Chapter XII: Part 12

Don _Ped._ The Occasion of my Delay presses you, I fear, much more; you count the tedious Minutes I am with you, and are reduc'd to mind me of my Duty, to free yourself from my Sight.

_Leo._ You urge this thing too far, and do me wrong. The Sentiments I have for you are much more favourable than your Jealousy suffers 'em to appear. But if my Heart has seem'd to lean another way, before you had a Title to it, you ought not to conclude I shall suffer it to do so long.

Don _Ped._ I know you have Virtue, Gratitude and Truth; and therefore 'tis I love you to my Ruin. Cou'd I believe you false, Contempt would soon release me from my Chains, which yet I can't but wish to wear for ever: therefore indulge at least your Pity to your Slave; 'tis the soft Path in which we tread to Love. I leave behind a tortur'd Heart to move you:

_Weigh well its Pains, think on its Passion too, }
Remember all its Torments spring from you; }
And if you cannot love, at least be true._ }

[_Exit Don ~Pedro~._

_Jacin._ Now by my troth, Madam, I'm ready to cry. He's a pretty Fellow, and deserves better Luck.

_Leo._ I own he does: And his Behaviour wou'd engage any thing that were unengag'd. But, alas! I want his Pity more than he does mine.

_Jacin._ You do! Now I'm of another Mind. The Moment he sees your Picture, he's in love with you; the Moment he's in love with you, he imbarks; and, like Lightning, in a Moment more, he's here: Where you are pleas'd to receive him with a Don _Guzman, I am yours_. Ah----poor Man!

_Leo._ I own, _Jacinta_, he's unfortunate, but still I say my Fate is harder yet. The irresistible Passion I have for _Guzman_, renders Don _Pedro_, with all his Merit, odious to me; yet I must in his favour, make eternal War against the Strength of Inclination and the Man I love.

_Jac._ [_Aside._] Um----If I were in her Case, I cou'd find an Expedient for all this Matter. But she makes such a Bustle with her Virtue, I dare not propose it to her.

_Leo._ Besides, Don _Pedro_ possesses what he loves, but I must never think on poor Don _Guzman_ more.

[_Weeping._

_Jac._ Poor Don _Guzman_, indeed! We han't said a Word of the Pickle he's in yet. Hark! somebody knocks----at the old Rendezvous. It's he, on my Conscience.

_Leo._ Let's be gone; I must think of him no more.

_Jac._ Yes, let's be gone; but let's know whether 'tis he or not, first.

_Leo._ No, _Jacinta_; I must not speak with him any more. [_Sighing._] I'm married to another.

_Jac._ Married to another! Well, Married to another; why, if one were married to twenty others, one may give a civil Gentleman an Answer.

_Leo._ Alas! what would'st thou have me to say to him?

_Jac._ Say to him! Why, one may find twenty Things to say to a Man: Say, that 'tis true you are married to another, and that 'twould be a--Sin to think of any Body but your Husband; and that----you are of a timorous Nature, and afraid of being damn'd; and that a----You wou'd not have him die neither: That a----Folks are mortal, and Things sometimes come strangely about, and a Widow's a Widow, and----

_Leo._ Peace, Levity [_Sighing._] But see who 'tis knocks.

_Jac._ Who's there?

_Isa._ [_Behind the Scenes._] 'Tis I, _Isabella_.

_Leo._ _Isabella!_ What do you want, my Dear?

_Isa._ Your Succour, for Heaven's sake, _Leonora_. My Brother will destroy himself.

_Leo._ Alas! it is not in my power to save him.

_Isa._ Permit him but to speak to you; that possibly may do.

_Leo._ Why have not I the Force to refuse him?

Don _Guz._ [_Behind the Scenes._] Is it you I hear, my poor lost Mistress? Am I so happy, once more to meet you, where I so often have been blest!

_Jac._ Courage, Madam, say a little something to him.

Don _Guz._ Not one kind Word to a distracted Lover? No Pity for a Wretch, you have made so miserable?

_Leo._ The only Way to end that Misery, is to forget we ever thought of Happiness!

Don _Guz._ And is that in your Power? Ah, _Leonora_, you ne'er lov'd like me.

_Leo._ How I have lov'd, to Heaven I appeal! But Heaven does now permit that Love no more.

Don _Guz._ Why does it then permit us Life and Thought? Are we deceiv'd in its Omnipotence? Is it reduc'd to find its Pleasures in its Creatures Pain?

_Leo._ In what, or where, the Joys of Heaven consist, lies deeper than a Woman's Line can fathom; but this we know, a Wife must in her Husband seek for hers, and, therefore, I must think of you no more.----Farewel.

[_Exit ~Leo~._

Don _Guz._ Yet hear me, cruel _Leonora_.

_Jac._ It must be another Time, then, for she's whipt off now. All the Comfort I can give you, is, that I see she durst not trust herself any longer in your Company. But hush, I hear a Noise, get you gone; we shall be catch'd.

_Leo._ [_Within._] _Jacinta!_

_Jac._ I come, I come, Madam.

[_Exit ~Jac~._

_Enter ~Lopez~._

_Lop._ If I mistake not, there are a Brace of Lovers intend to take some Pains about Madam, in her Husband's Absence. Poor Don _Pedro_! Well; methinks a Man's in a very merry Mood, that marries a handsome Wife: When I dispose of my Person, it shall be to an ugly one. They take it so kindly, and are so full of Acknowledgment; watch you, wait upon you, nurse you, humour you, are so fond, and so chaste. Or, if the Hussy has Presumption enough to think of being otherwise, away with her into the Mountains, fifty Leagues off; no Body opposes. If she's mutinous, give her Discipline; every Body approves on't. Hang her, says one, he's kinder than she deserves: Damn her, says another, why does not he starve her? But, if she's handsome, Ah, the Brute, cries one: Ah the _Turk_, cries t'other: Why don't she cuckold him, says this Fellow? Why does not she poison him, says that? and away comes a Pacquet of Epistles, to advise her to't. Ah poor Don _Pedro_! But enough: 'Tis now Night, all's hush and still: every Body's a-bed, and what am I to do? Why, as other trusty Domesticks, sit up to let the Thief in. But I suppose he won't be here yet; with the help of a small Nap beforehand, I shall be in a better Condition to perform the Duty of a Centinel, when I go to my Post. This Corner will just fit me: Come, _Lopez_, lie thee down, short Prayers, and to sleep.

[_He lies down._

_Enter ~Jacinta~ with a Candle in her Hand._

_Jac._ So, I have put my poor Lady to Bed, with nothing but Sobs, Tears, Sighs, Wishes, and a Pillow to mumble, instead of a Bridegroom, poor Heart.----I pity her; but every Body has their Afflictions, and by the Beads of my Grandmother, I have mine. Tell me, kind Gentlemen, if I have not something to excite you? Methinks I have a rogueish Eye, I'm sure I have a melting Heart. I'm soft, and warm, and sound, may it please ye. Whence comes it then, this Rascal _Lopez_, who now has been two Hours in the Family, has not yet thought it worth his while, to make one Motion towards me? Not that the Blockhead's Charms have moved me, but I'm angry mine han't been able to move him. I doubt, I must begin with the Lubber: my Reputation's at stake upon't, and I must rouze the Drone, somehow.

_~Lopez~ rubbing his Eyes, and coming on._

_Lop._ What a damn'd Condition is that of a Valet! No sooner do I, in comfortable Slumber, close my Eyes, but methinks my Master's upon me, with fifty Slaps o' th' Back, for making him wait in the Street. I have his Orders to let him in here to-night, and so I had e'en----Who's that?----_Jacinta!_----Yes, a-caterwauling!--like enough.

_Jac._ The Fellow's there; I had best not lose the Occasion.

_Lop._ The Slut's handsome. I begin to kindle: But if my master shou'd be at the Door----Why there let him be, till the Matter's over.

[_Aside._

_Jac._ Shall I advance?

[_Aside._

_Lop._ Shall I venture?

[_Aside._

_Jac._ How severe a Look he has!

[_Aside._

_Lop._ She seems very reserv'd.

[_Aside._

_Jac._ If he shou'd put the Negative upon me.

[_Aside._

_Lop._ She seems a Woman of great Discretion; I tremble.

[_Aside._

_Jac._ Hang it, I must venture.

[_Aside._

_Lop._ Faint Heart never won fair Lady.

[_Aside._

_Jac._ _Lopez_!

_Lop._ _Jacinta_!

_Jac._ O dear Heart! Is't you?

_Lop._ Charming _Jacinta_, fear me not.

_Jac._ O ho! he begins to talk soft----then let us take upon us again.

[_Aside._

_Lop._ Cruel _Jacinta_, whose Mouth (small as it is) has made but one Morsel of my Heart.

_Jac._ It's well he prevents me. I was going to leap about the Rascal's Neck.

[_Aside._

_Lop._ Barbare _Jacinta_, cast your Eyes On your poor _Lopez_, ere he dies.

_Jac._ Poetry too! Nay then I have done his Business.

[_Aside._

_Lop._ Feel how I burn with hot desire, Ah! pity me, and quench my Fire. Deaf, my fair Tyrant, deaf to my Woes! Nay, then, Barbarian, in it goes.

[_Drawing a Knife._

_Jac._ Why, how now, Jack Sauce? why, how now, Presumption? What Encouragement have I given you, Jack-a-lent, to attack me with your Tenders? I cou'd tear your Eyes out, Sirrah, for thinking I'm such a one. What Indecency have you seen in my Behaviour, Impudence, that you shou'd think me for your beastly Turn, you Goat, you?

_Lop._ Patience, my much offended Goddess, 'tis honourably I wou'd share your Bed.

_Jac._ Peace, I say--Mr. _Liquorish_. I, for whom the most successful Cavaliers employ their Sighs in vain, shall I look down upon a crawling Worm? Pha--See that Crop Ear there, that Vermin that wants to eat at a Table, would set his Master's Mouth a-watering.

_Lop._ May I presume to make an humble Meal upon what savoury Remnants he may leave?

_Jac._ No.

_Lop._ 'Tis hard! 'tis wondrous hard!

_Jac._ Leave me.

_Lop._ 'Tis pitiful, 'tis wondrous pitiful!

_Jac._ Begone, I say. Thus, Ladies 'tis, perhaps, sometimes with you; With Scorn you fly the Thing, which you pursue.

[_Exit ~Jac~._

_Lop._ [_Solus._] 'Tis very well, Mrs. Flipflap, 'tis very well; but do you hear----Tawdry, you are not so alluring as you think you are----Comb-brush, nor I so much in love----your Maidenhead may chance to grow mouldy with your Airs--the Pox be your Bedfellow; there's that for you. Come, let's think no more on't. Sailors must meet with Storms; my Master's going to Sea, too. He may chance to fare no better with the Lady, than I have done with her _Abigail_: There may be foul Weather there, too. I reckon, at present, he may be lying by under a Mizen, at the Street-Door; I think it rains too, for his Comfort. What if I shou'd leave him there an Hour or two, in fresco, and try to work off the Amour that Way? No; People will be physick'd their own Way. But, perhaps, I might save his Life by't----yes, and have my Bones broke, for being so officious; therefore, if you are at the Door, Don John, walk in, and take your Fortune.

[_Opens the Door._

_Enter Don ~John~._

Don _John._ Hist! hist!

_Lop._ Hist! hist!

Don _John._ _Lopez_!

_Lop._ [_Aside._] The Devil--Tread softly.

Don _John._ Are they all asleep?

_Lop._ Dead.

Don _John._ Enough; shut the Door.

_Lop._ 'Tis done.

Don _John._ Now, begone.

_Lop._ What! Shut the Door first, and then begone! Now, methinks, I might as well have gone first, and then shut the Door.

Don _John._ I bid you begone, you Dog, you, do you find the way.

_Lop._ [_Aside._] Stark mad, and always so when a Woman's in chace. But, Sir, will you keep your chief Minister out of the Secrets of your State? Pray, let me know what this Night's Work is to be.

Don _John._ No Questions, but march.

[Lop. _goes to the Door, and returns_.

_Lop._ Very well----But, Sir, shall I stay for you in the Street?

Don _John._ No, nor stir out of the House.

_Lop._ So: well, Sir, I'll do just as you have order'd me; I'll be gone, and I'll stay; and I'll march, and I won't stir, and--just as you say, Sir.

Don _John._ I see you are afraid, you Rascal, you.

_Lop._ Possibly.

Don _John_. Well, be it so; but you shan't leave the House, Sir; therefore, begone to your Hogstye, and wait further Orders.

_Lop._ [_Aside._] But, first, I'll know how you intend to dispose of yourself.

[_~Lop.~ hides behind the Door._

_Don ~John~ solus._

Don _John._ All's hush and still; and I am at the Point of being a happy----Villain. That Thought comes uninvited----Then, like an uninvited Guest, let it be treated: Begone, Intruder. _Leonora_'s Charms turn Vice to Virtue, Treason into Truth; Nature, who has made her the supreme Object of our Desires, must needs have designed her the Regulator of our Morals. Whatever points at her, is pointed right. We are all her due, Mankind's the Dower which Heaven has settled on her; and he's the Villain that would rob her of her Tribute. I, therefore, as in Duty bound, will in, and pay her mine.

_Lop._ [_Aside._] There he goes, i'faith; he seem'd as if he had a Qualm just now; but he never goes without a Dram of Conscience-Water about him, to set Matters right again.

Don _John._ [_Aside._] This is her Door, 'tis lock'd; but I have a Smith about me will make her Staple fly.

[_Pulls out some Irons, and forces the Lock._

_Lop._ [_Aside._] Hark! hark! if he is not equipt for a Housebreaker, too. Very well, he has provided two Strings to his Bow; if he 'scapes the Rape, he may be hang'd upon the Burglary.

Don _John._ [_Aside._] There, 'tis done, so: No Watch-Light burning? [_Peeping into her Chamber._] All in darkness? So much the better, 'twill save a great deal of blushing on both Sides. Methinks I feel myself mighty modest, I tremble too; that's not proper at this Time. Be firm, my Courage, I have Business for thee--So--How am I now? Pretty well. Then by your Leave, Don _Pedro_, I must supply your Neglect. You should not have married till you were ready for Consummation; a Maidenhead ought no more to lie upon a handsome Bride, than an Impeachment upon an innocent Minister.

[_~Don~ John enters the Chamber._

_Lop._ [_Coming forwards._] Well done, well done; God-a-mercy, my little _Judas_. Unfortunate Don _Pedro_! thou hast left thy Purse in the Hands of a Robber; and while thou art galloping to pay the last Duty to thy Father, he's at least upon the Trot to pay the first to thy Wife. Ah the Traitor! What a _Capilotade_ of Damnation will there be cook'd up for him! But softly: Let's lay our Ear to the Door, and pick up some Curiosities----I hear no Noise----There's no Light; we shall have him blunder where he should not do, by and by----commit a Rape upon her Tea-Table, perhaps, break all her China, and then she'll be sure to hang him. But hark--now I hear--nothing; she does not say a Word; she sleeps curiously. How if she shou'd take it all for a Dream, now? Or her Virtue shou'd be fallen into an Apoplexy? Where the Pox will all this end?

_Leo._ [_Within._] _Jacinta_! _Beatrix_! _Fernandez_! Murder! Murder! help! help! help!

_Lop._ Now the Play begins, it opens finely.

_Leo._ [_Within._] Father! _Alphonso!_ Save me, O save me!

_Lop._ Comedy or Tragedy, for a Ducat! for fear of the latter, decamp _Lopez_.

[_Exit ~Lopez~._

+SCENE+ _changes to ~Leonora~'s Bed-Chamber; discovers ~Leonora~ in a Gown, holding Don ~John~ by the Sleeve._

_Leo._ Whoever you are, Villain, you shan't escape me; and tho' your Efforts have been in vain, you shan't fail to receive the Recompence of your Attempt: Help, ho, help there! help!

[_Don ~John~ breaks from her, but can't find the Door._

Don _John._ [_Aside._] S'death, I shall be undone! Where is this damn'd Door?

_Leo._ He'll get away: a Light there, quickly.

_Enter Don ~Guzman~ with his Sword drawn._

Don _Guz._ Where are you, fair Angel? I come to lose my Life in your Defence.

Don _John._ [_Aside._] That's _Guzman_'s Voice? The Devil has sent him: But we are still in the dark; I have one _Tour_ yet--Impudence, be my Aid. Light there, ho! Where is the Villain that durst attempt the virtuous _Leonora_.

Don _Guz._ His Life shall make her Satisfaction.

Don _John._ Or mine shall fall in his pursuit.

Don _Guz._ 'Tis by my Hands that she shall see him die.

Don _John._ My Sword shall lay him bleeding at her Feet.

_Leo._ [_Aside._] What can this mean? But here's Light at last, thank the just bounteous Heaven.

Don _John._ Enter with the Light there; but secure the Door, lest the Traitor 'scape my Vengeance.

_Enter Don ~Pedro~, with a Light, he finds ~Leonora~ between
them; both their Swords drawn._

_Leo._ O Heavens! what is't I see?

Don _John._ Don _Pedro_ here!

Don _Ped._ What monstrous Scene is this?

[_Aside._

Don _Guz._ What Accident has brought him here?

[_Aside._

Don _John._ How I'm intrigu'd, indeed.

[_Aside._

[_Don ~Pedro~ steps back and shuts the Door._

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] This Mystery must unfold before we part. What Torments has my Fate provided me? Is this the Comfort I'm to reap, to dry my Tears, for my poor Father's death? [_To ~Leo~._] Ah _Leonora_!

_Leo._ [_Aside._] Alas! where will this end!

[_Falling into a Chair._

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] Naked! and thus attended at the dead of Night! My Soul is froze at what I see. Confusion sits in all their Faces, and in large Characters I read the Ruin of my Honour and my Love.

[_To the Men._] Speak, Statues, if you yet have Power to speak, why at this Time of Night you are found with _Leonora_?----None speak! Don _John_, it is from you I ought to know.

Don _John._ My Silence may inform you.

Don _Ped._ Your Silence does inform me of my Shame, but I must have some Information more; explain the whole.

Don _John._ I shall. You remember, Don _Pedro_----

Don _Ped._ Be quick.

Don _John._ You remember you charged me before you went----

Don _Ped._ I remember well; go on.

Don _John._ With the Care of your Honour.

Don _Ped._ I did; dispatch.

Don _John._ Very well; you see Don _Guzman_ in this Apartment, you see your Wife naked, and you see me, my Sword in my Hand;--that's all.

Don _Ped._ [_Drawing upon Don ~Guz~._] 'Tis here, then, I am to revenge my Wrongs.

Don _Guz._ Hold.

Don _Ped._ Villain, defend thyself.

_Leo._ O Heaven!

Don _Guz._ Yet hear me.

Don _Ped._ What canst thou say?

Don _Guz._ The Truth, as holy Heaven itself is Truth! I heard the Shrieks and Cries of _Leonora_; what the Occasion was I knew not; but she repeated them with so much Vehemence, I found, whatever her Distress might be, her Succour must be sudden; so leapt the Wall that parts our Houses, and flew to her Assistance. Don _John_ can, if he please, inform you more.

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] Mankind's a Villain, and this may be true; yet 'tis too monstrous for a quick Conception. I shou'd be cautious how I wrong Don _John_. Sure 'tis not right to balance. I yet have but their Words against their Words; I know Don _John_ for my Friend, and _Guzman_ for my Rival. What can be clearer? Yet hold! If _Leonora_'s innocent, she may untangle all. Madam, I shou'd be glad to know (if I have so much Interest left) which Way your Evidence will point my Sword.

_Leo._ My Lord, I'm in the same Perplexity with you: All I can say is this; one of them came to force me, t'other to save me: but the Night confounding the Villainy of the Guilty with the Generosity of the Innocent, I still am ignorant to which I owe my Gratitude, or my Resentment.

Don _Guz._ But, Madam, did you not hear me cry, I came to help you?

_Leo._ I own it.

Don _John._ And did you not hear me threaten to destroy the Author of your Fears?

_Leo._ I can't deny it.

Don _Guz._ What can there be more to clear me?

Don _John._ Or me?

Don _Ped._ Yet one's a Villain still.

[_Aside._] My Confusion but increases; yet why confus'd? It is, it must be _Guzman_. But how came Don _John_ here? Right. _Guzman_ has said how he came to her Aid, but _Alvarada_ cou'd not enter but by Treason. Then perish----

Don _Guz._. Who?

Don _John._ Who?

Don _Ped._ Just Gods, instruct me who!

_Don. ~Felix~ knocks._

Don _Fel._ [_Within._] Let me in, open the Door.

_Leo._ 'Tis my Father.

Don _Ped._ No Matter; keep the Door fast. [_Aside._] I'll have this Matter go no further, till I can reach the Depth on't. Don _Guzman_, leave the House; I must suspend my Vengeance for a Time.

Don _Guz._ I obey you; but I'll lose my Life, or shew my Innocence.

[_Exit Don ~Guz~._

Don _Fel._ [_Within._] Open the Door; why am I kept out?

Don _Ped._ Don _John_, follow me by this back Way. And you, _Leonora_, retire.

[_Exit ~Leonora~._

Don _John._ [_Aside, following Don ~Ped~._] If Don _Guzman_'s Throat were cut, would not this Bustle end?--Yes----Why then, if his Throat be not cut, may this Bustle end me!

+ACT+ IV.

+SCENE+, _Don_ Guzman's _House_.

_Enter Don ~Guzman~, and ~Galindo~._

Don _Guz._ _Galindo!_

[_Musing._

_Gal._ Sir.

Don _Guz._ Try if you can see _Jacinta_, let her privately know I wou'd fain speak with her.

_Gal._ It shall be done, Sir.

[_Exit. ~Gal~._

_Don ~Guzman~ solus._

Sure Villainy and Impudence were never on the Stretch before! This Traitor has racked them till they crack. To what a Plunge the Villain's _Tour_ has brought me. _Pedro_'s Resentment must at last be pointed here: But that's a Trifle; had he not ruin'd me with _Leonora_, I easily had pass'd him by the rest.----What's to be done? Which Way shall I convince her of my Innocence? The Blood of him who has dar'd declare me Guilty, may satisfy my Vengeance, but not aid my Love. No; I'm lost with her for ever----

_Enter ~Jacinta~._

Speak: is't not so, _Jacinta_? Am I not ruin'd with the virtuous _Leonora_?

_Jacin._ One of you, I suppose, is.

Don _Guz._ Which dost thou think?

_Jacin._ Why he that came to spoil all; who shou'd it be?

Don _Guz._ Pr'ythee be serious with me if thou can'st, for one small Moment, and advise me which Way I shall take to convince her of my Innocence, that it was I that came to do her Service.

_Jacin._ Why, you both came to do her Service, did not you?

Don _Guz._ Still trifling.

_Jacin._ No, by my Troth, not I.

Don _Guz._ Then turn thy Thoughts to ease me in my Torment, and be my faithful Witness to her, that Heaven and Hell and all their Wrath I imprecate, if ever once I knew one fleeting Thought that durst propose to me so impious an Attempt. No, _Jacinta_, I love her well; but love with that Humility, whatever Misery I feel, my Torture ne'er shall urge me on to seize more than her Bounty gives me leave to take.

_Jacin._ And the Murrain take such a Lover, and his Humility both, say I. Why, sure, Sir, you are not in earnest in this Story; are you?

Don _Guz._ Why dost thou question it?

_Jacin._ Because I really and seriously thought you innocent.

Don _Guz._ Innocent! What dost thou mean?

_Jacin._ Mean! Why, what shou'd I mean? I mean that I concluded you lov'd my Lady to that Degree, you cou'd not live without her: And that the Thought of her being given up to another, made your Passion flame out like Mount _Etna_: That upon this your Love got the Bridle in his Teeth, and ran away with you into her Chamber, where that impertinent Spy upon her and you, Don _John_, follow'd, and prevented farther Proofs of your Affection.

Don _Guz._ Why, sure----

_Jacin._ Why, sure, thus I thought it was, and thus she thinks it is. If you have a Mind in the Depth of your Discretion, to convince her of your Innocence--May your Innocence be your Reward! I'm sure were I in her Place, you shou'd never have any other from me.

Don _Guz._ Was there then no Merit in flying to her Assistance when I heard her Cries?

_Jacin._ As much as the Constable and the Watch might have pretended to--something to drink.

Don _Guz._ This is all Raillery; 'tis, impossible she can be pleas'd with such an Attempt.

_Jacin._ 'Tis impossible she can be pleas'd with being reduc'd to make the Attempt upon you.

Don _Guz._ But was this a proper Way to save her Blushes?

_Jacin._ 'Twas in the dark; that's one Way.

Don _Guz._ But it must look like downright Violation.

_Jacin._ If it did not feel like it, what did that signify? Come, Sir, Waggery apart: You know I'm your Servant; I have given you Proofs on't. Therefore, don't distrust me now, if I tell you, this Quarrel may be made up with the Wife, tho' perhaps not with the Husband. In short, she thinks you were first in her Chamber, and has not the worse Opinion of you for it; she makes Allowance for your Sufferings, and has still Love enough for you, not to be displeas'd with the utmost Proofs you can give, that you have still a warm Remain for her.

Don _Guz._ If this be true, and that she thought 'twas me, why did me cry out to expose me?

_Jacin._ Because at this Time she did not think 'twas you. Will that content you? And now she does think 'twas you, your Business is to let her think so on; for, in a Word, I can see she's concern'd at the Danger she has brought you into, and, I believe, wou'd be heartily glad to see you well out on't.

Don _Guz._----'Tis impossible she can forgive me.

_Jacin._ Oons--Now Heaven forgive me, for I had a great Oath upon the very Tip of my Tongue; you'd make one mad with your Impossibles, and your Innocence, and your Humilities. 'Sdeath, Sir, do you think a Woman makes no Distinction between the Assaults of a Man she likes and one she don't? My Lady hates Don _John_, and if she thought 'twas he had done this Job, she'd hang him for't in her own Garters; she likes you, and if you shou'd do such another, you might still die in your Bed like a Bishop, for her.

Don _Guz._ Well, I'll dispute no farther. I put myself into thy Hands. What am I to do next?

_Jacin._ Why, do as she bids you; be in the Way at the old Rendezvous, she'll take the first Occasion she can to speak to you; and when you meet, do as I bid you, and instead of your Innocent and Humble, be Guilty and Resolute. Your Mistress is now marry'd, Sir; consider that. She has chang'd her Situation, and so must you your Battery. Attack a Maid gently, a Wife warmly, and be as rugged with a Widow as you can. Good bye t'ye, Sir.

[_Exeunt several Ways._

+SCENE+, _Don_ Felix's _House_.

_Enter Don ~Pedro~ solus._

In what Distraction have I past this Night! Sure I shall never close my Eyes again! No Rack can equal what I feel. Wounded in both my Honour and my Love; they have pierc'd me in two tender Parts. Yet cou'd I take my just Revenge, it wou'd in some Degree assuage my Smart. O! guide me Heaven to that Cordial drop.----Hold! A Glance of Light I think begins to----Yes----Right. When Yesterday I brought Don _John_ hither, was not Don _Felix_ much disturb'd?----He was; and why?----That may be worth enquiring. But something more occurs. At my Arrival in this City, was I not told that two Cavaliers were warm in the Pursuit of _Leonora_? One I remember well, they nam'd, 'twas _Guzman_: The other, I am yet a Stranger to. I fear I shall not be so long----'Tis _Alvarada_! O the Traitor! yet I may wrong him much. I have _Guzman_'s own Confession that he past the Wall to come to _Leonora_----O! but 'twas to her Assistance----And so it might, and he a Villain still.--There are Assistances of various Sorts----What were her Wants?--That's dark--But whatsoe'er they were, he came to her Assistance. Death be his Portion, for his ready Service.

_Enter Don ~Felix~._

Don _Fel._ You avoid me, Don _Pedro_; 'tis not well. Am I not your Father, have you not Reason to believe I am your Friend?

Don _Ped._ I have.

Don _Fel._ Why do you not then treat me like a Father and a Friend? The Mystery you make to me of last Night's Disturbance, I take unkindly from you.--Come, tell me your Grief, that if I can I may assuage it.

Don _Ped._ Nothing but Vengeance can give me ease.

Don _Fel._ If I desire to know your Wrongs, 'tis to assist you in revenging 'em.

Don _Ped._ Know then, that last Night in this Apartment I found Don _Guzman_ and Don _John_.

Don _Fel._ _Guzman_ and _Alvarada_?

Don _Ped._ Yes; and _Leonora_ almost naked between them, crying out for Aid.

Don _Fel._ Were they both guilty?

Don _Ped._ One was come to force her, t'other to rescue her.

Don _Fel._ Which was the Criminal?

Don _Ped._ Of that I am yet ignorant. They accuse each other.

Don _Fel._ Can't your Wife determine it?

Don _Ped._ The Darkness of the Night put it out of her Power.

Don _Fel._ But I perhaps may bring some Light to aid you. I have Part in the Affront: And tho' my Arm's too old and weak to serve you, my Counsel may be useful to your Vengeance. Know then, that Don _Guzman_ has a long Time pursu'd my Daughter; and I as resolutely refus'd his Suit; which, however, has not hindered him from searching all Occasions to see and speak to her. Don _John_, on his Side----

Don _Ped._ Don _John_'s my Friend, and I am confident----

Don _Fel._ That Confidence destroys you. Hear my Charge, and be yourself his Judge. He too has been a pressing Suitor to my Daughter.

Don _Ped._ Impossible!

Don _Fel._ To me myself, he has own'd his Love to her.

Don _Ped._. Good Gods! Yet still this leaves the Mystery where it was; this Charge is equal.

Don _Fel._ 'Tis true; but yonder's one (if you can make her speak) I have Reason, to believe can tell us more.----Ho, _Jacinta_!

_Enter ~Jacinta~._

_Jacin._ Do you call me, Sir?

Don _Fel._ Yes; Don _Pedro_ wou'd speak with you. [_To Don ~Pedro~ aside._] I'll leave you with her; press her; press her both by Threats and Promises, and if you find your Wife in Fault, old as I am, her Father too, I'll raise my Arm to plunge this Dagger in her Breast, and by that Firmness convince the world, my Honour's dearer to me than my Child.

[_Exit Don ~Fel~._

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] Heaven grant me Power to stifle my Rage, till 'tis Time to let my Vengeance fly. _Jacinta_, come near: I have some Business with you.

_Jacin._ [_Aside._] His Business with me at this Time can be good for nothing, I doubt.

_Jacin._ [_To Don ~Ped~._] What Commands have you, Sir, for me? I'm not very well.

Don _Ped._ What's your Disorder?

_Jacin._ A little Sort of a something towards an Ague, I think.

Don _Ped._ You don't seem so ill, but you may tell me--

_Jacin._ O, I can tell you nothing, Sir, I assure you.

Don _Ped._ You answer me before yon hear my Question. That looks as if you knew----

_Jacin._ I know that what you are going to ask me, is a Secret I'm out at.

Don _Ped._ [_Offering her a Purse._] Then this shall let thee into it.

_Jacin._ I know nothing of the Matter.

Don _Ped._ Come, tell me all, and take thy Reward.

_Jacin._ I know nothing of the Matter, I say.

Don _Ped._ [_Drawing his Sword._] Speak; or by all the Flame and Fire of Hell Eternal--

_Jacin._ O Lard, O Lard, O Lard!

Don _Ped._ Speak, or th'art dead.

_Jacin._ But if I do speak, shan't I be dead for all that?

Don _Ped._ Speak, and thou art safe.

_Jacin._ Well--O Lard--I'm so frighted--But if I must speak then--O dear Heart--give me the Purse.

Don _Ped._ There.

_Jacin._ Why truly, between a Purse in one's Hand--and--a Sword in one's Guts, I think there's little room left for Debate.

Don _Ped._ Come begin, I'm impatient.

_Jacin._ Begin! let me see, where shall I begin? At Don _Guzman_, I think.

Don _Ped._ What of him?

_Jacin._ Why he has been in love with my Lady these six Years.

Don _Ped._ I know it; but how has she received him?

_Jacin._ Receive him! Why--as young Maids use to receive handsome Fellows; at first ill, afterwards better.

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] Furies! Did they ever meet?

_Jacin._ A little.

Don _Ped._ By Day or Night?

_Jacin._ Both.

Don _Ped._ Distraction! Where was their Rendezvous?

_Jacin._ Where they cou'd not do one another much good.

Don _Ped._ As how?

_Jacin._ As through a Hole in a Wall.

Don _Ped._ The Strumpet banters me: Be serious, Insolence, or I shall spoil your Gaiety; I'm not dispos'd to Mirth.

_Jacin._ Why I am serious, if you like my Story the better for't.

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] How miserable a Wretch am I!

_Jacin._ I tell you there's a Wall parts their two Houses, and in that Wall there's a Hole. How the Wall came by the Hole, I can't tell; mayhap by chance, mayhap by no chance; but there 'tis, and there they use to prattle.

Don _Ped._ And this is Truth?

_Jacin._ I can't bate you a Word on't, Sir.

Don _Ped._ When did they meet there last?

_Jacin._ Yesterday; I suppose 'twas only to bid one another adieu.

Don _Ped._ Ah, _Jacinta_, thou hast pierced my Soul!

_Jacin._ [_Aside._] And yet I han't told you half I cou'd tell you, my Don.

Don _Ped._ Where is this Place you speak of?

_Jacin._ There 'tis, if you are curious.

Don _Ped._ When they wou'd speak with one another; what's the Call?

_Jacin._ Tinkle, Tinkle.

Don _Ped._ A Bell?

_Jacin._ It is.

Don _Ped._ Ring.

_Jacin._ What do you mean, Sir?

Don _Ped._ [_Hastily._] Ring.

_Jacin._ 'Tis done.

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] I'll make use of her to examine him. Does he come?

_Jacin._ Not yet.

Don _Ped._ Pull again.

_Jacin._ You must give him Time, Sir: My Lady always does so.

Don _Ped._ I hear something.

_Jacin._ 'Tis he.

Don _Guz._ [_Within._] Who's there?

Don _Ped._.. [_Softly._] Say you are _Leonora_.

[_Dumb Shew of her Unwillingness and his Threatning._

_Jacin._ [_Softly._] 'Tis _Leonora_.

Don _Guz._ What are your Commands, Madam? Is it possible so unfortunate a Wretch as I can be capable of serving you?

[_~Don~ Ped. whispers ~Jacinta~, who seems backwards to
speak._

_Jacin._ I come to ask you, how cou'd you so far forget that infinite Regard you have professed, as to make an Attempt so dangerous both to yourself and me; and which, with all the Esteem and Love I have ever borne you, you scarce cou'd hope I ever shou'd forgive you.

Don _Guz._ Alas! my Hopes and Fears were vanish'd too. My Counsel was my Love and my Despair. If they advis'd me wrong, of them complain, for it was you who made 'em my Directors.

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] The Villain owns the Fact. It seems he thinks he has not so much to fear from her Resentment.----O Torture!

_Enter ~Leonora~._

_Jacin._ [_Aside._] So, she's here; that's as I expected: now we are blown up.

_Leo._ [_Aside, not seeing them._] If I don't mistake, I heard Don _Guzman_'s Call. I can't refuse to answer it. Forgive me, Gods, and let my Woman's Weakness plead my Cause.--How! my Husband here! Nay then----

Don _Ped._ You seem disorder'd, Madam; pray, what may be the Cause?

_Leo._ [_Confus'd._] I don't know, really; I'm not----I don't know that----

Don _Ped._ You did not know that I was here, I guess?

_Leo._ Yes, I did, and----came to speak with you.

Don _Ped._ I'm not at present in a talking Humour, but if your Tongue is set to Conversation, there's one behind the Wall will entertain you.

Don _Guz._ But is it possible, fair _Leonora_, that you can pardon my Attempt?

Don _Ped._ [_To Leo._] You hear him, Madam; he dares own it to you.

_Leo._ [_Aside._] _Jacinta_ winks; I guess what Scene they have been acting here. My Part is now to play.

[_To Don ~Ped~._] I see, Sir, he dares own it: Nor is he the first lover has pressum'd beyond the Countenance he ever has receiv'd. Pray draw near, and hear what he has more to say: It is my Interest you shou'd know the Depth of all has ever passed between us.

_Leo._ [_To Don ~Guz~._] I fain wou'd know, Don _Guzman_, whether in the whole Conduct of my Life, you have known one step, that cou'd encourage you to hope I ever cou'd be yours, but on the Terms of Honour which you sought me?

Don _Guz._ Not one.

_Leo._ Why then should you believe I cou'd forgive the taking that by Force, which you already were convinc'd I valu'd more the keeping, than my Life?

Don _Guz._ Had my Love been as temperate as yours, I with your Reason had perhaps debated. But not in Reason, but in Flames, I flew to _Leonora_.

_Leo._ If strong Temptation be allow'd a Plea, Vice, in the worst of Shapes, has much to urge:--No, cou'd any Thing have shaken me in Virtue, it must have been the Strength of it in you. Had you shone bright enough to dazzle me, I blindly might have missed the Path I meant to tread: But now you have clear'd my Sight for ever. If, therefore, from this Moment more you dare to let me know one Thought of Love, though in the humblest Stile, expect to be a Sacrifice to him you attempt to wrong.----Farewel!

[_She retires from him._

Don _Guz._ O stay and hear me!--I have wrong'd myself; I'm innocent!----By all that's sacred, just and good, I'm innocent!

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] What does he mean?

Don _Guz._ I have own'd a Fact I am not guilty of! _Jacinta_ can inform you; she knows I never----

_Jacin._ I know! The Man's mad: Pray, begone, Sir, my Lady will hear no more; I'll shut him out, Madam, shan't I?

[_She shuts the Hole._

_Leo._ I have no farther Business with him.

_Enter ~Isabella~ hastily._

_Isab._ O Heavens, _Leonora_, where are you? Don _Pedro_, you can assist me better.

_Leo._ What's the Matter?

Don _Ped._ What is it, Madam, I can serve you in?

_Isab._ In what the Peace of my whole Life consists; the Safety of my Brother! Don _John_'s Servant has this Moment left me a Letter for him, which I have open'd, knowing there is an Animosity of some Time between 'em.

Don _Ped._ Well, Madam!

_Isab._ O dear, it is a Challenge, and what to do I know not; if I shew it my Brother, he'll immediately fly to the Place appointed; and if I don't, he'll be accus'd of Cowardice. One way I risque his Life, t'other I ruin his Honour.

Don _Ped._ What wou'd you have me do, Madam?

_Isab._ I'll tell you, Sir: I only beg you'll go to the Place where Don _John_ expects him; tell him I have intercepted his Letter, and make him promise you he'll send no more: By this generous Charity you may hinder two Men (whose, Piques are on a frivolous Occasion) from murdering one another! And by this good Office, you'll repay the small Debt you owe my Brother, for flying last Night to _Leonora_'s Succour; and doubly pay the Obligation you have to me, upon the same Occasion.

Don _Ped._ What Obligation, Madam? I am ignorant; pray inform me.

_Isab._ 'Twas I, Sir, that first heard _Leonora_'s Cries, and rais'd my Brother to her Aid. Pray let me receive the same Assistance from your Prudence, which you have had from my Care, and my Brother's Generosity. But, pray lose no Time. Don _John_ is perhaps already on the Spot, and not meeting my Brother, may send a second Message, which may be fatal.

Don _Ped._ Madam, be at rest; you shall be satisfy'd, I'll go this Moment. I'll only ask you first whether you are sure you heard my Wife call out for Succour, before your Brother past the Wall?

_Isab._ I did; why do you ask that Question?

Don _Ped._ I have a Reason, you may be sure. [_Aside._] Just Heaven, I adore thee! The Truth at last shines clear, and by that Villain _Alvarada_ I'm betray'd. But enough; I'll make Use of this Occasion for my Vengeance. [_To ~Isab~._] Where, Madam, is it, Don _John_ is waiting?

_Isab._ But here, in a small Field, behind the Garden.

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] His Blood shall do me Reason for his Treachery.

_Isab._ Will you go there directly?

Don _Ped._ I will. Be satisfy'd.

[_Ex. ~Don Ped~._

_Leo._ You weep, _Isabella_?

_Isab._ You see my Trouble for a Brother for whom I wou'd die, and a Lover for whom I wou'd live. They both are Authors of my Grief.

_Leo._ They both are Instruments of my Misfortune.

[_Exeunt._

+ACT+ V.

_Enter ~Lopez~._

Oho! my good Signior Don _John_, you are mistaken in your Man; I am your humble Valet, 'tis true, and I am to obey you; but when you have got the Devil in your Body, and are upon your Rantipole Adventures, you shall _Quixote_ it by yourself, for _Lopez_. Yonder he is, waiting for poor _Guzman_, with a Sword of a Fathom and a Half; a Dagger for close engagement; and (if I don't mistake) a Pocket-pistol for extraordinary Occasions. I think I am not in the wrong to keep a little out of the Way: These Matters will end in a Court of Justice, or I'm wrong in my Foresight: Now that being a Place where I am pretty well known, and not over-much reputed, I believe 'tis best, neither to come in for Prisoner nor Evidence. But hold; yonder comes another _Toledo_! Don _Guzman_ I presume, but I presume wrong, it is--who is it? Don _Pedro_, by all the Powers! What the Pox does he here, or what the Pox do I here? I'm sure as Matters stand, I ought to fly him like a Creditor; but he sees me, 'tis too late to slip him.

_Enter Don ~Pedro~._

Don _Ped._ How now, _Lopez_; where are you going?

_Lop._ I'm going, Sir, I----I'm going--if you please----I'm going about my Business.

Don _Ped._ From whence do you come?

_Lop._ Only, only, Sir, from--taking the Air a little, I'm mightily muddled with a Whur----round about in my Head, for this Day or two; I'm going home to be let Blood, as fast as I can, Sir.

Don _Ped._ Hold, Sir; I'll let you Blood here.

This Rascal may have borne some Part in this late Adventure: He's a Coward; I'll try to frighten it out of him.

[_Seizing him by the Collar, and drawing his Poniard._

You Traitor, you, y' are dead.

_Lop._ Mercy, Don _Pedro_!

Don _Ped._ Are you not a Villain?

[_~Lop.~ kneeling._

_Lop._ Yes; if you please.

Don _Ped._ Is there so great a one upon Earth?

_Lop._ With respect to my Master----No.

Don _Ped._ Prepare then to die!

_Lop._ Give me but Time, and I will. But, noble Don _Pedro_, just Don _Pedro_, generous Don _Pedro_, what is it I have done?

Don _Ped._ What, if thou dar'st deny, I'll plunge this Dagger deep into thy Throat, and drive the Falsehood to thy Heart again. Therefore, take heed, and on thy Life declare, didst thou not this last night open my Doors to let Don _Guzman_ in?

_Lop._ Don _Guzman_!

Don _Ped._ Don _Guzman_! Yes, Don _Guzman_, Traitor; him.

_Lop._ Now may the Sky crush me, if I let in Don _Guzman_.

Don _Ped._ Who did let you in then? It was not your Master, sure! If it was him, you did your Duty; I have no more to say.

_Lop._ Why then, if I let in any Body else, I'm a Son of a Whore.

[_Rising._

Don _Ped._ Did he order you beforehand, or did you do it upon his knocking?

_Lop._ Why he--I'll tell you, Sir, he----pray put up that Brilliant, it sparkles so in my Eyes, it almost blinds me--thank you, Sir.

[_Don ~Ped.~ puts it up._

Why, Sir, I'll tell you just how the Matter was, but I hope you won't consider me as a Party.

Don _Ped._ Go on; thou art safe.

_Lop._ Why then, Sir, when (for our Sins) you had left us, says my Master to me, _Lopez_, says he, go and stay at old Don _Felix_'s House, till Don _Pedro_ returns; they'll pass thee for his Servant, and think he has order'd thee to stay there. And then, says he, dost hear, open me the Door by _Leonora_'s Apartment to-night, for I have a little Business, says he, to do there.

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] Perfidious Wretch!

_Lop._ Indeed, I was at first a little resty, and stood off; being suspicious (for I knew the Man) that there might be some ill Intentions. But he knew me too, takes me upon the weak Side, whips out a long Sword, and by the same Means makes me do the Thing, as you have made me discover it.--[_Aside._] There's neither Liberty nor Property in this Land, since the Blood of the _Bourbons_ came amongst us.

Don _Ped._ Then you let him in, as he bid you?

_Lop._ I did: If I had not, I had never lived to tell you the Story. Yes, I let him in.

Don _Ped._ And what follow'd?

_Lop._ Why, he follow'd.

Don _Ped._ What?

_Lop._ His Inclinations.

Don _Ped._ Which Way?

_Lop._ The old Way:--To a Woman.

Don _Ped._. Confound him!

_Lop._ In short, he got to Madam's Chamber, and before he had been there long, (tho' you know, Sir, a little Time goes a great Way in some Matters) I heard such a clutter of small Shot, Murder, Murder, Murder, Rape, Fire, Help, and so forth--But hold, here he comes himself, and can give you a more circumstantial Account of the Skirmish.

_Don Ped._ I thank thee, Heaven, at last, for having pointed me to the Victim I am to sacrifice.

[_Ex. ~Lop.~_

_Enter Don ~John~._

[_Drawing._] Villain, defend thyself.

Don _John._ What do you mean?

Don _Ped._ To punish a Traitor.

Don _John._ Where is he?

Don _Ped._ In the Heart of a sworn Friend.

Don _John._ [_Aside._] I saw _Lopez_, go from him, without doubt he has told him all.

[_To Don ~Ped~._

Of what am I suspected?

Don _Ped._ Of betraying the greatest Trust that Man cou'd place in Man.

Don _John._ And by whom am I accus'd?

Don _Ped._ By me: Have at thy Traitor's Heart!

Don _John._ Hold! And be not quite a Madman.--_Pedro_, you know me well: You know I am not backward upon these Occasions, nor shall I refuse you any Satisfaction you'll demand; but first, I will be heard, and tell you, That for a Man of Sense, you are pleas'd to make very odd Conclusions.

Don _Ped._ Why, what is it possible thou canst invent to clear thyself?

Don _John._ To clear myself! Of what? I'm to be thank'd for what I have done, and not reproach'd. I find I have been an Ass, and push'd my Friendship to that Point, you find not Virtue in yourself enough to conceive it in another. But henceforward, I shall be a better Husband of it.

_Don Ped._ I shou'd be loth to find Ingratitude cou'd e'er be justly charg'd upon me: But after what your Servant has confess'd----

Don _John._ My Servant! Right, my Servant! The very Thing I guess'd. Fye, fye, Don _Pedro_; is it from a Servant's Mouth a Friend condemns a Friend? Or can Servants always judge at what their Master's outward Actions point? But some Allowances I shou'd make for the wild Agitation you must needs be in. I'm therefore calm, and thus far pass all by.

Don _Ped._ If you are innocent, Heaven be my Aid, that I may find you so. But still----

Don _John._ But still you wrong me, if you still suspect. Hear then, in short, my part of this Adventure. In order to acquit myself of the Charge you laid upon me in your Absence, I went last night, just as 'twas dark, to view the several Approaches of the House where you had left your Wife; and I observ'd not far from one of the back Doors, two Persons in close eager Conference: I was disguis'd, so ventur'd to pass near 'em, and by a Word or two I heard, I found 'twas _Guzman_ talking to _Jacinta_. My Concern for your Honour, made me at first resolve to call him to an immediate Account. But then reflecting that I might possibly over-hear some Part of their Discourse, and by that judge of _Leonora_'s Thoughts, I rein'd my Passion in; and by the help of an advancing Buttress, which kept me from their Sight, I learnt the black Conspiracy. Don _Guzman_ said, he had great Complaint to make; and since his honourable Love had been so ill return'd, he could with ease forgive himself, if by some rougher Means he should procure, what Prayers and Tears and Sighs had urg'd in vain.

Don _Ped._ Go on.

Don _John._ His kind Assistant clos'd smoothly with him, and inform'd him with what ease that very Night she'd introduce him to her Chamber. At last, they parted, with this Agreement, that at some Overture in a Wall, he should expect her to inform him when _Leonora_ was in Bed, and all the Coast was clear.

Don _Ped._ Dispatch the rest--Is't possible after all he should be innocent!

Don _John._ I must confess the Resolution taken, made me tremble for you: How to prevent it now and for ever, was my next Care. I immediately order'd _Lopez_ to go lie at Don _Felix_'s, and to open me the Door when all the Family were in Bed. He did as I directed him. I enter'd, and in the dark found my way to _Leonora_'s Apartment. I found the Door open, at which I was surpriz'd. I thought I heard some stirring in her Chamber, and in an Instant heard her cry for Aid. At this I drew, and rush'd into the Room, which _Guzman_, alarm'd at, cry'd out to her Assistance. His ready Impudence, I must confess, at first quite struck me speechless; but in a Moment I regain'd my Tongue, and loud proclaim'd the Traitor.

Don _Ped._ Is't possible?

Don _John._ Yet more: your Arrival hindring me at that Time from taking Vengeance for your Wrong, I at this Instant expect him here, to punish him (with Heaven's righteous Aid) for daring to attempt my Ruin with the Man, whose Friendship I prefer to all the Blessings Heaven and Earth dispense. And now, Don _Pedro_, I have told you this, if still you have a Mind to take my Life, I shall defend it with the self-same Warmth I intended to expose it in your Service.

[_Draws._

Don _Ped._ [_Aside._] If I did not know he was in love with _Leonora_, I could be easily surpriz'd with what he has told me. But--But yet 'tis certain he has destroyed the Proofs against him; and if I only hold him guilty as a Lover; why must Don _Guzman_ pass for innocent? Good Gods, I am again returning to my Doubts!

Don _John._ [_Aside._] I have at last reduc'd him to a Balance, but one Lye more tost in, will turn the Scale.

_To Don ~Ped.~_] One Obligation more, my Friend, you owe me; I thought to have let it pass, but it shall out. Know then, I lov'd, like you, the beauteous _Leonora_; but from the Moment I observ'd how deep her Dart had pierc'd you, tore my Passion from my bleeding Heart, and sacrific'd my Happiness to yours. Now, I have no more to plead; if still you think your Vengeance is my due, come pay it me.

Don _Ped._ Rather ten thousand Poignards strike me dead! O _Alvarada_! can you forgive a wild distracted Friend? Gods! Whither was my jealous Frenzy leading me? Can you forget this barbarous Injury?

Don _John._ I can: No more. But for the future, think me what I am, a faithful and a zealous Friend.--Retire, and leave me here. In a few Moments I hope to bring you further Proofs on't. _Guzman_ I instantly expect, leave me to do you Justice on him.

Don _Ped._ That must not be. My Revenge can ne'er be satisfy'd by any other Hand but this.

Don _John._ Then let That do't. You'll in a Moment have an Opportunity.

Don _Ped._ You mistake; he won't be here.