University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

—A STREET IN SEVILLE, OPPOSITE THE ANCHOR INN.
Enter Hyacinth, Curio, Valentine, and others, laughing.
HYACINTH.

'Tis true, as I'm a gentleman, I use no witchcraft;
but I think the women be all mad, they do so plague
me.

VALENTINE.

Is not this rare sport?

CURIO.

And to see such a monster for nothing,—Vasco
should show him at three deniers a-head.

HYACINTH.

I do protest unto you there be now three honourable
virgins, two honest wives, and five chaste widows,
all at this very hour sick in love with me.

VALENTINE.

O this flogs Europe!

CURIO.

The wine doth mount in him—we shall have more
anon.

HYACINTH.

What say ye there?—ye be doubting me. I tell
you the King's sister, when first I was presented in
the court, cried out, “Cog's wounds! but he is the
sweetest gentleman of his inches the mirror of mine
eyes did e'er reflect.” She would have knighted me
then and there, I know, save that some chance prevented
it,—you understand me,—'twas thought fear
might be entertained in the King's mind,—you understand
me,—nephews have been heirs.

CURIO.

O, God save your lordship and my waistband!

VALENTINE.

If you be not provided with a squire, might one—

HYACINTH.

Gentlemen, ye shall draw lots for place; neither
will I let my favour lean to either, lest fortune, being
a woman as she is, do choose him for my love's-sake.
Where is my cousin, the orange-merchant's son?

CURIO.

Vasco will be here anon: but, gentlemen, were we
not best go in? the night grows foul.

HYACINTH.

The moon plays peep-bo up among the clouds; we
shall have rain—let us go in. I'll tell you more of
these same chances there.

VALENTINE.

Supper is ordered, I know, and wine, and all things
most conducible to merriment.

HYACINTH.

A drop of rain, I do aver; the clouds be envious
of my sapphire cloak. (Bowing with ceremony at the

door of the house.)
Sir, O sir! O gentlemen! let me
not show you my back, worthy gentlemen—I'll follow.

VALENTINE.
We know manners, sir, though no courtiers.

CURIO.
O how my ribs will ache before to-morrow.

[Exeunt into the Anchor Inn.
Enter Don Carlos, and a Page bearing a torch.
CARLOS.
How like to shuttlecocks toss'd on fate's racket
Seem we and all our aims! I did not think
To have such work upon my hands to-night,
Nor in my soul did anything save love
Dwell, when at sunset I rode o'er the bridge
Towards Valentar. How goes the night, boy?

PAGE.
Sir,
I think the night be changing into morning,
And yonder's the cathedral bell—'tis one.

CARLOS.
Thou grey and shadowy eye
Of morn, cloud-lidded, open not thyself
Upon the earth ere I have done my task.
The night is spent; I will go seek out Pedro;
'Twere best tell him of this cross-woven chance,
Which may delay me from th' appointed hour
When I should meet my bride.

PAGE.
Your pardon, sir,
I see you have your sword; did you not hear
That there has been a proclamation sent
From the King, forbidding any to walk arm'd.

CARLOS.
I know it, boy, but I do hold my sword
By licence of the King's high pleasure. Soft—
Before I seek out Pedro, let me first
Into this warrant pry, that to swift death
Decrees one who, although till now unknown,
I count for evermore my deadliest foe.
Thy torch—the stars have crept into the clouds,
And the pale daylight, like a sick man waking,
Can scarce put by the night's thick curtains—ha!
What's here!—come nearer, there's some devil dances
Before mine eyes—nearer, I cannot see;
O God, strike not my sense with this black curse—
I'm blind—read there—aloud—what name—what name?

PAGE.
Don Pedro de Roella.

CARLOS.
May thy tongue
Be wither'd like my heart!

PAGE.
Sir, sir—my lord!
You're pale, and cannot stand—help, ho, within!

Enter Vasco and Gentlemen.
VASCO.
What is the matter?
Don Carlos, you are fainting: sir, lean on me.
Follow me, gentlemen—a dizziness—
'Tis nothing—it will pass;—what ho, within—
We shall find help enough here in the house.

[Exeunt into the Anchor Inn, supporting Carlos.