University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter Montalto solus.
Mon.
What has this Rascal perswaded us to!
Nay, rather, what have I perswaded my self to!
To fancy I have Courage, and know all the while
What a dangerous Lie 'tis to own it;
For I had talk'd so loudly of my killing,
That 'twas very probable I shou'd be set to work;
And as luck is, 'tis to kill one
That will not easily be kill'd, unless
I cou'd catch him asleep:
Wou'd this Rhetorical Gentleman had his Money again.
He gave me Earnest very formally.
The Devil's to raise Forces, and he's his Agent
To give the Press-money.
Here come my engag'd Friends:
[Enter 1, 2 Companions.
What made ye stay behind?

1 Com.
Why the Gentleman, you know who—

Mon.
That hir'd us to do you know what.

1 Com.
Had still more to say to us, he's very earnest.

Mont.
I had rather he were in jest.

[Aside.
1 Com.
He promises to double our Reward,
If we strike home, and lose no opportunity;
We shall hardly have such another Bargain.

Mont.
That's likely; for 'tis very probable
We may be hang'd for this:
I find I have more Conscience then I thought I had.

1 Com.
As good hang as starve; nay, Captain,
If you'r in Dialogue with Fear and Conscience,
I ha' done.

Mont.
I do but cast the worst to try your Spirits:
I am a Villain if Fear be not Gentleman-usher
To Conscience; I thought I had had no such thing;
Now, I am afraid, I find,
I have a most troublesom stock of it.
—Um—the Devil has sent his Resident again;
[Enter Vill.
The Fiend knew I had a good thought or two,
And his Agent's come to treat for 'em;
Yet if I fall back, he'l cut my Throat, that's certain.

Vill.
Gentlemen, some new thoughts made me overtake you;
'Tis to tell you, I am now resolv'd
Still to keep near you, that no opportunity be lost,
Nor I rob'd of my part in th'Action.

Mo.
I wou'd afford any one a pennyworth of my share.

[aside
Vill.
It were a fault to doubt your Courages;
But words waste time; no more:
Go presently and stay for me
In the Cypress Walk that leads unto the Nunnery.
This Captain methinks looks somthing suspiciously;
I must not be long from them:
My Sword shall make sure work.
How—my wise Master!
[Enter Brancadoro.
What business sends him hunting after me?

Bran.
Villerotto, hast bargain'd? Castruccio has sent
Me word that he has got his Nieces consent:
But all's one for that; if thou canst not get
Him kill'd, they sha'nt get me to marry,
For a reason best known to my self:
Yet prethee bargain as cheap as thou canst;
For all that I dare trust thee though
To use thy own discretion.

Vill.
I will do more then use my own discretion;
I'le use my Sword too: Go marry, Sir,
And think not of a dead man.

Bran.
Hast got him dispatch'd already?

Vill.
As good, Sir; 'tis sure.

Bran.
But had I best marry before it be quite done?

Vill.
Fear not, Sir; trust to my care and faith.

Bran.
But be sure.

Vill.
Nay, if you suspect me, Sir.

Bran.
Why then I'le venture, fall back, fall edg;
Let him meddle with me if he dares.
Dispatch quickly, good Villerotto.
[Exit Brancadoro.

Vill.
Yet again!
He needs not doubt me, if he knew all;
But when 'tis done I must propose
Some considerable Conditions to set up for my self,
And leave his wise Worship:
He dares not but consent; the guilty must
Submit to be the Slaves of those they trust.

[Exit.