 | The Adventures of Five Hours |  |
24
THE THIRD ACT.
The SCENE is, DON HENRIQUE's House.Camilla, Porcia, Flora appear in a Balcone.
Por.
Come, Cozin, the hour assign'd approaches.
Cam.
Nay, more than so, for 'tis already night.
Flo.
And thanks to your Stars sufficiently dark.
Por.
To the Clowds you would say, Flora, for Stars,
In this occasion, would not much befriend us.
Pray, Cozin, when Octavio shall arrive,
Do you and Flora watch above with care;
For if my cruel Brother should surprize us—
Cam.
Let us alone to play the Sentinels.
Flo.
I'm confident he's abroad, and will not
Suddenly return; for I heard him say,
He'd pass th'Evening at the Corigidors;
And thence, you know, he seldom comes home early.
Enter Antonio, Octavio, and Diego, with their Cloaks o'r their faces, and their Swords undrawn in their hands.
Ant.
Is it not something early for Adventures
Of this Nature?
Oct.
'Tis the Hour she appointed.
Ant.
How dark 'tis grown o'th' sudden, there's not one
Star appears in all the Firmament.
Die.
So much the better; for when I must fight,
Aside.
I covet no Spectators of my Prowess.
Oct.
Stay you here, Antonio, I'l step before,
And give the Sign; when you here the door open,
Then come on, and follow me in.
Enter at the other side of the Stage Henrique and Carlos.
Henr.
The Corigidors is a pretty place.
Car.
The Walks do so intice me, I always
Wearie my self, before I can retire.
Henr.
Indeed we have staid longer than we thought,
And therefore let's go home the shorter way;
The back door of my Garden's here at hand.
Car.
It will be better than to go about.
Above.
Por.
Would he were come, I fear the Rising Moon
Will give us little time.
[Octavio knocks upon the Hilt of his Sword.
25
I think I hear his usual Knock; Who's there?
Above in the Balcone.
Oct.
'Tis I.
Por.
I hope y'are not alone.
Oct.
No; here's Diego with me, and a Friend.
Por.
'Tis well; I'l open the door presently.
Porcia comes down.
Henr.
Come; we are now hard by the Garden gate.
Oct.
Let's to the door; sure she's there by this time;
Be not afraid Diego.
Die.
Agree that with him that made me, who has
Given me a Heart no bigger than my Thumb;
Y'had as good command me not to Breath.
Oct.
Come on; what art thou thinking on?
Die.
That I see Company, or that my Fear does.
Oct.
Y' are in the right; let's to avoid suspit on
The noise of a Lock
Walk on at large, till they are out of distance.
Car.
I think I heard your Garden door open.
Henr.
I think so too; Ha! at this time o'th' night?
What can be the meaning on't? 'Tis so.
Ant.
They have open'd the door; 'tis time for me
To follow, surely Octavio is gone in.
[Antonio moves towards the door.
Por.
What stay you for?
Holding the door half open.
Henr.
What's that I hear? sure 'tis Porcia's voice.
Por.
What mean you to stand there? come in, I say.
Henr.
Hell and Furies!
He goes to draw his Sword.
Carl.
Be patient, Sir, and you will make a clearer
Discovery of your Affront.
Por.
You may come in securely, Octavio:
Setting open the door.
I have set those will watch my Brothers coming.
Ant.
Madam, I am not Octavio.
Por.
Not Octavio? who are you then? and who's
That Shadow there?
Henr.
I can hold no longer; I'm thy Chastiser,
Draws his Sword.
Vile Woman, and his Mortal Enemy.
Ant.
Ha! my Mortal Enemy?
Henr.
Yes, Villain; who ere thou art, thou shalt pay
This Treacherie with thy Life.
Ant.
Vain Man; who ere thou art, know, the Life thou
Threaten'st, is Guarded by too good a Sword.
Carlos draws, and they all enter the Garden fighting.
Henr.
Make fast the door.
To Carlos.
Henr.
Thou art some desperate Villain hir'd to murder.
In the Garden.
[Octavio and Diego come to the door.
Ant.
Hir'd by Friendship, and Honor's my Sallary.
[A noise of fighting within.
Oct.
That's Antonio's voice within the Garden;
Runs to the door and finds it shut.
What! the door shut! my Friend engag'd, and I
26
To climb o're; if not, I'l flie t'him.
Die.
You may do so; your noble Love has Wings,
He climbes up.
And's ever Fledge; 'tis Molting time with mine;
Yet I'l up too; the hazards not in climbing,
Here I will sit, and out of dangers reach
Expect the Issue.
The Scene changes to a Garden, out of which they issue fighting.
Oct.
Courage, brave Friend; you have Octavio by you.
Ant.
So Seconded, a Coward would grow firm.
Henr.
What! is there more of your crue? then 'tis time
To call for help; Ho! Sylvio, Geraldo,
Pedro, come forth, and bring our Torches with you.
Enter Sylvio with his Sword drawn.
Sylv.
Here am I, Sir; my Camerades will follow
They fight.
As soon as they have lighted their Torches.
Ant.
How I despise these Slaves Octavio,
In the Tree.
Having you by me!
Die.
Their Swords do clatter bravely in the dark.
Sylv.
I'm slain.
[Sylvio falls.
Die.
Good; that's Sylvio's voice; I have ow'd that Fellow
A Good-turn this Twelve-month for a Mistake,
Breaking my Head, when he should have Broke a Jeast:
Now he's paid.
Henrique stepping back falls over Sylvio, and loses his Sword, and Carlos runs in to him.
Car.
What! are you hurt?
Henr.
No, onely I fell; Help me to find my Sword.
Oct.
What? d'you give back? you do well to take breath,
The Rising Moon appears in the Scene.
Whilst you have any left; 'twill not be long,
Now that the Rising Moon lends us some light.
[Porcia runs out to Octavio.
Por.
O Octavio! let not this moment slip
To Free me from my cruel Brother's Fury,
Or never hope to see me any more
Amongst the living.
[Octavio leads her away by the Arm.
Oct.
Ah! Noble Maid, he that is once possess'd
Of such a Treasure, and safe-guards it not,
Let him live Wretched, and Detested die;
Where's my brave Friend?
Ant.
You have me by your side, lead off your Mistris,
I'l secure your Retreat.
In the Tree, pointing to those who are going off.
[Exeunt Octavio, Porcia, and Antonio.
Die.
That doubtless is my Master, who victorious
Is bravely marching off with his fair Prize;
27
Some handsome Lie t'excuse my Cowardice;
Why liv'd not I five thousand years ago,
Being ne'r made for this damn'd Iron Age?
Diego comes down from the Treee, and follows Antonio.
Car.
But whilst my care led me to succour you,
Having help'd up Henrique.
Our Enemies, I fear, are got away;
I heard the door open, and see none here,
Although the Night's much brighter grown than 'twas;
I'l follow, and trace the Villains if I can
To their Dens; mean while take care of your Sister;
And (pray) till my return be Moderate.
Henr.
How! Moderation in this case! what ho!
Geraldo, Pedro, ah ye cursed Rogues,
Enter Servants with Torches.
Durst ye not shew your heads till they were gone?
Geraldo, light me in, whilst Pedro looks
To his hurt Companion; ah Porcia! Porcia!
Exeunt Henrique and Geraldo; Pedro carries out Sylvio fainting with his hurts.
The Scene Changes to the City of SEVIL.
Enter Octavio, Porcia, Antonio, and a little after Diego, and after him Carlos.
Die.
Sure, that's Antonio bringing up the Rere;
Pointing to Carlos.
Sir, th'are but just before us; he bears her
Most gallantly away; lose not sight of me.
Car.
This Fellow takes me for one of his Crew;
He will by his mistake help me to harbour 'em.
[Exeunt.
[Camilla and Flora appear in the Balcone.
The Scene changes to Don Henrique's House.
Cam.
Was there ever such a Disaster, Flora?
Sure, th'are all dead, so great's the Silence.
Flo.
Madam, if mistake not very much,
I heard your Brother's voice amongst 'em.
Cam.
Ah! my dear Brother, how thy ill-plac'd Friendship
Upon that Brutal Kinsman has abus'd
Thy Goodness; though my Natural affection
Moves me, Flora, to Pitty him in Danger,
Yet my Concernment for my Cozin Porcia
Does prevail at present; Porcia, Porcia;
28
Flo.
Madam, let us go down into the Garden.
Cam.
Take heed of that; 'twere to involve my self
In this unlucky Scandal; 'tis possible,
Affrighted with the Scuffle, she's return'd
Into her Quarter by the other door;
They go down and enter upon the Stage.
Let us hast thither.
Flo.
Oh! Madam, I see a Light, and Don Henrique
Coming this way with his Sword drawn, what shall
We do?
They go behind the door.
Cam.
Peace; let us hide our selves behind the door,
Till we discover his Intentions.
Enter Henrique, and Geraldo with a Torch, and Pedro with a Light; Henrique and Geraldo their Swords drawn.
Pedr.
Sir, I have search'd all the Rooms of the House,
And cannot find her.
Henr.
Base Infamous Woman; may be she's fled
To th'Quarter order'd for Antonio.
Pedr.
That door is lock'd, his Servant has the Key.
Henr.
Ah this unworthy Woman! thus to rob
A Brother of the Fruits of all his Care;
And cast this Stain on th'Honor of our House;
But if I ever get the Fugitive
Within my reach, I'l Sacrifice her Blood
To the Offended Spirits of my Ancestors.
Flo.
Madam, do you hear?
Cam.
I, and tremble, Flora.
Henr.
Call out for her Woman.
Pedr.
Flora, Flora.
Enter Flora.
Flo.
My good Angel Guard me; what would you have Sir?
Henr.
Where's your Mistris, Hussy?
Flo.
She told me, Sir, 'bout half an hour since
She would go down into the Garden.
[Exit Flora.
Henr.
My Shame is certain; ah! the sad condition
Of us Men of Honor! how unequally
Our Crosses and our Comforts mingled are!
Our Orphan Sisters are no sooner grown
Above the Follies of their Childish Age;
During which Season Custom does exact
Our Watchful Caution over all their Actions;
But they are Grafted on some Stranger Stock,
Where they do change both their Aboads, and Names,
Without Reflexion in the least Degree
Of Gratitude, on those, who Pain'd themselves
To Cultivate their Youths; or else become
29
Continu'd in our Care do never cease
To give the Fears at least of what I feel.
O unjust Heavens! why suffer you that they,
Who to our Joys of Life such Bubbles are,
Should add such Weight unto our Griefs, and Care?
Ah Porcia, Porcia!
Enter Carlos.
Car.
Cozin, I'm much mistaken, or I have
In very Little time made a Great Progress
Towards your Revenge; I come from harbouring
The Villains, who have done you this Affront.
Cam.
It imports to be attentive now.
Henr.
Oh, you revive me, may I but once enjoy
The Pleasure of my Revenge, though the next
Moment were the last Period of my Life,
I should depart contented; are the Villains
Within our reach?
Car.
Be patient, Sir, and I'l inform you fully;
You were no sooner up, but I pursu'd
Your flying Enemies, hoping the night
Grown somewhat Lighter, would enable me
(At a convenient distance) to discover
The place of their Retreat; one of their Partie,
Who was behind the rest, mistaking me
For one of his Camerades, bad me come on;
Saying his Master was but just before;
That he had born his Mistris bravely off.
We had not past above a Street or two,
Before he stopt, and at the second House
Beyond the Church in St. Iago's Street,
He enter'd, and desir'd me to follow him;
I making a stand, he grew suspicious,
And from my Silence guessing his Mistake,
He slipt into the House, and lock'd the door;
I having well observ'd the Street and House,
Return'd with speed to give you this account.
Flo.
Oh, Madam, this is Don Octavio's House;
Without all doubt they've carri'd Porcia thither.
Cam.
Peace, Flora, and listen to the sequel.
Hen.
Come, Cozin; we loose time; call all my Servants;
I will besiege the House; if they refuse
To render; I will reduce that Theater
Of my Shame to Ashes, and make their Fort
Both Theirs and its own Sepulchre; There are
Such Charms in Vengeance, that I do not wonder,
It is reserv'd for him, who form'd the Thunder.
30
Have patience, Cozin, and consult your Reason;
'Twill soon convince you, how Unpracticable
And Vain your Proposition is, t'attempt
At this time of the night, within a City,
A House so Guarded, That, indeed, would prove
Very like Thunder, which the Clowd destroys
Wherein 'twas form'd, producing onely Noise.
What can the Issue be, but to Allarm
The Town; expose your Person, and your Fortune
To th'Rigour of the Law; publish your Shame;
And frustrate your Revenge for ever?
Henr.
What! would you have me tarry till these Villains,
Who have invaded my House; Affronted
My Person; Murder'd my Servant; and Robb'd
Me of a Sister; may evade my Vengeance?
Car.
No; fear not that; let me alone to find
A certain way to hinder their escape;
I'l instantly to the Corrigidors,
And beg th'assistance of his Authority,
To secure these Criminals for the present,
That afterwards the Law may punish them.
Henr.
A fine Proposal! why, Cozin, can you think
That I'l submit a Personal Injury
Unto a tame Decision of the Law?
And having been Affronted by the Sword,
To pray the Aid of the Long Robe, and take
An Advocate for Second?
Car.
Your Provocation's great, Resentment's just;
But, Cozin, the Greater they, the More you stand
In need of Moderation, and th'Advice
Of such a Friend, as you have always found me;
Nor can I e'r express it more than now,
In freely telling you, you must not suffer
Your Passion to Command in this Occasion;
“Passion, which wheresoever it contends
“To Govern most, there most Destroys its Ends.
Henr.
Oh! how I hate your drie Moralitie!
To treat a Friend with Sentences, that's raging
In a Feaver; you may as well pretend
To teach a Man to Sing his Part, that's stretch'd
Upon a Rack; no, Sir, I'l sooner die,
Than ere consent to publish my Disgrace,
Before I have Reveng'd it.
Car.
'Tis far from my intent; all my design
Is onely how we may Conceal your Shame,
Till we have got these Villains in our Power.
Which can be brought about by no such means,
As by demanding Justice against those,
31
Your Servant; a most plausible pretence.
Will this content you? trust my Conduct Cozin;
Is not my Interest the same with yours?
Henr.
Well, since it must be so, I pray make haste.
Car.
Doubt not my diligence; by this I'l prove
Friendship has Fire, and Wings as well as Love.
Hen.
If you could Flie, you'd move with too much Leisure;
Ah tedious Minutes which Revenge does measure!
[Exit Carlos.
Flo.
Madam, y'have heard their mischievous design.
Cam.
Yes, Flora, out of question Porcia's there;
And if they find her, she is lost for ever.
Flo.
I'le try to Hinder it, though I were sure
To Perish in th'attempt; I am confident
The House at present is in such confusion,
I may run thither without being miss'd.
Cam.
'Tis well thought on; in th'interim I'l retire
To Porcia's Chamber.
[Exeunt from behind the door.
Enter Geraldo.
Ger.
Sir, Don Antonio is just now arriv'd.
Henr.
Ha! what's that you say Sirrha?
Ger.
That Don Antonio, Sir, your Brother-in-law
Is without, walking i'th' Hall, and bad me
Give you notice of it, shall he come in?
Henr.
Antonio arriv'd! O Heavens! this Circumstance
Alone was wanting to complete my Shame.
When he desires to See his Wife, shall I
My self inform so generous a Person
That she is Run away? where shall I find
A Heart, a Tongue, a Voice, or Breath, or Face
To utter this unparalleld Disgrace?
Ger.
What is your pleasure, Sir? Don Antonio
May think it long.
Henr.
Wait on him in, but at the same time tell him
You cannot find me; I will leave my House,
And the discovery of my Shame to Fate;
And any Censure rather undergo,
Than be Relater of my own Disgrace;
Till first I have my Honor's Ransom paid
In the Vile Blood of that perfidious Maid.
[Exit Henrique.
Enter Antonio and Ernesto.
Ant.
My Friend and his fair Mistris safely lodg'd,
And free from their Adventure; 'tis now fit
To mind my own Engagement; But Ernesto,
VVhat can the meaning be of this indecent
32
Upon my first Arrival? come, let's go on
Into the other Rooms.
Ern.
I swear, Sir, I'm amaz'd at this great change;
'Tis not above two hours, since I found here
A numerous and well-order'd Family,
In all appearance, now I see the Pages
Boult out of the doors, then start back again
Into their holes, like Rabbets in a Warren;
The Maids lie peeping at the Garret windows,
Like th'Upper Tire of Ordinance in a Ship;
Ah looks disorder'd now; nor can I guess
What may have caus'd so strange an alteration;
But there I see the Servant you sent in.
Enter Geraldo.
Ant.
Friend, where's your Master?
Ger.
I cannot tell, Sir.
Ant.
Where is his Sister?
Ger.
In truth I know not, Sir; we Men-servants
Have little to do in the Ladies Quarters.
[Exit. Geraldo.
Ant.
This looks but odly; are you sure Ernesto,
Y have not misguided me to a wrong House?
Ern.
If you are certain that we are awake,
Then I am certain this is the same House
Wherein this afternoon I saw, and spoke with
Don Henrique and your Bride; by the same Token
There was a Lady with her in a Veil;
And this very Room is the Ante-chamber
To her Apartment.
Ant.
I should be finely serv'd, if after all
This Negotiation, and a tedious Journey,
My Pains and Patience should be cast away
On some such wither'd Sybil for a Wife,
Ernesto goes towards the door.
As her own Brother is asham'd to show me.
Ern.
You'l soon be freed from that fear, Sir.
Ant.
How so?
Ern.
Because I see her in the Inner Room,
Lying along upon her Couch, and Reading;
Her face is turn'd the other way, but yet
Her Shape, and Cloathes assure me it is she.
Ant.
Art sure 'tis she?
Ern.
There are not many like her.
Ant.
If thou be'st sure 'tis she, I'l venture in,
Without her Brother's help to introduce me.
Ern.
She's coming this way, Sir.
33
Cam.
Y'have reason, Dido, and 'tis well remarqu'd,
“The Woman, who suffers her self to Love,
“Ought likewise to prepare her self to Suffer;
There was great Power in your Charms, Æneas,
T'enthrall a Ladies heart at first approach,
And make such early and such deep Impressions,
That nothing, but her death, could ere deface.
Alas! poor Dido!
Ant.
What do I see; or do I waking dream?
Antonio seeing her, stands as if amaz'd.
Sure I am asleep; and 'tis a Vision
Of her, who's always present to my Thought;
VVho fearing my Revolt does now Appear
To Prove and to Confirm my Constancy.
When first I saw that Miracle, she seem'd
An Apparition, here it must be one.
Ern.
What fit of Frenzy's this, Sir? why 'tis Porcia,
A Lovely Living Woman, and your Bride.
Ant.
The Blessing is too mighty for my Faith.
Ern.
Faith! ne'r trouble your Faith in this occasion,
Approach her boldly, Sir, and trust your Sense.
Ant.
As when we dream of some Transporting Pleasure,
And finding that we Dream we fear to Wake,
Lest Sense should rob us of our Fancie's Treasure,
And our Delightful Vision from us take;
Bless'd Apparition, so it fares with me.
That very Angel does once more appear,
To whose Divinity long since I rais'd
An Altar in my Heart, where I have Offer'd
The constant Sacrifice of Sighs and Vows.
My eyes are open, yet I dare not trust 'em;
Bliss above Faith must pass for an Illusion;
If such it be, O let me sleep for ever
Happily deceiv'd; but Celestial Maid,
If this thy glorious Presence Real be,
O let one word of Pitty raise my Soul
From Visional Delights, and make me die
With Solid Joy instead of Extasie.
Ern.
'Slife! he's in one of his old Fits again;
VVhy what d'you mean, Sir? 'tis Porcia her self.
Cam.
I am that Maid, who to your Virtue owes
Her Honor then, and her Disquiet since;
Yet in my Pain I cannot but be Pleas'd
To find a Stronger Passion justifi'd
By Obligation; I may avow the Fire,
To which both Love and Gratitude conspire.
Ant.
Incomparable Creature! can it be?
34
Did e'r inflict, I now should be repaid
With fuller Joys, than Love could ever give;
Fortune to make my Happiness complete,
Has joyn'd her Power, and made me find a Bride
In a Lost Mistris, but with this Allay,
Of leaving me no Means my Faith to prove,
Since Chance anticipates the Hopes of Love.
Cam.
(aside ... )
The Servant's Error has misled the Master,
He takes me too for Porcia, bless'd Mistake;
Assist me now Artful Dissimulation;
But how can that consist with so much Passion? ( ... aside)
'Tis possible the Sense of my Distress'd
Condition might dispose a Gentle heart
To take Impressions then, which afterwards
Time, and your Second Thoughts may have Destroy'd;
But can a Constant Passion be produc'd
From those Ideas Pitty introduc'd?
Let your Tongue speak your Heart, for should y'abuse me,
I shall in time discover the Deceit;
You may I aint Fire, Antonio, but not Heat.
Ant.
Madam—
Cam.
Hold; be not too Scrupulous, Antonio;
Let me Believe it, though it be not True;
For the chief Happiness, poor Maids receive,
Is when our Selves we happily Deceive.
Ant.
If, since I first those Conquering Eyes beheld,
You have not reign'd Unrival'd in my Heart;
May you Despise me now you are my Own,
Which is, I think, all Curses summ'd in one.
But may your Servant, Madam, take the boldness
To ask, if you have ever thought of him?
Cam.
A Love, so founded in a Noble Heart,
Has need of no Remembrancer, Antonio;
You know your self too well; those of your Trade
Have skill to Hold, as well as to Invade.
Ant.
Fortune has lifted me to such a Height
Of Happiness, that it may Turn my Brain,
When I look down upon the rest o'th' world.
VVhat have I now to wish but Moderation
To Temper, and to Fix my Joys?
Cam.
I yield as little t'you, noble Antonio,
In Happiness, as Affection, but still
Porcia must do as may become your Bride,
And Sister to Don Henrique, in whose absence
A longer Conference must be excus'd.
And so I take the freedom to withdraw.
35
Should I have staid untill Don Henrique came,
His presence would have marr'd my whole design. ( ... aside)
[Exit Camilla.
Ant.
Where Beauty and Discretion so combine,
'Tis Heaven, me-thinks, to find that Treasure mine.
Enter Henrique.
Henr.
Sure Don Antonio, having long ere this
Found out th'infamous Flight of my vile Sister,
VVill be retir'd to meditate Revenge
Upon us both: ah Curse! he is there still;
I'l slip away; but, O Heavens! 'tis too late,
He has perceiv'd me.
Ant.
How, Don Henrique! avoid your Friend? that's come
So long a Journey t'embrace you, and cast
Himself at the feet of your fair Sister?
Henr.
Noble Antonio, you may well imagine
The trouble I am in, that you should find
My House in such Disorder, so unfit
The Honor to receive of such a Guest.
Ant.
'Tis true, Don Henrique, I am much surpriz'd
With what I find; I little did expect
Your Sister Porcia should have been—
Henr.
Oh Heavens! I'm lost, he has discover'd all.
Aside.
'Tis not, Antonio, in a Brothers power
To make a Sister of a better Paste,
Than Heaven has made her.
Ant.
In your case specially; for out of doubt,
Heaven never made a more Accomplish'd Creature.
Henr.
What means the Man?
Ant.
I come just now from Entertaining her:
Whose Wit, and Beauty so excell all those
Of her fair Sex, whom I have ever known,
That my Description of her would appear
Rather Detraction, than a Just Report
Of her Perfections.
Henr.
(aside ... )
Certainly he mocks me; he never could
Have chosen a worse Sufferer of Scorn;
But I will yet contain my self awhile
To see how far he'l drive it; ( ... aside)
Say you, Sir,
That you have Seen, and Entertain'd my Sister?
Ant.
Yes, Don Henrique; and with such full Contentment,
So rais'd above Expression, that I think
The Pains, and Cares of all my former Life
Rewarded with Excess, in the Delight
Of those few Minutes of her Conversation;
'Tis true, that Satisfaction was abridg'd
By her well-weigh'd Severity; to give me
36
Of her discreet Observance of the Rules
Of Decency; not suffering me, though now
Her Husband, any longer to enjoy
So great a Happiness, you being absent.
Aside.
Henr.
I am confounded; but I must dissemble
My Astonishment, till I can unfold
The Mysterie; She might have spar'd that Caution,
But I suppose you'l easily Forgive
An Error on the Better side.
Ant.
Sir, I have seen so much of her Perfections
In that short Visit, I shall sooner doubt
All Definitions in Morality,
Than once suppose her capable of Error.
Aside.
Henr.
This Exposition makes it more Obscure:
I must get him away. Sir, is't not time
I bring you to your Chamber? it is late,
And I believe that you have need of Rest.
Ant.
I should accept your offer, were I not
Oblig'd, as late as 'tis, to see a Friend
Before I go to Bed.
Henr.
I'l wait on you, Sir, if you'l give me leave.
Ant.
I humbly thank you, Sir, but can't consent
To give you so much trouble; I'l return
Within an hour at farthest.
Henr.
When e'r you please; y'are wholly Master here.
Aside.
Ant.
I never saw a man so Discompos'd,
What e'r the matter is.
Ernesto, I must make a step to see
A Friend near hand; bid Sancho follow me;
And stay you in my Chamber till I come.
[Exeunt Antonio, Ernesto.
Henrique waits on him to the door.
Henr.
Your Servant, Sir; this sudden Salley hence
At this time of the night, and newly' arriv'd
From a long Journey, does imbroil me more.
But now I will not long be in Suspense;
I'l to my Sister's Chamber.
Enter Carlos as Henrique is going into Porcia's Chamber.
Car.
Ho Don Henrique, there is haste requir'd; all's
Prepar'd, and if the Quarrie lodg'd shall prove
Worthy of our own Swords, we may employ them;
If not, the Sword of Justice shall revenge
Our Injuries; for the Corrigidor
Is ready with a Band of Serjeants.
Henr.
Speak softly; Don Antonio is arriv'd,
And some of his may over-hear us.
Carl.
That's very unlucky, but does he know
37
Henr.
I think not yet.
Carl.
Come, let's away; we have no time to lose.
Henr.
Pray stay awhile; I labour with a Doubt
Will burst me if not clear'd before I go.
Carl.
What Cozin! will you loose an Opportunity
Never to be recover'd? are you mad?
Will you permit the Villains to escape,
He pulls
And laugh at us for ever? come away.
[Exit Carlos him.
Henr.
Well, I must go; and let time make it out;
“The worst Estate of Human Life is Doubt.
| The Adventures of Five Hours | |