 | The Fatal Marriage : or, the Innocent Adultery |  |
Act III.
Scene I.
Fernando's House.Fernando meeting Fabian in a Friars Habit.
Fer.
How now, Son, what News with you? Bless you,
bless you—tho' I am but in an indifferent humor,
of Blessing at present.
Fab.
Sir, I come out of my Duty to see you.
Fer.
Why, that's well: I am lusty, as to that matter still,
but your Sister, like a vagrant, a vagabond Jade, is run away
from me: Let her alone, see who'll have the worst on't; thy
Estate will be the better for it by some Thousands.
Fab.
Alas! my Estate, Sir! I have done with the things of
this World.
Fer.
Nay, I don't perswade you; I wou'd not go about
to alter your Holy resolution—But a Scurvy Jade! if I had
known of her Disobedience a little sooner, I cou'd have the better
afforded to have been kinder to thee—
Fab.
You have been kinder than I deserv'd, in forgiving
me.
Fer.
For I am afraid I was not so kind as I shou'd have been
to thee—ha?
Fab.
O dear Sir.
Indeed I am; there might be faults on my side; If
truth wou'd out, I believe I lov'd my Money a little too well,
did I not? ha?
Fab.
I did not deserve it, Sir.
Fer.
But I'll make thee amends. We old Fellows seldom
think of doing good for our Children, till they are out of the
way of receiving it. Well, and how dost thou like a Religious
Life? ha?
Fab.
Very well, Sir.
Fer.
Why, very well, 'tis better than rambling up and down
the Town, spending thy time and Money with the Prophane.
When I die, I shall leave a swinging Legacy to the Monastery,
upon thy account.
Fab.
Upon your own, Sir, we shall pray for you.
Fer.
No, no, I'll not put you to the trouble.
Fab.
And help you out of Purgatory.
Fer.
Ah! my Purgatory is in this World; and a young
Wife my Tormenter. Good Son call her to me.
[Exit Fabian.
Let me see, I have lost my Daughter, but then I have saved
my Money; all Daughters are lost to their Parents, one time
or other; why then the cheapest way of getting rid of 'em, is
always the best for the Family. If Frederick has got her, and
will play the Honourable Fool to Marry her, for Love, that is,
without a Penny of Portion; he is in the way of repenting his
Bargain, and not I, I take it; but then I shou'd have Married
her to my old Friend Francisco—why, my old Friend Francisco
is luckily rid of a damn'd young Wife, that wou'd as certainly
have made him a—
Enter Julia and Fabian.
Jul.
A what, Husband? as who? you are always bringing
your filthy Comparisons into the Family: You put this business
so often into my Head, it may fan upon your own, one
day.
Fer.
Fie, fie, Wife, I did not mean thee; that undutiful
Daughter of mine I was reflecting upon; bless us! I warrant
you; what a Penitent she will be in a little time! We shall
have her come, with her looks down, and her Belly up, full of
Jul.
Not if she be wise: What Woman that has but the
least sense of what it is to be happy, would not prefer want,
hunger, any thing, to such an intollerable Slavery?
Fer.
Why then you are of her opinion, it seems?
Jul.
Have a care of making me so.
Fer.
I shall have a care of other Peoples making you so.
Jul.
Jealousie, and ill Usage may do much.
Fer.
A good opportunity may do more.
Jul.
One with the other, Husband.
Fer.
Wou'd make you run away from your Husband? ha?
Jul.
Ay, and run to another Man too; any thing, if my
Virtue would permit me.
Fer.
Your Virtue! ah! when I stand to the mercy of your
Virtue, I'll be contented to fall by that folly: No, no, I have
a trick worth two on't: I'll keep you out of the temptation,
and then 'tis not much matter whether you have any Virtue,
or no.
Jul.
Pray, do, lock me up, that your Neighbours may
know you dare not trust me at your Kinsmans Wedding.
Fab.
Sir, you and my Mother are invited: Villeroy is your
Relation, and will take it ill, if you don't go.
Fer.
Yes, yes, Wife, we will go—
Fab.
Or I shall be disappointed.
[Aside.
Fer.
Hanging days are commonly Holy-days; I love to see
the execution of a Husband: They have had their jest long
enough upon me, I shall be glad to laugh in my turn. Besides,
'tis a publick Wedding, is it not?
Jul.
Why, What's that to the purpose?
Fab.
'Tis kept publickly.
Fer.
Why so much the better; there's less danger of you,
Wife: These publick Entertainments seldom do any body
hurt, but those that make 'em. All the young Fellows I know
will be designing upon the New Married Woman; you must
not take it ill, Wife; every one in their turn, you have had
yours already. When the Husband invites, 'tis a sort of a
mannerly gratitude to be civil to his Wife.
They say indeed, whoever dances with the Bride, the
Husband pays the Fidler.
Fer.
Ay, ay, let 'em all dance with her, if Cuckolds would
honestly declare themselves, their number would go near to
keep 'em in countenance: I hope to see 'em so much in fashion,
that no body may laugh at his Neighbour.
[Exeunt.
SCENE II.
Isabella's House.Carlos, with Frederick, and Victoria, in Mans Cloaths.
Car.
You are the strangest Woman in the World, run away
from your Father, and then scruple to Marry the Man you
ran to!
Vict.
That will admit of a scruple, Sir.
Fred.
Don't you believe I love you?
Vict.
O, yes, Sir, your present inclination may be good,
I believe: But that present inclination, how long will it last,
I beseech you?
Fred.
There's a question for a Lover indeed!
Vict.
When that begins to tire, as every thing is the worse
for the wearing, they say, how many Husbandly reflections
will you have upon the matter! You will find out a thousand
pretty things you cou'd have done with my Portion; but not
one civil thing with my Person, without it: The Woman,
that plays the fool my way, in running from her Friends, must
have more than she can carry about her, to be welcome long
in a place; and Marriage is only for Life, they say.
Fred.
I gad, she's in the right on't.
[Aside.
Car.
What can you say to this Frederick.
Vict.
Nay, he can say more than I can believe, I assure
you: But I won't put him to the expence of his Conscience.
When I see which way my Brothers Plot works upon my Father,
I shall be able to tell you more of my mind. In the
mean time I have the priviledge of my disguise, to be at the
Entertainment of this Wedding.
Fred.
But you'll get such a habit of wearing the Breeches—
When you get me out of 'em, you must keep me out
of 'em; that will be your way I believe; Not but if you care
for a security, you have a pretty good one upon me.
Fred.
As how pray?
Vict.
Why, I have done too much with you, to do any
thing with any body else; I shan't be twice run away with, I
warrant you.
Fred.
I dare rely upon you—
[Victoria exit.
Now, Carlos, every thing's to your mind.
Car.
I have taken a great deal of pains to bring it about
The severity of my Sisters Widowhood, was the only bar to
my hopes, in favour of her Son.
Fred.
This Marriage has removed that.
Car.
And ruin'd 'em for ever with my Father.
Fred.
How will you be able to thank 'em for the service they
have done you?
Car.
The service pays it self; We are all pleas'd, I should
have visited 'em with a formal Epithalamicuno, to bless their
endeavours; but I have a Sonnet is pretty well to the purpose.
Strike up Boys—'Tis not much matter now, whether
my Brother be alive, or no.
[Aside.
Vict.
No news of the Bride or Bridegroom yet?
[Victoria returns.
Car.
We are going to summon 'em.
Vict.
By this time, I suppose, they may be glad of a handsome
excuse to be rid of one another.
A SONG set by Mr. Purcell, and Sung by Mrs. Hudson.
1.
The danger is over, the Battle is past,The Nymph had her fears, but she ventur'd at last,
She try'd the encounter, and when it was done,
She smil'd at her folly, and own'd she had won.
By her Eyes we discover the Bride has been pleas'd;
Her blushes become her, her passion is eas'd;
If she Sighs, 'tis for sorrow 'tis ended so soon.
2.
Appear all you Virgins, both Aged and Young,All you, who have carri'd that burden too long,
Who have lost precious time, and you who are loosing,
Betray'd by your fears between doubting, and chusing:
Draw nearer, and learn what will settle your mind:
You'l find your selves happy, when once you are kind.
Do but wisely resolve the sweet venture to run,
You'l feel the loss little, and much to be won.
Villeroy enters to them.
Vil.
Who's there? my Carlos! Frederick! O my Friends!
Let me embrace you: Welcome, welcome all.
What shall I say to you, that may express
My thanks for this good Morrow? at a time—
Car., Fred.
We came to wish you Joy.
Vil.
I have it sure;
All that this Life can give me; he must be
More than a Man, who can be happier.
I am so much transported with the thoughts
Of what I am, I know not what I do.
My Isabella! But possessing her,
Who would not lose himself? You'l pardon me
Oh! There was nothing wanting to my Soul,
But the kind Wishes of my loving Friends;
And now I have you to rejoyce with me.
Where are my Servants?
Gentlemen, this Purse will tell you that I thank you.
[to the Musick.
Where, where are you?
[To his Servants.
Are my Friends invited? Is every thing in order?
You cannot be too busie in your care.
Pray put on your best looks, as well as Cloaths.
Gold, that does every thing, shall make you smile:
To every one you see; no matter who.
I'll double all your Wages; nothing appear
Within these Walls, but Plenty, Mirth, and Love;
An Universal Face of Joy, and Love.
Fred.
Why this is wonderful.
Vil.
O when you all get Wives, and such as mine,
(If such another Woman can be found)
You will Rave too, Doat on the dear content,
And prattle in their praise, out of all bounds:
No matter what the Fools of form shall say,
Let 'em believe us Mad; we'll pity them,
And their dull want of knowing how to Love.
Car.
If you would talk calmly, and come to particulars,
We might be the better for the Story.
Vil.
Particulars! How? Which way shall I try
To utter my full bliss? 'Tis in my head,
'Tis in my Heart, and takes up all my Soul:
The labour of my Fancy, and too vast
A Birth of Joy, to be disclos'd so soon.
Imagination must devour it self.
About some twelve Months hence, I may begin
To speak plain sense; and then I'll tell you all.
Vict.
This Matrimony would be a Heavenly thing,
If the first Night would last always.
Vil.
Sir, I must beg your pardon: Pray forgive me
I did not see you sooner.—
[To Victoria.
A pretty Gentleman.—
[To Carlos.
Car.
A Friend of ours.
Vil.
Who is he?
Vict.
Sir, I am one, just upon the precipice
Of Marrying; and come here to try whether I like
The condition in my Friends,
Before I venture on't my self.
Vil.
O Sir! You can't do better:
I shall make Converts of you all in time.
[Servant gives him a Letter,
Car.
He does not know you.
Vict.
I'm glad on't; 'twould lay a restraint upon me,
Fred.
He might take the priviledge of a Relation,
Perhaps to censure your Conduct.
Vict.
That is to say, you would if you durst:
But when I marry you, I'll give you leave.
Car.
Does Villeroy know of Fabians plot upon his Father?
Fred.
Yes; and approves of it, for the good of the Family:
That was the chief reason of inviting him.
Vil.
Unlucky accident! my Brother the Arch-Bishop of Malines,
Intending for Bruxelles, is taken desperately ill:
My Letter presses me to be with him to Night.
It must be so.
Fred.
'Tis hard indeed.—
Car.
To leave your Bride so soon.
Vil.
But having the Possession of my love,
I am the better able to support
This absence, in the hopes of my return.
Car.
Your stay will be but short.
Vil.
It will seem long.
What say you to some cooling Wines, or Fruit,
Till the Brides Dress'd?
Fred.
We wait upon you.
Vil.
Frederick, I hear you are a Bridegroom too:
Your a bold Man to Marry my Cosin Victoria,
Without her Father's leave:
But we'll take pains to make up all again.
[Exeunt.
Enter Sampson, and Nurse.
Samp.
Ay, marry Nurse, here's a Master indeed!
He'll double our Wages for us! If he comes on
As fast with my Lady, as he does with her Servants,
We are all in the way to be well pleas'd.
Nurse.
He's in a rare humour; if she be in as good a one—
Samp.
If she be, marry, she may e'en say,
They have begot it upon one another.
Nur.
Well! why don't you go back again to your old Count?
You thought your Throat cut, I warrant you,
To be turn'd out of a Noblemans Service.
Samp.
For the future, I will never serve in a House,
They are out of humour with every body, when
They are not pleas'd themselves. Now this going
To Bed together, makes every thing go well:
There's Mirth, and Money stirring about,
When those matters go as they should do.
Nurse.
Indeed a good Bed-fellow, Sampson—
Samp.
Ah Nurse! A good Bed-fellow is a very good thing,
And goes a great way—But, what, now my Lady is
marry'd, I hope we shall have company come to the house:
There's something always coming from one Gentleman, or
other, upon those occasions, if my Lady loves Company.
Nurse,
Add so, my Master! We must not be seen.
[Exeunt.
Villeroy and Fabian.
Vil.
You say 'tis innocent?
Fab.
Only a sleeping Draught, to make him forget some
Of his ill humours: when it works, he'll be thought
To have tipled too much, that's all: I'll remove him
With as little trouble, as possible.
Vil.
Is he coming?
Fab.
He's below; I'll way-lay him with a Bottle in a Corner,
And give him his Dose before you see him.
Vil.
That as you please. Pray tell the company
The bride will wait upon 'em.
[Fabian goes out.
Isabella!
[Isabella enters.
My Isabella! O the joy of Heart!
That I have leave at last to call you mine.
When I give up that Title to the Charms
Of any other wish, be nothing mine.
But let me look upon you! View you well;
This is a welcome Gallantry indeed:
I durst not ask, but it was kind to grant,
Just at the time: dispensing with your dress
Upon our Bridal-Day.
Isa.
Black might be ominous;
I would not bring ill luck along with me.
Vil.
O! if your melancholly thoughts could change
Incredible, this way, and may again.
'Tis something that the face of Heav'n appears;
Darkn'd, and hid so long in Mourning Veils:
When breaking Clouds divide, they make a way
For the bright Sun to smile upon the Day.
Isa.
I cou'd have wish'd, if you had thought it fit,
Our Marriage had not been so publick.
Vil.
Do not you grudge me my excess of Love;
That was a cause it could not be conceal'd:
Besides 'twould injure the Opinion,
I have of my good Fortune, having you;
And lessen it in other Peoples thoughts,
Busie on such occasions to enquire
Had it been private.
Isa.
I have no more to say.
Carlos, Frederick, Victoria, other Men and Women enter.
Vil.
Our Friends too, who come in to the support
Of our bad Fortune, have an honest right,
In better times, to share the good with us.
Car.
We come to claim that right, to share your joy.
Fred.
To wish you joy; and find it in our selves;
For a Friends happiness reflects a warmth,
A kindly comfort into every heart,
That is not envious.
Vil.
He must be a Friend,
Who is not envious of a happiness,
So absolute as mine; but if you are,
(As I have reason to believe you are)
Concern'd for my well-being, there's the cause:
Thank her for what I am, and what must be.
Vict.
Is not this better than lying alone, Madam?
Car.
You'l take my advice another time, Sister.
Fred.
You Ladies are hard to be persuaded to please
Your selves: but you know when you are well, I hope.
Car.
When you are well pleas'd he means, Sister.
You are a Judge, and within the degrees
Of comparison, having had a Husband before.
Isa. turns away.
Carlos, what have you done? A rising smile stole from
her thoughts, just redning on her Cheek, and you have dasht
it.
Car.
I am sorry for't.
Vil.
My best friends will forgive me when I own I must prefer
her Peace to all the world. Pray let us bury every thing
that's past; look forward to the kindly coming hour. I have
a prospect of sufficient Joy; wou'd you had all to entertain
your hopes, and draw you on to everlasting Love.
Enter Fernando, Julia, and Fabian.
Fern.
Why, so, so; all goes well I see: Wish you Joy,
Cosin. I am an Old Fellow, but I must salute your Bride.
[Kisses her.
A fine Woman truly! I have had two or three Glasses to her
Health already: I design to be very merry, ha?
Vil.
Why, so you shall Cosin; fill some Wine.
[To servants.
Fern.
Why, that's well said; fill some Wine. But one
word with you—
Jul.
I did not know you at first.
Vict.
If my Father does not, I shall have the pleasure of
teazing him.
Jul.
Your Brother has taken care that he shall know no
body.
Fern.
If you had consulted me, I could have told you—
Vil.
What, Cousin?
Fern.
Why, that there goes a great deal of pains to keep
a handsom Wife to ones self; remember I told you so.
Vil.
Take care of your own, Cousin.
Fern.
Why, that's true too—
[Sees Victoria with Julia,
Where are you? how! what have you to do with this Gentlewoman,
Friend?
Vict.
I wou'd have something to do with her, if you wou'd
let us alone.
Fer.
'Tis pity to disturb you, indeed.
Vict.
'Gad so, Sir, I beg your pardon—
[Bowing to Fernando.
Fer.
No harm done in the least, Sir.
Vict.
You look like a civil Person—
Fer.
O, a very civil Person.
You may have an Interest in the Lady, to speak a
good word for me.
Fer.
VVhy, so I may; I may speak a good word for you
indeed. But for your comfort, I can tell you, she has the
Grace never to mind what I say to her.
Vict.
Then do me the courtesie to leave us together, and I
shall be able to speak for my self.
Fer.
I never doubted it.
Vict.
I suppose you may be her Grandfather; 'tis your business,
you know, to provide for your Family.
Fer.
And why her Grandfather, pray?
Vict.
Because you look to be about those years of discretion.
Fer.
Come, you are an idle Companion, to talk at this rate
to my VVife, and before my face too.
Vict.
How, Sir, your VVife! is she your VVife, Sir?
Fer.
I am her Husband, Sir.
Vict.
I beg your pardon again, Sir; I was in hopes—
Fer.
I know you were; you were in hopes to make me
a Cuckold: But you are an impudent Fellow for your hopes;
and so get you gone about your business. Ha! what's the
matter with me?
Jul.
VVhy, Husband, what's the matter?
Fer.
I am so drowsie all on the sudden—
[Yawns.
Vil.
The Glass stays for you, Fernando.
Fer.
I'll Drink no more. VVife, let us go home.
Fred.
One Glass to the Bride, Sir.
Fer.
O, are you there? You have a Daughter of mine in
keeping, I take it; wish you Joy of her.
[Yawns.
Fred.
Your wishes will go a great way to't, Sir.
Fer.
No farther;
[Yawns.]
they, will go no farther I tell
you. VVife, VVife, let us be going VVife. Sure I am Enchanted—
[Yawns.
Vil.
Come, come, Fernando, you will take your Daughter
into favour I know.
Fer.
Pray give me leave—
[Yawns.
Car.
To depart in Peace.
Fer.
VVhat I ought to do—
[Yawns and falls into a Chair.
VVe shall know when he rises.
Vil.
I leave you to consider it—
Fred.
Upon his Pillow.
Fer.
VVife, VVife, come along with me.
Fab.
I'll take care of my Father; take no notice, but come
as soon as you can to me.
[Fabian has Fernando carry'd off in a Chair.
Car.
Now, Madam, I may take care of you.
[To Julia.
Fred.
VVhat have we here?
Vil.
Something is well meant:
Let us receive it so. Pray sit my Friends.
An Entertainment of Dancing; after which a Song sent by an unknown hand, set by Mr. Henry Purcell, and Sung by Mrs. Ayliff.
I.
I Sigh'd, and own'd my Love:Nor did the Fair my Passion disapprove:
A soft engaging Air,
Not often apt to cause Despair,
Declar'd she gave attention to my Pray'r.
She seem'd to pity my Distress,
And I expected nothing less,
Than what her every look does now confess.
II.
But, Oh, her change destroysThe Charming prospect of my promis'd Joys:
She's Rob'd of every Grace
That argu'd pity in her Face,
And cold, forbidding frowns, supply their place.
But while she strives to chill desire,
Her brighter Eyes such warmth inspire,
She checks the flame, but cannot quench the fire.
You have not minded this poor Pageantry.
Isa.
I minded what you said; you are to leave me:
I'm sorry for the cause.
Vil.
O cou'd I think;
Cou'd I perswade my self, that your concern
For me, or for my absence, had employed you—
But you are all possess'd another way.
I shall be Jealous of this Rival, Grief,
That you indulge; it sits so near your Heart,
There is not room enough for mighty Love.
[Servants whispers Vil.
We come. You, Carlos,
Will act a Brothers part, till my return;
And be the Guardian here. All, all I have,
That's dear to me, I give up to your care.
Our Dinner calls upon us: wou'd I had
An Entertainment that cou'd speak my Joy,
And thanks to this kind company. Lead on.
Long suff'ring Lovers wou'd consent to stay,
For the reward of such a Night and Day.
[Exeunt. Carlos leading the Bride.
| The Fatal Marriage : or, the Innocent Adultery | |