University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

The Curtains fly up, and discover a Mask in Pizalto's House. Pizalto, Lady Pizalta, Lucy; Ludovico talking to Lady Pizalta; Bassino and Aurelia talking together; Florella and other Maskers.
A Spanish Entry.
While the Dance is performing, Enter Armando, and gives Bassino two Letters, which he opens and reads.
Lady Pizalta and Lucy advance to the Front of the Stage.
Lady Piz.
Oh! Lucy, I'm undone—
That Stranger there has charm'd my Heart: I feel
The Pow'r of conquering Love; quick, quickly tell me,
What shall I do to ease this racking Passion?

Lucy.

Nay, Madam, I fancy your Passion has little occasion for Lenitives:
it blazes so violently at first, 'tis like to be soon extinguish'd.

L. Piz.

Dear Lucy, don't trifle with me; but contrive, imagine, do
any thing, to bless thy Love-sick Mistress with the sight of that dear
man. And as an earnest of further Rewards, here take this—

Gives her a Ring.
Lucy.
Madam, I receive your Commands with much joy,
But your Present with more—
Aside
I'll try what this projecting brain can do, and if you step into the next
Room, I'll soon give you an account of my proceedings.

Exit L. Pizalta.
Bass.
Ye Gods!
What have I done, that you pursue me thus!
Why did you e're decree that I should wed
A Wife I now must hate? Why did I see
The bright Aurelia? Why am I thus torn
'Twixt Love and Duty? Oh! what Pangs, what Torments
My soul endures! Oh! my Aurelia!

Exeunt omnes, but Lucy & Ludov.
Lucy pulling Ludovico by the Sleeve.
Lucy.
Sir, Sir, one word with you.

Lud.
Your business—

Lucy.
May one ask you a civil question, and be resolv'd?

Lud.

Hum—A civil question, sayst thou? What's it, prithee, a
nights lodging? if so, pull off thy Mask, and I'll resolve thee instantly
—But I never strike Bargains in the dark.

Lucy.

I don't know, Sir, but it may tend to that, by way of Proxy,
at the long run: But at present my Commission reaches no further than
to know your Lodgings; if any Thing comes on't, I fancy 'twill not
displease you.

Lud.
aside.

Hum—This is but a Pettifogger in Intrigues I find;—
Egad, I'm like to be pretty well employ'd during the Carneval—
Well, considering I am a stranger here, this hit may be a lucky one,
and the Lady handsome—Egad, I'll fancy her so at least, were't but
for the pleasure of Expectation.

Lucy.

What are you studying, Sir? Are you so long resolving whether
you shall accept a Lady's Favour, or no?

Lud.

No, faith, Child: I am not over-scrupulous in those matters—
Let her be but Woman, and we shan't disagree—And so thou
mayst tell her—There's a direction for thee.

Tears the Superscription of a Letter and gives it her. Exit Ludovico.
Lucy.

Frank and easie, a la mode de Paris—Well, these indifferent.
Sparks charm more than all your cringing Pops—Now for my business
—Let me see—I'll to my Lady, she'll write; I'll carry the Letter,
and the Devil will turn Saint, if I don't bring 'em together, and merit
a further Recompence.

By Coupling many have their Fortunes made;
I only want Preferment, not my Trade.

Exit Lucy.