excuse dear friend, such provocations
Surprising, are above Philosophy,
And 'tis no small experiment of yours,
If after them, you can have brought your self
So soon, to fix a judgement what to do.

Don Fer.
I have fix't on that, which I am sure will serve
All Interests but my own, as heretofore
I understood my happiness, but now
I shall no longer place it in any thing
Dependant on the wild Capricho of others.
—No Julio.
I will be happy even in spight of fate,
By carrying generosity up to the height.
Elvira shall her dear bliss, owe to me,
Not only by desisting, but by making
Her lov'd Don Zancho marry her, his refusal
Alone, can make me kill him o're again.

Don Jul.
Since that unhappy Maid, withall her beauty
And that high Quality, hath made her self
Unworthy of your Marriage, certainly
None but Fernando, ever could have pitch't
Upon so Noble a thought, but think withal
What difficulties are likely to obstruct it.

D. Fer.
Say what occur's to you.

D. Jul.
Don Zancho is a man of wit, and courage,
And though his passion out of doubt be great,
Since it hath made him do so wild an action,
As that of coming twice into my house
After so strange a manner; Yet Fernando
You cannot but imagine, such a One,
Likely to have quite different reflexions,
Upon Elvira's conduct for a wife,
From what he has, upon it for a Mistress,
They are two notions very differing!
Besides should the proposal but appear
In the least kind, to spring from your desire,
Whose former commerce with her 's not unknown,
It were the only way to drive him off
Past all recall, I think few have accepted
Wifes recommended to them by their Rival.

D. Fer.
In that y'have reason I confess; But Julio
Think of the way, for marry her he must
Or die, and by no other hand but mine.
I am thinking of it, and I hope to purpose,
[Don Julio pawsing.
What Interposer can be found so fit
As Blanca in this business? since Don Zancho
Has long been her particular acquaintance,
And what can be more Natural, then for her
To take to heart, Elvira's chief concernment?
Whom he finds here retired in her misfortune
As to her surest friends.

D. Fer.
Y'have lighted Cousin on the only way,
And lose no time I beg you.

D. Jul.
The least that may be; but you must consider
In what a predicament I am likely
To be with Blanca, at present.

D. Fer.
I understand you (since the jealousie
You exprest of her.) But 'tis to be hoped
The peace will not be long a making.

D. Jul.
You little know her spirit, once inflamed,
But as I'le lose no time, so I'le omit
No Art to bring her to a temper, fit
To hear and to advance the Proposition.

D. Fer.
Heaven give you good success.

D. Jul.
(Julio turning back to Fernando.
I had forgot to tell you, that I think
It will be necessary, that as soon
As I have weather'd Blanca's storm, I make
A visit to Don Pedro, to prevent
His coming hither, to disorder us,
Before we have set things Right.

D. Fer.
'Twas not ill thought on; And till your return
I shall keep close in your Apartment;
For Blanca has not seen me, and Elvira
Has too great cares upon her to be curious.

(Exeunt.
Enter Blanca and Francisca, Blanca with a gay air. As in her Ante-Chamber.
D. Blan.
Say my Francisca, can Romances equal
Our last night's adventure? was there ever
Such a come off? Our Sex has used to boast
Presence of mind in Exigents of Love,
But I believe none of us ever match't
Don Zancho's readiness in an occasion
So sudden and so Critical.

Fran.
Ever give me the man of ready Parts.

D. Blan.
But prithy, whil'st we give Don Zancho his dues,
Let us be just too, to poor Silvia's merit;
Was ever any thing so generous?
Or so obliging to a Mistress?

Fran.
So it appears Madam, I must confess,
But the excess of it makes it suspicious.

Don. Blan.
Fye, leave this humour of detracting still,
And call her to me, that I may embrace
And thank her; That done consider how
To bring her off, who has brought us off so well.

(Offers to go out.
(Enter Don Julio.
Fran.
Stay I beseech you, and compose your self
To act a part quite of another Nature;
Here comes Don Julio, towards whom I hope
You'l tune your self, to a far differing Key
From that of thanks and kindness.

Don Blan.
Let me alone for that, I'le play the Dragon.

As Julio advances, Blanca turns from him with a furious countenance, and flyes out of the Room, Julio following her.
D. Jul.
Dear Sister stay, and hear me.

D. Blan.
Detested Brother leave me.

(She makes as if she were going, and he holds her.
D. Jul.
Hear me but Blanca, and then vent your passion
Against a Brother, that condemns himself
As much as you can do; But hear me speak.

D. Blan.
Your actions Julio, have spoke loud enough
To Eccho through the world, your shame and mine;
Has all the tenour of my life been such,
With such exactness, of unblemish't conduct,
That malice might have stain'd the noon day Sun
More easily, then tarnish't Blanca's honour,
And must that Honour, now be prostitute,
By the Capricho of an unworthy Brother,
Should any other have invaded it,
Had not you righted her, She has a heart
Would have found ways to right her self; But you
Th'Agressor, What remedy but Rage?

[She flings from him, and Exit.
Fran.
She acts it rarely.

[Aside.
D. Jul.
Was ever man so unfortunate as I?
[To Francisca.
I must confess she has reason, and the sense
She thus expresses of my fault, becomes her,
But it must be your work, my dear Francisca,
To pacifie; When once you shall but know
All that has past these Nights, I am certain
You'l say, no humane confidence could ear
Be proof against such circumstances.

Fran.
Alass, my offices can signifie
[As if she were crying.
But little. But I'me sure the occasion
Gives me a sad heart, O my dear Lady.

D. Jul.
I love good Nature, but I prithy leave
And come in with me, that I may tell thee all.

[Exeunt.
Enter Don Pedro, and Fulvio as in his lodging.
Don Ped.
A God's name Fulvio, what has been thy meaning,
To make me sit up almost all last night
Expecting thee, when such impatience held me?
Thou wert not wont to be so negligent
In things of so great weight.

Fulv.
Nor have I been it now, 'Tis over care
Of your commands, hath held me so long from you;
You know the orders that you gave me Sir,
To watch Don Zancho's motions; Accordingly,
I sate all day in my observing place
Till about twilight, I saw him and's man
Steal as it were abroad; I as warily,
Dogg'd them from Street to Street, till Sir, at length
He made a stand up close against a Wall,
Whilst that his Servant entertain'd a Woman
Close Vail'd, who was come out I think on purpose
From an adjacent house; soon after he
Accosted her himself, their Conference
Lasted but little, she made hast away
To th'house from whence she came, and he as much
To follow her in.

Don Ped.
Where wast? and why cam'st thou not presently?
To give me notice as you were directed.

Fulv.
At that you will not wonder, when you know
Whose house he enter'd; But at this you'l wonder,
It was Don Julio's

D. Pedro
startling.]
Ha! Don Julio's say'st thou?
[He pawses.
But now I think on't 'tis no marvel Fulvio,
Since newly come to Town, For I remember
Don Julio told me, that Don Zancho and he
Had always lived in friendly correspondence.

Fulv.
Visits Sir, only of fair civility
After long absence, are not usually
Begun by twilight, in such cautious manner;
Nor usher'd in, by Female vail'd conducters:
But pray Sir, hear the rest.

D. Ped.
What can this be? (To Fulvio.
say on then quickly,

(Aside.
Ful.
I presently concluded with my self,
That since Don Julio was the friend on whose
Assistance you relyed against Don Zancho,
You near would think Sir, attacquing him
As he came out from thence, I judg'd it therefore
My wisest course to stay, and mark the issue.
And stay I did, till it was after midnight,
About which time, walking from side to side,
That I might see both Issu's of the house,
It being as light almost as day, I saw
The Gallant and his man leap from the wall
Of Julio's Garden, and from thence in hast
Make home.

D. Ped.
S'death man thou dream'st! Don Zancho from Don Julio's
In that manner; Awake fool and speak sense.

Fulv.
I say but what I saw, as I see you.

D. Ped.
O the Devil, What the same Villain
Found the affronter of my friend too, here
In the same kind? Give me my Cloak and Sword,
I must know the bottom of this.

[Exeunt.
Enter Blanca and Francisca, as in her Ante-Chamber.
D. Blan.
I come from seeing and caressing Silvia,
But with most strange surprise, at her Comportment
Towards me.

Fran.
How! Madam.

D. Blan.
My words, and Actions both, expressing to her
Not only highest gratitude and kindness,
But a solicitude in the concerns
Of her honor, equal to what she had shown
In mine; They were receiv'd with such a coldness,
With such an air of Melancholly pride,
With half replys, and those not half to th'purpose,
As make me with amazment to conclude,
That either she has lost her understanding,
Or that there's somewhat in't we understand not.

Fran.
She's a Maid of an odd composition;
And besides that, I needs must tell you Madam,
That having had my observation freer,
Then you perhaps during last nights adventure,
I remark'd somewhat both in her demeanour,
And in Don Zancho's, makes me confident
They met not there strangers to one another,
As you imagine; But there's time enough
To think and talk of that: What presses now
Is your right ordering of Don Julio:
You have begun, as well as can be wish't.

D. Blan.
Say did I not do my part?

(Jollily.
Fran.
—Beyond imagination,
But take heed now, of over doing it,
'Tis time to tack about, to reconcilement.
And thought of drawing those advantages
From the Embroilment, as may for the future
Secure you from like accidents.

D. Blan.
—You say well, but how?

Fran.
The first step must attonement be between you,
Of which he hath so earnestly conjured me
To be an Instrument, that you consenting
To give him a hearing, through my mediation,
I am made for ever, an setled in the power
Of serving you, by better cozenning him:
Besides he tell's me, he hath that to say,
And to propose unt'ee, as shall not only
Excuse him with you, but prevent all danger
Of prejudicial rumors, which might rise
From last night's accident.

D. Blan.
—Agreed, let's in
And play the second part.

(Exeunt.
Enter Don Zancho and Chichon as in his own house.
D. Zan.
Were we not born with Cauls upon our heads
(Jollily.
Think'st thou Chichon? to come off twice a row
Thus rarely, from such dangerous Adventures.

Chich.
Rather I think with Combs, so of't to venture.

D. Zan.
Thou Coxcomb say, had I not my wits about me?

Chich.
'Twere too uncomplaizant to deny that,
You know I love not to talk seriously;
But tell me now in earnest, are you satisfi'd
To have come off so, is there no qualm remaining
Upon your gentle heart, for leaving i'th' suds
A poor distressed Virgin, who she is
I neither know nor care, but I am sure
Had generous Chichon, to save his life
Play'd a sweet Innocent Lady such a trick,
He would have past but for a Recreant Knight,
And much the more, she having shown her self
So gallant, as to save her Ladies honour
T'expose her own: Say true Don Galor, say,
Were your part found in a Romance or Play,
Whose Character would it not disluster?

D. Zanc.
How soon a fool's bolt's shot, without distinction
Of what's the mark. Thou censurest without knowing
Who th'exposed Lady is. Know then Chichon
And wonder, 'tis Elvira, that Elvira
For whom I sighed, like to have sigh'd my last
On her score at Madrid: Don Pedro's Daughter.

Chich.
You raise enchanted Castles in the Air,
But were it as you say, that makes the thing
More inexcusable; You had been too blame
To have used a stranger so; But so t'have serv'd
A Lady whom you had once profest to love,
Raises the fault above all heightning.

D. Zanc.
Nay, then I see I must once play the fool,
In answering a fool seriously,
The things thou say'st are heightnings indeed,
Not of my fault, but merit in the Action
Towards my Blanca, since to save her honour,
I did not only sacrifice Elvira's,
But thus expose mine own: Time may recover
Elvira's fame, and mine this quickly shall.
(Claping his hand on his Sword.
Here take this letter, and employ your wit
In finding out the means with secrecy
To give it Don Fernando unobserv'd,
I shall not stir from home, till I have his answer.

Chic.
You found him Sir, a man of quick dispatch
In your last business with him at Madrid.
[Exit Don Zancho.
How honorable 'tis to serve a Don.
What Petit Basque on t'other side the Mountains,
Durst have aspired to the high dignity
Of carrying a Cartal? A Monsieur
Would sooner have put up a twinge by the Nose,
Then sent a challenge by a serving man.

[Exit.
Enter Blanca furiously, and running to a Cabinet, takes out thence a Stiletto, and Francisca earnestly after her as in Blanca's Closet.
Don. Blan.
Villains shall find, I am not unprovided
Wrongs to revenge, that cannot be forgiven.

Fran.
I thought the strange constraint upon her self
(Aside.
Wherewith she heard her Brother, would serve in the end
But to make rage, break out with greater fury;
Yet it is well she kept it in so long,
As to get rid of him.
Good Madam, moderate your self a little.

(To Blanca.
D. Blan.
Preach temper to the damned souls in hell,
That they may teach the Traitor moderation,
When I have sent him thither with his Devil.

Fran.
I do confess the provation such,
As more then justifies all these transportments;
And therefore I beseech you think not, Madam,
In what I say, I can the least aim have
Of saving him; from the extreamest fury
Of your resentment; or preserving her,
Who has had the impudence to abuse you so
Under pretence of serving: May they perish,
But let it be in such away, as may not
Draw a more dismal ruine on your self;
Let swift destruction seaze them; Yet let not
Madam your hand, but head dispence their fate,
What can the Issue be, of such an action
As that of which I see that shining steel
And flaming Eyes of yours? The threatning Comets,
I beg but the reflexion of a moment.

Blanca walking upon the Stage with enraged jestures pawses, at length sheathing, and puting her Stiletto in her sleeve with a sober composed tone.
Don. Blan.
Francisca I thank you, for recalling me
Thus to my self, I will be temperate.
[Aside.
But it shall be to make revenge the surer.

Fran.
Her tone, nor jestures cannot cozen me,
[Aside.
They both seem to disguise a black design,
But I shall watch you, 'tis a half gain'd cause
In furie's course, to have begot a pawse.

D. Blan.
Do what I bid you presently Francisca,
Send to Don Zancho, and let him know from me,
I earnestly desire to speak with him.

Fran.
Lord Madam, what d'ee mean?

D. Blan.
To make the pleasing proposition to him,
As I told my Brother I would.
—Say, am I not moderate?
But do without reply, what I command.

Fran.
Madam, I shall obey.
—But observe you so withall,
[Aside.
As to prevent the mischief if I can.
[Exit Francisca.

D. Blan.
Ye Gods assist me in my just revenge,
Or you will make an Athist; My first work
Must be before Don Zancho come to speak
With his sweet Mistress, and with words and looks
As false as her's have been, so to delude her
With hopes of what she wishes, that they both
May joyntly fall my Honour's sacrifice.

[Exit.
Enter Don Fernando as in Don Julio's private Apartment.
D. Fer.
Since generosity hath so far got
The mastery, as to have made me fix
Upon a resolution so unheard of,
I long to see it executed.
—But stay,
I think, I hear Elvira's voice without,
And Blanca's too, here curiosity
[He makes as if he harkn'd, and then
To over here, is pardonable.

[Exit as to go where he may better hear.
Enter Silvia/Elvira and Blanca as in the Ante-Chamber, and Fernando peeping as from behind a door.
D. Fer.
Here not a word can scape me.

Silvia, Elvira
Madam you wrong my zeal, in serving you,
Whil'st you attribute to any other motive
My yesterdays behaviour.

D. Blan.
[In a tone that may shew what she says to b'forc't.
Such niceties Elvira are out of season,
I seek your satisfaction in a Love,
Wherein it seems you have been long engaged.

Donna Elvira looking round, and Fernando starting back.
D. Fer.
I hope she did not see me.

[Aside.
D. Elv.
My satisfaction say you, in my Love,
Of whom for heaven's sake? If you mean Don Zancho,
Y'are very far from guessing at my thoughts.

D. Fer.
By heaven S'has seen me, and plays the Devil still.

[Aside.
D. Elv.
By all that's good, I am far from loving him,
[Aside.
I say not worse because I know she loves him.

D. Fer.
Ah Elvira! this is too much, yet not enough
To change in me, a Noble resolution.

[A noise is heard as of people coming up stairs.
D. Blan.
I hear some coming up stairs, should it be
(Aside.
Don Zancho, I am not yet ready for him,
[To Elvira.
I see we are likely to be interrupted here
Elvira, we shall be better in my Closet.

(Exit Blanca.
D. Elv.
Madam, I'le follow you.
What can she mean? since that she needs must think,
I know the passion she her self has for him.

Elvira having stay'd a while behind, as she is going to follow Blanca. Enter her Father Don Pedro, and Fulvio, she starts and stands confounded; He seeing her draws, out his Dagger and makes at her.
D. Ped.
Vile stainer of my blood, have I here found thee?

Elvira perceiving the door a little open where Don Fernando is, flies thither and gets in.
D. Fer.
This makes it clear she saw me.

[Aside as Elvira thrusts in.
Don Pedro seizes the door before it be quite shut, and they struggle, he to pull it open, and Don Fernando to shut it, who after some contest, Don Fernando gets it close, and bolts it within: Don Pedro as an enraged person pulls and bounces at the door.
D. Ped.
In vain should Mountains interpose, between
Her and her punishment.

[He bounces still as to break down the door.
Enter Donna Blanca.
D. Blan.
What Bedlam have we here? and where's Elvira?

D. Ped.
You have one here, will know how to revenge
Conspiracies to affront him; And you Lady
Who ere you are, that seem to take upon you,
Y'had best produce the wicked thing you have named,
Or by this Steel—

[Donna Blanca crys out.
Don. Blan.
Ho! brother, brother, help against a madman.

Enter Don Julio.
D. Jul.
Peace, Blanca, peace, you know not what you say,
Don Pedro is Master here.

D. Blan.
I know not your Don Pedro, but I'me sure
One to be tyde in Chains, could do no more
Then he has done.

D. Jul.
Have patience Sister; 'Tis Elvira's Father,
With cares enough upon him to justifie
Any distemper.

Blan.
—Precious Elvira's Father;
Nay, then I leave you.

[Blanca flings out of the Room.
Jul.
O the unluckiness of his coming
(Aside.
So unseasonably; 'Twas to prevent that,
I went abroad to seek him.

D. Ped.
What's this Don Julio? can a Gentleman
Of Blood, and Honour, use another thus?
What after such engagements to the Duke,
And to my self, to be my friend and helper,
To prove the shelterer of my shame's chief Authour;
I do not wonder now, Don Zancho himself,
Should have been here at midnight.

D. Jul.
I am hard put to't, help wit to bring us off.
[Aside.
[To him.
Be as distemper'd as you please Don Pedro,
It shall not alter me. But yet me-thinks
It would not ill become your gravity,
To think a while, before you make a judgement,
And rashly frame injurious conclusions,
From things wherein a friend has merited from you:
Do but consider, and then say, what Julio
Could do of more advance to what you wish,
Then having found your Daughter, to have brought her
To his own house, where she might be with honour
Accompanied, and serv'd as such, by Blanca,
Until such time, as things maturely weigh'd,
You should a final resolution take.
And since Don Zancho's being here last night,
I see's no secret t'ee, me-thinks you ought
T'have been so just to me, as to believe
That since I admitted him within these walls,
It was in order to the serving you.

D. Ped.
Noble Don Julio, you must pity have
Of an old man's distemper in affliction,
I see I was in the wrong, pray pardon it.

D. Jul.
O this is more then needs, and now good Sir,
If you'l be pleas'd to walk a turn or two
I'th' Garden, I'le there give you a full account,
How I have laid things for your satisfaction.

D. Ped.
I'le wait on you.

D. Jul.
—Go Sir, there lies your way:
(Turning to the Page.
And you boy fail not when Don Zancho comes
To give me notice of it in the Garden.

[Exeunt.
Enter Don Zancho and passes over the Stage with Chichon after him, and Enter Francisca, and pulling Chichon stays him.
Fran.
Stay, stay, Chichon, a word w'e, it imports.

[She whispers with him.
Chic.
I hope you are not in earnest.

Fran.
—By my soul I am;
There is no other way, but for us both
To get up the back way, and there to watch
The time to interpose.

Chic.
Can she be such a Fury? her looks are
All milk and honey.

Fran.
You cannot fancy any thing so Tragique,
But she is capable of executing,
When once provok'd in point of Love and Honour,
Beyond her bounds of temper.

Chic.
—Lead the way.
[Aside
I'le have the pleasure to hold up the fright
She's in, since I am sure there is no danger,
Knowing as I do my Master's mind towards Blanca;
Besides 'tis to be hoped, that these disorders
May produce somewhat that may put an end
To my Masters Quarrel, or afford me means
To give Fernando his Letter.

[Exeunt.
Enter D. Fer. Elvira lying upon the Couch in the private Apartment.
D. Fer.
This last dissimulation moves me more
Then all the rest, but yet it must not alter
What honour hath inspired, see how she lies
And how scarce brought to life from her dismay,
She resumes scorn, to have been sav'd by me;
But multiply what injuries thou wilt,
Perfidious Maid, thou shall't not disappoint
Fernando of the glory that he aims at,
Of making thy proud heart Elvira, owe
It's happiness to him.
—But I hear again
A noise without
[He peeps.
—'Tis Don Zancho,
And I see Blanca coming towards him;
This falls out luckely, that I may hear
What passes, for certainly their meeting
Avowedly thus, can be no other Subject,
But what Don Julio has propos'd to Blanca.

[Exit as to go harken.
Enter Don Julio and Don Pedro as in the Garden.
D. Jul.
That's all the remedy, that in these cases
The wisest can propose unto themselves,
His fortun's strait 'tis true.

D. Ped.
That's what I least regard, in this occasion,
So honour be but safe, the less they have,
The more will be her pennance for her folly;
But should Don Zancho upon any Umbrage,
From what has past between them, prove so Insolent
As to reject the marriage, Then I trust—

Jul.
O say no more of that, Rely upon't,
Should he be guilty of that horrid Outrage,
This Sword should pierce his heart, tho' th'only friend
I have i'th' world, should interpose his own;
And Sir, to let you see my franck proceeding,
Come along with me, I'le bring you to a place
Where joyntly over hearing all that passes
'Twixt him and Blanca, should he play the Villain,
His life may pay for't, ear he stir from thence.

D. Ped.
May heaven repay such generous acts of friendship.

Exeunt
Enter Don Zancho, and Fernando appears as behind the door.
D. Zanc.
For her so suddenly, and so avow'dly
To send for me hither, is very strange,
What can it mean?

Enter Blanca.
D. Blan.
Now lend me temper heaven, but for a moment,
[Aside
Till calmly I have drawn him to pronounce
The sentence of his own too noble death
For such a Traytor.
[To him with an (affected cheerfulness.
I think you come not without some surprize
Don Zancho, at my sending for you so,
But let's sit down for I have much to say t'ee.

She takes him by the hand, and seats him in one Chair, and she sets her self in the other close to him on his right hand, and fumbles in her sleeve.
D. Blan.
I'me so well plac't I cannot miss the mark.

[Aside.
D. Zanc.
Good Madam, what's the matter for I see
Disorder in you, put me out of pain.

D. Blan.
That I shall quickly do.
—Know then Don Zancho,
In the first place, you must not interrupt me,
What ever you shall hear; I'le take it ill else
When I have done, then speak your mind at leasure,
I come not to argue, but conclude.

D. Zanc.
Your will's a Law to me,
— [Aside.
But whether tend's all this?

D. Blan.
I do for once, allow you to remember,
All that has past between us,
The folly of my Love, The falshood of yours;
That done, And never to be thought on more.

D. Zanc.
For heavens sake Madam—

D. Blan.
—Break not the Rule was set.
Know I instructed am in all your story,
And am so far grown Mistress of my self,
That I who th'other day, could scarce o're come
The sense of a slight failour at Madrid,
Can here at home suffer Indignities:
And tell you calmly, and with unconcern'dness,
Be you Elvira's, and Elvira yours,
I come to do a part you little look't for
From Blanca's spirit, I must make the marriage,
All things are ready, and her Father here,
Now you may speak Don Zancho, but the thing
Admits of no delay.

D. Zanc.
[Pawsing a while.
But can this be in earnest? sure it cannot;
What need these trials of so firm a faith?

D. Blan.
Leave trifling, 'tis no longer time for tricks,
It is not in the power of fate to alter
The resolutions taken.

(Don Zancho pawses.
D. Fer.
—She has put it home.

(Aside.
D. Zan.
Madam, you use me hardly, this demeanour
Passes my skill, to judge from whence it springs;
You say it is not in the power of fate,
To change your resolutions; but I'me sure
If they be such, 'twill less be in it's power
To alter mine; but yet before I die
You must be left without excuse, by knowing
The truth of all.

D. Fer.
Here it imports indeed to be attentive.

(Aside.
D. Zanc.
Madam, 'tis true, that absent at Madrid,
The custom of the Court, and Vanity,
Embarqued me lightly in a Gallantry,
With the most famed of beauties there Elvira;
Those, and no other, the true Motives were,
To all my first adresses, till her scorns
Which should have stop't them, had engag'd me more
And made a Love in jest, a point of honour:
I boat all her disdains, without transportment,
'Till having gain'd her waiting Woman's kindness,
I learn't from her, that all Elvira's slightings
She would have thought, had sprung from severe Maxims,
And preciousness of humour, were the effects
Of deep engagement in another Love,
With a young Gallant Don Fernando Solis,
With whom the cruel Dame, was so far gone;
As to admit him almost every night
Into her Chamber.

D. Fer.
—Blest gods what do I hear?

(Aside.
D. Zancho.
I scarce believing the thing possible,
[Continuing.]
Urged my Intelligencer, to do for me
That which her Lady for another did,
And to admit me to her Chamber, where
By being Eye witness of her Lady's actions,
I might transfer my entire love to her self.
She granted my request, and late one Night
Somewhat before the Gallant's usual hour,
She brought me a back way up into her Chamber,
Within Elvira's; my stay had not been long,
When having found the truth of what she had told me,
Converting rage into appearing kindness
To my informer, and expressing it
Uncautiously, we made a sudden noise,
With which Elvira alarm'd, and coming in,
Followed by Don Fernando; That fell out,
Which you have heard before.

Don Julio beckning Don Pedro after him, passing over a corner of the Stage.
D. Jul.
By this time, I suppose, she will have made
The proposition to the full, and we
Shall come at the just time to hear his answer.

[Exeunt Don Pedro and Don Julio.
Don Zancho.
If since that hour, I have ever seen
[Continuing.]
Or thought upon her, till last night's surprise,
May I for ever perish; And me-thinks
The use I made of that, to your advantage,
Might challenge from you, a more just construction.

Don. Blan.
I told you at first, I came not here to argue
But to conclude; say, will you marry her?

Don Julio and Don Pedro peep out as from behind the hanging.
Don Jul.
W'are come you see, just as we could have wish't.

Don Ped.
His fate hangs on his Lips.

[To Blanca.
Don Zanc.
You are Mistress of your words, and actions Madam,
And may use me as you please; But this hand
Shall sooner pierce this heart, then 'ere be given
In marriage to Elvira.

Don Pedro and Don Julio rush in with their swords and daggers drawn, and Don Zancho draws too.
D. Ped.
Then Villain die, heaven is too weak to save thee
By any other means.

(Fernando draws and rushing out.
Don Fer.
—But here is one that shall,
Or fall by his side.

D. Ped.
—O heaven's! what's this?
Don Fernando Solis protecting him,
Nay, then the whole world conspires against my Honour.

Don. Blan.
For heavens sake Gentlemen!

(Donna Blanca runs in between.
Chic.
Now by my Grandam's Pantable 'tis pritty,
(From behind.
I'le brush their Coats if once it come to fighting,
Fernondo's of our side.

Francisca and Chichon with a long Broom run out also from behind the hanging.
Don Jul.
What frensie's this Fernando? was't not you
Engaged me to effect the Marriage? sure w'are all
Bewitch't.

D. Fer.
—Stay my Don Julio, stay,
And let Don Pedro have patience but to hear me;
'Tis true, but you know well upon what grounds
Those are quite changed, by my having over heard
All that hath past; For my Elvira, Julio,
Proves spotless in her faith, as in her Beauty,
And I the only guilty, to have doubted:
What have I then to do, but here to prostrate
My self at her offended Father's feet,
And beg his pardon? That obtain'd, t'implore
His help, to gain me hers, as to a person
In whom respect for him, hath always held
Proportion with my passion for his Daughter.

D. Ped.
You know Don Julio, when I spake with you,
The terms of estimation, and respect
Wherewith I mention'd t'ee this Gentleman,
And therefore since in his adress t'Elvira
There was no other fault, but making it
Unknown to me; And that I see his thoughts
Are truly Noble; Honour thus engaged,
That ought to be forgot, and I to think
My self most happy, in such a Son-in-law:
But where's Elvira?

D. Fer.
She's there within, where I dare not appear
Before her, knowing now such guilt upon me,
If Blanca would employ her Interest
And eloquence, perhaps she might prevail
To get her hither, when she shall have told her
What changes a few minutes time hath wrought.

D. Blan.
I never went on a more pleasing Arrant.

(Exit Don Blanca and Francisca.
Fran.
(As she goes out.
I am struck dumb with wonder.

D. Fer.
Now Blanca is away, I'le take this time
To spare her blushes Julio, and tell you
Though I have broak one marriage for Don Zancho,
You needs must give me leave to make another,
To which unless I'me very much deceiv'd,
You'l find on neither part repugnancy.

D. Jul.
I understand you, and I thank the gods
They did not make me understand the wrong,
Till they have made it none, since I observe
Don Zancho's looks joyning in your desires.

D. Zanc.
A heart so full of love as mine for Blanca,
Does best express it self, when it speaks least.

Enter Donna Blanca, Donna Elvira and Francisca.
(Elvira casts her self at her Fathers feet.
D. Elv.
Now that the justice of the gods, at length
Hath cleer'd me from suspicions, derogatory
To th'honour of your blood, I hope a Cloister
May expiate my fault as to a Father.

(Raising her.
D. Ped.
Rise Child, The Inclosure I condemn you to
Is Don Fernando's Arms, give him your hand.

D. Elv.
'Tis yours Sir, to dispose of I confess,
And if it be your will, I must submit;
But let him know, who could suspect Elvira,
She never could be his, but by obedience.

D. Fer.
I am Thunder struck.

(Elvira giving him her hand.
D. Elv.
—Be not dismay'd Fernando.
Since I profess this a meer act of duty,
Another duty may Elvira move,
To re-inflame on better grounds her Love.

D. Jul.
Blanca I fear you'l hardly be perswaded
[Ironically.]
To give yours to Don Zancho; But a Brother
For once may play the Tyrant; Give it him,
It must be so.

(They joyn hands.
D. Fer.
I now renounce old Maxims, having you
Elvira, I am sure, The very best proves true.

Chic.
Hold there, I beg you Sir, That will appear
By that time you have Married been a Year.