University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter Miranzo.
Mir.
There's yet some hopes; the subtle Politician
That cannot reach his ends in peace, throws all
Into disorder.
He snatches others first from their enjoyments,
And that makes way for his designs.
I find we are alike; for Peace must be
More fatal than Loves Civil War to me.
What a world of thoughts now offer
Their troublesom service to me!
Wou'd my man Baptista were come:
Heaven prevent mischance; I cannot doubt his truth:
I trusted him to help my Sisters flight to the Nunnery;
No way was left at last but that,
To cozen Brancadoro of her:
The Fool had almost flown her to a Mark.
O Cialto,—I have strange News to tell thee.

[Enter Cialto.
Cial.
Your looks express as much.
I thought sorrow and wildness
Had hung upon no brow but mine.
Where have you been? What, is the Wedding finish'd?
Why are you thus confus'd?—ha!—where's Samira?

Mir.
Not married to Brancadoro, nor ever shall.

Cial.
O, my best Friend, pardon my fears;
How safe I am in thee! But where is she?

Mir.
You shall know presently;
I appointed my man Baptista
To wait my coming to this place;
But an accident has brought me sooner than I thought.

Cial.
Bless me! What accident?
In thine eyes appears
A strange disorder.

Mir.
No, no, no great matter; we may be friends, Sir,
Now at your own rate; I am turn'd Lover too.

Cial.
Why, 'tis impossible! Who Miranzo!
He that us'd to brag his heart was fortifi'd
With scorn and chearfulness!

Mir.
O, Sir, I rejoyce you are in such perfect memory;
But see, Baptista is return'd. Now,—what News?

[Enter Bapt.
Bapt.
As you directed, Sir, I found an opportunity
That favour'd the design your Sister had:
The idle Persons, that had no business
But to mind others Actions, I got
Into the Cellar, whilst she made her escape.

Mir.
To the Nunnery.

Bapt.
Thither she told me she wou'd go.

Mir.
'Tis well.

Cial.
How! to the Nunnery! she may be willing to stay there,
'Tis probable; for nothing here below
Is worth her Love: I find I cannot yet
Submit; my Passion will resist,
Though Heaven it self does prove my Rival.
[Exit Cialto hastily

Mir.
Cialto, friend Cialto; he's gone.
Hey day, how Love tumbles us about!
Yet I admire not now at this distraction;
For mad men wonder not at one another.

Bapt.
But, Sir, I have strange News to tell you;
The fair Emilia, with her old Governess,
Is fled to the Nunnery too.

Mir.
How! is 't possible?

Bapt.
'Tis certain, Sir; and to that purpose
She left a Note upon her Table:
All the House is in an uproar,
And fancy 'twas a plot between the Ladies.

Mir.
Above my hopes she then has kept her word,
Not to bestow her self; but what a devil
Does she do at the Nunnery?
That may be worse than th'other; if she shou'd
Turn Nun now; like enough; when people are cross'd
And vex'd, they grow Religious presently.
I must do somthing.—How my thoughts work,
[He studies.
Heaving like labouring Moles within the Earth!
Ha, Baptista.

Bapt.
Sir.

Mir.
Hast thou not told me thou hast a Brother is a Friar?

Bapt.
I have, Sir, in the next Covent.

Mir.
Cou'dst thou not prevail with him to lend me
A little of his holiness?

Bapt.
What mean you, Sir?

Mir.
Nay, I mean none of his Prayers nor Meditations;
At this time I have no use for a good thought:
'Tis his Habit only for a few hours; I'le not abuse it,
On my honour; Thou dar'st trust me, dar'st not?

Bapt.
You cannot doubt that, Sir; and I am sure
My Brother's thoughts of you are as as mine are:
I'le try presently, if you please, Sir.

Mir.
Come, I'le go along with thee;
For my design requires some haste:
Thy care and love shall be requited.

[Exeunt.