 | The Adventures of Five Hours |  |
THE FIFTH ACT.
The SCENE is DON CARLOS's House.Enter Diego, Flora, and Geraldo accompanying the Chair, greaping as i' the dark.
Ger.
Dame Flora, and Signior Diego, go in there.
And you my Friends, set down the Chair i'th' door;
And when the Party's enter'd, pull it to;
'Twill lock of't self; that done, you may be gone:
There's Mony for you; I'l go fetch a Candle.
[Exit Geraldo.
Diego, and Flora go in, and the Chair being set in the door, Octavio goes out into the room, the Chair-men clap to the door, and go away.
Enter Octavio, Diego, Flora, at another door.
Oct.
What! put in all alone here i'the dark!
Groaping as i'th' dark.
And the door shut upon me! Diego, Flora.
Die.
Here am I Sir, and Flora too, unless
My Sense of feeling fails me.
Oct.
I can't conjecture where we are; I durst not
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Gave me the warning; but where e'r I am,
'Tis better far than in the Serjeants hands.
Flo.
Though now i'th' dark, I know well where we are:
I have too often walk'd the Streets, Octavio,
From your House hither, upon Cupid's Errants,
Not to know the back door of Carlos's
Apartment; 'tis there I am sure w' are now.
Oct.
Curse on thee, Flora! had'st thou lost thy wits
Not to let me know it sooner! think'st thou
I should have tamely suffer'd them to bring me,
Like a poor Bird shut in a Cage, t' a place,
Where I must look for nothing but Destruction.
Die.
A Gypsie told me by my Palm long since,
A sour-fac'd Damsel should be my destruction.
Flo.
Suspend a while your Apprehensions, Sir;
You may escape before the Candles come;
The door was wont to open on this side;
If not, I have another way in store.
[Octavio goes to the door.
Striving to open the door.
Oct.
Flora, I cannot make the Lock go back.
Ger. unlocks it on the other side, and coming in with a Candle, meets with Octavio, and starting back and stumbling lets the Candle fall, then running out again locks fast the door.
Die.
Nay then, i'faith, w'are fast; I heard him give
The Key a double Turn.
[Diego takes up the Candle.
Here's a fair Trial for your Maiden breath,
Flora blow 't in again, let's owe your Mouth
More Light, than yet your Eyes could e'r impart.
Flo.
Light's cast away on such an Owl as you;
But yet I'l trie.
[Flora blows the Candle in.
Die.
Thanks, gentle Flora, to your Virgin Puff;
'Tis a Strong breath that can o're-come a Snuff.
[Aside.
But I had rather 't had been let alone:
If I must needs be slain, unless it were
Behind my back, I'd have it i' the dark;
For I hate to be kill'd in my own presence.
Oct.
What must we do Flora? all my hope's in you.
Flo.
There is yet room for Hope; there's a Back-stairs
Beyond that inner Chamber, that goes down
Into the Garden, if the door be open,
As certainly it is, the way is easie.
Oct.
Come, let's lose no time; prethee guide us Flora.
[Exeunt.
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Enter Don Henrique.
Henr.
As well pleas'd as I am, to find my Honor
Less Desperate than I thought, I cannot rest
Till I have drawn from Porcia a Confession
Of the whole Truth, before she goes to bed;
She's in her Chamber now, unless by new
Enchantments carried thence.
As he is going towards Porcia's Chamber, Enter Carlos in haste.
Carl.
(aside ... )
I can't imagine what should make Don Henrique
Quit the Corrigidors till we return'd:
One of his Servants tells me he's come home.
O here he is; now shall I raise a storm
Which (if we do not take a special care)
Will scarce b' allaid without a showr of Blood;
Yet I must venture't, since it so imports
Our Friendship, and the Honor of our House. ( ... aside)
Happiness is a stranger to Mankind,
And like to a Forc'd Motion, it is ever
Strongest at the beginning, then Languishing
With time, grows weary of our company;
But to Misfortunes we so subject are,
That like to Natural motion they prove still
More Vigorous in their Progress.
Henr.
What means this Philosophical Preamble?
Carl.
You'l know too soon I fear.
Henr.
Don Carlos, I am now so well recover'd
From all m' Inquietudes, that for the future
I dare defie the Malice of my Stars
To cause a new Relapse into Distemper.
Carl.
Cozin, I'm so surpriz'd with this great change,
That my Confusion does suppress my Joy;
But since y'are so much Master of your Passions,
I'l spare my Ethicks, and proceed to give you
In short the Narrative of our success;
The Corrigidor (as we did expect
Forward to serve you in th'Affair I mention'd)
Was pleas'd to go along with me in person,
With a strong Band of Serjeants, to the place,
Where I attended by your Servants led him:
Cozin, 'twas there; it wounds my heart to speak it;
And I conjure you summon all your Patience:
'Twas there I found—
Henr.
Whom Cozin did you find? for since I'm sure
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In your Discoveries are very unlikely
To discompose me.
Carl.
I would to Heaven we had not found her there.
Henr.
What's that you say, Cozin, my Sister there!
Carl.
Yes Sir, your Sister.
Henr.
My Sister! that's good i'faith: ha, ha, ha.
Carl.
Why do you laugh? is the Dishonor of
Your Family become a Laughing Matter?
This is a worse Extreme me-thinks than t'other.
Henr.
How can I choose but Laugh to see you Dream;
Awake for Heavens sake; and recall your Senses;
Porcia there said you?
Carl.
Yes Sir, Porcia I say; your Sister Porcia;
And which is more, 'twas in Octavio's House.
Henr.
Why sure y'are not in earnest, Cozin.
Carl.
As sure as you're alive I found her there.
Henr.
Then you transport me, Sir, beyond all patience:
Why Cozin, if she has been still at home,
Antonio seen, and entertain'd her here,
Accompani'd by Camilla; if even now
I left them there within; Is't possible
You should have found her in Octavio's House?
To be here, and there too, at the same time,
None sure but Janus with his double face
Can e'r unfold this Mystery.
Carl.
Sir, let me advise you; Abuse not your self:
I tell you positively I found her there:
And by the same Token, her Waiting-woman
Flora was there attending her.
Henr.
Flora! dear Cozin, do not still persist
Thus to affirm impossibilities.
Carl.
Sure you are making some Experiment
Upon my Temper, and would fain provoke
My Patience to some such high Disorder,
That I should ne'r hereafter have the face
When you are in your Fits to play the Stoick.
Henr.
Cozin, I swear to you upon my Honor,
'Tis not above a quarter of an hour,
Since I did speak with Porcia, and your Sister
In that very Apartment, and am now
Returning to them in my Sister's Chamber.
Carl.
And Sir, I swear to you upon my Honor,
'Tis not above a quarter of an hour,
Since I left Porcia carried in a Chair
From Don Octavio's House, your man Geraldo
Conducting the Chair-men to mine, and follow'd
By Flora, whilst I came to find you out
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But fit for you to know as soon might be.
Henr.
This Question, Cozin, may be soon decided,
Pray come along, her Chamber's not far off.
Carl.
And my House is but the next door, let's in.
Henr.
You'l quickly find your Error.
Carl.
And you'l as soon be Undeceiv'd; but stay,
Here comes your Servant, whom I left to Guard her;
He'l instantly convince you of the Truth.
Enter Geraldo.
Ger.
O Sir!
Henr.
What brings you hither Geraldo?
Ger.
O Sir, I bring you such rare news, your Enemy,
Your Enemy Octavio—I'm out of breath.
Henr.
What does the Varlet mean?
Ger.
Sir, I suppose Don Carlos has inform'd you
That he left me to see your Sister Porcia,
With Flora, and Diego Octavio's Man
Safely convey'd t'his House.
Carl.
See now Don Henrique, who was i' the Right.
Ger.
I did as he commanded me, and put them
All three into Don Carlos's Anti-chamber;
Porcia in the same Chair which brought her thither;
And for more safety made the door be lock'd;
Whilst I went down in haste to fetch a Light.
Henr.
As sure as Death this Madness is Infectious;
My Man is now in one of Carlos Fits.
Ger.
Returning with a Light a moment after,
No sooner open'd I the door, but Heavens!
Who should I see there standing just before me
In the same place where I left Porcia, but
Octavio, your Enemy Octavio.
Hen.
Here is some Witch-craft sure; what can this mean?
Ger.
Amaz'd at th'sight, I let the Candle fall;
And clapt the door to; then I double-lock'd it,
And brought away the Key.
Carl.
But how could he get in, if you be sure
You lock'd the door, when you went out for Lights?
Ger.
I know not whether he was there before,
Or got in after, but of this I'm sure,
That there I have him now, and safe enough.
Carl.
I am sorry for it.
[Aside.
Henr.
Let's not, Don Carlos, now perplex our selves
With needless Circumstances, when? and how?
Those Queries are too Flegmatick for me;
If the Beast be i'th' Toil it is enough;
Let us go seize upon him; he must die.
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Ant.
Good Brother, what unhappy Man is he,
Whom you so positively doom to death?
I have a Sword to serve you in all occasions
Worthy of you, and me.
Henr.
His intervening, Carlos, is unlucky,
How shall we govern our selves towards him
In this Affair? so unfit for his knowledge?
Carl.
(Aside)
Antonio is a Man of shining Honor;
But having such a share in this Affront,
If once he know't, I am afraid he'l bring
Fuel, not Water to Don Henrique's Fire.
To Henrique
Don Henrique, you must suddenly resolve
What answer to return, he's not a Man
To be put off with any slight Pretences;
Nor yet to be engag'd in such an Action,
As bears th'appearance rather of Cruelty,
Than Honor, and you know, Antonio needs
No fresh Occasions to support his Name;
“Who Dangers seek, are indigent of Fame.
Ant.
Aside.
I find my coming hath disorder'd them,
There's somthing they would fain conceal from me;
All here is discompos'd, what er's the matter.
Carl.
Perhaps 'twere better to suspend a while
The Execution of your just Revenge:
Time, and mature weighing of Circumstances,
Never did harm in Actions of this Nature;
Where one has still the Party in his Power.
Henr.
A Curse on your Tame Proposition Carlos!
Carl.
“He, who the Rules of Temperance neglects,
“From a Good Cause may produce Vile Effects.
To Antonio.
Henr.
I doubt not of your kind Concurrence, Sir,
In all the near Concernments of a Person
Alli'd to you as I am; but Noble Brother,
It were against the Laws of Hospitality,
And Civil Prudence to engage a Guest
(Newly arriv'd after so long a Journey)
In an occasion, Sir, of Blood, and Hazard.
Ant.
If such be the occasion, I must then
Acquaint you freely, that I wear a Sword,
Which must not be excluded from your Service;
I'm sure you are too Noble t'imploy yours
In any Cause not justifi'd by Honor;
But I confess there are Affronts so great,
And heightned by such odious Circumstances,
As do release us from the usual Forms
Of Generous Revenge; and set us free
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Henr.
Though with Regret I see, Sir, I must yield
To your excess of Generosity;
This onely I shall say to satisfie
Your just Reflections; that my Resentments
Are grounded on Affronts of such a Nature,
That as nothing but the Offender's Life
Can e'r repair them, so as to the Forms
Of taking that Revenge, they can't admit
Of the least scruple.
Ant.
Honor's my Standard; and 'tis true, that I
Had rather Fall, than Blush for Victory;
But you are such a Judge of Honor's Laws,
That 'twere Injurious to suspect your Cause.
Allow me, Sir, th'honor to lead the way.
Exit Antonio and Henrique.
Carl.
If Porcia be there too, (as I believe)
'Twill prove, I fear, a fatal Tragedy;
But should she not be there; yet 'tis too much
For such a Heart as mine, through Ignorance
To have betraid a Gentleman, though Faulty,
Into such Cruel hands; I must go with them;
But so resolv'd, as in this Bloody strife
I'l salve my Honor, or I'l lose my Life.
[Exit Carlos.
The Scene changes to Carlos's House.
Enter Octavio, Diego, Flora with a Candle.
Flo.
O the unluckiness! I vow t'you Sir,
I have scarce known that door e'r lock'd before.
Oct.
There's no Remedy Flora, I am now
At the Mercy of my Enemies.
Die.
Having broken into another's Ground,
'Tis just i'faith, you should be put i'th Pound.
Oct.
The Tide of my ill Fate is swoln so high,
'Twill not admit encrease of Miserie;
Since amongst all the Curses there is none
So wounds the Spirit, as Privation.
For 'tis not where we Lie, but whence we Fell,
The Loss of Heaven's the greatest Pain in Hell;
When I had sail'd the doubtful Course of Love,
Had safely gain'd my Port, and far above
My Hopes, the precious Treasure had secur'd,
For which so many Storms I had endur'd;
To be so soon from this great Blessing torn,
That's hard to say, if 'twere first Dead, or Born,
May doubtless seem such a transcendent Curse,
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Yet this I bore with an erected face,
Since Fortune, not my Fault caus'd my Disgrace;
But now my Eyes unto the Earth are bent,
Conscious of meriting this Punishment,
For trusting a fond Maid's Officious Care,
My Life, and Honor's taken in this Snare;
And thus I perish on this unseen Shelf,
Pursu'd by Fate, and False unto my self.
He pulls out his Tablets.
Flora, when I am dead, be sure that you
These Tablets give to Porcia; there she'l find,
That to th'Extremest Moment of my Life
I constantly pursu'd those Noble Ways,
Which might Deserve her, though I could not Have her.
Give me the Candle.
Octavio sets the Candle on a Table, and sits down as to write in his Tablets.
Die.
A double Curse upon all Love in earnest,
All Constant Love; 'tis still accompani'd
With strange Disasters; or else ends in that
Which is the worst of all Disasters Marriage.
Flo.
Sure you could wish that every body living
Had such a Soul of Quick-silver, as yours,
That can fix no where.
Die.
Why 'twould not be the worse for you, dear Flora,
You then might hope in time to have your Turn,
As well as those, who have much better Faces.
Flo.
You, I presume Sir, would be one o'th' latest
Which I should hear of, yet 'tis possible
That one might see you, before you should be welcom.
Die.
She has Wit, and good Humor; excellent
Ingredients to pass away the time;
And I have kindness for her Person too,
But that will end with Marriage, and possibly
Her good Humor; for I have seldom known
The Husband, and the Wife make any Musick,
Though when asunder they can play their parts;
Well, friend Diego, I advise you to Look
Before you Leap, for if you should be Coupled
To a Yoak instead of a Yoak-fellow,
'Tis likely you may wear it to your Grave.
Yet, honest Diego, now I think on't better,
Your Dancing, and your Vaulting days are done,
Faith all your Pleasures are three Stories high,
Th'are come up to your Mouth, for you are now
For Ease, and Eating, th'onely Joys of Life,
And there's no Cook, nor Drie-Nurse like a Wife.
[Flora over-hears him.
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I could find Reasons too for Matrimony,
A Stale Maid is a horrible reproach,
I must confess it; and a Waiting-woman
Does onely change a Mistris for a Master;
I may quit her, 'tis true, but not my Husband,
And on the other side she may quit me,
And turn me off, when old, and good for nothing.
A Husband's bound to keep me still; In fine,
For ought I can perceive the Scales are Equal,
I may throw Cross and Pile, which Life I'd have,
The Single Begger, or the Marri'd Slave;
But heark! the Door within, from whence we came
Is newly open'd, or my Ears deceive me.
Die.
Methoughts I heard it too, let us peep in.
[They look into the next Room, and start back.
O Sir, w'are lost, I see two Female-Giants
Runs to Octavio.
Coming most terribly upon us.
Oct.
Away you troublesome Fool.
Enter Camilla and Porcia, the one with a Key, the other with a Candle.
Por.
I'm confident no body saw us pass
From th'other House.
Cam.
However, let's go through my Brother's Quarter,
And open the Back-door into the Street;
'Tis good in all Events t'have a Retreat
More ways, than one.
A door claps behind, and both look back.
Por.
O Heavens! our surest is cut off, the Wind
Has clapt that door to thorough which we came.
Cam.
The Accident's unlucky, 'tis a Spring-lock,
That opens onely on the other side.
Por.
Let's on the faster, and make sure of th'other.
Octavio here!
Octavio hearing them starts up with the Tablets in's hand.
Oct.
Porcia in this place! may I trust my Senses,
Or does my Fancy create these Chimeras?
Die.
Either we Sleep, and Dream extravagantly;
Or else the Fairies govern in this House.
[Flora runs to Porcia.
Flo.
Ah! dearest Mistris, you shall never make me
Quit you so again.
Por.
But can that be Octavio?
Oct.
I was Octavio; but I am at present
So much astonish'd, I am not my self.
Cam.
What can the meaning of this Vision be?
[Octavio approaches Porcia.
Oct.
My dearest Porcia, how is't possible
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Having so generously undertaken
Your protection?
Por.
Did he not yours so too? and yet I find
Octavio here, where he is more expos'd
Than I, to sure destruction; I am loath
To say 'tis he, who has Betraid us both.
Oct.
Antonio false? it is impossible.
Die.
It is too evident.
Oct.
Peace Slave; he is my Friend, of Noble Blood,
Whose Fame's above the Level of those Tongues,
That Bark by Custom at the brightest Virtues,
As Dogs do at the Moon.
Por.
“How hard it is for Virtue to suspect.
Ah Octavio! we have been both deceiv'd;
This vile Antonio is the very Man,
To whom my Brother without my Consent,
Or Knowledge has Contracted me in Flanders.
Oct.
Antonio the Man to whom y'are Contracted,
Porcia the Bride whom he is come to Marry?
Por.
The very same.
Oct.
Why did you not acquaint me with it sooner?
Por.
Alas, I have not seen you since I knew it;
But those Few hours such Wonders have produc'd,
As surpass all Belief, and do require
More time, than your unsafe Condition here
Will allow us to make you understand it.
Cam.
Dear Friends, I cannot blame your Apprehensions,
Nor your Suspition of Antonio's Friendship:
But I am so possess'd with the Opinion
Of his great Virtue, that I shall as soon
Believe Impossibilities, as his
Apostacie from Honour.
Oct.
What's her Concernment in Antonio, Porcia?
Por.
O, that's the strangest part of our sad Story;
And which requires most time to tell you.
A Blaze of Light appears at the Window, and a noise within.
Por.
See, Flora, at the Window, what's that Light,
And Noise we hear.
[Flora goes to the Window.
Flo.
O Madam! we are all undone, I see
Henrique, Carlos, and their Servants with Torches
All coming hither, and which is wonderful,
Antonio leading them with his Sword drawn.
Cam.
Thou dream'st, distracted Wench; Antonio false?
It is impossible.
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All she has said is in appearance true,
There's sure some hidden Mystery which thus
Abuses us; for I shall ne'r believe
Antonio can transgress the Rules of Friendship.
Oct.
Friendship's an Empty Name, made to Deceive
Those, whose Good Nature tempts them to believe;
There's no such thing on Earth, the best that we
Can hope for here is faint Neutrality.
Por.
Ye Powers above! what pleasure can ye take
To Persecute Submitting Innocence?
Oct.
Retire, dear Porcia, to that inner Room,
For should thy cruel Brother find thee here,
He's so revolted from Humanity,
He'l mingle thine, with my Impurer Blood.
Por.
That were a kind of Contract; let him come;
We'l meet at once Marriage, and Martyrdom.
Oct.
Soul of my Life retire.
Por.
I will not leave you.
Oct.
Thou preserv'st me by saving of thy self;
For they can murder onely half of me,
Whilst that my better part survives in thee.
Por.
I will die too, Octavio, to maintain,
That different Causes form the same Effects;
'Tis Courage in you Men, Love in our Sex.
[Octavio takes hold of her to lead her away.
Oct.
Help me Camilla.
Cam.
You must be rul'd, your Presence will increase
Your Brother's Fury, and Octavio's Danger.
Por.
That Argument is Irresistible.
They retire to the other Room, and Octavio waits on them to the door.
Die.
Nay if you are at that, the Devil take
Taking Flora by the hand
The hindmost; 'tis for your sake, dearest Flora,
I shun these Honorable Occasions.
Having no Weapon, Sir, 'tis fit that I
As he goes out with Flora, turning to Octavio.
March off with th'Baggage.
[Exeunt Diego, Flora.
Oct.
I'm now upon the Frontiers of this Life,
There's but one step to Immortality;
And though my cruel fortune has allow'd me
No other Witness of my Tragick end,
But my Inhumane Murtherers; yet my Death
Shall not Disgrace either my Life, or Love;
To th'other World this Honor I will bear,
That as I still have Liv'd, and Lov'd, so I
Encounter Death with the same Constancy.
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Ant.
Where is the Man whose Insolence, and Folly
Has thus misled him to Affront my Friend?
Oct.
Here is the Man thou seek'st, and he, whom thou
So basely hast Betraid.
[Octavio draws.
Ant.
Oh Heavens! what is't I see? it is Octavio
My Friend.
Oct.
Not thy Friend, Antonio; but 'tis Octavio,
Who by thy Perfidie has been betraid
To this forlorn Condition; but vile Man,
Thou now shalt pay thy Treachery with thy Life.
[Octavio makes at Antonio.
Ant.
Hold Octavio; though thy Injurious Error
May transport thee, it shall not me beyond
The Bounds of Honor; Heaven knows I thought
Of nothing less, than what I find, Octavio
In this place.
Henr.
What pause is this, Antonio? all your Fervour
In the Concernments of your Friend, reduc'd
To a tame Parly with our Enimy?
Do all the Promises, you have made to me,
T'assist my just Revenge, conclude in this?
Oct.
Do all the Promises you have made to me,
T'assist my Virtuous Love, conclude in this?
Hen.
Where is your wonted Bravery? where your Kindness
To such a near Allie?
Oct.
Where is your former Honor? where your Firmness
To such an antient Friend?
Aside.
Ant.
What course shall my Distracted Honor steer
Betwixt these equal, opposite Engagements?
Henr.
What, demur still? nay then I'l right my self.
Henrique makes at Octavio, Antonio turns on Octavio's side.
Ant.
Wh'attaques Octavio must pass through me.
Aside.
Carl.
I must lay hold on this Occasion.
Good Cozin, I conjure you to restrain
Your Passion for a while, there does lie hid
Some Mystery in this, which once unfolded,
May possibly produce the Means of making
That Reconcilable, which now seems Desp'rate.
Henr.
Sweetly propos'd, Sir, an Accommodation?
Think'st thou my Anger's like a Fire of Straw,
Onely to Blaze, and then expire in Smoak?
Think'st thou I can forget my Name, and Nation,
And Barter for Revenge, when Honor Bleeds?
His Life must pay this Insolence, or mine.
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Ant.
Mine must protect his, or else perish with him.
Henr.
Since neither Faith, nor Friendship can prevail,
'Tis time to trie what proof you are, Antonio,
Against your own near Interest; Know, that Man,
Whom you protect against my just Revenge,
Has seconded his Insolence to me
By foul Attempts upon my Sister's Honor;
Your Porcia's Sir, if this will not enflame you.
[Porcia endeavours to come out, Camilla holds her.
Por.
This Injury's beyond all Sufferance.
Carl.
To what excess of Folly does our Rage
Aside.
Transport us Men! this most Important Secret,
Which Tortures could not have made him discover,
He (onely to advance his blind Revenge)
Has now unforc'd declared to that Person,
From whom, of all men living, he ought most
To have conceal'd it.
Oct.
How! I attempt your Sister's Honor Henrique?
The Parent of your black Designs, the Devil,
Did ne'r invent a more malicious Falshood;
'Tis true, that I have serv'd the Virtuous Porcia,
With such Devotion, and such Spotless Love,
That, though Unworthy, yet she has been pleas'd
To recompence my Passion with Esteem:
By which, she has so chain'd me to her Service,
That here I vow either to Live her Prize,
Or if I Die, to fall Loves Sacrifice.
Ant.
O Heavens! what's that I hear? thou blessed Angel
Guardian of Honor, I do now implore
Thy powerful assistance to preserve
That Reputation, which I hitherto
By Virtuous Actions have maintain'd unblemish'd;
In vain, Don Henrique, you design to change
My Resolutions; it must ne'r be said,
That Passion made Antonio recede
From the strict Rules of Honor; Sir, I tell you,
Nothing can make me violate my first
Engagement.
Henr.
Nay, then thou shalt Die too, Perfidious Man;
Ho! Geraldo, Pedro, Leonido.
Enter Geraldo, Pedro, Leonido, with their Swords drawn, and joyn with Henrique, Carlos interposes.
Carl.
For Heaven's sake, Cozin, draw not on your self
The horrid Infamy of Assasinating
Persons of Noble Blood by Servile Hands.
Henr.
Do you Defend them too? Kill 'em I say.
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Retire Octavio, I'l sustain their shock.
Oct.
Octavio retire?
Ant.
Trust me you must, they will surround us else;
Through that narrow Passage they'l Assail us
With less advantage.
They retire fighting off the Stage: Henrique and his Men persuing them, and Carlos endeavouring to stop Don Henrique.
Henr.
What d'ye give back, ye Men of mighty Fame?
Ant.
Don Henrique, you shall quickly find 'tis Honor,
Not Fear makes me retire.
[Exeunt.
Enter presently Antonio and Octavio at another door, which Antonio bolts.
Ant.
Now we shall have a breathing while at least
Octavio, and time to look about us;
Pray see yon other door be fast.
Octavio steps to the door where they went out, and Henrique bounces at the door they came in at.
Within.
Henr.
Geraldo, fetch an Iron Bar to force
The door.
[Camilla and Porcia peep out.
Cam.
Heaven has heard our Prayers; th'are both safe here.
Por.
Let's go to 'em Camilla.
Cam.
'Tis better to stay here a while, and hearken
What Resolution of themselves they take.
[Antonio goes to both the doors to see if they be fast.
Ant.
So, tis now as I could wish.
Oct.
What do you mean, Generous Antonio?
Ant.
To Kill thee now my Self, having perform'd
What Pre-engagement did exact from me
In your Defence gainst Others; my Love now
Requires its Dues, as Honor has had his;
There's no Protection for you from my Sword,
But in your Own, or in your frank renouncing
All Claim to Porcia; She is so much mine,
That none must Breath, and have the Vanity
Of a Pretender to her whilst I Live.
Oct.
My Claims to Porcia I shall ne'r renounce,
But still assert them by all noble ways:
Yet, Sir, this hand shall never use a Sword
(Without the last Compulsion) 'gainst that Man,
Who has so much Oblig'd me; no Antonio,
You are securely Guarded by the Favours,
You have conferr'd upon me.
Ant.
Sir, let not your pretended Gratitude
Enervate your Defence; 'tis not my custom
To serve my Friends with Prospects of Return;
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From all the Obligations, you are pleas'd
To own from me.
Oct.
You may, Sir, if you please, forbear to add
New Favours to my' account; but you can never
Substract those, which are past; and till that Debt
Be fully paid, I shall not dare t'appear
I'th' Lists against so Generous a Creditor.
Ant.
Your Scruples are ill grounded; 'twas Octavio
(My antient Friend) whom I design'd to Serve;
Not that Disloyal Man, who has invaded
My Honor, and my Love; “'Tis the Intent
“Creates the Obligation, not th'Event.
Oct.
I call those Powers, who both Discern, and Punish,
To witness for me, that I never knew
You e'r pretended to Don Henrique's Sister,
Before I came within these fatal Walls:
This I declare, onely to clear my self
From th'Imputation of Disloyalty,
And to prevent the Progress of your Error.
Ant.
How can I think you should speak Truth to me,
Who am a Witness y'have been False to her,
To whom, you now profess so high Devotion.
Oct.
I false to Porcia! take heed, Antonio,
So foul an Injury provokes too much;
But, Sir, I must confess I owe you more,
Than the Forgivness of one gross Mistake.
Ant.
Rare Impudence! I must not trust my Senses.
Oct.
If we cannot adjust this Competition,
Let us our Fortunes, not our Passions charge
With this our breach of Friendship.
Ant.
Leave your Discourses, and Defend your self;
Either immediately Renounce all Claims
To Porcia; or this must speak the rest.
Shaking his Sword. They fight.
Oct.
Nay, then, this must Reply.
They without bounce at the door, as if they were breaking it open.
Por.
Why do I doubt? there is no means to save him
From the present danger, but by another,
Perhaps as great, but something more remote;
I'l do't.
Whilst they fight, Porcia breaks from Camilla, and unbolts the door, then runs back into her place.
Enter Henrique, Carlos, Leonido, Geraldo, with their Swords drawn.
Hen.
What's this! Antonio fighting with Octavio!
This Bravery is excessive, Gallant Friend;
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T'him, who's most concern'd; he must not die
Without some Marks of mine.
Henrique makes at Octavio, and Antonio turns to Octavio's side.
Ant.
Nay, then my Honor you invade anew,
And by Assaulting him, Revive in me
My Pre-engagements of Protecting him
Against all others.
Hen.
Why were not you Antonio fighting with him?
Were you not doing all you could to Kill him?
Ant.
Henrique, 'tis true; but finding in my breast
An equal strife 'twixt Honor, and Revenge;
I do in just compliance with them both
Preserve him from your Rage, to Fall by mine.
Carl.
Brave Man, how Nicely he does Honor weigh!
Justice her self holds not the Scales more Even.
Henr.
My Honor suffers more as yet than yours,
And I must have my share in the Revenge;
Either he must renounce all Claims to Porcia,
Or Die immediately.
Ant.
It is agreed: that he must Doe, or Die:
But by no other hand, than mine.
Oct.
Cease your Contention, and turn all your Swords
Against this Breast; whilst Porcia' and I have breath,
She must be mine, there's no Divorce but Death.
Henr.
I'l hear no more, protect him if thou canst
Antonio. Kill the Slave, kill him, I say.
Henrique makes at him, and Carlos endeavours to enterpose.
Carl.
For Heaven's sake hold a Moment; certainly
There's some Mistake lies hidden here, which clear'd,
Might hinder these Extremes.
Henrique and his Servants press Antonio and Octavio.
Cam.
These Errors must be clear'd, before they grow
Too fatal, but I fear your Brother's fury
Will not admit of Reason.
Por.
I'm sure I'l try, though it should cost my life.
Enter Porcia and Camilla from the Inner Room.
Por.
Don Henrique.
Cam.
Antonio, Carlos.
Por.
Octavio.
Camilla and Porcia
together.
Hear us but speak.
Henr.
Ha! how came she here?
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Did not I tell you that she was brought hither
By my Directions? you would not believe me.
Henr.
But how then could Octavio come hither?
Carl.
Nay, that Heaven knows; you heard as well as I
Your Man's Relation.
Henr.
Ah thou vile Woman! that I could destroy
Thy Memory with thy Life.
Ant.
Hold, Sir, that must not be.
He offers to run at Porcia, Antonio interposes.
Henr.
What may not I do Justice upon her
Neither?
Ant.
No Sir; although I have not yet the Honor
To know who she 's, I have this night engag'd
My self, both to Secure, and Serve her.
Carl.
He knows not Porcia; who was i' the right
Don Henrique, You, or I?
Henr.
He not know Porcia? whom not an hour since
I saw, and spoke with, entertaining her
In his Apartment; sure we are Enchanted,
And all we see's Illusion.
Cam.
Allow me, Henrique, to dispell these Charms;
Who is't, Octavio, you pretend to? speak.
Oct.
You might have spar'd that Question; since none
Knows so well as you, 'Tis Porcia I adore.
Ant.
Porcia's my Wife; Disloyal Man thou Di'st.
Offers to make at Octavio.
Cam.
Hold Sir; which is the Porcia you claim too?
Ant.
Can you be'n doubt of that? you know too well
The Conquest, that you made so long ago
Of my surprized heart in Flanders.
Carl.
Conquest! Surpris'd! Flanders! what can this mean?
Henr.
New Riddles every moment do arise,
And Mysteries are born of Mysteries.
Cam.
Thanks be to Heaven, our work draws near an end;
Cozin, it belongs to you to finish it.
Por.
To free you from that Labyrinth, Antonio,
In which a slight Mistake, not Rectifi'd,
Has involv'd us all; know, th'suppos'd Porcia,
Whom you so long have lov'd, 's the true Camilla.
Cam.
And you, Don Henrique, know, Octavio
Has always been your Sister's faithful Lover;
And onely Feign'd a Gallantry to me,
His real Passion to Disguise from you.
Ant.
Octavio and Antonio run to one another and embrace.
Generous Octavio.
Oct.
Brave Antonio, how happy are we both!
Both in our Loves, and Friendships!
Ant.
Man's Joys do ne'r to their Perfection rise,
Till when by Crosses heightned, they surprize.
Cam.
Camilla takes Antonio by the hand and leads him to Don Carlos.
This, my dear Brother, is that brave Commander,
To whom you owe your Life, and Liberty;
And I much more, the safety of my Honor.
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Is this the Gallant Leader, who rescu'd us
With so much Valour from th'Enemy's hands?
Cam.
The very same.
Carl.
If you knew him so well, why did not you
Acquaint me with it sooner? 'twas a fault
Camilla.
Drawing Carlos aside.
Cam.
Alas, my dearest Brother, Gratitude
Conspiring with the Graces of his Person,
So soon possess'd him of my Heart, that I
Despairing e'r again to see him; and
Asham'd of such a Visionary Love,
Durst never trust my Tongue with my own Thoughts.
Carl.
'Tis enough.
Don Carlos presents Camilla to Antonio.
Take here from me the Hand of her, whose Heart
Heaven, and your Merits have long since made yours
Without my Knowledge; may her Virtue pay
Some part of that, which we both owe to yours.
Antonio takes Porcia's hand, and kisses it with great respect.
Ant.
Here with your leave, and hers I seal the Vows
Of my Eternal Faith unto you both.
Carl.
But let's take heed, Antonio, lest whilst we
Are Joying in our mutual Happiness,
Don Henrique's scarcely yet compos'd Distemper
Revive not, and Disorder us afresh:
I like not his Grim Posture; you know well
After a Tempest, though the Wind be laid,
There often does remain for a good while
A dangerous Agitation of the Waves;
He must not yet be trusted with himself.
Ant.
'Tis well thought on, let us go to him.
Octavio holding Porcia by the hand advances towards Henrique.
Oct.
Here with Respect we wait the Confirmation
Of Heaven's Decrees from your Indulgence, Sir.
This Lady your Incomparable Sister,
Can witness that I never did invade
Your Passion for Camilla; and Pedro's death
Happen'd by your mistaken Jealousie;
The Causes of your Hate being now remov'd,
'Tis just, Don Henrique, the Effects should cease.
Henr.
I shall consult my Honor.
Carl.
You cannot take a better Counsellor
In this Case, than you Own, and Sister's Honor;
What, to secure them both, could have been wish'd
Beyond what Fate hath of it self produc'd?
Henr.
“How hard it is to Act upon Constraint.
That, which I could have Wish'd, I now would Flie;
Since 'tis obtruded by Necessity.
Ant.
Noble Don Henrique, make account of me
To be as truly yours by this Alliance,
As if a Brother's Name subsisted still.
Aside.
Henr.
I must consent, I see, or worse will follow.
“He is a Fool who thinks by Force, or Skill
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Since fair Camilla is Antonio's Lot,
I Porcia yield to Don Antonios Friend.
Our Strength, and Wisdom must submit to Fate.
Stript of my Love, I will put off my Hate.
Here, take her hand; and may she make you, Sir,
Henrique takes Porcia by the hand and gives her to Octavio.
Happier, than she has done me.
Enter Diego and Flora from the inner Room.
Flo.
Had such Disorders e'r such a Come-off?
Me-thinks 'twould make a Rare Plot for a Play.
They all embrace, but Henrique coldly.
Die.
Faith Flora, I should have the worst of that;
For by the Law of Comedy 'twould be
My Lot to Marry you.
Oct.
Well thought on, Diego, though spoken in Jest;
We cannot do, I think, a better thing
In Earnest, than to make them Two Joyn Hands.
What say'st thou to it, Flora?
Flo.
Indeed I have had so many Frights this night,
That I am e'n afraid to lie alone.
Die.
Give me thy Hand Flora, it is a Bargain;
Diego takes her by the hand.
I promise thee, dear Spouse, I'l do my best
To make thee first Repent this Earnest Jeast.
Flo.
That time shall trie.
Carl.
Since this last happy Scene is in my House,
You'l make Collation with me ere we part.
Ant., Oct.
Agreed, agreed, agreed.
Die.
Sir, you had best make haste, else what you call
Collation, may prove a Breakfast, for 'tis
Near twelve a Clock.
Ant.
Thus end the Rare Adventures of Five Hours;
As sometimes Boisterous Storms in Gentle Shouts.
| The Adventures of Five Hours | |