University of Virginia Library


38

ACT IV.

Scene 1.

Enter Don Fenise and Don Alonzo.
Fen.
How! our sisters, and on the coast of Spain!
Each hour's an age 'till you return again.
If fair Laurina lives, once more I vow,
On none but her I will my heart bestow.

Alon.
May all the curses of the Trojan Queen,
Upon my head be doubl'd ore agen,
If any beauty living has a part
But my Calista, in Alonzo's heart.

Fen.
Wee'l search where careful mortals never trod.
Where birds or sullen beasts make no aboad—

Alon.
No melancholy grove,—no hollow tree—

Fen.
No Creek i'th' briney region of the Sea—
Though deep as hell, secret as lustful night,

Alon.
Or traytors thoughts—

Fen.
Shall 'scape our peirceing sight.

Alon.
I'll find Calista

Fen.
And Laurina I—

Alon.
Wee'll in a bed or grave together lie.

[Exeunt Fenise and Alonzo.

Scene 2.

Enter Don Manuel and Alcinda, in Don Manuel's House.
Man.
Your Genius fair Alcinda! takes a flight,
Above the common reach of Womens sight.
You are discreet, and can instruct me best,
How to resolve a doubt which breaks my rest.

Alc.
Good Sir spare my blushes: What is my crime?

Man.
Lay by-such thoughts, for I would lose no time—
Pray hear me!

39

Suppose a harmless child were left alone,
Wandring and lost upon some pathless down.
Forsaken by her Parents, and expos'd
To fortunes mercy; this is but suppos'd—

Alc.
No parents could possess such flinty minds.

Man.
A gentleman this little wand'rer finds,
Dejected, weary, hopeless, starv'd, and weak,
Where none could see her weep, or hear her speak.

Alc.
O Heavens! would he not relieve the child?

Man.
Necessity already made her wild:
He kindly takes her up, and brings her home.

Alc.
A noble pious man, Ages to come
Will bless his Charity—

Man.
Pray hear the rest!
She with his daughter shares his equal brest:
Their cloathes alike, alike their breeding is,
Onely his thoughts distinguish'd that from this.
Suppose my self the man, and you were she,
Imagine it; how would you answer me?

Alc.
As Heaven Sir! and justice do command,
My heart would not permit you to demand,
But I should freely offer what you gave;
To buy your liberty, become a slave.

Man.
Then know, that you are she: that child whom I
Found so cast off to want, and miserie:
'Twas I preserv'd you; what has since befel,
How I have lov'd you, your own self can tell.

Alc.
You tell me wonders Sir! why did you name
Your self my guardian?

Man,
Thy spotless fame
Had else been blasted, with the busie air
Of envious tongues, which nothing can repair.
Besides, Rosella justly might repine,
To see her welfare pris'd no more then thine.

Alc.
Good Sir! informe me who my Parents were,
Whose hopeless state forc'd them to leave me there
With bended knees, low as the humble earth,
I'd pay that duty which I owe my birth.


40

Man.
Some Oracle must answer your request,
But if that tenderness I have exprest,
Deserve your grateful thoughts, if ought be due,
Restore me back that life I then gave you.

Alc.
Explain your secret language Sir! from me
You may command my life, and liberty!
With careful duty I'll your care repay,
My narrow fate permits no other way.

Man.
In short, Love has so far posses't my mind,
I cannot live unless you will be kind.

Alc.
Heavens! what do I hear? excess of care
Desturbs your sense, you are not well I fear.

Man.
Nourish no more this idle misbelief,
Let your reply be positive, and brief;
I love you, to enjoy you, come be wise,
My closet's private from the Worlds eyes;
None dares disturb our joyes, and what's unknown,
Untold by babling fame, is still undone.

Alc.
O Sir! can you find out a privacy,
Shut from the sight of Heavens peircing eye?
That will behold us, and though justice stayes,
'Twill grow the more severe by those delayes.
Divine revenge will seize you, in a time
When y'are pursuing this unhappy crime;
Nor can it be unknown, the dazling sun
Will write upon my forehead what is done.
Thus low I beg your pity—O forbear!
Your guilt will like a gnawing Vultur, tear
Your fright'ned Conscience; and the action past,
The beastly pleasure dies: the guilt will last.

Man.
Fairly accept my love and my estate,
Or I'll enjoy you at a cheaper rate.
I'll force your stubborn wilfulness, and then
Return you to your vagrant life ag'en.

Alc.
Turn me a beging Sir! and I'll proclame
You for a Saint, I'll canonzie your name.
You cannot force me though I am your slave,
Death will preserve me and my honour save.

41

Just Heaven! hear my vow, if you proceed,
May I be curs'd, if I survive the dead.

Man.
I'll talk no more, so cruel and so young!
Force shall supply the weakness of my tongue.

[Alcinda runs out at one dore, and Mingo enters hastily at another, disguis'd.
Alc.
Help! help! help!

Man.
Cross luck! speak what art thou?

Min.
It is the same; dear mischief help me now!

Man.
Whether would'st go? what do'st seek? what do'st fear?

Min.
Most noble Sir! afford your curteous ear,
The chance of War, guided by fates decree,
Made me a slave to Turkish tyranie.
I serv'd a'prentiship in chayns, became
An Eunuch to assist their beastly flames:
Kind Heav'n at last appeas'd, did freedom grant,
But in my flight I was surpris'd by want.
Some envious females having known my case,
And all my losses, had me strait in Chase.
I took this Sanctuary, and from you
Entreat protection from this rageing crew.
By all you value most, by all that's dear;
And by your Innocence preserve me here.
On your sweet mercies Altar I lay hold,
No disrespect but danger makes me bold.

Man.
But art thou a very Eunuch indeed?

Min.
As I tell true, so may you help my need.

Man.
I'll entertain thee, if thou wilt be mine,
Thy bus'ness shall be easie.

Min.
I resigne,
My life t'ee, and if I've done ill in ought,
My diligence shall expiate my fault.
I have him fast; He's full of thoughts, plot on
Projecting Sot! thou fool! thou cheating Don!
[Aside.
Blest saints reward you, you have sav'd my life.

Man.
This Eunuchs help will soon conclude the strife,
I'll in and teach him how to play his part,
Her body's mine, although I lose her heart.
Follow me in—

[Exeunt Manuel and Mingo.

42

Scene 3.

Enter Rosella, Alcinda, Leonella.
Rosel.
A ravisher! O strange and horrid Crime!

Alc.
'Tis a sad truth, if at that very time,
Heav'n had not sent that unexpected aid;
His Lust most fiercely rag'd, when most I pray'd.
Oh that Don Fenise would agen be kind!

Leon.
Madam! ne'r hope that he will change his mind;
You easily may guess at his intent,
By this fine song his worthy friend has sent.

Rosel.
Sing it Leonella

Leonella
sings this Song.
Down with this Love that has made such a pother,
This Jack with a Lanthorn that leads us a round,
'Till with dull Marri'ge we Cheat one another,
For joyes that do vanish, as soon as th'are found.
Repent ye proud Nymphs! for your Tricks shall not pass,
We'll change no more Gold, and good Stones for your Glass.
While so severely you rail at the pleasure,
And kill the poor Lover that's at your command;
Like Doctors, you turn your heads from the Treasure,
But Oh how you grasp what is put in your hand.
Repent, &c.
When the short minute we sigh'd for is over,
The Nymph is more kind, and more brisk than before;
But how dejected and dull is her Lover,
To find all his Passion can purchase no more?
Repent ye proud Nymphs! for your Tricks shall not pass,
We'll change no more Gold, and good Stones for your Glass.


43

Rosel.
Let not a rash despair invade thy heart,
Continue kind, and let me play my part.

Leon.
Madam! here's a messenger from Don Fenise.

Rosel.
My life on't he repents; withdraw a while,
When you return my news shall make ye smile.
[Exit Alcinda.
I'll punish him; go fetch my Vizard mask,
And tell him I'm Alcinda if he ask.
Now bring him in;
Enter Alonzo.
Reason protect my heart!
A sweeter shape was never feign'd by art.

Alin.
Must I discourse with masks? with sableshrouds?
I dare peruse your beauty free from clouds.
Could you outshine the morning, could your rayes
Obscure the glorious sun in clearest dayes;
Could your insinuating flames, inspire
A Stoicks flinty heart with loves soft fire:
To me your boasted Excellence is dim,
Those foolish toyes have pow'r on none but him,
Fenise, that lov'd you once, mark me Lady!
That lov'd you once, and such a Beauty made ye;
But he's converted, and he vows, no more
Your well mix'd paint and patches to adore.

Ros.
Pray hear me Sir!—

Alon.
Madam! I am not come
To feign sad stories of your servants death;
Your charming name fil'd up his latest breath,
He dy'd for love of you,—and when your tears
Witness repentance, Ease you of your fears.
No! I resolv'd some minutes to bestow,
To slight those charmes that had bewitch'd him so.
[Exit Alonzo.

Ros.
As you are truly Noble hear me speak;
Should he be cruel, sure my heart must break.
Is he gone? quickly call him back, run, fly—

Leon.
'Slife what ailes you Madam?

Ros.
Make no reply—

44

Perswade him back, or never see my face;
Ha! what have I done? in so short a space
To lose my heart?
This for Alcinda I did undertake,
Now she may do it for Rosellas sake.
A gallant man!

Enter Alonzo.
Alon.
What does your message mean?

Rosel.
Reallity, let Fenise love ag'en,
[She takes off her mask.
Alcinda shall be his; I give my hand,
A sign the contract shall most firmly stand.
Use all the interest that you can make
To stay him, for the sad Alcindas sake.

Alon.
Ha! what do I see?
Angel! or Saint! or whatsoe'r you be!
That take frail Womans shape, low on the ground,
I beg that pardon you from Heaven found.

Leon.
The gentleman's smitt'n, he's caught i'saith!
How he surveyes each beauty that she hath?
'Tis German clockwork sure, how its eyes roul?
Look ye the mouth on't moves; alas pretty Soul!
A very rare motion—
I long to see some tricks, his peirceing eye
Declares him Skilful in Astrologie;
Can you cast nativities Sir?

Alon.
Begone!
Let me and my nativity alone—
O happy friend!

Rosel.
Near night he'l find her at the Cypress grove;
He will not fail if he pretend to love.
Good thoughts attend you—

Alon.
Though you design
Your self for him, your picture may be mine—
Think me not rude, by your fair self I vow,
I ne'r beg'd favour from your Sex 'till now.

45

The Indies shall not buy it from my eyes—

Ros.
Though what you ask my modesty denies,
Nay though I've made a vow never to part
From this, but to the man that has my heart—
Yet y'have prevail'd; take it, and all content.

Alon.
As I would take aguift from Heaven sent.

Ros.
Oh my heart! farewel! Sir!—pray don't forget,
Fie, fie, Rosella! this once—he's there yet—

[Exeunt Alonzo and Rosella at several dores.
Enter presently Alonzo and Mingo.
Alon.
Mingo! why this disguise? what mak'st thou here?

Min.
I strive to live—y, are angry still I fear.
Pray pardon me; you alwayes found me just.
In your affairs, though led aside by lust.

Alon.
Pry'thee no more, lest Protestations raise
Suspition of thy faith, without a cause.

Min.
Now Sir! I am from all my faults reclaim'd,
And blush with anger when I hear them nam'd.
Pray let me serve you here Sir! my great care
Shall testifie, what my intentions are.

Alon.
I'll think upon't; there's earnest of my love.

[gives him mony.
Min.
May you receive this bounty from above,
[Exit Alonzo.
In ten thousand—Curses; and when Heavens store
Exausted is, I'll coyn as many more.
This was a happy disguise—
I've gain'd so much upon Don Manuel's wife,
She has discover'd to me all his life.
He's mine, to gain Alcinda by my Ayd;
And my pretended Love has gain'd the maid.
From her I'll learn what brought Alonzo on,
And then I'll do your work, my angry Don!
Here she comes—
Enter Leonella.
Enter Don Manuel observing them.
O my dear Rogue! what dangers have I trod?
How many weary steps? how often rode

46

Ore hill and dale? through fire and frost.
Through frights and foes? what Wives? what fortunes lost?

Leon.
Time has not chang'd thee, thou art Mingo still.

Mingo.
Thy slave my Sultaness! both heart and will:
O let me ever hold thee thus—

Man.
Here's sport!—
An Eunuch? a Stalion! I'll spoyl your Court.
D'ee hear Sirrah! Villain! Rogue! what are you?

[Exit Leonella.
Min.
Thy evil Angel, Gorzell! nay tis true:
Gorzell I say! hast thou forgot thy name?
Thy Cheats, thy Murthers too, I can proclame,

Man.
Mercy, sweet Devil mercy! pity me!

Min.
Rise mortal, and give ear to my decree;
One beauty shall be mine, the other thine,
And equally we'll share the pilfer'd coyn;
Dispatch thy answer quick; consent, and live—

Man.
Y'are merciful, take all that I can give.

Min.
Then I'm thy friend, and Mingo.

[Discovers himself.
Man.
Catch'd agen?
'Sdeath how didst thou discover, me or when?

Min.
O never question that, let it suffice,
I know you now, and all your Subtleties.
Hold to your bargain, we'll go hand in hand,
And raise such plots Fate shall not countermand.
That wench will tell me news if you retire—

Man.
Th'art my good Angel, take thy own desire.

Min.
You must not see it, though I seem too kind
To your Teresa

Man.
No! no! use thy mind—
[Exit Manuel.

Min.
Yes, and thy soft pate, long prosperity
Has lull'd the rascal in security.
Here comes his fellow trader—

Enter Teresa.
Ter.
Dear Eunuch! this has been a tedious day.

Min.
How eagerly this Creature longs for prey?

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Time's lazy grown, 'tis yet an hour to night.

Ter.
That hour's eternity—let's lose our sight,
And make it ever night—

Min.
O hold! you prophesie your death I fear.

Ter.
Death! prythee let's go in—and meet it there.

Min.
Know then in short,
I'm hir'd to murther you; here's earnest for't:
[Shews the money Alonzo gave him.
Your husband loves Alcinda

Ter.
O base slave!
Villain! I'll to him strait; I'll tear the knave—

Min.
Stay! you'l undo us both; but if you will,
You may preserve us both, and Manuel kill.
Dispatch him roundly, if you love me then
I'll marry you—

Ter.
I'll doe't! thou best of men!
[Exit Teresa.

Leonella peeps in and Enters.
Min.
Nay she's gone;
My best saint! my wise Medea! what spell
Wilt thou invent, old Manuel's rage to quell?

Leon.
A powerful charm which he can ne'r withstand.

Min.
Teresa doats, doats on me, by this hand!
She's so jealous of thee too, we shall ne'r
Enjoy in quiet while we tarry here.

Leon.
Come, come, there's Villany on foot; my ear
Gave me intellgence, though none appear.
They look like saints; for all their pious show,
There may be Murthers, Whores, and Rogues, or so.

Min.
I understand, therefore 'tis our best way,
To make a handsome pack, and march away.

Leon.
Our Ladies do prepare to meet their Loves,
I must along too—

Min.
Mark well how it proves;
And let me know, it may produce a light,
To guide us on in our intended flight.

Leon.
I'll observe, adieu!—

Min.
Ioy of my life, farewell! thus far I thrive;

48

I must be suddain, lest so many Eyes
As I imploy, may find my Subtilties.
I'm stor'd with Wives, and with a helping friend,
I'll make true use o'm; to my propper end.
On fair Rosella lyes my aim, though here
Is my circumference, my centre's there.
[Exit. Mingo.

Scene 4.

Enter Alonzo, with a picture in his hand.
Alon.
The blasting light'ning darted from the Sky,
Kills not so sure as this transpiercing Eye.
Coward Alonzo! shall thy Courage sinck,
At white and red? a Woman make thee shrinck.
That thing which I despis'd; do I not know,
Beauties like flowr's do fade as fast as grow?
Why should I love, and think of this? nay more,
That when we have enjoy'd, the passions o're,
And w'are asham'd of that we did adore.
Unruly force of wild desire!—this frame
Is beautiful as she, this face the same,
This I can break, deform it when I please;
Intruding Age, or any weak disease,
Will make her pow'rful charms as soon decline;
Minds oft' are wicked, though the shapes divine.
Folly farewel! this Idle senceless toy,
And all my passion too, thus I destroy—

[Alonzo throwes away the Picture, Fenise Enters and takes it up.—
Fen.
What suddain change is this?

Alon.
O happy Fenise! fair Alcinda's thine,
Fly to the Cypress grove, there she'l resign
Her self into thy armes—be ever blest,
I'll seek a grave, while thou enjoy'st thy rest.


49

Fen.
Hate me for ever—
If I seek Joy while you have Discontent.

Alon.
I love your Mistriss Sir! and to prevent
Any unworthy Act, so base a flame
May tempt me to, I'le fly to hide my shame.

Fen.
More unto Friendship, than to Love I ow,
If you unhappy are, I must be so.
You made her mine, when all my hope was gone,
'Tis just you should enjoy what you have won.

Alon.
Let it suffice in Love I yield to you,
Strive not to conquer me in friendship too:
Conceal that tempting Shadow from my sight;
Those that would cure weak Eyes, should fly the Light.

Fen.
Is this the Form you love?

Alon.
No Painters Art,
Could e'r infuse more life in ev'ry part.

Fen.
Fortune is kind, her Blessings to divide,
Both may be happy yet, Both satisfi'd.
'Tis not Alcinda Sir! but may she be
As kind, as fair Alcinda was to me.

Alon.
Who is it then? There was no other by.

Fen.
Let's to the place, and there the difference try.
But stay they are here—

Enter Alcinda, Rosella, Leonella.
Alon.
Two Suns at once in Beauties glorious Sphere,
Denote some change in Loves high State draws near.

Fen.
Pray Heav'n his Tyranny may now decay.

Alon.
In me it shall, I'll die or win the day.

Fen.
Encourag'd by your Goodness, I am come
To meet a Blessing, or receive my Doom.
More to my Love, then my Offence, is due;
My Change was feigned, but my Love is true.
It is the practice of the Pow'rs above,
To pardon Errors, and accept of Love:
Your Beautie's heav'nly, make your Language so:
Will you that pardon which you ask bestow?

50

Though you so well your easie change disguise,
I see the marks of Anger in your Eyes.
Remember Fenise! you did use to wooe,
Despise not Love because 'tis offer'd you.
Will you refuse me then? Where shall I hide?
I blush to ask, but dye to be deny'd.

Fen.
Refuse you Madam! Will a swelling heart
Refuse a Kingdom? Will a Hermit part
With want, and misery? by his remove,
To share the blessed happiness above?
My Soul is so transported with her Bliss,
I fear, it will believe no Heav'n but this.

Rosel.
But Fire that's slowly rais'd, as late decayes.

Alon.
Let common Beauties reign by common wayes:
Too much your Beauty, and my Love you wrong,
Light'ning is sudden, yet no Flame more strong.

Ros.
Powder that swiftly fires, as soon does wast.

Alon.
Yet does the Fire, as long's the Subject last.
So shall my Love, and never know decay,
But in the Grave, where no Affections stay.
That tedious way of Courtship you approve,
Shews much of Patience, and but little Love.
Extremes of Passion, such as Love inspires,
As ill are suffer'd, as devouring fires:
Mine, grown too pow'rful for my narrow Breast,
Presumes already to disturb your Rest.

Fen.
Madam! one charge from you, would make her yield.

Alc.
Love has the Day, but Shame would keep the Field.
Your heart is hers, pray trust me with your hand,
Come Sister! lend me yours, though Hymen's Band
May be more Ceremonious, may this
Endure as long, and be as firm as his.
Now I pronounce you one—

Rosel.
Remember Sister! you compel my Love.

Alc.
The Earth shall vanish, e're my Faith remove.

Rosel.
With equal joy I meet your noble flame,
I will be ever yours—Pray hide my shame.

Alon.
That lovely blush, looks like the Ev'ning Air,
Whose Scarlet-dye proclaims the next day fair:

51

And so may this Prophetickly appear,
For here begins my bliss, and ends my fear.
With purer Zeal a Heathen never paid
Vows to his Idol, for supposed Aid,
Then I present my Heart, a Gift too low
To speak the Service I will ever owe.

Fen.
Ladies! Since we are Conquerors thus far,
The great Affairs of Love, as those of War,
Call for Advice to make the Conquest good.

Alon.
That from our Leaders must be understood.
Command us Ladies! We will execute.

Ros.
This place is most unfit for such dispute.

Alc.
No Treaty will be heard, to think of that
Will be in vain, the Foe is obstinate.

Alon.
Now let us lead you off a glorious Prize,
Why should we trust our fatal Destinies?

Rosel.
Brave Enemies! you shall command our Lives,
But hasty resolution seldom thrives.

Alon.
My lovely Mistriss! where all Beauties dwell,
True honour of your worthy—Sex, farewel!

[Exeunt several wayes.

Scene 5.

Enter Don Manuel and Mingo.
Ming.
Most certain 'tis they are resolv'd to fly,
And only wait an Opportunity;
Pretend to make a Journey, and take Horse;
'Tis Policy must do't, in vain is Force.
Now Leonella is dispatch'd with that,
Shall raise between their Servants mortal hate.
They both shall die before to Morrows Sun;
Nay more, by their own Swords it shall be done.

Man.
Excellent Mingo!—

Ming.
With Leonella, I'me to meet this night,
I'th' Summer-house, for an intended flight.
That must be your Retreat, on her lay hold,
For she'll be furnish'd with a Mine of Gold.

52

Make haste away!—be sure you fail her not.

Man.
Wit prosper thee, brave Rogue!
[Exit Manuel.

Ming.
O fear it not.
Poor Fool! I'll make thee sensible e're long,
That thou hast sold thy Welfare for a Song.
An idle senseless Tale, can thy dull Brain
Believe, that for thy ease I'll take this pain?

Enter Teresa.
Ming.
Here comes my Midnights Ghost—

Teres.
My best delight!
Fate can't deny us happiness; this night
Old Manuel rides abroad.

Ming.
But is it true?

Teres.
Just now we parted, as I came to you.

Ming.
How Goodness is abus'd! a meer pretence;
How Rogues may work upon your Innocence?
Alas good Soul! This Night he means to spend
I'th' Summer-house, there's his long Journeys end:
There he, and modest Leonella meet.

Teres.
Leonella too, bless me!

Ming.
Nay, go see't;
And if you love me, now you may be mine;
He once remov'd, I will be ever thine:
Here's that will do the work, revenge your wrong:
[Gives her a Pistol and a Dagger.
Resolve it suddenly, the time's not long.

Teres.
Think not, my little Silence did proceed
From foolish pity, no! they both shall bleed.

Ming.
The Woman you may pardon if you will.

Teres.
To rob me of thy love, no! both I'll kill.

Ming.
My dear Infanta!

Teres.
I'll do't! and meet thee in the Lodge, farewell!
[Exit Teresa.

Ming.
Curses pursue thee, how she flyes to Hell?
This one Night past, to Morrow all's my own,
And this kind Wretch shall die for what I've done:

53

In Blood I'll wade ere Phebus leave his Bed,
And make my Crimes out-blush the Mornings red.
Great Nemesis! refuse me not thy Aid
Thy Sacrifice is lost, if I'm betrai'd.
[Exit Mingo.

Scene 6.

Enter Don Fenise alone in his own House.
Fen.
How sweet are all my Sorrows now! how dear
My Suffrings are, now Happiness draws near!
Though in my Love I met with so much trouble,
My Pleasure will be, as my Care was, double.
Alonzo may have doubts, and jealous fears,
My long experience all suspition clears.
Rosella's Heart, like parched Straw, took fire,
And did as swiftly blaze into desire:
Such flames are soonest quench'd, and have least heat;
My Happiness as constant is as great;
Like noble Metal, which doth long repel
Assaulting Flames, that round about it dwell,
But once made hot, does long retain the fire,
So did my dear Alcinda meet desire;
Her Love came slowly, but will sure remain;
She will be constant, though I change again.
Most happy Fenise!
[Enter Leonella, and passing by him, carelesly drops a Letter.
Ha! sure it was she;
What makes she here? Why should she fly from me?
This may inform me, (to my hearts delight
The brave Alonzo) pray Heav'n all is right!
Friendship allows me liberty to see.
He reads the Letter.
Fail not to meet me, as we did agree;
The hour precisely Twelve, the place you know,
Blind Fenise still, no sign of Friendship show.

54

He may observe you with a Lovers Eye,
The time seems lazy now our joyes are nigh.
My dear Alonzo! haste, you have my heart;
When once we meet again, we'll never part.

Thine ever Alcinda.

Alcinda! Alcinda! Alcinda!
It cannot be, sure my distemper'd Joy
Distracts my thoughts, and does my sense destroy:
Or her fair shape which in my fancy lyes,
Sends bright reflections to abuse my Eyes.
Ha! 'tis, by Heav'n 'tis so! And if it be,
[Leonella peeps into to observe him.
O that I wanted Faith, or could not see.
Thine-ever-Alcinda! my Tongue speaks this,
To cheat my Heart; or else I hear amiss.
Alcinda false! it cannot, shall not be;
Yet who can doubt, what they so plainly see?
O shameless Woman! to destroy so soon
A happiness I have so hardly won.
The wild Hibernian Waves, and Winter Air,
Are constanter than these frail Women are:
Like thin Cameleons still they change their hue,
And take fresh flames from ev'ry sight that's new.

Leon.
The Fish is caught, I must allow him line.

Fen.
Hell upon Earth! I'll spoil their damn'd design.

Leon.
Now I'll upon him while he looks this way—

Fen.
What, can you run so well? I'll make you stay.

Leon.
Mercy dear Sir! Oh Heavens! I'm undone;
I see my Sentence in your hand,—I'm gone—
Ah noble Sir! you know I must obey,
Punish not me, if they have gone astray.
Gentle Sir pity me!—

Fen.
Hear me, thou dismal Messenger of Fate!
Here, take your Charm, giv't to Alonzo strait:
If thou betray'st me, with one look, or word,
Thy Sex shall not protect thee from my Sword:
Wipe your dissembling eyes, and get you gone,
Look undisturb'd as if it were unknown.

55

Come Fiend! along, see here he comes, take heed:
I'll watch you—

[Alonzo enters.
Leon.
Fear me not. I'll do the deed.

Fen.
This may be yet a damn'd malicious plot,
'Till he confirm it, I believe it not

[Fenise hides himself.
Alon.
Ha! welcome Loves pretty Envoy!
Must this Night make us happy? Must we go?

Leon.
There's my bus'ness, if that inform you so.

[She gives him another Letter.
Alon.
I will not fail, let this engage thee mine.
My Service to my Mistriss—

[Exeunt Alonzo and Leonella severally.
Fen.
So, to thine,
That is, Alcinda; Ah false perjur'd Friend!
Thy heart shall bleed for this e'r this Night end.
I'll watch thee to thy Saint, before her Eyes,
Thou shalt be punish'd for thy Perjuries.
[Exit Fenise.

The End of the Fourth Act.