 | The Adventures of Five Hours |  |
THE FOURTH ACT.
The SCENE is DON OCTAVIOS's House.Enter Octavio angrily pushing Diego, and Porcia following.
Oct.
Villain, thou hast undone us, cursed Villain;
Where was thy Soul, had Fear quite Banish'd it?
And left thee not one grain of common Sense?
Porc.
Was there ever so fatal an Accident?
Oct.
Why, Traitor, did'st thou not let me know it,
As soon as we were come into the House?
Die.
What would y' have done if ye had known it then?
Oct.
I would have fally'd out, and Kill'd the Rogue,
In whose Power thou hast put it to Destroy us;
Can it be doubted, but that long ere this
He has acquainted Henrique where we are?
From whose black Rage we must immediately
Expect to encounter all the pernicious
Effects of Malice, back'd by Seeming Justice;
Curse on all Cowards! better far be serv'd
By Fools, and Knaves: they make less dang'rous Faults.
Die.
Am I in fault, because I'm not a Cat?
How could I tell i'th' dark whether that Rascal
Was a Knight Errant, or a Recreant Knight?
I thought him one of us, and true to Love;
Were it not for such Accidents as these
That mock Man's Fore-cast, sure the Destinies
Had ne'r been plac'd amongst the Deities.
Oct.
Peace, cowardly Slave; having thus plaid the Rogue,
Art thou Sententious grown? did I not Fear
To Stain my Sword with such Base Blood, I'd let
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Aside.
Die.
VVhy then a thousand Thanks to my Base Blood
For saving my Good Flesh.
Oct.
Pardon, my dearest Mistris, this Excess
Of Passion in your presence.
Por.
What shall we do Octavio? we are lost
For ever; if we should stay here, my Brother
Will be upon us instantly. Alas!
My own Life I value not Octavio,
Where yours, my Better life, such hazard runs;
But O my Honor! O my Innocence!
Expos'd to Scandal; there's my deepest Sense.
Oct.
Though the Complexion of your Brother's Malice
Resemble Hell, it is not Black enough
To cast a Stain upon your Virgin Whiteness.
As Contraries compar'd set off each other,
The sister's Brightness will expose the Brother.
Por.
O my Octavio! he is still my Brother;
But what do you resolve to do?
Oct.
I must resolve and suddenly, but what
I swear I know not, there have been such Turns
In my Misfortunes, they have made me giddy.
Por.
You must determine, time wastes Octavio.
Oct.
If I should lead you through the Streets, and meet
Th'inquisitive Justice, I daring not
T'avow my self upon the other score
You know of, you might that way be in danger;
We must not venture 't; To Diego.
Run Rascal, and fetch
A Chair immediately.
Die.
A pretty Errand at this time o'th' night;
These Chair-men are exceedingly well natur'd,
Th'are likely to obey a Servant's Orders
After ten a clock.
[Exit Diego.
Oct.
Ye Powers above, why do ye lay so great
A Weight on Human Nature, and bestow
Such an Unequal Force to bear our Loads?
After a long pursute through all those Storms,
Which Hell-bred Malice, or the Power of Fate
Could ever raise, t'oppose a Noble Love;
To be at length possess'd of the Rich Mine,
Where Nature seem'd to have lodg'd all her Treasure;
And in an instant have it ravish'd from me,
Is too rude a Trial for my tir'd Patience
To sustain; I cannot bear it.
Por.
My Sense of this Misfortune Equals yours,
But yet I must conjure you to submit
To Heavens Decrees; such Resignation
'Tis possible, their Justice may induce
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Oct.
Ah Porcia to part with you!
Por.
Loose not your self with me, though we are forc'd
To Separate, yet we are not Divorc'd.
Oct.
Whilst our Souls act by Organs of the Sense,
'Twixt Death and Parting there's no difference.
Por.
Consult your Reason, then you will comply;
Making a Virtue of Necessity.
Oct.
Ah lovely Maid, 'twas not allow'd to Jove
To hold at once his Reason, and his Love.
Enter Diego.
Die.
The Chair is come, Sir, just as I expected.
Oct.
Where is it?
Die.
Even where it was; they are deeply engag'd
At New Cut, and will not leave their Game,
They swear, for all the Dons in Sevil.
Oct.
A curse upon these Rogues! I'l make 'em come,
Or put some of 'em in a condition
To be carri'd themselves.
[Octavio runs out.
Die.
Madam, though I was never yet Unkind
To my own Person, I am so much troubled
At the Disquiet my Mistake has brought you,
That could I do it conveniently, i'faith,
I could even cudgel my self.
Por.
Away Buffon, is this a time for fooling?
Enter Antonio and Sancho.
Ant.
Where is my noble Friend Octavio?
Die.
Did you not meet him at the door, Sir?
Ant.
No.
Die.
He went out just as you came in.
Ant.
Madam, I might have gone to Bed, but not
Addresses himself to Porcia.
To Rest, without returning to enquire
Anew of Yours, and of my Friends Condition;
And once more offer you my Service.
Por.
I take the boldness in Octavio's absence
To return his with my most humble Thanks
For your late generous Assistance of us,
And for this new Addition to our Debt.
Ant.
Madam, though I have not the Happiness
To be Known to you, yet my constant Friendship
With Octavio is of an antient Date;
And all Occasions where I may express
The Fervour of it, are most welcome to me.
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Flo.
O Madam—I'm out of breath with running.
Por.
What Accident, Flora, brings you hither?
Flo.
A sad one, Madam, and requiring haste,
To give you timely notice on't; Don Carlos,
Assisted by the light o'th' Rising Moon,
And by a Mistake of some of your Train,
Has Trac'd you to this House, and in my hearing,
Inform'd your Brother of the Place, and Manner
Of your Retreat, who is now coming hither
Accompani'd with the Corigidor,
To seize on whomsoever shall be found
Within these Walls, upon pretence of Murder.
Por.
O cruel Accident!
Flo.
Madam, make haste, get out at the back door;
Or you will certainly be met withall.
Por.
How vile a Creature am I now become!
For though in my own Innocence secure,
As to my self, t'others I shall appear
Some wicked Woman, that has sold her Honor
To purchase Infamy.
Flo.
They'l instantly be here.
Por.
O that Octavio should just now be absent!
But to expect till he return were madness.
Ant.
Y' have reason, Madam, and if you dare trust
Your Person to the Conduct of a Stranger,
Upon my Honor, Lady, I'l Secure you,
Or Perish in th'Attempt.
Por.
Generous Sir, how shall a wretched Maid,
Abandon'd by her Fate to the pursute
Of an Inhumane Brother, e'r be able
Either to Merit, or Requite your Favours?
Ant.
Madam, they're more than Paid in the Admission,
And your Acceptance of them will transfer
The Obligation, making me the Debtor.
Por.
To your Protection I resign my self,
With equal Gratitude and Confidence.
Ant.
Come Madam, there is no time to be lost;
Diego, find out your Master presently,
And tell him, that the Danger not allowing
Our Stay till his Return, I shall convey
His Mistris safely to a Nunnerie.
Por.
And Flora, stay you here to bring me word,
What he resolves to do in this our desp'rate
Condition.
[Exit Diego.
Flo.
Madam, I shall.
Going out returns.
Ant.
But stay; I swear I'd like to have committed
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Will not be open'd at this time of Night,
Without a strict Inquiry into the Cause;
Besides, 'tis possible, that once Lodg'd there,
She may be out of my Friends Power, or mine,
Ever to get her thence if it be known.
Lady, I have thought better on't; I shall
Conduct you to my Brother-in-law's house;
A Person of such Quality, and Honor,
As is fit to engage in your Protection;
And there my Wife may have the Happiness
T'accompany you, and pay the Offices
Due to your Virtue, and distress'd Condition:
And going to a House that's so much mine,
Make account, Madam, 'tis to your own Home.
Sancho, stay you here to attend Octavio,
Turning to Sancho.
And guide him the next way to my Apartment;
Here is the Key; I shall have little use on't,
Having left Ernesto waiting for me there.
One word more, Sancho; let Octavio know
'Tis my advice that he come in a Chair;
He by that means may scape Examination,
Should he be met with.
Por.
Flora, I pray do you continue here,
And if by any accident Octavio
Should hindred be from coming after us,
Observe his Motions, and where he Fixes;
Then return home; and I shall find some way
Of sending to you to inform my self.
Flo.
I shall not fail t'observe your Orders, Madam.
Ant.
Madam, I'm ready to wait on you.
Por.
Ah cruel Brother! ah my dear Octavio!
O how perverse, and rigorous is my Fate!
Thus to torment me betwixt Love and Hate.
[Exeunt Antonio, Porcia.
San.
'Tis no small Compliment my Master makes
Your Ladie, and her Gallant, at this time
O'th' night to quit his Brother-in-laws, and leave
So fair a Bride as Porcia all alone.
Flo.
What? is his Mistris's name Porcia too?
San.
Yes; and if she has but a fair a Hand-maid
As your self, I shall soon forget my Damsel
In the Low-countries.
Flo.
If your Low-country Damsels resemble us,
You would not be put to't to forget first;
But I believe that you are safe enough;
I have not heard such Praises of their Wit,
But that we may suppose they have good Memories.
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Die.
Is not my Master yet return'd?
Flo.
No.
Die.
Well; now have we an Honorable Cause
To wear the Beadles Livery; faith, Flora,
If your tender Sex had not been privileg'd
From this harsh Discipline, how prettily
Would the Beadles Crimson Lace show upon
Thy white back.
Flo.
'T won't do so well as on a darker ground;
'Twill suit much better with your Tawney hide.
San.
I pray, Camerade, is it the Mode in Sevil
To be Whip'd for Company?
Die.
Oh! a well-bred Soldier will ne'r refuse
Such a Civility to an old Friend;
This is a new way of being a Second,
To shew your Passive Courage.
San.
We Soldiers do not use to show our Backs.
Die.
Not to your Enemies; but, Sir, the Beadle
Will prove your Friend, for your Blood being Heated
With your long Journey, Breathing of a Vein
Is very requisite.
San.
Would to Heaven that I were in the Camp again
There we are never stript till we are dead.
Enter Octavio, and the Chair-men appear at the door.
To the Chair-men.
Oct.
Be sure you stir not thence till I return.
Sirrha, where's Porcia?
Die.
She's fled away i'th' dark, with a Young man
Of your acquaintance.
Oct.
Rascal, leave your fooling.
Die.
There's none i'th' case, Sir, 'tis the wisest thing
She ever did, had she staid your return,
She would have fall'n into those very Clutches,
In which you will immediately be grip'd,
Unless you make more haste: Flora is come
With all possible speed, to let you know
Th'are coming with the Justice to lay hold
Of all within this House, upon pretence
Of a most horrid Murder; be quick, Sir;
And save yourself. She's safe in a Nunnerie;
Conducted thither by Antonio;
Where, poor Lady, she's dropping for you now
More Beads, perhaps, than Tears.
Oct.
Peace Screetch-Owl; Fire consume that Tongue of thine.
What saist thou Villain? in a Nunnerie?
Porcia in a Nunnerie? O Heavens! nothing
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What hope's there left ever to get her thence,
After such Accidents as these made Publique?
An Flora, is it true that my dear Porcia
Is gone into a Monastery?
Flo.
Once, Sir, 'twas so resolv'd, and Diego sent
To give you notice on't; but afterwards
He being gone, they chang'd their Resolutions:
There's one can tell you more—
Pointing to Sancho.
San.
My Master bad me stay to let you know
He has convey'd her to his own Apartment,
In his Brother-in-laws House, a person
So eminent in Quality, and Credit,
That the ingaging him in her, and your
Protection, Sir, may much avail you both;
Besides, she'l have the pleasure there of being
Very well treated by my Master's Bride.
There he'l expect you, Sir, and does advise
Your coming in a Chair, to avoid Question
In case of any Encounter.
Flo.
And my walking by, Sir, as an Attendant,
Will pass you without scruple for a Lady.
Oct.
I'l take his counsel, he's a generous Friend,
Come Chair-men, away. To Sancho.
Pray, friend, do you guide us.
Die.
Up with your Burden Beasts, and fall forth-with
To your Half-Trot.
[Exeunt.
The Chair is carri'd over the Stage, Diego, Sancho, and Flora follow.
[A Noise within, Follow, follow, follow.
Enter Carlos, the Corigidor, and Serjeants, pursuing Sancho, Flora, and Diego.
Die.
This is one of Don Cupid's pretty Jeasts.
W' are struck upon a Shelf before we could
Put out to Sea.
Flo.
Oh, we are undone Diego!
Car.
You find, Sir, my Conjectures not ill grounded.
To the Corrigidor.
Cor.
What are you, Sirrha?
Die.
A Living Creature, very like a Man,
Onely I want a Heart.
Cor.
Y'are pleasant, Sir, pray Heaven your mirth continue.
Who is that Woman with the Veil?
Die.
Let her answer for her self, sh'has a Tongue,
Set it but once a going, and she'l tell
All that she knows, and more.
Cor.
Make her discover her face.
[One of the Serjeants goes to lift up her Veil.
Car.
Hold Friend; Cozin, if it should be Porcia,
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Cor.
'Tis very well consider'd, go you to her,
And speak to her in private.
[Carlos goes towards Flora.
Flo.
'Tis I Sir, Flora, who being commanded
By my Lady—
Carl.
Speak softly prithee Flora, 'tis enough;
I understand the rest, and pitty her;
Bid her sit still i'th' Chair, I'l do my best
To save her from the Fury of her Brother.
Flo.
(aside ... )
He thinks 'tis Porcia there, a good Mistake,
It may secure Octavio for the present
From the hands of this rude Rabble; ( ... aside)
To Octavio in the Chair.
Sit still,
They take you for my Mistris Sir, I'l follow
The Chair, and have a watchful Eye on all
Occasions, that may further your Escape.
Car.
We have found our wandring Nymph.
Cor.
Is it Porcia her self?
Car.
No, 'tis her Woman Flora following
The Chair, wherein they were conveying her
To some other place.
Cor.
We arriv'd luckily, had we but staid
A moment longer, they had all been fled.
Ser.
Will you have us see, Sir, who's in the Chair?
Cor.
Forbear Fellow! To Carlos.
Her own Folly's punishment
Enough t' a Woman of her Quality,
Without our adding that of Publique shame.
Carl.
'Twas luckily thought on, when you oblig'd
Don Henrique to expect us at your House;
For had he come, and found his Sister thus,
'T had not been possible to have restrain'd
His Passion from some great Extravagance.
Cor.
I could not think it fit to let him come;
For one of such a Spirit could ne'r brook
The sight of those had done him these Affronts,
Without invading those strict Rules, which might
Render his Life obnoxious to the Laws.
'Tis better that a business of this nature,
(Chiefly 'twixt Persons of such Quality)
Should rather be reduc'd by Mediation
(If it be possible) to some fair Agreement,
Than to a publique Trial by the Law,
Or, which is worse, some Barbarous Revenge.
Looking upon Diego.
Carl.
This Fellow (if I am not much mistaken)
Is Don Octavio's Man.
Cor.
Who do you belong too, Friend?
Die.
To no body, Sir.
Cor.
Do not you serve?
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Yes Sir, but my Master is not himself.
Cor.
Take his Sword from him Serjeant.
The Serjeant goes to take away his Sword.
Die.
Diego disarm'd by any other hand
Than by his own? know Friend, it is a Weapon
Of such dire Execution, that I dare not
Deliver it, but to the hands of Justice.
The Corrigidor receives the Sword, and gives it to one of his Serjeants.
Signior, pray call for it, when you come home,
And hang't up in your Hall, then under-write,
This is bold Diego's Sword; O may it be
Ever from Rust, as 'tis from Slaughter free.
Cor.
Thou art a Fellow of a pleasant humour.
Die.
Signior, I never pain my self for Love,
Or Fame, or Riches, nor do I pretend
To that great subtilty of Sense to Feel
Before I am Hurt, and for the most part
I keep my self out of Harms way.
Carl.
The Definition of a Philosopher.
Cor.
Come, leave your fooling Sirrha, wher's your Master
Die.
I am afraid we are not to be parted.
Cor.
Whom do you mean?
Die.
My Master, my Self, and the Fool your Worship
Mentions, for sure one that had any Wit,
Would never serve a Lover Militant;
He had better wait upon a Mountebank,
And be run through the Body twice a week
To recommend his Balsom.
Cor.
This Fellow's an Original.
Die.
But of so ill a hand, I am not worth
The hanging up, Sir, in my Masters room,
Amongst the worst of your Collection.
Enter Serjeants with two Foot-men, and two Maid-servants.
Serj.
An't please your Worship, we have search'd the House,
From th'Cellars to the Garrits, and these are all
The living Cattel we can find.
Cor.
Friends take a special care of that same Varlet,
And the Waiting-woman; we'l find a way
To make them tell the Truth, I warrant you.
Flo.
O Diego! must we be Prisoners together?
Die.
Why, that's not so bad as the Bands of Wedlock,
Flora.
Cor.
Come, let's away; but whither to convey her—
To her own House certainly were not fit,
Because of her incensed Brother.
Car.
If you approve it, Cozin, I'l carry her
To mine; for since we seek (if possible)
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With much more Decency, and Satisfaction,
And less expos'd to Censure of the World,
Being in a Kinsmans House, and having there
My Sister to accompany her.
Cor.
This business cannot be in better hands,
Than yours; and there I'l leave it, and bid you
Good-night.
As the Corrigidor goes out.
Carl.
Your Servant Cozin, I wish you well home.
Cozin, you may be pleased to take your Serjeants
Along with you; there are without two Servants
Belonging to Don Henrique, they'l suffice
To guard our Prisoners, and with far less notice.
Cor.
Come Serjeants, follow me.
To the Footmen and Maids.
Carl.
Well, you may go about your business, Friends,
I'l not be troubled with ye; I am glad
We did not find Octavio here; though I
Might unaffected Ignorance pretend,
I would not bring him (though by chance) t'his End.
[Exeunt Servants.
San.
Well, I am now sufficiently instructed,
And since there is no notice taken of me,
I'l fairly steal away, and give my Master
Account of this Misfortune.
[Exit Sancho.
Carl.
Take up the Chair, and follow me.
[They take up the Chair.
Die.
A Lovely Dame they bear, 'tis true, she's something
Hairie, but that's a sign of Strength.
Carl.
Make haste, I long to let Don Henrique know,
That his lost Sister is by my dexterity
Recovered, and I hope to find some means
To calm his Furie, and to repossess
My Cozin Porcia, and (if't be possible)
Octavio of his good Graces. Come away.
[The Chair is carri'd off.
Die.
How like an Ass he'l look, when op'ning the Shell,
His Worship finds within so rough a Kernel.
[Exeunt omnes.
The Scene Changes to Don Antonio's Apartment in Don Henrique's House.
Enter Antonio and Porcia.
Ant.
Madam, banish all your Fears, you are now
Safe in this House; be pleas'd to remain here,
Till I shall bring some Lights, and acquaint Porcia
With th'Honor she receives in entertaining
47
Por.
Who is't you say you will advertise Sir?
Ant.
My Wife Porcia; have but a little patience;
And she shall wait upon you.
[Exit Antonio.
Por.
Is her name Porcia too? I pray Heaven send her
A better Fate than her distressed Names-sake.
O Octavio! O Love! how dear do you
Cost me! where am I brought? what House is this?
What with my Fears, and Darkness, I have lost
All my measures; I can't so much as guess
What Quarter of the Town it is w'are in,
For to avoid th'Encounter of my Brother,
And his Revengeful Train, we have been forc'd
To make so many Turnings, I am Giddy.
But thanks to Providence I have this comfort,
That I am in a place out of his reach.
Enter Antonio with two Lights, and sets them on the Table.
Ant.
Madam, my Wife will presently attend you.
Pardon I pray my absence for a moment.
[Exit Antonio.
Por.
Now I begin to hope my Sighes, and Tears,
Have in some sort with the just Heavens prevail'd
At length to free me— Looking about her.
But what do I see!
Am I awake, or is it an Illusion?
Is not this my Brother's House? Is not this
The Quarter joining to my own Apartment?
There is no room for Doubt, and my Misfortunes
Are always Certain; Miserable Creature,
That I should be thus Bandi'd up and down
From one Hazard t'another, greater still.
Ah cruel Heavens! what have I ever done
To deserve this lasting Persecution?
But how came I here? brought by Octavio's friend,
Upon whose Virtue I did so relie
That I my Brothers Malice durst defie.
Can he betray me? sure I am in a Dream.
But if Octavio—O vile Suspition!
Octavio false? no, Truth and He are one.
'Tis possible his Friend may guilty be;
But to what end so base a Treacherie:
And if Perfidious, how could he be his Friend.
I am confounded with the various forms
Of my Misfortunes, Heightned still the more,
The less I can their Hidden Cause explore.
This onely's evident, that I must flie
Immediately this fatal place; But why
Struggle I thus with Fate? since Go, or Stay,
48
Death seems alike to wait me every way.
Enter Antonio and Camilla.
Cam.
I wonder much what Lady this can be
Aside.
Antonio mentions.
Ant.
Pardon, my dearest Mistris, the Liberty
Which I so early take; but I presume
Such is your Generous Tenderness to those,
Whose sad Misfortunes, not their Faults, have driven
Into Distress, that you will think your self
Oblig'd to him, who gives you the occasion
To exercise those Virtues which do Visit
Others, but Reside with you; This fair Lady—
But she will best relate her own sad Story;
Whilst I seek out Don Henrique, and engage him
Both to Protect and Serve her with his Credit.
[Exit Antonio.
Upon Camilla's approach Porcia takes the Handkerchief from her Eyes.
She runs after Antonio.
Cam.
Ha! what's that I see? stay, stay Antonio.
It is not fit Don Henrique,—but he's gone,
And we are lost for ever.
Porc.
O Heavens! is this Antonio, the same Man
To whom I am Betroth'd? then my Destruction
Is inevitable.
Cam.
Are you an Apparition? or are you
Porcia her self? speak, that when y' have said it thrice
I may not yet believe you.
Por.
You well may Doubt even what you See Camilla;
Since my Disasters are so new, and strange,
They sever Truth from Credibility.
Cam.
How is it possible you should be here?
Por.
I know not how, onely of this I'm sure,
I have not long t'expect the dismal end
Of my sad Tragedy; since 'tis evident
The Person that hath led me to this Place,
This fatal Place, is the abus'd Antonio;
Who with my Cruel Brother has conspir'd
To take away my wretched life, and chose
This Scene as fittest for their Cruelty.
And thus, strange Fate! (through ignorance betraid)
I have Protection sought from the same Partie,
Whom I have Injur'd, and have made my Husband
Th'onely Confident of his own Affront:
Who to accomplish his too just Revenge,
As well upon my Family, as Person,
Gives me up to be Murder'd by my Brother.
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He'l be detested as a Parricide.
Cam.
Prodigious Accident! but wert thou blind
Not to know thine own House unhappy Porcia?
Por.
Alas, how could I in so dark a Night,
In such Confusion, and so full of Fear?
Besides, he brought me in by the Back way,
Through his own Quarter, where was neither Light,
Nor any Creature of the Family.
Cam.
Although I cannot comprehend the steps
Of this your strange Adventure, yet dear Cozin,
Your case (as I conceive) is not so desperate.
Por.
“We easily perswade our selves to hope
“The things we wish; but Cozin, my condition
Will not admit Self-flattery, and what
Can you propose to temper my Despair?
Cam.
Don't you remember, how this very Evening
Antonio's Man finding me in your Quarter
Without a Veil (you having put on mine)
That he appli'd himself to me, and I
By your command, your Person did assume?
Por.
Yes very well.
Cam.
The Master since has by the Man's Mistake
Been happily led into the same Error,
And I not disabus'd him yet, in hopes
It might produce Advantage to us both.
Por.
Oh! he has spoken with my Brother since,
Who sure has Undeceiv'd him long ere this.
No, without doubt they having found themselves
Affronted both, have both conspir'd my death.
Cam.
How Cozin can that be? if Don Antonio
In your Protection has engag'd himself,
And is Octavio's Friend.
Por.
Cozin, if you impartially reflect
On the Affront which I have done Antonio,
You will not wonder much if he recede
From the scarce-troden Path of rigid Honor
To meet with his Revenge; and to that end
Proceeds thus cautelously, and does feign
Not to know me, that he may disavow
Both to Octavio, and to all the world,
Th'Infamy of Betraying a poor Maid
To loss of Life and Honor.
Cam.
Misfortunes make you rave; this vile Suspition
Is inconsistent with Antonio's Fame:
You may as well believe that Nature will
Reverse the order of the whole Creation,
As that Antonio, a Man, whose Soul
50
Should ere descend to such a slavish Sin.
And if we had the leisure, I could give you
Such reasons to convince you of your Error,
That you would easily acknowledge it.
Aside.
Por.
I had forgot her near Concernments for
Antonio. Pardon and Pitty me Camilla;
My mind is by Afflictions made so Weak,
I'm ready to believe Impossibilities.
Cam.
I Pitty thee with all my heart; but Cozin,
If Antonio not knowing you, nor your
Relations, should chance to find your Brother,
And him inform of what has pass'd, and that
He has convey'd the distress'd Partie hither,
He'l presently imagine it is you;
And then (I fear) 'twill be impossible
(Though he should interpose with all his power)
To stop the Iorrent, or divert his Rage
From breaking in, and executing on us
That horrid Parricide, which (though too late)
It may be he himself would execrate.
Por.
There's too much ground for what you fear Camilla:
But if we could secure our selves this night,
There were some hopes that we to morrow may
Engage both Don Antonio, and your Brother
To find out some Expedient to redeem me
From this deplorable condition.
Cam.
Were you onely in pain for your Security
This night, I know an easie Remedy
For that.
Por.
Which way my Dearest?
Cam.
Why what does hinder us from making use
(On this occasion) of the secret Door,
By which (you know) you have so often past
Into our House (upon more pleasing Errands?)
By this we shall these Benefits obtain;
Of Safety from your Brothers present Fury,
And time to try if Carlos, and Antonio
May be ingag'd to mediate in this Business.
And I have cause to think you will not find
Antonio so implacable, as you
Imagine.
Por.
I conceive you Cozin; Fool that I was,
To think a Heart once Conquer'd by your Eyes
Should e'r become another Virgin's Prize.
Enter Antonio.
Ant.
So late; a Guest in's House; that's come so far;
51
Aside.
There's something in't I cannot comprehend.
I cannot, Madam, yet find out your Brother,
But sure 'twill not be long ere he return.
Then I'l acquaint him with the Accident
Has made his House this Ladie's Sanctuary.
Por.
(Aside)
Here is a glympse of comfort, for I see
He takes my Cozin for Don Henrique's Sister;
O bless'd Mistake so luckily continu'd!
Cam.
I am by his permission Mistris here,
And since that I am pleas'd Sir, 'tis enough,
Without our troubling him with the Account
Of her sad Story.
Ant.
Yes, Madam, as to th'Excuse, but 'twere fit
He knew it too, that we might serve our selves
Of his Credit in this Ladie's Protection.
Enter Henrique.
Henr.
(aside ... )
Though I did promise the Corrigidor
Not to stir from his House, till his return,
Yet I could not obtain it of my self;
I'm so impatient to unfold the Riddle
Of Don Antonio's seeing of my Sister,
And entertaining her in her own Lodgings;
I shall not now be long i'th' dark. ( ... aside)
He sees her.
O Heavens!
'Tis she her self, and Camilla with her:
Were all my Servants mad, or all agreed
T'abuse me, in affirming she was fled?
But Don Carlos, was he mad too, to swear
That he had trac'd her to an other House?
Certainly I, or they must be Possess'd;
Or some Inchantment reigns within these Walls.
Ant.
O here comes Don Henrique, I'l now acquaint him
With your sad Story Madam.
Cam.
I fear we are undone.
Ant.
Don Henrique—
Por.
I'm dead if he proceed, but how to hinder him—
Ant.
Here's a Lady with your Sister Porcia—
Henr.
Yes, Sir, I see who 'tis.
Ant.
Since you know her Sir, you will the eas'lier
Excuse my boldness.
Henr.
Boldness, in what Sir?
Ant.
To have been th'occasion of your finding her
Here, with your Sister, at this time of night.
Henr.
Lord Sir, what do you mean?
Ant.
Truly there was a Necessity in it,
Which will, I hope, excuse my Intercession
With you in her behalf.
52
Now all comes out.
Henr.
I understand you Sir, she does desire
To pass this night with Porcia, to assist her
In ordering her Nuptial Ceremonies:
Let her stay here a God's name.
Por.
(Aside)
If he does not dissemble, my Condition
Is not so desperate as I imagin'd.
Ant.
I hope you'l pardon this great Liberty;
So early a Confidence will need it, Sir.
Henr.
'Tis more than enough Sir, that you desire it,
Th'Occasion too does justifie her stay.
Ant.
'Tis most true Sir, the Occasion did inforce me
Thus boldly to presume upon your Friendship.
Henr.
Ha' done for Heavens sake, is it a Novelty
Think you for Porcia, and her Cozin-Germin
To pass a Night together?
Ant.
Aside.
Is she so near a Kinswoman of his?
Strange Inadvertence in her not to tell me
Her relation to him, when I nam'd him first.
I'd made fine work on't had I told him all.
Looking on the Ladies.
Henr.
She knows I owe her many a Good-turn
Upon Octavio's score, and hope ere long
To be able to repay her to the full.
Por.
Can he declare his mind in plainer terms?
Cam.
I cannot tell which of us two he means,
But I begin to fear that he knows all.
Henr.
Since 'tis so late, pray give the Ladies leave
To retire to their Chambers; Go in Sister.
Ant.
Aside.
My Brothers Words, and his Behaviour
Imply some Mystery; I must be silent
Till I discover more.
Por.
Let us begone, w'are lost if we stay here;
I'm confident he counterfeits this Calm
To disguise his Revenge, until Antonio,
And the rest of the House are gone to Bed.
Cam.
But we shall ne'r be able to get out
Whilst they continue in the outward Rooms.
Por.
Yes, by the Garden-dore, but I'm afraid
'Tis shut.
Cam.
No; now I think on't, Flora went that way,
And left it open.
Por.
Come, lett's be gone; I hope Heaven does ordain
Ease by that Door which first let in my Pain.
[Exeunt Porcia and Camilla.
Ant.
I'l onely make a step Sir, to my Lodging,
And then return to you immediately.
Henr.
Pray give me leave to wait on you.
Ant.
I humbly thank you Sir, I know the way,
53
Henr.
Y'are Master here, Sir.
Ant.
I'l now go see whether my Servant Sancho
Has brought Octavio to my Apartment,
As I directed him.
[Exit Antonio.
Henr.
Heavens! was there ever so strange a Mystery!
Don Carlos he affirm'd that those we fought with
Had convey'd Porcia away, and when I come
To seek her in the House I find her missing,
To second this, her Waiting woman Flora
Tells me that she went down, about that time,
Into th'Garden; Antonio, not long after,
Affirms that he both saw, and entertain'd her
In her own Apartment, where I now find her,
And Camilla with her: What can this be?
These sure are Riddles to pose an Oedipus;
But if by my own Sense I am assur'd
My Honor's safe, which was so much in doubt,
What matter is it how 'tis brought about.
| The Adventures of Five Hours | |