(Draws) Say ne meer Mon, aw my Sol here's Twa to Twa, donna fear Sir, Gibby stonds by ye for the Honor a Scotland. (Vapours about.)

Fred. By St. Anthony you shan't fight (interposes) 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. Whenever you please, Sir.

[Exit Felix.

Gib. S'Bleed, Sir, there neer was Scotsman yet that sham'd to shew his Face. (strutting about.)

Fred. So, Quarrels spring up like Mushrooms, in a Minute: Violante, and he, was but just reconcil'd, and you have furnish'd him with fresh Matter for falling out again, and I am certain, Colonel, Gibby is in the Wrong.

Gib. Gin I be Sir, the Mon that tald me leed, and gin he dud, the Deel be my Landlard, Hell my Winter Quarters, and a Rope my Winding Sheet, Gin I dee no lik him as lang as I can hold a Stick in my Hond, now see yee.

Col. I am sorry for what I have said, for the Lady's Sake, but who could divine, that she was his Mistress; prithee who is this warm Spark?

Fred. He is the Son of one of our Grandees, nam'd Don Lopez de Pementell, a very honest Gentleman, but something passionate in what relates to his Love—He is an only Son, which perhaps may be one Reason for indulging his Passion.

Col. 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, thro' the Severity of his Father, who would have married her against her Inclination, she has made her Escape, and notwithstanding he has offer'd five hundred Pounds, he can get no Tydings of her.

Col. Ha! How long has she been missing?

Fred. Nay, but since last Night, it seems.

Col. Last Night! The very Time! How went she?

Fred. No body can tell, they conjecture thro' the Window.

Col. I'm transported! This must be the Lady I caught; what sort of a Woman is she?

Fred. Middle siz'd, a lovely brown, a fine, pouting Lip, Eyes that roul and languish, and seem to speak the exquisite Pleasure that her Arms could give!

Col. Oh! I'm fir'd with his Description—'Tis the very she—What's her Name?

Fred. Isabella—You are transported, Colonel.

Col. I have a natural Tendency in me to the Flesh, thou know'st, and who can hear of Charms so exquisite, and yet remain unmov'd? 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 him, and wait on you again as soon as possible.—

Fred. Your humble Servant, Colonel.

[Exit.

Col. Gibby, I have no Business with you at present.

[Exit Colonel.

Gib. That's weel—naw will I gang and seek this Loon, and gar him gang with me to Don Pedro's Huse—Gin he'll no gang of himsel, Ise gar him gang by the Lug, Sir; Godswarbit Gibby hates a Lear.

[Exit.

Scene changes to Violante's Lodgings.

Enter Violante and Isabella.

Isab. 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.

Isab. Only the Force of Resolution a little retreated, but I'll rally it again for all that.

Enter Flora.

Flo. Don Felix is coming up, Madam.

Isab. 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 Posture.) Felix, what brings you back so soon, did not I say to-morrow?

Fel. My Passion choaks me, I cannot speak, oh, I shall burst! (Aside.)

[Throws himself into a Chair.

Vio. Bless me! are you not well, my Felix?

Fel. Yes,—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 chuse to stay at home, when these Fits of Spleen were upon me, and not trouble such Persons as are not oblig'd 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 shou'd not incommode you less. I am but too well convinc'd, that 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 wave your Merit, and consider what's due to myself—And I must be so free to tell you, Felix, that these Humours of yours will abate, if not absolutely destroy, the very Principles of Love.

Fel. (Rising) 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 be indifferent to me for the Future, and you shall find me abandon your Empire with so little Difficulty, that I'll convince the World your Chains are not so hard to break as your Vanity would tempt you to believe—I cannot brook the Provocation you give.

Vio. This is not to be born—Insolent! You abandon! You! Whom I have so often forbad ever to see me more! Have you not fall'n at my Feet? Implor'd my Favour and Forgiveness—Did you not trembling wait, and wish, and sigh, and swear yourself into my Heart? Ingrateful Man! If my Chains are so easily broke as you pretend, then you are the silliest Coxcomb living, you did not break 'em long ago; and I must think him capable of brooking any thing on whom such Usage could make no Impression.

Isab. (Peeping) A Duce take your Quarrels, she'll never think on me.

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 forbad me your Sight, but your Vanity even then assured you I would return, and I was Fool enough to feed your Pride.—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 Pet.

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 confess'd 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, do'nt put yourself into 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 of mine—For when I quit your Chamber, the World shan't bring me back.

Vio. I am so well pleas'd 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 was not upon the Terriero de Passa at Four this Morning.

Vio. No, I was not; but if I was, 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 Britton there, and afterwards send your Emissary to fetch him to your House—And upon your Father's coming in, thrust him into your Bed-Chamber—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! Oh, Isabella, what a Train of Ills hast thou 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—S'Death! what a Dog am I? Now have I no Power to stir;—Dost not thou know such a Person as Colonel Britton? Prithee 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 bear to be reproach'd 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 Scots Footman attack you in the Street neither, Violante?

Vio. Yes, but he mistook me for another, or he was drunk, I know not which.

Fel. And do not you know this Scots 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 was in Haste to be gone just now, I should be very well pleas'd 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?

Fel. Now would I give one of my Eyes to be Friends with her; for something whispers to my Soul she is not guilty.—(He pauses, then pulls a Chair, and 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, (Here he lays his open 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. (Smiling.) I thought my Chains were easily broke. (Lays her Hand into 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!

Don Pedro within.

Pedro. Bid Sancho get a new Wheel to my Chariot presently.

Vio. Bless me! My Father return'd! What shall we do now, Felix? We are ruin'd, past Redemption.

Fel. No, no, no, my Love; I can leap from thy Closet Window.

[Runs to the Door where Isabella is, who claps too the Door, and bolts it within side.

Isab. (Peeping.) Say you so: But I shall prevent you.

Fel. Confusion! Some Body bolts the Door within-side; I'll see who you have conceal'd here, if I die for't: Oh Violante! hast thou again sacrific'd 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 open'd, and that Way conceal me from his Sight.

[He struggles with her to come to 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.

Ped. Hey day! What's here to do? I will go in, and you shan't go in—and, I will go in—Why, who are you, Sir?

Fel. 'Sdeath! What shall I say now!

Ped. Don Felix, pray, what's your Business in my House? Ha, Sir?

Vio. Oh Sir, what Miracle return'd you home so soon? Some Angel 'twas that brought my Father back to succour the distress'd—This Ruffian he, I cannot call him Gentleman—has committed such an uncommon Rudeness, as the most profligate Wretch would be asham'd to own—

Fel. Ha, what the Devil does she mean! (Aside.)

Vio. As I was at my Devotion in my Closet, I heard a loud knocking at our Door, mix'd with a Woman's Voice, which seem'd to imply she was in Danger.—

Fel. I am confounded! (Aside.)

Vio. I flew to the Door with utmost Speed, where a Lady vail'd rush'd 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 into this Closet; but in the Surprize having left open the Door, this very Person whom you see, with his Sword drawn, ran in, protesting, if I refus'd 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 as you did, he must have enter'd—But he's in Drink, I suppose, or he could not have been guilty of such an Indecorum.

[Leering at Felix.

Ped. I'm amazed!

Fel. The Devil never fail'd a Woman at a Pinch: What a Tale has she form'd 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 Drunkeness) Who, I assault a Lady —upon Honour the Lady assaulted me, Sir; and would have seiz'd this Body Politick upon the King's Highway—let her come out, and deny it if she can—pray, Sir, command the Door to be open'd, and let her prove me a Lyar if she knows how—I have been drinking right French Claret, Sir, but I love my own Country for all that.

Ped. Ay, ay, who doubts it, Sir?—Open the Door, Violante, and let the Lady come out.—Come, I warrant thee, he shan't hurt her.

Fel. Ay, now which Way will she come off?

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.)

Enter Isabella veil'd, and crosses the Stage.

Isab. Excellent Girl!

[Exit.

Fel. The Devil! A Woman! I'll see if she be really so.

[Offers to follow her.

Ped. (Draws) 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.—I'll keep Don Felix here till you see her safe out, Violante.

Vol. Get clear of my Father, and follow me to the Terriero de passa, where all Mistakes shall be rectified. (Aside to Felix.)

[Exit Violante.

Ped. Come, Sir, you and I will take a Pipe and a Bottle together.

Fel. Damn your Pipe, Sir, I won't smoke—I hate Tobacco—Nor I, I, I, I won't drink, Sir—No, nor I won't stay, neither, and how will you help yourself?

Ped. As to smoking, or drinking, you have your Liberty, but you shall stay, Sir.

[Gets between him and the Door, Felix strikes up his Heels and Exit.

Fel. Shall I so, Sir—But I tell you, old Gentleman, I am in haste to be married—And so God be with you.

Ped. Go to the Devil—In haste to get married, quotha, thou art in a fine Condition to get married, truly!

Enter a Servant.

Ser. Here's Don Lopez de Pementel to wait on you Senior.

Ped. What the Devil does he want? Bring him up, 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 you was seen upon the Road to—this Afternoon.

Ped. That might be, my Lord; but I had the Misfortune to break the Wheel of my Chariot, which oblig'd me to return—What is your Pleasure with me, my Lord?

Lop. I am inform'd that my Daughter is in your House, Don Pedro.

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 drunk in my Life; where is he, pray, Sir?

Ped. Gone to be married.

Lop. Married! To whom? I don't know that he courted any Body.

Ped. Nay, I know nothing of that—Within there! (Enter Servant.) bid my Daughter come hither, she'll tell you another Story, my Lord.

Ser. She's gone out in a Chair, Sir.

Ped. Out in a Chair! What do you mean, Sir?

Ser. As I say, Sir; and Donna Isabella went in another just before her.

Ser. And Don Felix follow'd in another; I over-heard them all bid the Chairs go to Terriero de passa.

Ped. Ha! What Business has my Daughter there? I am confounded, and know not what to think.—Within there.

[Exit.

Lop. My Heart misgives me plaguily—Call me an Alguazil, I'll pursue them strait.

SCENE changes to the Street before Don Pedro's House.

Enter Lissardo.

Liss. I wish I cou'd see Flora—Methinks I have an hankering Kindness after the Slut—We must be reconcil'd.

Enter Gibby.

Gibb. Aw my Sol, Sir, but Ise blithe to find yee here now.

Liss. Ha! Brother! Give me thy Hand, Boy.

Gib. Not se sast, se ye me—Brether me ne Brethers, I scorn a Lyar as muckle as a Theife, se ye now, and yee must gang intul this House with me, and justifie to Donna Violante's Face, that she was the Lady that gang'd in here this Morn, se yee me, or the Deel ha my Sol, Sir, but ye and I shall be twa Folks.

Liss. Justify it to Donna Violante's Face, quotha, for what? Sure you don't know what you say.

Gib. Troth de I, Sir, as weel as ye dee; therefore come along, and mak no meer Words about it.

[Knocks hastily at the Door.

Liss. Why, what the Devil do you mean? Don't you consider you are in Portugal? Is the Fellow mad?

Gib. Fallow! Ise none of your Fallow, Sir, and gin this Place were Hell, id gar ye dee me Justice, (Liss. going) nay, the Deel a Feet ye gang.

[Lays hold of him, and knocks again.

Enter Don Pedro.

Ped. How now! what makes you knock so loud?

Gib. Gin this be Don Pedro's House, Sir, I wou'd speak with Donna Violante, his Daughter.

Liss. Ha! Don Pedro himself! I wish I were fairly off.