but servants, you know: we must have no likings, C. Bald. Beyond all other pleasures. but our lord's, and must do as we are ordered. But Isa. Then you are pleased, for I am most unwhat is the business, nurse ? You have been in the

done. family before I came into the world : what's the C. Bald. I pray'd but for revenge, and heav'n Las reason, pray, that this daughter-in-law, who has so

heard, good a report in everybody's mouth, is so little set and sent it to my wishes: these grey hairs by by my lord ?

Would have gone down in sorrow to the grave, Nurse. Why, I tell you, Sampson, more or less; Which you have dug for me, without the thought, I'll tell the truth, that's my way, you know, with- The thought of leaving you more wretched here. out adding or diminishing.

Isa. Indeed I am most wretched. Samp. Ay, marry, nurse !

I lost with Biron all the joys of life : Nurse. My lord's eldest son, Biron by name, the But now its last supporting means are gone. son of his bosom, and the son that he would have all the kind helps that hearen in pity raised, loved best, if he had as many as king Pyramus of In charitable pity to our wants, Troy: this Biron, as I was saying, was a lovely At last have left us : now bereft of all, sweet gentleman; and, indeed, nobody could blame But this last trial of a cruel father, his father for loving him; he was a son for the To save us both from sinking. Oh, my child! king of Spain, heaven bless him! for I was his Kneel with me, knoek at nature in his heart: nurse. But now I come to the point, Sampson; Let the resemblance of a once-loved son this Biron, without asking the advice of his friends, Speak in this little one, who never wrong'd you, hand over head, as young men will have their And plead the fatherless and widow's cause. vagaries, not having the fear of his father before Oh, if you ever hope to be forgiven, his eyes, as I may say, wilfully marries this As you will need to be forgiven too, Isabella.

Forget our faults, that heaven may pardon yours. Samp. How, wilfully! he should have had her C. Bald. How dare you mention heav'n? Call to consent, methinks.

mind Nurse. No, wilfully marries her; and, which was Your perjured vows; your plighted, broken faith worse, after she had settled all her fortune upon a To heav'n, and all things holy; were you not punnery, which she broke out of to run away with Devoted, wedded to a life recluse, him. They say they had the church's forgivenesa, The sacred habit on, profess'd and sworn, but I had rather it had been his father's.

A votary for ever? Can you think Samp. Why, in good truth, I think our young The sacrilegious wretch, that robs the shrine, master was not in the wrong, but in marrying with - Is thunder-proof? out a portion.

Isa. There, there began my woes. Nurse. That was the quarrel, I believe, Sampson; Oh, had I never seen niy Biron's face, upon this, my old lord would never see him; dis- Had he not tempted me, I had not fall'n, inherited him : took his younger brother, Carlos, But still continued innocent and free into favour, whom he never cared for before; and, Of a bad world, which only he had pow's at last, forced Biron to go to the siege of Candy, To reconcile, and make me try again. where he was killed.

C. Bald. Your own inconstancy Samp. Alack-a-day, poor gentleman !

Reconciled you to the world : Nurse. For which my old lord hates her, as if He had no hand to bring you back again, she had been the cause of his going there.

But what you gave him. Circe, you prevail'd Samp. Alas, poor lady! she has suffered for it; Upon his honest mind: and what he did she has lived a great while a widow.

Was first inspired by you. Nurse. A great while, indeed, for a young woman, Isa. Not for myself, for I am past the hopes Sampson.

Of being heard, but for this innocent; Samp. Gad so! here they come: I won't venture And then I never will disturb you more. to be seen. (They retire.)

C. Bald. I almost pity the unhappy child:

But being yoursEnter COUNT BALDWIN, followed by ISABELLA,

Isa. Look on him as your son's; and her child.

And let his part in him answer for mine.
C. Bald. Whoever of your friends directed you, Oh, save, defend him, save him from the wrongs,
Misguided and abused you-there's your way: That fall upon the poor!
What could you expect from me?

C. Bald. It touches me,
Isa. Oh! I have nothing to expect on earth! And I will save him. But to keep him safe,
But misery is very apt to talk:

Never come near him more.
I thought I might be heard.

Isa. What! take him from me? C. Bald. What can you say ?

No, we must never part; 'tis the last hold Is there in eloquence, can there be in words

Of comfort I have left; and when he fails A recompensing pow'r, a remedy,

All goes along with him: Oh! could you bo
A reparation of the injuries,

The tyrant to divorce life from my life?
The great calamities, that you have brought I live but in my child.
On me and mine? You have destroyed those No, let me pray in vain, and beg my bread
hopes

From door to door, to feed his daily wants,
I fondly raised, through my declining life,

Rather than always lose him. To rest my age upon; and most uudone me.

C. Bald. Then have your child, and feed him Isa. I have undone myself too.

with your prayers. Away! C. Bald. Speak it again;

Isa. Then heaven have mercy on me! Say still you are undone ; and I will hear you,

[Exit, uuh Child. With pleasure hear you.

C. Bald. You rascal slave, what do I keep you Isa. Would my ruin please you?

for? How came this woman in?

Samp. Why, indeed, my lord, I did as good as

SCENE II.-A House. tell her before, my thoughts upon the matter.

C. Bald. Did you so, sir ? Now, then, tell her ISABELLA and Nurse discovered. Isabella's son al mine: tell her I sent you to her. There's one

play. more to provide for. Begone, go all together. Isa. Sooner or later, all things pass away, Take any road but this to beg or starve in, but And are no more. The beggar and the king, never, never see me more.

With equal steps, tread forward to their end; (He drives them off before him. The reconciling grave

Swallows distinction first, that made us foes;
Then all alike lie down in peace together.

When will that hour of peace arrive for me?
ACT II.

In heav'n I shall find it." Not in heaven,

If my old tyrant father can dispose
SCENE I. - The Strcet.

Of things above. But there his interest
Enter VILLEROY and CARLOS, meeting.

May be as poor as mine, and want a friend
As much as I do here.

(Weeping.)

Nurse. Good madam, be comforted. Vil. My friend, I fear to ask-but Isabella

Isa. Do I deserve to be this outcast wretch, The lovely widow's tears, her orphan's cries,

Abandon'd thus, and lost? But 'tis my lot, Thy father must feel for them? No; I read,

The will of heav'n, and I must not complain : I read their cold reception in thine eyes.

I will not for myself ; let me bear all Thou pitiest them, though Baldwin—but I spare The violence of your wrath ; but spare my child; bim

Let not my sins be visited on him. For Carlos' sake; thou art no son of his.

They are; they must; a general ruin falls There needs not this to endear thee more to me.

On everything aboutme: thou art lost,

(Embrace.) Poor nurse, by being near me. Car. My Villeroy, the fatherless, the widow, Nurse. I can work, or beg, to do you service. Are terms not understood within theso gates.

Isa. Could I forget
You must forgive him, sir; he thinks this woman What I have been, I might the better bear
Is Biron's fate, that hurried him to death:

What I am destined to. Wild, hurrying thoughts
I must not think on't, lest my friendship stagger, Start every way from my distracted soul,
My friend's, my sister's mutual advantage,

To find out hope, and only meet despair, Have reconciled my bosom to its task.

What answer have I?
Vil. Advantage! think not I intend to raise

Enter SAMPSON.
An interest from Isabella's wrongs.
Your father may have interested ends

Samp. Why, truly, very little to the purpose : like In her undoing; but my heart has none;

a Jew as he is, he says you have had more already Her happiness must be my interest,

than the jewels are worth; he wishes you would And that I would restore.

rather think of redeeming them, than expect any Car. Why, so I mean.

more money upon them.

[Exit. These hardships, that my father lays upon her. Isa. So: poverty at home, and debts abroad! I'm sorry for, and wish I could prevent;

My present fortune bad: my hopes yet worse But he will have his way. Since there's no hope What will become of me? From her prosperity, her change of fortune

This ring is all I have left of value now; May alter the condition of her thoughts,

'Twas given me by my husband; his first gift And make for you.

Upon our marriage : I've always kept it Vil. She is above her fortune.

With my best care, the treasure xt my life: Car Try her again. Women commonly lovo And now but part with it to support life, According to the circumstances they are in. Which only can be dearer. Take it, nurse, Vil. Commonly women may.

'Twill stop the cries of hunger for a time; No, though I live but in the hopes of her,

Take care of it;
And languish for th' enjoyment of those hopes; Manage it as the last remaining friend
I'd rather pine in a consuming want

That would relievo us. [Exit Nurse.) Heay'n cap Of what I wish, than have the blessing mine,

only tell From any reason but consenting love.

Where we shall find another. My dear boy! Oh! let me never have it to remember,

The labour of his birth was lighter to me I could betray her coldly to comply :

Than of my fondness now; my fears for him When a clear, gen'rous choice bestows her on Are more, than in that hour of hovering death, me,

They could be for myself. He minds me not; I know to value the unequall'd gift:

His little sports have taken up his thoughts. I would not have it, but to value it.

Oh, may they never feel the pangs of mino! Car. Take your own way; remember, what I Thinking will make me mad; why must I thir offer'd

When no thought brings me comfort?
Came from a friend.
Vil. I understand it 80.

Enter Nurse.
I'll serve her for herself, without the thought Nurse. Oh, madam! you are utterly ruined and
Of a reward.

[Exit. undone ; your creditors of all kinds are come in Cor. Agree that point between you.

upon you; they have mustered up a regiment of If you marry her any way, you do my business. rogues, that are come to plunder your house, and I know him: what his generous soul intends seize upon all you have in the world; they are beRipens my plots. I'll first to Isabella.

low. What will you do, madam ? I must keep up appearances with her too. [Exit. Isa. Do! nothing: vo, for I am born to suffer.

Enter CARLOS.

And then condemn me: you have given me leave Car. Oh, sister! can I call you by that name,

To be your friend; and in that only name And be the son of this inhuman nian,

I now appear before you. I could wish Inveterate to your ruin ?

There had been no occasion for a friend, Do not think I am akin to his barbarity.

Because I know you hate to be obliged; I must abhor my father's usage of you.

And still more loath to be obliged by me.

Isa. 'Twas that I would avoid. Can you think

(Aside.) Of any way that I may serve you in?

Vil. I'm most unhappy that my services But what enrages most my sense of grief,

Can be suspected to design upon you;

I have no further ends than to redeem you
My sorrow for your wrongs, is, that my father,
Foreknowing well the storm that was to fall,

From fortune's wrongs; to shew myself, at last, Has order'd me not to appear for you.

What I have long profess'd to be, your friend:

Allow me that; and to convince you more,
Isa. I thank your pity; my poor husband fell
For disobeying him; do not you stay

That I intend only your interest,
To venture his displeasure too for me.

Forgive what I have done, and in amends Car. You must resolve on something. (Exit.

(If that can inake you any, that can please you)

I'll tear myself for ever from my hopes,
Isa. Let my fato
Determine for me: I shall be prepared :

Stifle this flaming passion in my soul,
The worst that can befall me is to die.

And mention my unlucky love no more. Hark, they are coming: let the torrent roar:

Isa. This generosity will ruin me. (Aside.) It can but overwhelm me in its fall;

Vil. Nay, if the blessing of looking on you And life and death are now alike to me.

Disturbs your peace, I will do all I can [Exeunt; the Nurse leading the Child.

To keep away, and never see you more. (Going.)

Car. You must not go.

Vil. Could Isabella speak

Those few short words, I should be rooted here, SCENE III.-Ante-chamber in Isabella's house,

And never move but upon her commands.
CARLOS and VILLEROY, with Officers.

Car. Speak to him, sister; do not throw away

A fortune that invites you to be happy. Vil. No farther violence

In your extremity he begs your love; The debt in all is but four thousand crowns;

And has deserved it nobly. Think upon Were it ten times the sum, I think you know Your lost condition, helpless and alone. My fortune very well can answer it.

Though now you have a friend, the time must You have my word for this : I'll see you paid.

conie Offi. That's as much as we can desire; so we That you will want one; him you may secure have the money, no matter whence it comes.

To be a friend, a father, husband to you. Vil. To-morrow you shall have it.

Isa. A husband? Car. Thus far all's well.

Car. You have discharged your duty to the dead And now my sister comes to crown the work. And to the living: ’tis a wilfulness

(Aside.) Not to give way to your necessities, Isa. (Within.) Where are those rav’ning blood- That force you to this marriage. hounds, that pursue

Nurse. What must become of this poor innoIn a full cry, gaping to swallow me?

cenco?

(To the Child.)

Car. He wants a father to protect his youth, Enter ISABELLA, Nurse, and Chill.

And rear bim up to virtue: you must bear I meet your rage, and come to be devour'd:

The future blame, and answer to the world, Say, which way are you to dispose of me;

When you refuse the easy, honest means To dungeons, darkness, death!

Of taking care of him. Car. Have patience.

Isa. Do not think I need Isa. Patience !

Your reasons to confirm my gratilude. Offi. You'll excuse us, we are but in our office. I have a soul that's truly sensible Debts must be paid.

Of your great worth, and busy to contrive, Isa. My death will pay you all. (Distractedly.) If possible, to make you a return. (TO Villeroy.)

Offt. While there is law to be had, people will Vil. Oh, easily possible! bave their own.

Isa. It cannot be your way: my pleasures are Vil. 'Tis very filt they should; but pray be gone. Buried, and cold in my dead husband's grave; To-morrow, certainly

[Êxeunt Officers. And I should wrong the truth, myself, and you, Isa. What of to morrow?

To say that I can ever love again. Must I be reserved for fresh afflictions ?

I owe this declaration to myself: Vil. For long happiness of life, I hope.

But as a proof that I owe all to you, Isa. There is no hope for me.

If, after what I have said, you can resolve The load grows light when we resolve to bear : To think me worth your love-Where am I I'm ready for my trial.

going? Car. Pray, be calm,

You cannot think it; 'tis impossible. And know your friends.

Vil. Impossible! Isa. My friends? Have I a friend?

Isa. You should not ask me now, nor should I Car, A faithful friend; in your extremest need,

grant; Villeroy came in to save you,

I am so much obliged, that to consent Isa. Save me! How?

Would want a name to recommend the gift: Car. By satisfying all your creditors,

'Twould shew me poor, indebted, and compellid, Isa. Which way? for what?

Designing, mercenary: and I know Vil. Let me be understood,

You would not wish to think I could be bought.

aid ;

Vil. Be bought! where is the price that can pre- C. Bald. Now, Carlos, take example to thy

tend
To bargain for you? Not in fortune's power. Let Biron's disobedience, and the curse
The joys of heaven. and love, must be bestow'd; He took into his bosom, prove a warning,
They are not to be sold, and cannot be desery'd. A monitor to thee, to keep thy duty
Isa. Some other time I'll hear you on this sub- Firm and unshaken.
ject.

Car. May those rankling wounds,
Vil. Nay, then there is no time so fit for me. Which Biron's disobedience gave my father,

(Following her.) Be heal'd by me!
Since you consent to hear me, hear me now; C. Bald. With tears I thank thee, Carlos;
That you may grant: you are above

And may'st thou ever feel those inward joys,

(Takes her hand.) Thy duty gives thy father; but, my son, The little forms which circumscribe your sex; We must not let resentment choke our justice; We differ but in time, let that be mine.

'Tis fit that Villeroy know he has no claim Isa. You think fit

From me, in right of Isabella. Biron, To get the better of me, and you shall;

(Whose name brings tears) when wedded to this Since you will have it so I will be yours.

woman, Vil. I take you at your word.

By me abandon'd, sunk the little fortune Isa. I give you all,

His uncle left, in vanity and fondness: My hand : and would I had a heart to give: I am possess'd of those your brother's papers, But if it ever can return again,

Which now are Villeroy's, and, should aught rc"Tis wholly yours.

main, Vil. Oh, ecstacy of joy!

In justice it is his; from me to him Leave that to me. If all my services,

You shall convey them - follow me, and take If all that man can fondly say or do,

them.

(Exit Count Baldwin. Can beget love, love shall be born again.

Car. Yes, I will take them; but ere I part with Oh, Carlos! now my friend, and brother too:

them, And, uurse, I have eternal thanks for thee.

I will be sure my interest will not suffer

[Exeunt Nurse and Child. By these his high, reined, fantastic notions This night you must be mine,

Of equity and right. What a paradox Let me command in this, and all my life

Is man! My father here, who boasts his honour, all be devo to you.

And even but now was warm in praise of justice, Isa. On your word,

Can steel his heart against the widow's tears, Never to press me to put off these weeds,

An infant's wants: the widow and the infant Which best become my melancholy thoughts, Of Biron: of his son, his fav'rite son. You shall command me.

'Tis ever thus, weak minds who court opinion, l'il. Witness, heaven and eartb,

And dead to virtuous feeling, hide their wants Against my soul, when I do any thing

In pompous affectation. Now to VilleroyTo give you disquiet.

Ere this his friends, for he is much belov'd, Car. I long to wish you joy,

Crowd to his house, and with their nuptial songs Vil. You'll be a witness of my happiness? Awake the wedded pair: I'll join the throng, Car. For once I'll be my sister's father,

And in my face, at least, bear joy and friendship. And give her to you.

[Èxit. Vil. Next my Isabella, Be near my heart: I am for ever yours.

(Exeunt. SCENE II.-A Ball Room in Villeroy's House. A

Band of Music, with MAURICE, and other friends

of Villeroy.
ACT III.

Enter a Servant.
SCENE I.- Count Baldwin's House.

Maur. Where's your master, my good friend ?

Strv. Within, sir,
Enter COUNT BALD WIN and CARLOS. Preparing for the welcome of his friends.

Maur. Acquaint him we are here: yet stay, C. Bald. Married to Villeroy, say'st thou?

(Exit Servant. Car. Yes, my lord.

The voice of music gently shall surprise him, Last night the priest perform'd his holy office. And breathe our salutations to his ear. And made them one.

Strike up a strain to Villeroy's happiness, C. Bald. Misfortune join them!

To Isabella's. - But he's here already.
Jod may her violated vows pull down

Enter VILLEROY.
A lasting curse, a constancy of sorrow
On both their heads.

Vil. My friends,
Car. Soon he'll hate her;

Welcome all.
Though warm and violent in his raptures now, What means this preparation ?
When full enjoyment palls his sicken'd sense,

(Seeing the Music.) And reason with fatiety returns,

Maur. A slight token ller cold constrain'd acceptance of his hand Of our best wishes for your growing happiness. Will gall his pride, which (though of late o'er- You must permit our friendshippower'd

Vil. You oblige me-
By stronger passions) will, as they grow weak, Maur. But your lovely bride,
Rise in full force, and pour its vengeance on That wonder of her sex, she must appear,
ber,

And add new brightness to this happy morning.

Vil. She is not yet prepared; and let her will, A kindly comfort, into every heart
My worthiest friend, determine her behaviour; That is not envious.
To win, and not to force her disposition,

Vil. He must be a friend indeed,
Has been my seven years' task.

She will anon

Who is not envious of a happiness Speak welcome to you all. The music stays. So absolute as mine: there's the cause;

(Villeroy and his friends seat them. Thank her for what I am, and what must be: selves.)

(Music flourish.) I see you mean a second entertainment. EPITHALAMIUM.

My dearest Isabella, you must hear Woman. Let all, let all be gay,

The raptures of my friends; - from thee they Begin the rupturous lay,

spring;

Thy virtues have diffused themselves around,
Let mirth, let mirth and joy,

And made them all as happy as myself.
Each happy hour employ

Isa. I feel their favours with a grateful heart, of this fair bridal day.

And willingly comply.
Man.

Ye love-wing'd hours, your flight,
Your downy flight prepare,

DUET.
Bring every soft delight
To sooth the brave and fair.

Take the gifts the gods intend ye ;

Gratefully meet the proffer'd joy;
Ilail, happy pair, thus in each other bless'd;

Truth and honour shall attend ye;
Be ever free from care, of ev'ry joy pis-

Charms that ne'er can change or cloy.
sess'd!

Oh, the raptures of possessing, Vil. I thank you for this proof of your affection:

Taking beauty to thy arms!

Oh, the joy, the lasting blessing, I am so much transported with the thoughts

When with virtue beauty charms! Of what I am, I know not what I do.

Purer flames shall gently warm ye;
My Isabella !--but, possessing her,

Love and honour both shall charm thee.
Who would not lose himself?
Where's Carlos now?

Car. You'll take my advice another time, sister.
Methinks I am but half myself without him.
Maur. This is wonderful! married, and yet in stole from her thoughts, just redd'ning on her

Vil. What have you done? A rising smile raptures.

cheek, Vil. Oh, when you all get wives, and such as

And you have dash'd it. mine,

Car. I'm sorry for't. (If such another woman can be found)

Vil. My friends, you will forgive me, when I You will rave, too, dote on the dear content,

own, And prattle in their praise out of all bounds.

I must prefer her peace to all the world? I cannot speak my bliss! 'Tis in my head,

Cone Isabella, let us lead the way; 'Tis in my heart, and takes up all my soul;

Within we'll speak our welcome to our friends, The labour of my fancy.

And crown the happy festival with joy.
Enter ISABELLA and Child.
My Isabella! Oh, the joy of my heart,

SCENE III. - A Room.
That I have leave at last to call you mine;
But let me look upon you, view you well.

Enter SAMPSON and Nurse.
This is a welcome gallantry indeed!
I durst not ask, but it was kind to grant,

Samp. Ay, marry, nurse, here's a master, inJust at this time : Dispensing with your dress deed! He'll double our wages for us. If he comes Upon this second day to greet our friend.

on as fast with my lady, as he does with his serTsa. Black might be ominous;

vants, we are all in the way to be well pleased. I would not bring ill luck along with me.

Nurse. He's in a rare humour; if she be in as Vil. Oh! if your melancholy thoughts could good a onechange

Samp. If she be? marry, we may e'en say, they With shifting of your dress - Time has done have begot it upon one another. cures

Nurse. Well; why don't you go back again to Incredible this way, and may again.

your old Count? You thought your throat cut, I Isa. I could have wish'd, if you had thought it fit warrant you, to be turned out of a nobleman's serOur marriage had not been so public.

vice. Vil. Do not you grudge me my excess of love; Samp. For the future, I will never serve in & That was a cause it could not be conceal'd:

house where the master or mistress of it lie single ; Besides, 'twould injure the opinion

they are out of humour with everybody when they I have of my good fortune, having you;

are not pleased themselves. Now, this matrimony And lessen it in other people's thoughts.

makes everything go well. There's mirth and Enter CARLOS.

money stirring about when those matters go as

they should do. My Carlos, too, who came in to the support

Ňurse. Indeed, this matrimony, Sampsonof our bad fortune, has an honest right,

Samp. Ah, nurse! this matrimony is a very good In better times, to share the good with us.

thing; but what, now my lady is married, I hope Car. I come to claim that right, to share your we shall have company come to the house: there's joy;

something always coming from one gentleman or To wish you joy; and find it in myself;

other upon those occasions, if my lady loves comFor a friend's happiness reflects a warmth, pany. This feasting looks well, nurse.