 | The Mistakes, or, The False Report |  |
Scene I.
A Prison.Enter Jaylor, with Purses.
Jay.
Be true to thy Profit still say I Stephano. Ricardo has given me
fifty checquins to release him, and says he'le save my throat, and be my
friend at Court; when at the same time, here are some come with Orders
from the Vice-Roy to free him, which he knows not of, Again here's
the Lord Alberto: now 'tis a Sin to refuse Jove descending in a golden
shower into my lap, and a greater Sin to be hang'd: Well Stephano
lay thy wits together, and for once outwit a Statesman,
and out-promise a Courtier.—who's there?
Enter Officers with two or three more.
Offi.
Is my Lord Ricardo ready yet?
Jay.
Sir, he's a little busy at present, and desires no noise near him;
but if you'l be pleas'd to retire and wait at the door facing St. Jaques's,
I'le conduct him to you strait.
Offi.
Well make hast honest Jaylor:
[Exeunt
Jay.
I think I nick't it, just i'th nick: With and Pollicy together, that's
too much for once; but now to my business
[goes and unlocks a door.]
My Lord you may come out, if you please.
Enter Alberto.
Alb.
What means this mercy from my Jaylor?
Jay.
O my Lord, no complements: but stay a little and I'le fetch
you your sword.
[Exit.
Alb.
Let fate interpret this misterious dealing,
For I'me invelop'd still in double night;
The light o'th Sun I yet may chance to see;
But oh Miranda!
Miranda's Set, for ever set to me.
Enter Jaylor.
Jay.
Here's your accoutrements Sir; and here's a key which opens
the back-door leading to Porto Sancto, make hast, lest you be discover'd
and I suspected.
Alb.
Fate niggard gives me happiness by halves,
Since I'me unable to requite this goodness. But here's to reward thee.
[gives him money.
Jay.
I am sufficiently rewarded, my Lord, in my own conscience,
and your Lordships innocency—
[and in Antonio's money.
Alb.
Be silent still the night, and wink ye Stars,
Guide me where I may find this faithless friend,
And all my sorrows shall for ever end.
[Exit.
Jay.
So much for him: but now go on and prosper still say I; I shall
oblige 'em all three, and cheat 'em all three.
Ant.
Jaylor!
Jay.
Who's there?
Ant.
A friend: Is my Lord Alberto drest yet?
Jay.
I'le go see, and if he be ready, I'le bring him to you.
[Ex.
Ant.
Now shall we solve this Sophistry of Hell,
And kill the Hydra that invented it.
Enter Jaylor leading Ricardo.
Jay.
He fee'd me to free Alberto, from which I study'd your
Escape, and keep the other still in durance.
Ric.
Excellent Engine, I'le improve his fee.
But how shall I escape undiscover'd?
Jay.
Why Sir, you may traverse your ground here in the dark, and
go out without speaking to him, and at the door, I've plac'd some friends,
that will Conduct you to the Vice-Roy, since you say you're sure of being
wellcome to him.
Your friends Sir, will come out immediately:
[to Antonio.
Now I've got a hundred and fifty pieces, I'le fairly run away, and if I'me
catch'd, 'tis better to be hang'd with satisfaction, then to go to the Gallows
with a craving Stomach,
But penury must ne're a pardon hope.
[Exit.
Ant.
I hear some tread; my dear Alberto, Friend,
Where are you?
Ric.
You shall be with your friend, ne're fear it: so farewell
If I can hit the door.
[goes upon Antonio.
Ant.
Wellcome my dear Alberto, to these Arms,
Wellcome to life, to friendship, and to love.
[Ric. stabs Anto.
Ric.
I hope I've sign'd our Friendship Sir in bloud.
Ant.
Wounded! Oh Heavens! and by Alberto's hand!
Ungratefull Traytor! yet I'le know the cause.
[draws.
Ric.
You shan't, if I can possibly avoid it:
This is a rare mischief, thus with a randome blow
To sow such Serpents teeth, which when they spring
In hisses will each others requiem sing.
[Exit.
Ant.
O power of destiny to change a breast,
Which virtue seem'd to challenge as her own:
That he shou'd fear the presence of his friend,
And seek to give him death, who sav'd his life;
Horror choaks up my words, and damps my heart,
I feel his hand, and not his Dagger Smart.
[Exit.
| The Mistakes, or, The False Report | |