title to the law of nature, and the end of the creation, as he had. Ped. You would, mistress! who the devil doubts it? A good assurance is a chambermaid's coat of arms; and lying and contriving, the supporters. Your inclinations are on tiptoe, it seems. If I were your father, housewife, I'd have a penance enjoined you, so strict, that you should not be able to turn you in your bed for a month. You are enough to spoil your lady, housewife, if she had not abundance of devotion. Vio. Fie, Flora! are you not ashamed to talk thus to my father? You said, yesterday, you would be glad to go with me into the monastery. Flora. Did I? I told a great lie, then. Ped. She go with thee! No, no; she's enough to debauch the whole convent. Well, child, remember what I said to thee: next week Vio. Ay, and what I am to do this, too. (Aside.) I am all obedience, sir; I are not how soon I change my condition. Ped. Well said, Violante. Well, child, I am going into the country for two or three days, to settle some affairs with thy uncle; and when we return, we'll provide for thy happiness, child. Good bye, Violante; take care of thyself. [Exeunt Don Pedro and Violante. Flora. So; now for the Colonel. Hist, hist! Colonel! Re-enter COLONEL BRITON. Col. B. Is the coast clear? Flora. Yes, if you can climb; for you must get over the wash-house, and jump from the gardenwall into the street. Col. B. Nay, nay, I don't value my neck, if my incognita answers but the lady's promise. [Exeunt Colonel Briton and Flora. Re-enter FELIX. Fel. I have lain perdue under the stairs, till I watched the old man out. (Violante opens the door.) 'Sdeath, I am prevented. [Exit. Re-enter VIOLANTE. Vio. Now to set my prisoner at liberty. (Goes to the door where the Colonel was hid.) Sir, sir, you may appear. Re-enter FELIX, following her. Fel. May he so, madam? I had cause for my suspicion, I find. Treacherous woman! Vio. Ha! Felix here! Nay, then all's discovered. (Aside.) Fel. (Draws.) Villain, whoever thou art, come out, I charge thee! and take the reward of thy adulterous errand. Vio. What shall I say? Nothing but the secret, which I have sworn to keep, can reconcile this quarrel. (Aside.) Fel. A coward! Nay, then, I'll fetch you out. Think not to hide thyself: no; by St. Anthony! an altar should not protect thee. [Exit Vio. Defend me, heaven! What shall I do? I must discover Isabella, or here will be murder. (Aside.) Re-enter FLORA. Flora. I have helped the Colonel off clear, madam. [Exit. Vio. Sayest thou so, my girl? Then I am armed. Re-enter FELIX. Fel. Where has the devil, in compliance to your sex, conveyed him from my resentment? Vio. Him! whom do you mean, my dear, inquisitive spark? Ha, ha, ha! will you never leave these jealous whims? Fel. Will you never cease to impose upon me? Vto. You impose upon yourself, my dear Do Vio. Yes, trick. I knew you'd take the hint, and soon relapse into your wonted error. How easily your jealousy is fired! I shall have a blessed life with you. Fel. Was there nothing in it, then, but only to try me? Vic. Won't you believe your eyes? Fel My eyes! no, nor my ears, nor any of my senses; for they have all deceived me. Well, I am convinced that faith is as necessary in love as in religion; for the moment a man lets a woman know her conquest, he resigns his senses, and sees nothing but what she'd have him. Vio. And as soon as that man finds his love returned, she becomes as errant a slave as if she had already said after the priest. Fel. The priest, Violante, would dissipate those fears which cause these quarrels: when wilt thou make me happy? Vio. To-morrow I will tell thee: my father is gone for two or three days to my uncle's: we have time enough to finish our affairs. But, pr'ythee, leave me now, lest some accident should bring my father. SCENE I.-Frederick's House. Enter FELIX and FREDERICK. Fel. This hour has been propitious! I am reconciled to Violante, and you assure me Antonio is out of danger. Fred. Your satisfaction is doubly mine. Fel. What haste you made, sirrah, to bring me word if Violante went home. Lis. I can give you very good reasons for my stay, sir. Yes, sir; she went home. Fred. Oh! your master knows that, for he has been there himself, Lissardo. Lis. Sir, may I beg the favour of your ear? (Whispers, and Felix seems uneasy.) Fred. Ha! Felix changes colour at Lissardo's news. What can it be? Fel. A Scotch footman, that belongs to Colonel Briton, an acquaintance of Frederick's, say you? The devil! If she be false, by heaven! I'll trace her. (Whispers Lis., and sends him off) Pr'ythee, Frederick, do you know one Colonel Briton, a Scotchman? Fred. Yes, why do you ask me? Fel. Nay, no great matter: but my man tells me that he has had some little difference with a servant of his, that's all. Fred. He is a good, harmless, innocent fellow; I am sorry for it. The Colonel lodges in my house; I knew him formerly in England, and met him here by accident last night, and gave him an invitation home. He is a gentleman of good estate, besides his commission; of excellent principles, and strict honour. I assure you. Fel. Is he a man of intrigue? Sure he knows me, and takes this method to insult Fred. Like other men, I suppose. Here he me. 'Sdeath! I cannot bear it. (Aside.) Fred. So when she had dispatched her old lover, she paid you a visit in her bed-chamber; ha, Colonel? comes. Enter COLONEL BRITON. Colonel, I began to think I had lost you. Col. B. And not without some reason, if you knew all. Fel. There's no danger of a fine gentleman's being lost in this town, sir. Col. B. That compliment don't belong to me, sir; but, I assure you, I have been very near being run away with. Fred. Who attempted it? Col. B. Faith! I know not; only, that she is a charming woman; I mean, as much as I saw of her. Fel. My heart swells with apprehension. (Aside.) Some accidental rencontre ? ter. Fred. A tavern, I suppose, adjusted the Col. B. Nay, what was worse-but, sir, dear sir, do hearken to this. (To Felix.) The nymph that introduced me, conveyed me out again over the top of a high wall, where I ran the danger of having my neck broke, for the father, it seems, had locked the door by which I entered. Fel. That way I missed him. D-n her invention. (Aside.) Pray, Colonel. (Col. and Felix laugh. mat--ha, ha, ha! it's very pleasant, ha, ha! - was this the same lady you met upon the Terriero de Passa this morning? Col. B. A tavern? No, no, sir, she is above that rank, I assure you; this nymph sleeps in a velvet bed, and lodgings every way agreeable. Fel. How? a velvet bed! (Aside.) I thought you said but now, sir, you knew her not. Col. B. No more I don't, sir? Fel. How came you, then, so well acquainted with her bed? Fred. Ay, ay! come, come, unfold. Col. B. Why, then, you must know, gentlemen, that I was conveyed to her lodgings, by one of Cupid's emissaries, called a chambermaid, in a chair, through fifty blind alleys, who, by the help of a key, let me into a garden. Fel. 'Sdeath! a garden! This must be Violante's garden. (Aside.) Cul. B. From thence conducted me into a spacious room, told me her lady would wait on me presently; so, without unveiling, modestly withdrew. (Aside.) Fel. D-n her modesty! this was Flora. Fred. Well, how then, Colonel? Col. B. Then, sir, immediately from another door issued forth a lady, armed at both eyes, from whence such showers of darts fell around me, that had I not been covered with the shield of another beauty, I had infallibly fallen a martyr to her charms; for, you must know, I just saw her eyes eyes, did I say? No, no, hold, I saw but one eye; though, I suppose, it had a fellow equally as killing. Fel. But how came you to see her bed, sir? 'Sdeath! this expectation gives a thousand racks. (Aside.) Col. B. Why, upon her maid's giving notice her father was coming, she thrust me into the bed chamber. Fel. Upon her father's coming? Col. B. Ay, so she said; but, putting my ear to the key-hole of the door, I found it was another lover Fel. Confound the jilt! 'Twas she without dispute. (Aside.) Fred. Ah, poor Colonel! Ha, ha, ha! Col. B. I discovered they had had a quarrel, but whether they were reconciled or not, I can't tell; for the second alarm brought the father in good earnest, and had like to have made the gentleman and I acquainted; but she fonnd some other stratagem to convey him out. Fel. Contagion seize her, and make her body ugly as her soul! There is nothing left to doubt of 'Tis plain 'twas she. (Fred. and Col. laugh.) now. Col. B. Faith! I can't tell, sir; I had a design to know who that lady was, but my dog of a footman, whom I had ordered to watch her home, fell fast asleep. I gave him a good beating for his neglect, and I have never seen the rascal since. Fred. Here he comes. Enter GIBBY. Col. B. Where have you been, sirrah? Gibby. Truth! Ise been seeking ye, and lik yer honour, these twa hours and mair. I bring thee glad teedings, sir. Col. B. What, have you found the lady? Gibby. Geud faith, ha' I sir; and she's called Donna Violante, and her parent Don Pedo de Mendoza: and, gin ye will gang wi' me, and lik yer honour, Ise make ye ken the hoose right weel. (Aside.) Fel. Oh, torture, torture! Col. B. Ha! Violante! That the lady's name of the house where my incognita is: sure, it could not be her; at least, it was not the same house, I am confident. (Aside.) Fred. Violante? 'Tis false; I would not have you credit him, Colonel. Gibby. The deel burst my bladder, sir, gin I lee Fel. Sirrah, I say you do lie, and I'll make you eat it, you dog; (kicks him.) and if your master will justify you Col. B. Not I, faith, sir! I answer for nobody's lies but my own. If you please, kick him again. Gibby. But gin he does, Ise na tak it, sir, gin he was a thousand Spaniards! (Walks about in a passion.) Col. B. I owed you a beating, sirrah, and I am obliged to this gentleman for taking the trouble off my hands; therefore, say no more, d'ye hear, sir? (Apart to Gibby.) Gibby. roth de I, sir, and feel tee. Fred. This must be a mistake, Colonel; for I know Violante perfectly well, and I am certain she would not meet you upon the Terriero de Passa. Col. B. Don't be too positive, Frederick. Now I have some reasons to believe it was that very lady. Fel. You'll very much oblige me, sir, if you'd let me know these reasons. Col. B. Sir! Fel. Sir, I say I have a right to inquire into these reasons you speak of. Col. B. Ha, ha! really, sir, I cannot conceive how you, or any man, can have a right to inquire into my thoughts. Fel. Sir, I have a right to everything that relates to Violante. And he that traduces her fame, and refuses to give his reason for it, is a villain. (Draws. Col. B. What the devil have I been doing? Now blisters on my tongue by dozens! (Aside.) Fred. Pr'ythee, Felix, don't quarrel till you know for what: this is all a mistake, I'm positive. Col. B. Look you, sir, that I dare draw my sword, I think will admit of no dispute. But though fighting's my trade, I am not in love with it, and think it more honourable to decline this business than pursue it. This may be a mistake; however, I'll give you my honour never to have any affair, directly or indirectly, with Violante, provided she is your Violante; but if there should happen to be another of that name, I hope you will not engross all the Violantes in the kingdom. Fel. Your vanity has given me sufficient reason to believe I'm not mistaken. I'll not be imposed upon, sir. Col. B. Nor I be bullied, sir. Fel. Bullied! 'Sdeath! such another word, and I'll nail thee to the wall. Col. B. Are you sure of that, Spaniard? (Draws.) Gibby. (Draws.) Say na mair mon. O' my saul, here's twa to twa. Dinna fear, sir, Gibby stonds by ye for the honour of Scotland. (Vapours about.) Fred. (Interposes.) By St. Anthony! you sha'n't fight on bare suspicion: be certain of the injury, and then Fel. That I will this moment; and, then, sir, I hope you are to be found. Col. B. Whenever you please, sir. [Exit Felix. Gibby. 'Sdeath! sir, there ne'er was a Scotsman yet that sham'd to shew his face. (Struts about.) Fred. So, quarrels spring up like mushrooms, in a minute. Violante and he were but just reconciled, and you have furnished him with fresh matter of falling out again; and I am certain, Colonel, Gibby is in the wrong. Gibby. Gin I be, sir, the mon that tauld me leed; and gin he did, the deel be my landlord, hell my winter-quarters, and a rope my winding-sheet, gin I'dee not lick him as long as I can haud a stick in my hond, now see ye. Col. B. I am sorry for what I have said, for the lady's sake! but who could divine that she was his mistress? Pr'ythee, who is this warm spark? Fred. He is the son of one of our grandees, named Don Lopez de Pimentell, a very honest gentleman; but something passionate in what relates to his love. He is an only son, which may, perhaps, be one reason for indulging his passion. Col. B. When parents have but one child, they either make a madman or a fool of him. Fred. He is not the only child; he has a sister; but I think, through the severity of her father, who would have married her against her inclination, she has made her escape; and, notwithstanding he has offered five hundred pounds, he can get no tidings of her. Col. B. Ha, how long has she been missing? Fred. Nay, but since last night, it seems. Col. B. Last night! The very time! (Aside.) How went she? Fred. Nobody can tell; they conjecture, through the window. Col. B. Oh! I am fired with the description! 'Tis the very she. (Aside.) What's her name? Fred. Isabella. You are transported, Colonel. Col. B. I have a natural tendency in me to the flesh, thou know'st; and who can hear of charms so exquisite, and yet remain unmoved? Oh, how I long for the appointed hour! I'll to the Terriero de Passa, and wait my happiness; if she fails to meet me, I'll once more attempt to find her at Violante's, in spite of her brother's jealousy. (Aside.) Dear Frederick, I beg your pardon, but I had forgot I was to meet a gentleman upon business at five; I'll endeavour to dispatch, and wait on you again as soon as possible. [Exit. Fred. Your humble servant, Colonel. Col. B. Gibby, I have no business with you at present. [Exit. Gibby. That's weel. Now will I gang and seek this loon, and gar him gang wi' me to Don Pedro's hoose. Gin he'll no gang of himself, I se gar him gang by the lug, sir. Godswarbit! Gibby hates a lee. [Exit SCENE II.-Violante's Lodgings. Enter VIOLANTE and ISABELLA. Isa. The hour draws on, Violante, and now my heart begins to fail me; but I resolve to venture, for all that. Vio. What, does your courage sink, Isabella? Isa. Only the force of resolution a little retreated; but I'll rally it again, for all that. Enter FLORA. Flora. Don Felix is coming up, madam. Isa. My brother! Which way shall I get out? Dispatch him as soon as you can, dear Violante. [Exit into the closet. Vio. I will. Enter FELIX, in a surly humour. Felix, what brings you back so soon? Did I not say to-morrow? Fel. My passion chokes me; I cannot speak! Oh! I shall burst! (Aside. Throws himself into a chair.) Vio. Bless me! are you not well, my Felix? Fel. Yos-no-I don't know what I am. Vio. Hey-day! What's the matter now? Another jealous whim! Fel. With what an air she carries it! I sweat at her impudence. (Aside.) Vio. If I were in your place, Felix, I'd choose to stay at home when these fits of spleen are upon me, and not trouble such persons as are not obliged to bear with them. (Here he affects to be careless of her.) Fel. I am very sensible, madam, of what you mean: I disturb you, no doubt; but were I in a better humour, I should not incommode you less; I am but too well convinced you could easily dispense with my visit. Vio. When you behave yourself as you ought to do, no company so welcome: but when you reserve me for your ill-nature, I waive your merit, and consider what's due to my self. And I must be so free to tell you, Felix, that these humours of yours will abate, if not absolutely destroy, the very principle of love. Fel. (Rises.) And I must be so free to tell you, madam, that since you have made such ill returns to the respect that I have paid you, all you do shall Col. B. Im transported! This must be the lady be indifferent to me for the future; and you shall I caught. (Aside.) What sort of a womon is she? find me abandon your empire with so little diffiFred. Middle-sized, a lovely brown, a fine pout-culty, that I'll convince the world your chains are ing lip, eyes that roll and languish, and seem Inot so hard to break, as your vanity would tempt to speak the exquisite pleasure her arms could you to believe I cannot brook the provocation you give give. Vio. This is not to be borne. Insolent! You abandon! You! whom I have so often forbade ever to see me more! Have you not fallen at my feet? Implored my favour and forgiveness? Did you not trembling wait, and wish, and sigh, and swear yourself into my heart? Ungrateful man! if my chains are so easily broken, as you pretend, then you are the silliest coxcomb living, you did not break them long ago; and I must think him capable of brooking anything, on whom such usage could make no impression. bear to be reproached with what I even blush to think of, much less to act. By heaven! I have not seen the Terriero de Passa this day. Fel. Did not a Scotch footman attack you in the street, neither, Violante ? Fel. I always believed, madam, my weakness was the greatest addition to your power; you would be less imperious, had my inclination been less forward to oblige you. You have, indeed, forbade me your sight, but your vanity, even then, assured you I would return, and I was fool enough to feed that vanity. Your eyes, with all their boasted charms, have acquired the greatest glory in conquering me. And the brightest passage of your life is, wounding this heart with such arms as pierce but few persons of my rank. (Walks about in a great passion.) Vio. Matchless arrogance! True, sir, I should have kept measures better with you, if the conquest had been worth preserving; but we easily hazard what gives us no pain to lose. As for my eyes, you are mistaken if you think they have vanquished none but you; there are men, above your boasted rank, who have confessed their power, when their misfortune in pleasing you made them obtain such a disgraceful victory. Fel. Yes, madam, I am no stranger to your victories. Vio. And what you call the brightest passage of my life, is not the least glorious part of yours. Fel. Ha, ha! don't put yourself in a passion, madam, for I assure you, after this day, I shall give you no trouble. You may meet your sparks on the Terriero de Passa, at four in the morning, without the least regard to me: for when I quit your chamber, the world sha'n't bring me back. Vio. I am so well pleased with your resolution, I don't care how soon you take your leave. But what you mean by the Terriero de Passa, at four in the morning, I can't guess. Fel. No, no, no; not you. You were not upon the Terriero de Passa, at four this morning? Vio. No, I was not; but if I were, I hope I may walk where I please, and at what hour I please, without asking your leave. Fel. Oh, doubtless, madam! and you might meet Colonel Briton there, and afterwards send your emissary to fetch him to your house; and, upon your father's coming in, thrust him into your bedchamber-without asking my leave. 'Tis no business of mine, if you are exposed among all the footmen in town; nay, if they ballad you, and cry you about at a halfpenny a-piece-they may, without my leave. Vio. Audacious! Don't provoke me, don't; my reputation is not to be sported with (going up to him) at this rate. No, sir, it is not. (Bursts into tears) Inhuman Felix! O, Isabella! what a train of ills thou hast brought on me! (Aside.) Fel. Ha! I cannot bear to see her weep. A woman's tears are far more fatal than our swords. (Aside.) Oh, Violante!-'Sdeath! What a dog am I! Now have I no power to stir.-Dost thou not know such a person as Colonel Briton? Pr'ythee tell me, didst not thou meet him at four this morning, upon the Terriero de Passa? Vio. Were it not to clear my fame, I would not answer thee, thou black ingrate! But I cannot Vio. Yes; but he mistook me for another, or he was drunk, I know not which. Fel. And do you not know this Scotch colonel? Vio. Pray ask me no more questions; this night shall clear my reputation, and leave you without excuse for your base suspicions. More than this I shall not satisfy you; therefore, pray leave me. Fel. Didst thou ever love me, Violante? Vio. I'll answer nothing. You were in haste to be gone just now; I should be very well pleased to be alone, sir. (She sits down, and turns aside.) Fel. I shall not long interrupt your contemplation. Stubborn to the last. (Aside.) Vio. Did ever woman involve herself as I have done. (Aside.) Fel. Now would I give one of my eyes to be friends with her; for something whispers to my soul she is not guilty. (Aside, He pauses; then pulls a chair, ani sits by her at a little distance, looking at her some time without speaking, then draws a little nearer to her.) Give me your hand at parting, however, Violante, won't you? (He lays his hand upon her knee several times.) Won't you, won't you won't you? Vio. (Half regarding him.) Won't I do what? Fel. You know what I would have, Violante. Oh, my heart! Vio. (Smiles.) I thought my chains were easily broke. (Lays her hand in his.) Fel. (Draws his chair close to her, and kisses her hand in a rapture.) Too well thou knowest thy strength. Oh, my charming angel! my heart is all thy own! Forgive my hasty passion, 'tis the transport of a love sincere. Oh! Violante, Violante! Ped. (Within.) Bid Sancho get a new wheel to the chariot presently. Vio. Bless me, my father returned! What shall we do now, Felix? We are ruined past redemption. Fel. No, no, no, my love; I can leap from the closet-window. (Runs to the door where Isabella is, who closes it, and bolts herself in.) Confusion! somebody bolts the door within-side. I'll see who you have concealed here, if I die for't. Oh! Violante, hast thou again sacrificed me to my rival? (Draws.) Vio. By heaven! thou hast no rival in my heart: let that suffice. Nay, sure, you will not let my father find you here. Distraction! Fel. Indeed but I shall, except you command this door to be opened, and that way conceal me from his sight. (He struggles with her to come at the door.) Vio. Hear me, Felix: though I were sure the refusing what you ask would separate us for ever, by all that's powerful you shall not enter here. Either you do love me, or you do not. Convince me by your obedience. Fel. That's not the matter in debate: I will know who is in this closet, let the consequence be what it will. Nay, nay, nay, you strive in vain; I will go in. Vio. You shall not go in. Enter DON PEDRO. Fel. 'Sdeath! What shall I say now? (Aside.) Ped. Ay! what's that? Ped. Don Felix, pray what's your business in my house? Ha, sir! Vio. Oh, sir! what miracle returned you home so soon? Some angel 'twas that brought my father back to succour the distressed. This ruffian, here, I cannot call him a gentleman, has committed such an uncommon rudeness, as the most profligate wretch would be ashamed to own. As I was at my devotions in my closet Fel. Devotions! Vio. I heard a loud knocking at my door, mixed with a woman's voice, which seemed to imply she was in danger. I flew to the door with the utmost speed, where a lady, veiled, rushed in upon me, who, falling on her knees, begged my protection from a gentleman, who, she said, pursued her. I took compassion on her tears, and locked her in this closet; but, in the surprise, having left open the door, this very person whom you see, with his sword drawn, ran in, protesting, if I refused to give her up to his revenge, he'd force the door. Fel. What, in the name of goodness, does she mean to do? hang me? (Aside.) Vio. I strove with him till I was out of breath, and had you not come in as you did, he must have entered. But he's in drink, I suppose, or he could not have been guilty of such an indecorum. (Signs to Felix.) Ped. I'm amazed! Fel. The devil never failed a woman at a pinch : what a tale has she formed in a minute! In drink, quotha! a good hint: I'll lay hold on't to bring myself off. (Aside.) Ped. Fie, Don Felix! No sooner rid of one broil, but you are commencing another. To assault a lady with a naked sword derogates much from the character of a gentleman, I assure you. Fel. (Counterfeits drunkenness.) Who? I assault a lady? Upon honour, the lady assaulted me, sir; and would have seized this body politic upon the king's highway. Let her come out, and deny it if she can. Pray, sir, command the door to be opened, and let her prove me a liar, if she knows how. Ped. Ay, ay! who doubts it, sir? Open the door, Violante, and let the lady come out. Come, I warrant thee he sha'n't hurt her. Fel. No, no, I won't hurt the dear creature. Now, which way will she come off? (Aside.) Vio. (Unlocks the door.) Come forth, madam; none shall dare to touch your veil. I'll convey you out with safety, or lose my life. I hope she understands me. (Aside.) Re-enter ISABELLA, veiled, who crosses the Stage. Isa. Excellent girl! [Exit. Fel. The devil! a woman! I'll see if she be really so. (Aside.) Vio. Get clear of my father, and follow me to the Terriero de Passa, when all mistakes shall be rectified. (Apart to Felix, and exit; Felix offers to follow her.) Ped. (Draws his sword.) Not a step, sir, till the lady be past your recovery; I never suffer the laws of hospitality to be violated in my house, sir. Come, sir, you and I will take a pipe and bottle together. I Fel. D-n your pipe, and d-n your bottle. hate drinking and smoking: and how will you help yourself, old Whiskers? Ped. As to smoking or drinking, you have your liberty; but you shall stay, sir. Fel. But I won't stay; for I don't like your company: besides, I have the best reason in the world for my not staying. Fel. Why, I am going to be married; and so good bye. Ped. To be married; it can't be! Why you are drunk, Felix! Fel. Drunk! Ay, to be sure! You don't think I'd go to be married if I was sober. But drunk or sober, I am going to be married, for all that; and if you won't believe me, to convince you, I'll shew you the contract, old gentleman. Ped. Ay, do! come, let's see this contract, then. Fel. Yes, yes: I'll shew you the contract; I'll shew you the contract. Here, sir; here's the contract. (Draws a pistol.) Ped. (Starts.) Well, well, I'm convinced; go, go -pray go and be married, sir. Fel. Yes, yes, I'll go; I'll go and be married; but sha'n't we take a bottle first? Ped. No, no; pray, dear sir, go and be married. Fel. Very well, very well; (going) but I insist upon your taking one glass, though. Ped. No, not now; some other time. Consider, the lady waits. Fel. What a cross old fool! First he will, and then he won't; and then he will, and then he won't. [Exit. Enter a Servant. Serv. Here's Don Lopez de Pimentell, to wait on on you, seignior. Ped. What the devil does he want? He is not going to be married, too. Bring him up; [Exit Serv.] he's in pursuit of his son, I suppose. Enter DON LOPEZ. Lop. I am glad to find you at home, Don Pedro; I was told that you was seen upon the road to this afternoon. Ped. That might be, my lord; I had the misfortune to break the wheel of my chariot, which obliged me to return. What is your pleasure with me, my lord? Lop. I am informed that my daughter is in your house. Ped. That's more than I know, my lord; but here was your son, just now, as drunk as an emperor. Lop. My son drunk! I never saw him in drink in my life. Where is he, pray, sir? Ped. Gone to be married. Log. Married! To whom? I don't know that he courted anybody. Ped. Nay, I know nothing of that; but I'm sure he shewed me the contract. Within there! Enter a Servant. Bid my daughter come hither; she'll tell you another story, my lord. Serv. She's gone out in a chair, sir. Ped. Out in a chair! What do you mean, sir. Serv. As I say, sir; and Donna Isabella went in another, just before her. Lop. Isabella! Serv. And Don Felix followed in another! I overheard them all bid the chairs go to the Terriero de Passa. Ped. Ha! What business has my daughter there? I am confounded, and know not what to think. Within there! Lop. My heart misgives me plaguily. Call me an alguazil, I'll pursue them straight. [Exeunt SCENE III-The Street before Don Pedro's House Enter LISSARDO. Lis. I wish I could see Flora: methinks I have an hankering kindness after the slut. We must be reconciled. |