THE WRANGLING LOVERS: OR, THE Invisible Mistress. A Comedy. As it is now Acted at the Dukes-Theatre.  
LONDON, Printed for William Crook at the Sign of the Green Dragon without Temple-Bar. 1677.   

LICENCED.  
Sept. 25th▪ 1676. Roger L'Estrange.   

The Persons Names.  


Count de Beneveat A little old testy Spaniard, Mr. Leigh  
Don Digv de Stuniga Lover of Octavia. Mr. Smith.  
Don Ruis de Moncade Rival to Don Diego, not beloved. Mr. Medburn  
Don Gusman de Haro A well bred Cavalier. Mr. Harris.  
Sanco Vallet to Gusman, a simple pleasant fellow. Mr. underhill  
Ordgano Vallet to Don Diego, a cunning Knave. Mr. percival  
Pedro Vallet to Count de Benevent.  
A prating. Shopkeeper Mr. Richards.   

Women.  
Octavia de Pimentell Daughter to Count de Benevent. Mrs. Hughes.  
Elvira Sister to Don Ruis in Love with Gusman. Mrs. Barry.  
jacinta Woman to Elvira. Mrs. Gillo.  
Beatrice. Woman to Octavia▪ M Gibbs.    
Musicians, Dancers, Servants.  
The Scene Toledo.   

ERRATA.  
Page 7▪ li. 28 for set read▪ scent p. 10 l. 3. f oued r if you'd l. 24. f. more r. most, p 13. l. 25. f threatenings r, threatening, p. 18. l. 18, f. shall r. will, p. 32. l. 2. f. would r. should, p. 36. l. 37. f giveth r grieves, p. 40. l. 1 f guards r guarda, p. 41. l. 15. can r. do, l. 16. f. would r. can. p. 45. l. 15. f. himself r. itself, l. 37. itching r. hitching, p. 46. l. 27. f, all r. as, p. 47. l. 27. f. whom r. whence, p 49. l. 34. f find time r. find a time, p 50 l. 1. f. has by his r. by his, p. 60, l. ●7. deal, I'll assure you, p. 63 l. 16▪ f▪ he r. the, p. 64. l. 22. deal again p. 66. l. 29. f. l ut me r. me tut.   
THE WRANGLING LOVERS: OR THE Invisible Mistress.  

ACT. I.  
SCENE I.  The Scene in the Church. Enter Don Gusman and Sanco. Gus. 
SO, I am first at the place appointed. I had lost my honour, if the fair Inviter, that sent me the challenge, had got into the field before me.  Sanco. yawning. San. 
Sir—  Gus. 
Sir— with your mouth wide open as if you were coming to eat me.  San. 
I have more stomach to sleep than to eat.  Gus. 
Sluggish Brute cannot you watch one night without all this yawning and rubbing your eyes.  San. 
These signs are the Language of Nature, by which she declares her wants. Draw but the Teat from the mouth of a Babe, and still the lips retain a pretty sucking motion, which tells us with a silent sort of Oratory, that it is still a hungry. Nature even in the most vile sort of Animals will not without complaints be denied her due refections. I think Sir, it is as natural to sleep as to eat.  Gus. 
Yes to such Sots as you it is natural to do nothing else but sleep and eat. You slept enough, if snoring be a sign of sleeping.  San. 
A little towards morning, when I had no more paper left to burn under my Nose.  Gus. 
If your loud snoring had not wakened me your sitting up all night, had been to much purpose, instead of your calling me, I was fain to call you, half a dozen kicks could scarcely rouse you.  San. 
I think you did ill to treat a servant so, that does your business as well sleeping as waking. I knew my faculty, and therefore had no scruple of Conscience to take a nap contrary to your commands.  Gus. 
I have helped you to an excuse for your negligence, but you had best not let me catch you napping so any more.  San. 
The next time you have an occasion to rise early, let me but lie in your Antichamber upon a pallad Bed, and you will find you have a Servant more advantageous for the design of waking you, than a Cock, or an Alarum-Clock.  Gus. 
And keep me awake all night with a noise more ungrateful than a Catterwailing:  San. 
There's not a man in all Toledo sleeps with the like decorum. I have a clear Conscience, and my sleeps are harmonious.  Gus. 
Go, leave rubbing your eyes and look about, if you see e'er a Lady entering the Church give me notice.  San. 
Of all my Senses that of Seeing at present is most imperfect, I can scarcely hold my eyes open, they twinkle like a couple of rush lights.  Gus. 
You Snail Beetle mend your pace, How like a Carrier's horse you go Nod, Nod along.  San. 
Well if he takes up the trade of being a Lover, I'll lay down that of Vallet; for Lovers are always thus choleric, and I shall have but a Spaniel's life on't, lie down at his Chamber door a nights, and in the morning rise and shake my ears, and all the day after be set a rangeing, or be bid to fetch and carry; O the wicked cause of all these evils is at hand.— Sir, Sir, look to yourself, here comes a couple of dark Lanterns towards us.  Enter Elvira, Jacinta veiled. Gus. 
Begone, keep your distance.  Sanco retreats. Elvi. 
jacinta, go and stand Sentry at the Church door, and if you see my Brother coming give me notice.  jac. 
The hour of his devotions is not yet come.  Elvi. 
I listened at his Chamber, as I came down stairs, and I heard him stirring.  jac. 
My diligence shall secure you from a surprise.  Ja. exit. Gus. 
How excellent is her shape, and her mien how graceful.  Elvi. 
Don Gusman, for so I know you are called, though you are ignorant both of my name and Quality, tell me with what sentiments do you receive a visit from a Lady, that thus exposes her honour to your censure.  Gus. 
With all the faith, sense, and honour, that a true Cavileer ought, who is thought worthy to be trusted, and so highly honoured by a Lady.  Elvi. 
Did not the Letter I sent you yesterday with a summons to meet an unknown person much surprise you?  Gus. 
I was surprised to think, that you would trust your person with me here, that in your Letter durst not trust me with your name.  Elvi. 
Do you think you know me, Sir?  Gus. 
I am sure I do not, for if I did, you would then know me, of which I find the contrary.  Gus. 
I am sure I do not, for if I did, you would then know me, of which I find the contrary.  Elvi. 
I called you by your name.  Gus. 
But, Madam, did you know me, you would in your Letter have entrusted me with your name, and here with a sight of your person. Whilst you keep your Veil on, I am sure you don't know me as you ought.  Elvi. 
I confess Sir, what I have done proceeds not from my knowledge, but from my belief of your gallantry, and you may hope much when my faith is confirmed by experience.  Gus. 
I hope Love will inspire you with a quick faith, to believe that if you should discover to me all those glorious charms you are enriched with, that I should be capable of conserving a sufficient Empire o'er myself, and to remember what I am obliged to render to so great a merit as yours.  Elvi. 
If I find you as discreet, as I think you gallant, I shall have a very great inclination to acknowledge the trouble I have given you.  Gus. 
I am resolved, how great so ere my passion is, my respect shall be inseparable.  Elvi. 
Though you wonder, yet blame not my denial. A proceedure so new as this, seems to have something in it inexcusable, but when you shall learn, what at present I must not acquaint you with, you will then at least not condemn it: all that I can now say to you is, That the liberty I take ought not to make you think any thing to my disadvantage.  Gus. 
I would not press you to enlarge your favours; but that I know the discovery of your person will give me yet more advantageous thoughts of you.  Elvi. 
I am of some Quality, and without vanity I will say, I have attractions enough to engage you to more than you think, if it were permitted me to show you them. But I have reasons not to be subverted, that now make me conceal myself from your sight. Desist from further expectations till time has convinced me, that I may with assurance trust you with the sight and knowledge of my person.  Gus. 
Will you have the cruelty to raise me to this high expectation, and leave me here to be tortured by imagination?  Elvi. 
I will unveil myself if you have the injustice to demand it, but then I will for ever withdraw from your sight; this day past you shall never see me more.  Elvira pulls off her glove to turn up her Veil. Gus. 
Hold, yet now I see your hand uncovered, it appears so fine, I am more desirous and impatient to behold the rest. By that little pattern I perceive the whole piece is excellent, Madam I must acknowledge I should be transported to see you, if you had that indulgent goodness to suffer it. But since you have reasons to the contrary, I ought to have some too not to desire it, but rather accommode myself to what is your pleasure to prescribe, than let you grant, what I had the insolence to press you to.  Enters Jacinta, Whispers to Elvira. jac. 
Madam, Don Ruis is at the further end of the Street, and comes towards the Church.  Elvi. 
Sir, I must leave you at present, but by your respect to me, and the honour of a Cavileer, I charge you not to follow me one step, nor cause me to be followed by any, for besides that your curiosity would be vain, I would never more converse with you.  Gus. 
What assurance do you give me that you ever will again, or how distant is that happy minute from this hour?  Elvi. 
I will half an hour hence meet you in this very place, and tell you when and where you shall see me next.  Gus. 
In this half hour consider you have drawn me to the rack, and leave me there upon the full stretch, and resolve to have the charity to ease my pain, by the shortness of your delay, Think, one that has had a glimpse of Heaven how wrapped he is with desires to have a full view of its glories.  Elu. 
So much as you abound in virtuous sentiments, and so punctual as I find you to my commands I will endeavour to have thoughts of you, that shall not displease you, Adieu.  Elvi. Jac. exeunt. Sanc. 
So 'tis even as I thought, one assignation begets another, this night will be a Vigil too: and so it will go on night after night, till at last I run mad for want of sleep.  Sanc. 
I was thinking, that Lovers are very virtuous people, for they in one months' intrigue keep more Vigils, than are found in the Church's Calendar for a whole year.  Gus. 
Leave your Meditations, Rascal.  Sanc. 
Here comes your Friend and Host Don Ruis.  Gus. 
If she should return sooner than I expect, and find company here, I might lose the happiness of conversing a second time with a person, whose short absence I already think too long, and with impatience wish the sight of.  Enter Don Ruis. Ruis. 
Don Gusman good morrow to you, you are got early to your Devotions— I was no sooner up, but I came into your apartment, and knocked at your chamber door, and my Servants told me you went out at break of day.  Gus. 
I had some thoughts in my mind that broke my repose, and therefore got up early, that I might be so sleepy at night, that no disquiet of mind, may then hinder me from taking my rest.  Ruis. 
Don Gusman put not on these disguises before your Friend, if it be inconvenient for me to know your secrets, I will not press you to a discovery, but your early rising this morning I know was design; for hearing a noise last night, I rose, and looking into your Antichamber, I saw Sanco sit nodding with his head in the Chimney, and hold smoking paper under his nose to keep him awake: I doubt not but in order to obey your commands of calling you early this morning. I then guessed at the design, and retired to my bed without taking further notice, and your early going abroad this morning, has confirmed the truth of my suspicions.  Gus. 
I must own you were not mistaken, yet in justification of what I told you, I will acquaint you with the cause whence those thoughts did proceed, which broke the soundness of my sleep.  Ruis. 
If you doubt my friendship, or think I want the faculty to conceal, what you are about to entrust to my knowledge, yet forbear the discovery: I assure you I am not at all curious.  Gus. 
Nor do I wrong your friendship with such suspicions. I must draw him from this ground, and the relati. aside. on of what is already passed affords me a pretence. If you'll defer your devotions we will take a turn in the Cloisters, and I will there give you a short relation of no unpleasant adventure.  Ruis. 
I am glad you do not repent your early rising.  Gus. 
As yet I have no cause.— Sanco be vigilant, and if you discover the veiled Lady or her attendant coming, step to the Cloister door and because me, I'll have my eye still this way.— Be sure you let 'em not depart till I have first spoken with 'em.  San. 
If once they come within my Gripe I'll be sure of them.  Gus. 
Except to call me, stir not a foot from this place.  San. 
No Sir, I will set myself down at the foot of this Pillar, and be as immovable till you return. Gus. Ruis exeunt. This Don Ruis I hold to be a man of much greater discreetion than my Don Gusman. He never gets up by the same light that he goes to bed, but is so good a Husband as to save candle in the morning, and let the Sun light him to find his clothes, and who indeed would spend money to see to dress himself, when he may have day light for nothing. Well, I will fall to my devotions to pass away the time▪  Sanco puts on his Master's cloak, and sits down with his beads in his hand, and falls a sleep. Enter Elvira, Jacinta veiled, at the other side of the Stage. Elvi. 
We'll leave the Church with what speed we can.  jac. 
Madam, let not fear discompose you, though Don Ruis and he are walked aside, their discourse may not be about you.  Elvi. 
Yes, yes, I know he is acquainting him with what is passed.  jac. 
I look on Don Gusman to be more discreet than to trust affairs of this nature to the knowledge of any.  Elvi. 
I believe he would not, if he could reveal to him a Lady's name, but if relating only the business, my Brother's curiosity should lead him to be an eye witness of our second interview, and place himself, where, unseen, he may behold what manner of person I am, he may guess by my motion, or actions, or stature: I will not expose myself to the danger of being known.  jac. 
See, yonder sits Sanco devoutly a sleep, wrapped in his Master's cloak, shall I wake him? you may with him leave directions for an after meeting.  Elvi. 
No. I will be gone without saying any thing.  jac. 
Don Gusman will stay expecting your return.  Elvi. 
I will make him wait unprofitably, to punish the indiscreetion, which I know him guilty of.  jac. 
It is but your suspicion Madam.  Elvi. 
Being my Brother's Guest, I can at any time retrieve this omission, by letting you in disguise meet him in the Street with directions, as I did yesterday for this appointment. Come.  jac. 
Farewell most pious drowsy Sanco.  Exeunt. Enter Don Gusman. Gus. 
So, my Friend has left me for his devotions. Where's Sanco. Ha, the Rogue's fallen fast a sleep with his beads in his hand, and my cloak about his shoulders, rouse, rouse, Animal. kicks Sanco. The beast snorts on, if your Nose and Ears are set fast on your head, I'll make use of 'em to raise you up by.  Gusman pulls Sanco up by the Nose and Ears, who makes a noise. San. 
Au, auh, auh—  Gus. 
Hold your bellowing Beast.  San. 
Sir, wont you let a Man alone at his prayers?  Gus. 
At his prayers Rascal, do you say your prayers like English fanatics through the Nose? must the Church be your dormitary, and my cloak your covering? if I find it any more about your villainous shoulders, I'll pin it to your back with a Toledo bodkin.  San. 
I thought, Sir, a good Christian, though a poor Devil, was not so despicable, but that he might serve for a peg to hang your cloak on.  Gus. 
Has the Lady or any from her been here since I went?  San. 
No Sir no—  Gus. 
No Sir, I may as well ask the pillars; you was at your devotions in a heavenly trance.  San. 
Ay Sir, but I saw no female visions.  Gus. 
Which way went the Lady? when she parted from us?  San. 
Nay Sir, I thought it was forbidden to look after her.  Gus. 
Why did I let her go? why did I not follow her? to be so easily persuaded to quit her, will make her think I had no value for her, and then she will leave me to my despair and ignorance.  San. 
Did you lend her any money?  Gus. 
Lend her money, Rascal.  San. 
Nay if you did not, you'll see her again for certain. I'll pawn my life she comes again, and lays the foundation of a better acquaintance, by asking to borrow a purse of gold.  Gus. 
Scoundrel, she is of Quality.  San. 
Yes Sir, most women that make assignations, have that good Quality.  Gus. 
Her own tongue declared she was no mean person.  San. 
I'll as soon take a Jocky's word of his horse, or a Poet's of his own play, as a woman's of herself.  Gus. 
Her Garb was rich and Noble.  San. 
No question but it was the gift of some such noble person as yourself.  Gus. 
Her mein and behaviour showed her of breeding, her shape was Charming, her wit was great, and no question but what she conceals, is not less beautiful and surprising; slave, if you had had any wit, or minded your Master's interest, you might have discoursed the woman whilst I was talking to the Mistress, and have given her occasion to let fall some word, that might a little have contributed to the discovery of what I now remain ignorant.  San. 
A wise man never makes a pother▪ when reason tells him 'tis unnecessary and surperfluous, no doubt but the Lady you commend, has as many good thoughts of you; thinks you are as handsome and comely a person as walks the streets of Toledo, And judges no less by your embroidered suits and change of rich apparel (which you shift oftener than the Major Domo of his Majesty) that you are too of Quality, but with more reason; and from thence too imagines, that you treat nobly all the Amorettos that you keep; and intends, I warrant you, that you shall be the chief of her Dons.  Gus. 
Hold your poltry tongue, Rogue, if you were worth my trouble of chastiseing I should now give your insolence severe correction, if hereafter you do not speak with more respect of the most virtuous person in the world, I shall lay a side all considerations, and put you in a condition of never more sullying a Lady's reputation with that stinking breath of yours.  San. 
I acknowledge I am not worth your trouble of chastiseing, and it is to profane your noble hand to let it fall on any part of me but you'd let me have the privilege of speaking two or three words; I would demand, in what particular you find this person so virtuous; what virtue is there in appointing a Love embassadress, to stand century, who imagining that she has found her Cully, gives an assignation by break of day the the next morning; when all the virtuous people that I know are at that time, as I used to be, fast a sleep.  Gus. 
Yes persons of your sanctity snore out the time that such well disposed Virgins spend at their devotions, I believe it her practice to be here thus early, especially on such great holy days as these.  San. 
A Very godly practice, to make the Church a place of Rendezvous for Love affairs.  Gus. 
Did not the place protect thee, these provocations added to thy negligence would not let my anger be appeased without thy life.  San. 
I shall love a Church the better for it as long as I live.  Gus. 
I know by her not coming, that she was here in my absence, when thou wast sottishly a sleep. I'll search round the Church for her, and then if I find her not, resolve to leave the place.  San. 
You will do more discreetly, Sir, for it is time to go to breakfast.  Gus. 
But I shall do more discreetly, for your sloth and carelessness to turn you out of my service; give me my cloak: fare you well. unless by some means or other you can find what is become of the person I have lost the sight of by your Rascally negligence, never more come near me, unless it be to send your brutish soul on an Errand to the Devil.  Gus. Exit. San. 
So, this it is to be subservient to a Love Adventurer, if his Mistress quarrels with him, he quarrels with his man; if she turns off the Master, the Master turns away his servant. O instability of humane life; well, I'll ferret every altar in the Church for her, and inquire at every house in Toledo but I'll find her. And if I meet her, I'll have her to him, though it be on pick-pack.  Exit. Enter Don Ruis, Beatrice following him. Beat. 
Sir, Don Ruis.  Ruis. 
Beatrice! is the Adorable Octavia here Beatrice!  Beat 
Yes Sir, she is at her prayers. I saw you pass by the altar, and stole from behind her, to tell you so.  Ruis. 
I thank thee kind Beatrice, will she be displeased think'st thou if I approach her?  Beat. 
Sir! 'twill but insense her, the league was never so strong as now, betwixt my Mistress and Don Diego. they are now never from one another, they can't say their prayers asunder, and I believe shortly they won't be able to sleep asunder.  Ruis. 
The last time I saw thee thou told'st me of their often quarrelling.  Beat. 
Yes Sir, they fall out every day still, and jangle like bells on a holy day; they are as Jealous of one another, as the old Count her father is of his honour; they are ever a scanning punctilioes, so that the least occasion begets a falling out on either side. And now and then I put in an unlucky word, for your advantage.  Rus. 
Continue thy kindness, were it not for thee, I should quite despair. I made my applications to Count- de-Benevent her father, and he having first approved of Don Diego's addresses to the fair Octavia, denies the least overture of mine. And unless he quite break off, I must languish out my life in the tortures of a successless Rival, and a despairing Lover.  Beat. 
The mischief on't is, there is a kind of sympathy, or instinct, or I don't know what in their love, that like a worm cut asunder, it still joins together again; but I'll do my best Sir, and when ever their falling out may be to your advantage, I'll be sure to give you notice, your servant Sir. I dare not stay any Longer.  Beat. Exit. Ruis. 
I'll follow you at distance. Whilst the fair Octavia pays her devotions to heaven, I'll pay mine to her, my sighs shall be as fervent as those she sends up her petitions in: nor shall her eyes look more devoutly upward, than mine shall do at her.  Whilst she with zeal does heaven's indulgence move, From her I'll draw compassion by my Love. Exit. 
End of the First Act.   

ACT. II.  
SCENE I.  The Scene, the Street before Count Benevents House. Enter Octavia, Beatrice veiled, Sanco following them. San. 
Hark you, pretty Female.  Beat. 
I don't know you.  San, 
Nor I whether you are pretty, but my Master has infected me with his implicit faith, and because he believes your Mistress handsome, unsight, unseen, I must of consequence, as I am of his Retinue, vouch the same of you.  Beat. 
What's your business?  San. 
Is not your Mistress an unreasonable woman to make a young Gentleman to rise at break of day to meet her, and then to pop him off with so short a visit; to leave him without showing him her face: to say she'd come again within half an hour, and to break her promise and ne'er go near him since? I wonder how she can go to her prayers in a morning and have no better a Conscience.  Beat. 
My Lady is not a person that makes appointments.  San. 
You may well be ashamed on't, and so may she too.  Beat. 
What do you mean?  San. 
I would fain know what your Mistress's meaning was, to set you last night at the corner of a Street, angling for my Master with the enticing bait of an amorous assignation, and when you might have got him by the gills, forsook the sport? If she had had a mind to be acquainted with his good parts, it had been but unvailing, and if he had liked the Frontispiece, he soon would have made his Entrance into the main building.  Beat. 
Friend, if you are drunk it is not my fault, as for my part I am tired with your sottish discourse; Stand away.  San. 
One word more.  Octa. 
How now Friend! how came you so well acquainted with my Woman?  San. 
I am yet no better acquainted with her than my Master is with you: and as he is desirous of a better correspondence with you, so am I of a little more intimacy with her.  Octa. 
Friend, you had best leave us, and go about your business.  San. 
As a true Servant I must do my Master's business First I am his Ambassador, and must not depart without you first give me Audience.  Octa. 
Friend, you'll endanger a Bastinade.  San. 
That usage to an Ambassador is against the Law of Nations.  Octa. 
But you come more like a Spy, and as a Spy you shall be received, if you have yet the boldness to proceed in your impertinence, till you arrive at that door there.  Sanco stop: they go forward to their House. Exeunt. San. 
The truth is, not having my Credentials about me, I shall appear rather a Spy than an Ambassador. I will take their advice, and keep my distance. I have no great stock of valour to repel dangers; therefore I will make use of my discretion, and like a wise man keep out of harms way— Auh, they are gone in, by their threatenings that must be the place of their abode: and I'll wait here about awhile to see if they don't take harbour here to shake me off. If that be their design, they'll come forth again presently.  Enter Ordgano, looking at a distance upon Sanco. Ordg. 
Ha—! Sure I am not mistaken!  San. 
What's he a Spy too? He comes to take a survey of my Body, and as the Academist said when he hanged the Butcher's great Dog, He shall see it in its full dimensions.  Sanco streaches himself at his full length. Ordg. 
Ay, 'tis he.  San. 
Now, who does he take me for?  Ordg. 
Country! How dost do Country?  San. 
I know not whether I am your Country or no: but I don't remember I ever saw you in mine.  Ordg. 
O Heavens, I'll not believe you have so disobliging a memory.  San. 
It may be it is because I am fasting.  Ordg. 
I'll give you a Breakfast for old acquaintance sake.  San. 
It may be then I may remember you better. But I can't stir from hence yet.  Ordg. 
'Tis so, he's upon design.— Well, I'll step in here and bid 'em bring us a Morsel of something. I'll be with you presently.  Exit. Ordg. into Don Diego's House. San. 
At least I shall remember him hence forward, that his acquaintance came so luckily. For I am heartily an hungry. I wish he knows me but well enough to come again according to his promise.  Ordgano reenters with Eggs and bread. Ordg. 
Come Country, will you sup off a couple of raw Eggs?  San. 
That's the Fashion of my Country.  Ordg. 
That's lucky. Ay I know it well: here's a piece of good Bread and Garlick too, and that's the fashion of your Country too, is it not?  San. 
O yes! in our Country we are as great lovers of Garlic, as any Country in Spain.  Ordg. 
Come Sir, the Boy is bringing some wine: in the mean time I will sup off an Egg to your good health.  Enter Boy with two Bottles of wine. Exit. Boy. San. 
I thank you Signieur, and I'll pledge you.  Ordg. 
Come Country, here's some wine for you, Country.  San. 
Gratias Signieur; Now I am sure of the Wine, I'll venture to see if he has ever been of my acquaintance. Signieur the more I look on you, the less I remember you.  Ordg. 
O, and that be all you'll remember me anon.  San. 
Of what Country are you?  Ordg. 
Of your Country.  San. 
What of Aragonia?  Ordg. 
Now 'tis out. Yes, I am an Aragonian.  San. 
So far he's right. What may your name be?  Ordg. 
Why have you forgotten my name too?  San. 
I don't remember I ever knew it.  Ordg. 
Bless me what has happened to you! Can you remember your own name?  San. 
Yes.  Ordg. 
You can't. Let's hear.  San. 
Sanco.  Ordg. 
Sanco, that's right. I durst have laid a wager that forgetting my name you could not have remembered your own. But Signieur Sanco I find I was mistaken. Come my service to you Signieur Sanco. drinks.  San. 
He knows Argonia is my Country, and my name Sanco, he has formerly known me, though I have forgotten him.  Ordg. 
Come pledge me, Signior Sanco, then sup off t'other egg Each sups off his egg So. This is usually my Breakfast, a raw Egg and a glass of Malago.  San. 
Ay, good hearty meat, but it is no great filler of the Belly.  Ordg. 
A good preparative for dinner.  San. 
This is no more to my belly, than I was to the Church I left just now.  Ordg. 
Come Sir, I am glad to see you with all my heart. I am rejoiced I meet you in a time of leisure, when we are not constrained to salute one another, with a bare scrape of the leg only. I don't love old Acquaintance should meet and part with dry lips, and so your good health once more.  San. 
You are one of the most hearty and most cordial persons, that I have ever met with, and your civility will never let me forget you hereafter. And so I drink off the rest of my Wine, to your good health, and our better acquaintance.  drinks. Ordg, 
Off with it ' drinks. So now my dear Sanco tell me, what enchantment confines you to this place. I find by the glances of your eye upon that part of the Street, you are upon some design.  San. 
It is a matter of no small consequence.  Ordg. 
If I can be any thing serviceable to you in the business, let me know it, and for the honour of our Country, I'll show the best of my skill.  San. 
I have been only dogging a Lady, and her Attendant to their home.  Ordg. 
And they went into that House I warrant you, which you leared at so often since we have been here.  San. 
Very true. And I stand to watch if they come out again.  Ordg. 
Umh, have you any Letter or Message to deliver to 'em.  San. 
No.  Ordg. 
How then?  San. 
If they stay long there, than I conclude that is their place of Habitation.  Ordg. 
A very rational conclusion. I find you a man of judgement, and very expert in managing a Love intrigue. Is it not some such business Country: ha! let me by way of divertisement partake a little more knowledge of the business.  San. 
Why, you must know that I am of the retinue to Don Gusman.  Ordg. 
So.  San. 
A very fine person, though a little choleric when he is crossed in love.  Ordg. 
Is he in love them? with whom?  San. 
You shall hear: last night a cunning love factress, that very well understood her trade, as my Master was coming home to his lodging, meets him at the turning of a street, pretty near the house of Don Ruis de Moncade, who is Don Gusmans' friend, and whose guest my master is at present.  Ordg. 
So.  San. 
In this rancounter he received an appointment to meet an unknown Lady, early this morning, at the Church of St. Dominick.  Ordg. 
Very pretty, so.  San. 
We obeyed the summons, the Lady came punctually to her assignation, but after a few Ceremonies, and a little pritle prattle on both sides, the Lady withdrew, promising to return within half an hour, the time expired, Don Gusman waited out his patience, the party expected came not again, Don Gusman not knowing her name, nor where to find her, sent me in quest of her: at last I spied her coming out of the Church, and have now set her.  Ordg. 
And here she housed. So.  San. 
Now my next business is to acquaint my Master with my success.  Ordg. 
So. I am glad matters succeed so well; and since your affairs require not my service, I will content myself with the hopes of a future occasion, and at present detain you no longer in prejudice to Don Gusman, to whom this news must needs be welcome.  San. 
Adios, Signior.  San. Exit. Ordg. 
Adieu, Sancho.  Enter Don Diego. Dieg. 
Ordgano, well performed.  Ordg. 
Could you hear perfectly Sir from your window?  Dieg. 
I heard all, and am amazed at her infidelity. Love was never declared in more kind and obliging expressions, than I received from her last night at parting. I'll give her a visit whilst my rage is armed with scorn, and upbraid her with her dissimulation, and ungrateful infidelity.  Enter Beatrice. Beat. 
Sir, my Lady spied you from her window, and sent me to tell you, that she is coming down into the court to speak to you.  Exeunt. Enter Octavia unveiled. Don Diego, Beatrice in the Court before the House. Oct. 
Your Looks Don Diego, tell me my invitation is not pleasing to you, what is the matter Sir?  Dieg. 
Nothing.  Oct. 
If nothing be the matter, you don't do discreetly to come abroad when you are in such an ill humour as this, and incommode persons who are no ways obliged to remove it.  Dieg. 
I know it very well Madam, I might not it may be have been troublesome to you, had you not sent me an invitation.  Octa. 
Beatrice, prithee tell him, that the door he came in at is still open.  Dieg. 
And let her tell me too, that it was open this morning by break of day to let you out.  Octa. 
Who are you acquainted with, that could so quickly inform you, that I went out so early?  Dieg. 
So early Madam! You did go out then I perceive, since you demand who could inform me.  Octa. 
Yes, I did go out, but from hence forward I will not with so great tranquillity take the pleasure I received this morning. I shall continually imagine I see you, or some of your Spies set to give you an account of my actions.  Dieg. 
No, all that you can do for the future, shall be indifferent to me, I shall abandon your Empire with a facility, that shall sufficiently discover, your chains are not so difficult to be broken, as your vanity does make you believe.  Octa. 
I find you very full of temerity in presuming to say you abandon me. You, whom I have so often ordained never to see me more, but have no sooner banished you my presence, but I have seen you at my feet, imploring my grace, and making use of all your entreaties, to incline me to repeal the sentence, and declared that you could not without death obey: if my chains, as you scornfully say, are so easy to be broken, why have you not done it twenty times before? either they are more powerful than your malice will allow, or you are a very weak man, Don Diego.  Dieg. 
You have sometimes driven me from you, but 'twas when you were sure that I would return again; of which you were glad, as appears by your frequent revoking those commands.  Octa. 
You are not the first troublesome companion, that has been received out of respect to good manners, and whom one sees with regret.  Dieg. 
But I will no more, Madam, be that troublesome person. I will have the honour now to quit you, and do let you know, before I take my leave of you, that it is to be for ever; and that your lingering in the Church longer as you have formerly done, expecting that I should come and make my addresses to you, will now signify nothing, and if I go or come by your house, or stand still near it, it shall not be out of design that you should send Beatrice to invite me in.  Octa. 
And I would have you know, that I will never go to Church hereafter, but with my Father, in whose presence you dare not, unless I please, say the least thing to me; and that you shall, if you have a fancy for it, walk in sight of my window, a thousand times in a day; and I not take the least notice of you. If I look out and smile, interpret it not kindness, but in derision of your folly. And since you are so kind to promise me never to come here again, I will be so civil to dismiss you now without further ceremony, and deal really with you, and let you know, I wish with all my heart that you were already gone.  Dieg. 
You do assure it me with an indifference too great to make me in the least doubt of what you say; in what I spoke, there was something I know not what of passionate, which sufficiently discovers, if you had a mind to observe it, that I love you still, though you deserve it not: But the cruel indifference that you have now shown, makes it plainly appear, you never had any true love for me; and so Madam I'll be preparing to take my leave. Beatrice, prithee give me a glass of your fair water. Beat. Exit. So, now Madam— Don Diego walks about pulling on his gloves with difficulty, and when the water comes, one half on, which he pulls off to receive the glass. Drinks. Gives Beatrice the glass, and then pulls on his glove again. Lingers out time in stroking them on.  Octa. 
Well Sir—  Dieg. 
You don't hinder me from going.  Octa. 
Do your pleasure—  Dieg. 
You do well, the trouble would be in vain, and to show you it would, I bid you adieu, and declare it not to be as formerly, a adieu jusqú au revoir, such as I have taken till this present, but an adieu for ever. Your Servant Madam.  Diego exit. Humming to himself. Octa. 
Beatrice he's gone.  Beat. 
Did you observe how he spun out the time, in hopes you would change your mind.  Octa. 
But after all, can my going out to the Bath so early this morning be the only occasion of this Quarrel? He cannot sure, at a thing so customary, be thus offended.  Diego Reenters, Beat. 
See, he is come again—  Dieg. 
Beatrice, I had forgotten to take my leave of you. There's some duccates for you, it may be they may be as lucky to you as Don Ruis', or those Don Gusman rewarded you with this morning for your early rising. Adieu.  Exit. Octa. 
I find by his last words, there is something which we don't understand, run Beatrice, and call him back.  Beat. 
If'twas to me, I'd e'en let him go.  Octa. 
I must clear it, it may be some thing offensive to my honour: Run.  Beat. exit. Beneu. 
within. Odsprecious where are you here, hoy—  Re-enter Beatrice. Beat. 
Madam, your Father is come in at the back door, I hear him rage.  Octa. 
Oh Heavens! There must be some other ground of this quarrel by his naming of Don Gusman; what it can be, or who this Don Gusman is I cannot imagine.  Beat. 
You have not leisure now to examine it.  Octa. 
Once again I'll see Don Diego, to convince his mistakes, and rectify his opinion of my reputation. That done, I'll never see him more.  Octa. Beat. exeunt. Enter Don Gusman. Sanco. San. 
Ay Sir, we are right, this is their cage, here they hopped in.  Gus. 
The House is very remarkable.  San. 
If you have but patience to walk here a little, we shall see the canary Birds perched up in their window anon.  Gus. 
Here is no glimpse of'em: We'll view the windows on this other side of the house.  Exeunt. Enter Elvira, Jacinta: their vails turned up. Elu. 
We'll keep at this distance.  jac. 
If we stand here we can't lose sight of 'em: here we may see all up that Street.  Elu. 
The sudden resolution of my Brother was very lucky to our present design; I should else have been puzzled to have invented a pretence to go abroad just at this time of the day.  jac. 
What was his reason at first to conceal you from Don Guzman? and e'er since he came to be his Guest, to confine you to the back apartment of his house, and tell him you are out of town?  Elu. 
For fear any thing should be discoursed to my prejudice, if it was known that Don Gusman had a lodging so near me. Have you still sight of 'em jacinta?  jao. 
Yes Madam, the House must be hereabouts that they look for, by their hankering so. But Madam, the same reason continuing still, why does Don Ruis now order you to go to your Aunts, and to come home to his House in her Coach an hour hence; as if you were just come out of the Country?  Elu. 
I objected the same, when I received his orders. And he told me that was but a pretended reason. And that the true ground of my concealment was, that he had information there would be some Overtures of a marriage with me, made to him by Don Francisco de Medina; of whose Revenue my Brother is a greater admirer than ever I should have been of his Person. And that some days since he heard his Applications are elsewhere, and his affections deeply engaged.  jac. 
That no doubt is the true reason.  Elu. 
And since the, friendship betwixt my Brother and Don Gusman is much increased. My Brother has acquainted him with the love of Octavia: that Don Diego is his Rival, and that his pretensions are rewarded with the favours which his fidelity more justly merits. Don Gusman on the other side has given him a relation of our assignation, and what passed this morning; of Sanco's success in pursuit of the veiled Lady; and of his present coming abroad with design to walk under the window. All this my Brother told me, to let me see the difference, betwixt my manner of living, and that of many other Ladies, who hazard the honour of their Families, by the indiscreet liberty they take, and applauds the Life I lead, ascribing all to his care, and conduct of me.  jac. 
I wonder who this blundring Sanco has by mistake followed instead of us.  Elu. 
Who e'er it be, she lives hereabouts. See, they come this way again.  Pull down their vails o'er their faces. jac. 
I believe they are at a loss.  Elu. 
Let us meet 'em jacinta.  jac. 
They have sight of us.  Enter Don Gusman, Sanco. Gus. 
See Sanco! we are staring up at the windows, and the persons we look for are here in the Street.  San. 
Ay, here they are. They spied you from their windows, and are come down to you. So there's the inviting dop for you. They courtesy to Gusman, he goes to Elvira.  
When a Woman likes her man, she has an Eye like a Hawk: She'll spy him twelve score off. And if she don't care for him, she's so blind, she can't see him, though his moustaches brush her Nose.  Gus. 
Madam, thus unexpectedly to surprise me with your presence, was the only way you had to make amends for your breach of promise to me this morning.  Elu. 
Sir, I came not now to make excuses for myself, but to complain of you. If I have broke my word it is by your example, and my not coming to you was your own fault.  Gus. 
How Madam, is it possible? That I, who waited with a burning desire of seeing you again, should be the occasion of your not coming, which is the thing I now lament of. I am confounded to think how you should be worse than your word by the example of one, who so exactly kept his.  Elu. 
I have evidence enough to justify my complaint.  Gus. 
If it be not a disparagement to seek a witness in a Servant, Sanco can testify how diligent I was not to miss your return.  San. 
Yes, my Master set a Memorandum on my nose and ears.  Gus. 
I stirred not from the place, but out of design to remove a Friend, whose presence, I feared, might interrupt your coming. But my Servant I planted there all the while to give me notice of your first approach. But if your finding him a sleep, as I did, has been the occasion; I revoke my act of mercy, and declare his fault unpardonable.  Elu. 
To render myself more intelligible, know that it is not of his neglect of duty, or your want of diligence that I complain, but of your indiscretion; the greatest fault a Cavalier can be guilty of, is to publish the favours he receives from persons of our Sex. I perceive by the colour that now rises in your face, that you already understand my meaning.  Gus. 
Your Eyes, whose transcendent brightness easily penetrates the thickness of that veil which covers them, are witnesses too illustrious not to be believed. I confess I made a Friend my Confident, a Friend that till now I ever found discreet. but by what you inform me, I discover how much a Captive he is to you, and that the Empire you have over him has made his love do violence to his friendship.  Elu. 
You take me then to be the Mistress of your Friend.  Gus. 
Yes Madam, I take you to be Octavia de Pimentel, whom Don Ruis adores. And now I begin to lose the hopes I had conceived. For how adorable soever you be, love ought not to make me undertake any thing to the prejudice of my Friend. Rather than add to the number of his Rivals by offering you my heart, I ought to lend him the assistance of my Sword to remove them he already has.  Elu. 
I do know Octavia, but I am not her.  Gus. 
If you are not her, I ought then to have a quarrel with Don Ruis; who by divulging the secret, is guilty of a crime, which nothing, but the interest of a Mistress could have rendered excusable.  Elu. 
Don Ruis is the best Friend you have. He told this to a person who hath given him as many proofs of fidelity, as you e'er received from him, and intended you no more harm in communicating it to that party, than you did me, when you related it to him.  Gus. 
If he has discoursed it to one only, and that person be yourself, I cannot but be of opinion that you are his Mistress, if you are not her, do me the grace for one moment, to grant me the sight of those many charms your cruel veil robs me of. I shall then know if my friendship be inconsistent with the love my heart is going to be possessed with.  Elu. 
Do you know Octavia?  Gus. 
Don Ruis often has showed me her picture, which out of devotion to her, he constantly wears about him: do not refuse me the happiness of being in a capacity to adore you without inquietude.  Elu. 
You desire a thing, that is not fit for me to grant, till I have had a sufficient proof of your discretion. It may be if I had told you my name before, or showed you my face, you had then too revealed one, and described the other. No, my reputation is a thing that well deserves the best of my care with whom I entrust it. I'll see you again, as soon as I may safely tell you whom I am.  Gus. 
Leave me not without some further assurances that I shall again be thus blessed, and that e'er long I shall see you in the full lustre of your charms.  Elu. 
Nothing shall hinder it, if to Don Ruis you do not again reveal what is past.  Offers to go. Gus. 
Stay, and I'll make you vows.  Elu. 
If you have any thing more to say, follow me to the Church of that Covent, and there discourse it.  Gus. 
Sanco there are four pistols; Gives Sanco money. See if you can make her earn it by discovering any thing to the advantage of my design.  Gus. Elu. exeunt. San. 
I'll warrant you, I'll open her mouth with this bunch of golden Keys. Money will set a woman's clack a going presently. Nay hark you, though my Master and your Mistress are gone aside, it is not come to that yet, 'twixt you and I. I have not made my compliments to you yet.  jac. 
I doubt your compliments will not be worth staying to hear.  San. 
I have a very good one in store for you.  jac. 
I question it.  San. 
But you'll like it.  jac. 
Don't let it be too long then.  San. 
There 'tis for you, gives her two pieces of Gold. without saying a word to you. How do you like it?  jac. 
I doubt 'tis a second hand one.  San. 
But 'tis ne'er the worse for wearing.  jac. 
It is a dry compliment.  San. 
But such a one as you can't well answer, unless you repeat part of the same to me again.  jac. 
I'll assure you I would not have received it, but that the money of Persons of Quality was always lucky to me, and for luck's sake I'll keep it all.  San. 
Then for lucks sake I'll keep the other half.  Sanco puts the rest in his pocket. 
You see Don Gusman is a man that knows how to return affronts in the best manner. He had not offended you thus if you had not first affronted me this morning, by scorning to take notice of me, when I dogged you and your Mistress home from Church.  jac. 
I'll pursue the hint, I may learn something to my mistress's advantage. Aside I had not been so uncivil, but that my Mistress gave me the Nod.  San. 
I began to think I had been deceived, when she asked me how I came acquainted with you, and threatened so. She dissembled so cunningly, one would have thought her really angry.  jac. 
She did indeed counterfeit rarely well.  San. 
Seeing her so very angry, I guessed she was near home, and then pressed no further.  jac. 
And did you see us go in?  San. 
Yes, and went presently and fetched my Master to show him your house; and see if we could catch you peeping out of your windows.  jac. 
And which are our windows now, think you?  San. 
There's your door, and there's your windows.  jac. 
O cunning Sanco!  San. 
What are you my Country too?  Sanco starts. jac. 
How your Country?  San. 
That you know my name so readily. I never told it you.  jac. 
I know it well enough.  San. 
But now, for the two Pistols I have given you, I would have you te'l me one thing, which I done't as yet know, and that is your Mistress's name.  jac. 
I must needs beg your pardon. My mouth is sealed up.  San. 
But with a Wafer.  jac. 
So strong, that all your Art can't force it open▪  San. 
You have very strong jaws, if gold can't open 'em.  jac. 
Not at this time.  San. 
If your legs have the same faculty as your lips, you'll die a Maid, Sweetheart.  Jac. 
That which is in hand has no force with me, it may be the assurance of as much more to come may prevail.  San. 
These Women are devilish pick-pockets. Now must I produce the other two. 'Tis e'en true as you said, those pieces will be lucky to you. They already draw as many more to 'em. Look you here, will you open?  Jac. 
Give 'em me.  San. 
Unravel then.  Jac. 
I will not tell you her name, because I am sworn to the contrary, but give 'em me, and I'll tell you how you shall know it.  San. 
There. Now if you'll but return me half of 'em back, I will tell you the names of all the Kindred my Master has, since his great Grandfather, and the Lord knows how much further.  Jac. 
Take notice, what I shall tell you is for your sake, and not for the gold.  San. 
Then give me that back again.  Jac. 
The kindness I shall do you in giving you an occasion to get into the affections of your Master, who has set you about this work, will be a sufficient benefit to you.  San. 
Nay I knew that money thrown into the Sea, is as soon to be gotten again, as when 'tis given to a Woman.  Jac. 
In short Sanco, if you would know her name, go to the neighbour's houses, where you saw her go in, and I warrant you, they'll tell you that, and all else you have a mind to know.  San. 
I might have thought of that myself, and have saved the money.  Jac. 
My Mistress and Don Gusman are come out of the Church, and are just upon parting; for your ears, and the sake of your dear Moustaches, Sanco, never discover it was I that put you into the way of coming to the knowledge of us.  San. 
No, No.  Jac. 
Adieu.  Exit. San. 
So, I have handsomely wheadled her, I think.  Enter Don Gusman to Sanco. Gus. 
Well, how have you disposed of my Gold?  San. 
I'll assure you, Sir, I gave 'em her every one. You'd ha' sworn, if you had but seen how she then carried herself, that I had given her some offence, and had she not bethought herself that the money of Persons of Quality is very lucky to her, she'd have done me the affront to have refused 'em.  Gus. 
What have you discovered?  San. 
Nothing Sir for sake of your gold, she had sworn secrecy, but for my sake she told me, if I'd but inquire of the Neighbours, I might know both her and her Mistress's Christen names, Surnames, Quality, Condition, and what ever, I had a mind too.  Gus. 
I'll satisfy my curiosity with all expedition.  San. 
Here comes one has the countenance of an Informer.  Enter a Shopkeeper. Gus. 
Hark you, Friend.  Shop. 
Your Worship's most humble—  Gus. 
Are you an Inhabitant hereabouts?  Shop. 
At your service Sir.  Gus. 
who lives here in this House?  Shop. 
Certainly Sir you are one that has not lived long in Toledo, that you are ignorant who that house belongs to.  Gus. 
Prithee to▪ whom does it belong to?  Shop. 
To as worthy and gallant a Person as— this day is in all Spain, the King excepted.  Gus 
I doubt it not.  Shop. 
He is a little hot and hasty, old and testy, but he lives not that has no fault.  Gus. 
How he racks me with delay. But I ask thee what his name is?  Shop. 
Lord Sir you are much of his temper, you are the most impatient'st Gentleman. Why Sir, that is the house of the Count de-Benevent!  Gus. 
The Count de-Benevent.  Shop. 
Yes Sir, and to let you see, that I know what I say, his name of baptism is Alfonso. His surname de Pimentel. Benevent is the name of a Country, that brings him in twenty seven thousand, nine hundred sixty and fourteen duccates yearly Revenue. Where he has not only jurisdiction over his Vassals and Tenants for the preservation and recovery of his Signieural Duties, but has also arbitrary power in all causes Criminal, except high Treason. As for the Children he is blessed with, he has only one Daughter, called Octavia, to whom Don Diego de Stuniga, Grand Alguazil to his Majesty, and Don Ruis de Moncade, make their Addresses: and Beatrice is the name of her Woman, who is as inseparable from her, as- as- as Sir any thing you can imagine.  Gus. 
Stop thy Alarm, eternal Babbler.  Shop. 
Lord Sir, if you had but let me have told you that I saw 'em go out early this morning together, and that they came home together, not half an hour ago, so closely veiled that the Devil himself would have been plaguily puzzled to have known 'em, and- and- and- I had done Sir.  Gus. 
Then begone, Sir.  Shop. 
Your servant, Sir.  Gus. 
The Devil go with you, Sir.  San. 
Hark you friend, of what Trade are you?  Shop. 
An Apothecary Signior.  San. 
I thought so, you talked so like a Fool.  Gus. 
All circumstances agree to confirm me this was Octavia▪ this is her Father's House, she went out this morning, returned an hour ago, my Servant followed her, and here she went in. I must now in right to friendship, cruelly stifle my birth of passion, slight her endearments, refuse her appointments, and shun the Caresses of a person, I find so obliging, and believe so excellent.  San. 
Sir, here comes Don Ruis.  Gus. 
Walk this way to avoid giving him suspicion, that I have had any commerce with Octavia, Sirrah, leave your learing up at those windows.  San. 
O Sir, my neck is stiff, I can't so much as turn my head that way,  Enter Don Ruis. Ruis. 
Don Gusman, which way lies your business at present?  Gus. 
I was going home, in hopes to meet you there.  Ruis. 
I'll bear you company, word was brought me just now that my sister Elvira is come to town.  Gus. 
You tell me surprising news.  Ruis. 
I expected her coming, but was not certain this would be the Day of her arrival.  Gus. 
I have heard she is a great beauty.  Ruis. 
Her virtue is greater than her beauty.  Gus. 
She is then an admirable Creature, for I have heard very great commendation of her beauty.  Beatrice above at the Window make a sign to Ruis and withdraws. Ruis. 
Ha- Beatrice has given me the sign out of the Window, This is the house of the Count Benevent. Let me desire you to walk slowly forward, she is coming down to speak to me. I'll o'er take you at the end of the street.  Gus. 
I hope she has not sent her maid down to discover what she commanded me to conceal.  Gus. San. Exeunt. Enter Beatrice below. Beat. 
O Sir, I have had a great mind to speak with you. There has been a great falling out just now betwixt my Mistress and your Rival. They are parted in anger, never to see one another more; this is the most favourable time that can be, to insinuate yourself into her heart, you are already in her esteem, she has an opinion of you to be a Gallant man and she is one that cannot be long without a Gallant, and no doubt will sooner make choice of you than another. Adieu Sir.  Ruis. 
Stay Beatrice, and take my thanks a long with you.  Beat. 
I shall be hanged if I am seen.  Ruis gives her money, Beat. Exit. Ruis. 
How kind was fortune to direct me here to receive this good news.  

Lovers whom fate does so severely treat.  
When they receive small favours think'em great.   Exit.  

ACT. III.  
SCENE I.  Enter Don Ruis, Don Gusman, Elvira, unveiled. The Scene, a publick-Garden. Gus. 
I Hope, Madam, you will be more favourable to a stranger, than to believe all that Don Ruis has told of me, to be truth.  Elu. 
It is so probable, that I can't i' th' least doubt it.  Gus. 
Believe it rather his raillery, or that I only entrusted him with an imaginary secret, to oblige him not to conceal from me all the true adventures that have happened to him.  Ruis. 
No, Don Gusman, she knows my way of raillery with my friends, is to surprise 'em with the discovery of such harmless truths as these.  Elu. 
You are a Cavalier so accomplished, that I question whether there is e'er a considerable fortune in all Toledo that shuns you. And I should be more surprised to hear that you had no Mistress, in this short time you have been here, than I am now, to understand that you have one.  Gus. 
You may easily imagine what sentiments one can have for an invisible beauty.  Elu. 
I cannot imagine your motive to dissemble it. Since Love is the most innocent diversion, and the sittest employment for so Gallant a person.  Ruis. 
It is the policy of a well bred Cavalier, in the presence of a Lady, never to own his Love to another.  Jac. talks aside with Ruis. Enter Jacinta. jac. 
Sir, a Woman in a veil came just now to inquire for you, her earnestness to speak with you, made me imagine her business of importance, wherefore I brought her to the gate of the Walks, where she waits to see you.  Ruis. 
Don Gusman, I'll wait on you presently.  Jac. Ruis Exeunt. Elu. 
Is it Sir, as my Brother says, that you disown your Love for this veiled Lady, out of Gallantry to me, or are you really not in Love.  Gus. 
I believe myself never to have been a Lover? But since I have had the honour of seeing you.  Elu. 
If I had thought to have procured to myself this declaration, I would not have complemented you upon the good fortune that has happened to you. Tho you would not have me believe the last you met with. Yet your answer shows that you are too gallant not to be very happy.  Gus. 
I must never own a happiness from Love, till you believe yourself the author of that happiness.  Elu. 
I am not so great an Enemy to my own repose to endeavour a conquest, which will not be in my power long to maintain. And I would little esteem the submissions of a heart so slippery as yours.  Gus. 
Do you think, Madam, that one can get out of your Chains, as easily as he is fettered with 'em? and that it is possible for a heart to resume its Liberty, after it has given itself up to so great a merit.  Elu. 
You have said as much to the obliging person that charmed you last, and yet you would be unfaithful to her, if you could but find but any body to bestow that heart on which you would take away from her.  Gus. 
If she would have unveiled, and I had found her face answerable to her shape, mein, and wit; this sally of my heart could not have been without injustice, but now having seen you before her, your charms have not given me the liberty to wait till she shows me hers, and if now I had the weakness to change, I should not be unfaithful to Her, but to you.  Enter Don Ruis. Elu. 
I find, Don Gusman by his Wit has been conversant in all the gallantryes where ever he came. Tho I had the better cause, yet he still got the advantage on his side. to Ruis  Ruis. 
I am sorry I missed the pleasure of your discourse, but now Elvira, whilst you renew your acquaintance with the other Walks of the Garden, which since you have been absent have received great alterations. I will consult with Don Gusman in a small affair of my own. Elu. Jac. Exeunt. Beatrice, from whom I received the good news I acquainted you with, has been with me again, to tell me what haste then made her forget. That to morrow is her mistress's anniversary birth day. And counsel me to make an open profession of my Love to Octavia in the gallantry of a serenade to night under her Window, according to the custom of Lovers.  Gus. 
I advise you to pursue the hint.  Ruis. 
In order to it I entreat from you the composition, of a Song whist I go and provide for the dance.  Gus. 
It would now be injurious to your affairs to plead insufficiency, I will rather expose my ignorance than seem to want a will to serve you.  Ruis. 
I'll leave you here to the performance of what you undertake.  Gus. 
At your return you shall receive the fruits of my Meditation.  Ruis exit. Gusman walks about as if he studied. Enter Elvira, Jacinta veiled, Don Diego pursuing them. Dieg. 
Madam, it is in vain to shun me, where ever you Retire I'll pursue you, speak to you, and upbraid you.  Gus. 
How Sir! pursue her! speak to her! and upbraid her! In the presence of Don Gusman de Haro no Lady shall ever receive such affronts. And to this I'll not permit the thousandth part of that insolence.  Dieg. 
Tho she flies to my new Rival for protection, I will even in thy presence tell her, that she is a faithless woman; and on thee, that art the cause and author of her Infidelity, I will revenge it.  Both draw and fight. Elu. 
jac. Ah, ah, ah  Enter Don Ruis. Ruis. 
My Friend engaged against my Rival. Hold, hold. They leave fighting. Don Gusman you must not take up my quarrel, it is my right to fight him. He is my Rival.  Ruis offers to fight Don Diego. Gus. 
But in my presence he offered the affront to her, and it is my right.  Offers to fight. Ruis. 
Hold, if he has affronted her I have a double right, yours is but single, therefore you must Offers to fight thrusting Gusman aside. give way.  Gus. 
I'll not quit my claim.  interposes again. They are struggling which shall fight with Don Diego. Enter Count de Benevent, starts, and draws his Sword. Ben. 
Ha! Odds precious. Odds, odds amongst Cavaliers. Come, here's an old Cock of the Game at time of need will come in for a sparring blow with ye.  Ben. sides with Diego. Gus. 
Sir, I except against your sword, in respect of your Age.  Ruis. 
And I must not engage mine in your defence that are the Parent of the fair Octavia, whose beauty renders her the Idol of my soul. Therefore we must defer our quarrel till some other time.  Ben. 
Don Ruis the word of a Cavalier ought to be inviolate, Odds precious, did I not promise you, on condition there might arise no quarrels betwixt you and Don Diego, that if he withdrew his pretentations to my Daughter, I would next approve of yours, and yet you in prejudice of your word now take up the unjust quarrel of a Rival.  Ruis. 
Sir, the Punctilio of this quarrel is an affront offered my Sister in presence of my friend. Her outcries called me to her assistance.  Gus. 
He would press on her retirement.  Ben. 
Have Don Diego, here arises another Punctilio. And you and I shall come roundly to't anon. Do you, Don Diego, before you have quitted your pretensions to my Daughter, make addresses to another. Odds precious, Don Diego.  Strokes up his Moustaches and Struts. Dieg. 
Sir, run not on in this mistake. I thought the person I pursued had been the fair Octavia, and not his sister.  Ben. 
There's my Punctilio gone again. Odds precious, but how do I know this to be truth.  Dieg. 
Your Daughter and I parted in anger, and having notice given me she was in the Walks, I resolved to come and make my submissions. When I entered the Garden, seeing that Lady pull down her Veil and retire from me as I came towards her, made me think 'twas she, and her haste to shun me confirmed me beyond doubt. I followed her with resolutions not to leave her till she had had heard me speak. This I hope Sir, makes my peace with you.  Ben. 
Live Don Diego, long grow your Mustachoes. Odds precious, Cavaliers mistakes are no Punctilios you must be friends.  Dieg. 
Madam, I beg your pardon, and yours Sir, to Gus. And yours Don Ruis, for this error to the fair Elvira. But in the concern of Rival, to all I walk upright.  Ben. 
Odds precious, he's in th' right, there's the Punctilio on his side.  Elu. 
Sir, I own it as your mistake and forgive it. to Don Diego. And I know Don Gusman is so gallant, by following it to justify my example.  Gus. 
I acknowledge Don Diego brave.  Ben. 
Odds precious, and so he is, and you Don Ruis shall have no farther resentments.  Ruis. 
I have forgotten it already.  Ben. 
By my Grandsire's soul and these Moustaches, thou art a gallant fellow too. Odds precious, Don Diego, you and I will go together.  Ben. Dieg. Exeunt. Gus. 
I'd be content to have a Rancountre every day for the diversion of so pleasant a reconciliation.  Ruis. 
This Count Benevent is a very worthy person. But the testyest little old graybeard in all Spain.  Gus. 
I never met with such a hot spur, his humour is very pleasant.  Elu. 
Brother, I will cross the Walks, and make a visit to some Nuns of my acquaintance, in the Convent that joins to the Garden.  Ruis. 
A Discreet Maid is always Mistress of herself. Elu. Ja▪ Exeunt. Now I'll pursue my design.  Gus. 
And I'll retire to a more private Walk.  Ruis. Gus. severally Exeunt. Enter Don Diego, Octavia, unveiled. Oct. 
You see Sir, how subject we are to mistakes. And one error still begets another.  Dieg. 
But I am not yet convinced that your going out so early was to the bath, or only thither. For the Vallet of Don Gusman, who followed you from the Church of St. Dominic, has discovered an adventure which it may be was not less pleasing to you than the other.  Oct. 
I heard him babble indeed, and perceived by his discourse that he was run into a mistake. Which occasioned that in you, which made such a hurly burly in your brains. And I hate you so much for believing me guilty of what that Sot kept a prating, that all your endeavours and acknowledgements shall never perfect a reconciliation.  Dieg. 
You ought without difficulty to excuse a jealousy occasioned by such convincing circumstances.  Oct. 
Convincing! Did he tell you my name? or if he had, I'll own no Lover but him, that will give the lie to a thousand witnesses, when I am taxed. No Pretender to me shall dare believe any thing but his own eyes. And not all they inform him neither.  Dieg. 
A Love like mine, cannot but be subject to jealousy. What is so dearly prized, we are ever in fear to lose. Put yourself wholly into my possession, that I may no longer be tormented with the fears of being deprived of you.  Oct. 
No, Don Diego, now you can no longer boast of your deserting me, I'll depart with the honour of having left you; and whilst I may, March off with flying colours.  Dieg. 
Yet a few minutes stay.  Octa. 
No, I will not endanger the loss of a triumph, of which I am now certain.  Dieg. 
You know not the outrages of despair.  Octa. 
I know my own resolutions.  Dieg. 
And I mine,  Octa. 
Adieu Don Diego. Turns back.  
You don't hinder me then from going? You would Ironicaly. not let me go, but that you know I'll return again. But think not I bid you adieu, as formerly for a short time only. I bid you for ever adieu.  Dieg. 
Had you been a perfect Lover, you could not have become so absolute a Tyrant.  Enter Count de Benevent. Ben. 
Come, come, come Octavia, Odds precious to morrow is a new day, fiddle, fadle comes twice in a Moon. To be thus late a broad is no good punctilio in a Woman. Odds precious it grows late. Don Diego fare you well.  Count Ben. and Octa. exeunt. Dieg. 
She resolves to maintain her conquest, along as I did mine. But I perceive she durst not stay, fearing 〈◊〉 hearts revolt, yet ere I sleep, though night comes on a pace, I'll make some progress towards a peace.  

If e'er like mine a Love she entertained.  
Sh' already gives the conquest she has gained.   Exit. Enter Gusman reading in a Tablet. Sanco. San. 
Auh! he's here: That such a gallant Person as my Master should turn Ballad Maker, and that Don Ruis should have such a crochet in's pate to sing'em! How strangely we commence our degrees in Love. First it makes us Fools, than Madmen, than Poets, and our Wives as fast as we marry make us Monsters, and then, like commencing Doctors, we wear the Badge of our Occupations.  Gus. 
So.  Looking off of his Book. San. 
Sir, Don Ruis sent me to you for some Stanza's. I believe he meant a Ballad, Sir.  Gus 
Do you think so Sir. There. Gus. gives the Tablet to Sanco. Give that to him, and tell him, I composed them to the Tune that he is so much pleased with. Make haste.  San. 
Ay Sir.  Sanco exit. Enter Jacinta veiled, pulls Gusman by the Sleeve as he is going off. jac. 
Sir, Sir.  Jacinta gives a Tablet book to Gusman, he opens it and reads. Gus. 
reads.  
Sir, I will not fail to meet you to morrow at the same Church, where we made our first appointment, and at the same hour I will appear unveiled, ambitious to subdue your heart, that the Glory of so noble a Conquest may add to the triumphs of my Eyes.  
Your Unknown.  
I am still of opinion that I receive these invitations from the Mistress of my Friend: hearing of our quarrel, she had the knowledge of my being here. Since I have seen the Charms of the Fair Elvira, I can at least with more ease be just to my Friend. I will return my answer in writing on the other side of the Leaf. Gus. writes in the Tablet.  
So! Return that to the Lady. Gus. exit.  Enter Elvira, turns up her Veil as she enters. Elu. 
Give it me jacinta, I have an impatient desire to know his answer. Elvira takes the Tablet and reads.  
Madam, my passions are grown so extreme violent, since last I had the honour to discourse with you, that I find it will not be safe trusting yourself with me. For should you give denial to my request, how extravagant soever, I should attempt something in prejudice of your honour and my own. Therefore whilst I am yet capable of respect, I request you not to come in my way. For this reason I refuse to meet you, and beseech you not to honour me any further than with your esteem. Adieu.  Elu. 
O jacinta he knows my heart already. This answer is penned word for word to my desires. I feared the declaration of his love had been but expressions of gallantry, but this refusal to meet his veiled unknown, gives me at once a proof both of his love and constancy.  jac. 
In this trial you dangerously exposed the quiet of your mind, though not love, yet curiosity might have led him to a further progress in this adventure.  Elu. 
Great gains are not purchased without great hazards. Come, I can now without fear let lose my heart, and give it a full range in the walks of love.  

Till we have proof a Lover will be just  
Our satisfactions lessened by mistrust.   Elu. Jac. exeunt. Enter Don Diego, Ordgano with their Swords in their hands. Flambeaux, and Music: the Music is placed under Octavia 's Window. The Scene changes to the Street before Count Benevents House. 

A SONG.  

1.  
HE's a phlegmatic Lover  
In whom we discover  
A temper that never does change,  
A Breast that like mine with jealousy burns,  
Now Love and now Anger possess it by turns.  
With fears I grow wild, and with hopes I grow tame.  
That passion is weak, that is always the same.  
With fears, etc.  
That Passion, etc.   

2.  
But the sanguine brisk Lover  
Can never give over.  
He cannot be dully at rest.  
He knows that her charms have conquered yet more,  
That many there are, who do sigh and adore.  
He trusts not to merit to give him success,  
For women love only by fancy and guests.  
Or if to desert by great chance they prove kind,  
The Fair still are fickle, and oft change their mind.   

3.  
Oh the starts of a Lover  
Do plainly discover  
The passion he feels is extreme!  
For he that loves well, and does not possess,  
Must either be jealous, or else love you less.  
Then say not my fears, or my doubts do you wrong,  
He cannot be quiet, who's passion is strong.  
Small fires but glow, and are always the same,  
But the greater will rage, and will scatter their flame.    The Song ended a Cerebrand is danced: as the dance ends, music is heard without. Ordg. 
Hark.  Dieg. 
More Music! put out your Lights, and range yourselves under the window.  Enter Don Ruis, Sanco in cloaks with Swords in their hands. Flambeux, Musitianers, Dancers. Dieg. 
Who goes there?  Ruis. 
Who's there?  Dieg. 
Pass.  Ruis. 
Play music.  Deig. 
Guards.  The lights and Music of both run away: they clash in the dark, lose one another, Don Ruis, Ordgano, fight retreating. Sanco stands muffled in's cloak, trembling and poking all the while with his Sword in his Scabbard. Ruis. 
They have quitted their Station. Who's there?  Ruis returning touches Sanco with his Sword. San. 
Oh, Oh.  Ruis. 
Sanco.  San. 
Don Ruis. O Sir, are you alive?  Ruis. 
And so art thou.  San. 
Ay Sir, and as whole as a Fish. A pox on't, I could not get my Sword out.  Ruis. 
We have made them quit their post.  San. 
Ay Sir, We are Masters of the field.  Ruis. 
Run after the lights and Music, and bid 'em turn again.  Sanco goes to the other side of the Stage. Ruis. 
This must be Don Diego, upon the same design.  San. 
Here, here, the days our own. Come again Cowards, come again.  Ruis. 
Do you see 'em?  San. 
They were all yonder in the next Porch, they are coming Sir.  Enter Lights, Music, Dancers. Ruis. 
In order-Musick begin.-  a flourish of Music 

A SONG.  

AH Celia, what powerful charms have you,  
That with a look could so my heart subdue?  
And at first sight impose a Law on me;  
Against my fundamental liberty?  
I looked, and Loved! O! fatal was that day!  
I looked, until I looked my heart away.  
I looked, and loved, etc.  
I looked until, etc.   

And yet upon your brow you wore a frown,  
What would sereneness then, and smiles have done?  
In vain▪ in vain, we boast a free born Soul,  
When Beauty can so easily control;  
When every glance does liberty expose,  
And with a look we native freedom lose.  
When every, etc.  
And with, etc.   

You bid me now resume my liberty,  
Alas I cannot, if I would be free:  
Should Fate the unwished power bestow, yet still,  
Having that power I should want the will.  
Where Love so absolute a Monarch reigns,  
They court their fetters, and grow proud of Chains.  
Since you with scorn and frowns can conquer so,  
Ah try what Miracles your smiles would do.    The Song ended: a dance At the end of the dance enter Diego, Ordgano, and more Servants, all with their Swords and lights. Dieg. 
Fall on.  San. 
Stand to your Arms.  Sanco runs away. Music and Lights exeunt. Dieg. 
So we have regained the field.  Don Ruis fights retreating. Enter Count de Benevent with a sword in his hand, in a Cap and Night Gown, and his Moustaches in a Case and Servants with Lights. Ben. 
Odds precious, Don Diego, I approve not these nocturnal follies, why must I be alarmed out of my Bed, and the whole neighbourhood be disturbed? Odds precious, Don Diego.  Octa. Beat. above at the Window. Dieg. 
Pray hear me Sir.  Ben. 
Odds precious, Don Diego, I tell you 'tis no good punctilio to proclaim my Daughter to the whole town, by your tenebrious exploits. Odds precious, I like not she should be made the subject of public discourse.  Dieg. 
Sir, I beg your pardon that—  Ben. 
Odds precious, pardon's an Ass, and I ride my Mule. Don Diego this punctilio quadrate's with my judgement, you must pretend no more to my Daughter; ne'er more come near my House. Odds precious, if I catch you within my Doors 'twill be an affront to my Moustaches, farewell Sir.  Dieg. 
I hope Sir.  Ben. 
What, that I'll tell a Lie: Odds precious such another hope, and you and I will crack a punctilio together.  Exit. Beat. 
Now he's he gone in Madam.  Oct. 
Don Diego, what's the matter?  Dieg. 
'Tis no hard thing to guess the matter when Rivals meet.  Oct. 
I hope you have not received harm.  Dieg. 
I doubt not but your hopes are as obliging to my new Rival, that gave you this cerenade. I question not but you'll be glad of so fair a pretence as the authority of a father to justify your forsaking me.  Oct. 
Well Don Diego—  Enter Count de Benevent. Ben. 
Well Don Diego. Odds precious but I say 'tis not well  Don Diego. 
You shall find it ill done Don Diego, ah. Ben. draws upon Don Diego, who retreats only defending himself. There's a Punctilio for him, now I shall exchange another with you, Mistress Magpie, that are chattering above, and change your Cage for you. Odds precious, Girls talking gibberish out at a Window.  

Women in Love count these things peccadilloes;  
But, Odds precious I'll make her mind her puntilioes.   Exeunt.  

ACT. IU.  
SCENE I.  The Scene; the Street before Count de Benevents House. Enter Don Ruis, Sanco. Ruis. 
SAnco walk in sight of that window, and if you see e'er a Woman look out, show her that Note, and beckon her down to receive it.  San. 
How then Sir?  Ruis. 
She will return an answer either in writing or by word of mouth: mind what she says to you, and bring me an exact account.  San. 
I know Sir, it is not manners to question our betters. But it is so material, when one is to deliver an answer, to know where you will be.  Ruis. 
You shall find me here in the Church, with your Master and Elvira.  San. 
But Sir, not knowing me, suppose she should refuse to come down.  Ruis. 
It is because you are not known here that I asked Don Gusman leave to imply you in this affair. I would otherwise have entrusted it with one of my own servants.  San. 
Sir, I am known here.  Ruis. 
Thou known here Sanco? how came your acquaintance and with whom.  San. 
I had like to have made a discovery. Why Sir, ever since last night that I was here with you. No doubt they took notice of me out at Window.  Ruis. 
No, 'twas dark, and you had a cloak on, they'll not know you again.  San. 
Sir, I must beg leave to be once more unmannerly. Pray Sir, here being no superscription upon this Note, what is the name of the person to whom I am to deliver it.  Ruis. 
Her Name is Beatrice, she is servant to the Lady whom we Cerenaded last Night.  San. 
Cerenade ay, you shall Cerenade by yourself next time. Love gallanties were never fortunate to me.  Ruis. 
If any one of Count the Benevents house, question you, say you are Kinsman to Beatrice.  San. 
I can tell that lie without scruple, for she and I are brother and sister by occupation.  Ruis. 
Be sure you forget not one syllable of her answer.  San. 
Look you Sir, I'll be picking my ears all the while I am here Eves dropping; that I may the better hear every word she says.  Ruis. 
So, now go forward.  Ruis Exit. San. 
Little thinks Don Ruis, how well I am acquainted with Beatrice, if I had unluckily discovered my Master's mornings ramble, and his Mistress early devotion, I should have set the devil upon his Gallop indeed. The door opens- I'll abscond.  Enter as out of his house into the street, Count de-Benevent, Pedro. Ben. 
Odds precious, Pedro, how thou hast, put my Cloak on.  Ped. 
I'll mend it Sir▪  Ben. 
Odds precious, a new Cloak want mending.  Ped. 
Set it right, I meant Sir.  Pedro goes to make his Cloak hang right and touches his his ruff. Beneu. falls a jumping. Ben. 
O Sant jago! Saint Iago! Thou disorderest my Ruff. Odds precious varlet am I to see the King in a rumpled Ruff.  Ped. 
Sir now it is well.  Ben. 
Odds Precious well, when I say it is ill, art thou upon thy puntilioes with me. looks on his Watch. Odds Precious. 'tis almost nine a Clock. Come, Come, he that will thrive at Court must rise betimes. Dios nos guarda.  Ben. Ped. Exeunt. San. 
What a testy old Wasp was this, I'd sooner be valet to his Mule, and venture to have my brains courteously knocked out with a compliment, when he's so civil to make legs backward, than walk behind him, whilst he has that long sting at his tail. But now the Weezels gone, methinks the Rabbits should be peeping out of their boroughs, Auh, I see that which I look for: mumping already, ist- ist- Beatrice looks out at Window. Sanco shows the Letter. She courtesies, nods, claps to the window. Auh, there's the courteous dop, and the significant Nod, she's gone from the window and is coming down to me. I'll go into the Court and meet her.  Enter Diego. Dieg 
Ha! There's that Fellow again upon some design. I'll follow him.  Exit. Enter Beatrice, Sanco. Beat: 
Well Sir! what have you to say to me now.  San. 
Nothing not I There  Holds a Letter to her. Beat. 
What's this?  San. 
Let it speak for himself.  Beat. 
From whom comes it?  San. 
Read and learn.  Beat. 
You are very short.—  San. 
And you very inquisitive.—  Beat. 
It behooves me to ask.  San. 
And me to say nothing.  Enter Diego. Dieg. 
I'll try to hear their discourse stipes behind 'em.  Beat. 
But I'll first know from whom it comes before I bestow the pains to read it.  Sanc. 
I was commanded to deliver it barely and simply to you. And will not go beyond my order, there if you will take it you may.  Diego steals behind Sanco, and snatches the Letter from him. Dieg. 
If you wont, here's one that will.  San. 
He chopped as sure as a Dog at a Shoulder of Mutton.  Dieg. 
I'll read it without so much ceremony.  San. 
Sir, you are a very courteous Person, and now I have delivered it safe into your hands, I'll take my leave.  Dieg. 
Stay Friend, till I have read it, it may require an answer.  Diego treads on Sanco's foot whilst he reads the Letter, who is often itching to be gone. Diego reads. 
I have followed your counsel and what ever advantage Don Diego pretends to have had in the Rancountre. Yet be assured, though overpowered by his numbers, I retreated more like a respectful Lover, than a cowardly Rival; make haste to let me profit by his misfortunes, and fail not to acquaint me with what happened after I withdrew.  San. 
Now it will do you no further service, Sir, be pleased to return it to me again.  Dieg. 
No Sir, but I'll be so civil to my Rival to pay Portage.  Diego canes Sanco. San. 
O hold, hold Sir, hold, hold, I am satisfied.  Dieg. 
But I am not satisfied.  San. 
Hold Sir, I will give you what satisfaction you please.  Beat. 
Ah you Coward! What do you wear a Sword for?  San. 
Hold your tongue Huswife, or I'll, have you up before the Inquisition for provoking me to wrath.  Beat. 
Away you Sot.  San. 
I have been at my Prayers this Morning, I do the work of a good Christian, bear afflictions patiently; besides I have such a respect for so brave a Cavalier, that if it be for his satisfaction, he shall beat me twice as much.  Dieg. 
I beat you less for your own sake, for undertaking this piece of service, than out of respect to Don Gusman. Tell him I have sent an answer. Bid him read it upon your back.  San. 
'Tis but a very scurvy Character.  Dieg. 
If you think it is not writ plain enough, I'll try to mend it with a second Impression.  San. 
No Sir, It is all plain to be read, as Holy days in the Calendar. It's in red Letters. Your Servant.  Sanco Exit. Enter Octavia. Octa. 
Don Diego, I saw you from my window discoursing with Beatrice, and thence did conclude, that you knew my Father was abroad.  Dieg. 
Yes Madam, I met him.  Octa. 
Knowing you have ever been respectful to my Father's Orders▪ and therefore would not transgress them, how severe so ever, and that I could not invite you in, but with an absolute breach of my duty, I therefore came down to you, to let you know, that his severity and ill treatment of you, has moved me to much concern for you; and has revived in my heart the same kind sentiments it had before your provocations.  Dieg. 
Is this to me Madam!  Oct. 
I had not so soon forgiven you, but by my kindness to make satisfaction for the injuries you received from his ruff retreatment last night.  Dieg. 
Pray go on.  Oct. 
I have already endeavoured to appease my father's displeasure, and doubt not but e'er night do induce him to revoke his prohibition.  Dieg. 
Perfidious Woman, how customary is it for you to frame impostures, That are aforehand thus prepared with such notorious ones.  Oct. 
The strangeness of your reply so much surprises me, I know not what answer to make on the sudden,  Dieg. 
Go ungrateful! Make answer to that Letter, which Don Gusman has sent you, and which you have not the pleasure to read, but after my perusal.  Diego throws the Letter to her. Oct. 
You amaze me yet more, take it up Beatrice.  Dieg. 
Far from the flattering Beat. Takes it up, Octa. reads whilst Diego talks. hopes you have given him of profiting by my misfortunes, I shall by his receive advantage; since, I escape one so perfidious, that on the least occasion will sacrifice his interest to another, as you have done mine to him.  Oct. 
Beatrice, from whom came this note? who received it? and from whom?  Beat. 
Madam, I neither know the Messenger, nor him that sent it, and for that reason refused to receive it, and if he had not dealt so ill with the Messenger, 'tis probable he would have given an account from whom he brought it. I denied to take it, and Don Diego snatched it out of his hand.  Dieg. 
Both the Mistress and the Servant act their parts most exactly well. For all that sereness of your countenance I perceive the disturbance in your mind, that artificial calm both in your looks and words is too thin a varnish to gloss over the perfidiousness of your heart.  Oct. 
Tho fierceness is usually inseparable from innocence▪ yet I will now constrain myself to wave it. And without passion tell you, that I have no pretenders besides Don Ruis and yourself. This Don Gusman, whom you inform me sent this note, is a stranger, and one I never spoke to, never have I so much as seen him  Dieg. 
Does not this Letter own a commerce betwixt you? does he not say he followed your counsel? That he is your Lover, and my Rival?  Oct. 
Am not I to be credited sooner than a Letter without a name to't?  Dieg. 
We may constrain ourselves not to believe great presumptions. But not to credit such convincing proofs is impossible. Therefore keep back the heart you come to restore, mine from this hour shakes off your bonds, and that you may not again enslave it, this day I will put it under the protection of one who is at least as fair as you, But questionless will not be so perfidious.  Oct. 
I doubt not but you may bestow your heart on a fairer person, but with all your precaution, you cannot make choice of one more faithful. But do not fondly believe I tell you this because I fear to lose you. I less concern myself to regain a place in your heart, than to discover the state of mine, which is well enough pleased not to descend to a justification.  Dieg. 
The mystery of the Cerenade and Letter is not so hard to unridle, as you would make me believe by an absolute denial of all: if you had said you knew of the Cerenade, but could not help it, that you received his Love Letters but returned no answer, that he made himself my Rival but had no encouragement, you had seemed to disapprove what you had done by being willing to excuse it; but not to acknowledge any thing is to confess yourself criminal in all, and this assurance which you discover in your obstinate disowning my accusations, shows the pleasure you have taken to offend me. Thus having made you sensible that I am not ignorant, nor you innocent, I'll leave you to solace yourself in the repose of your new conquest.  Dieg. Exit Oct. 
Beatrice I perceive well enough that you hold intelligence with Don Ruis, but in so critical a conjucture, I forbore to acknowledge it. Follow me up to my Chamber, and there resolve to make a full discovery or depart from me, and my eternal hatred be your stipend.  Exeunt. Enter Don Gusman, Don Ruis, Elvira, Sanco, and Jacinta, out of the Church. Into the same street before Count Beneu. house. Ruis. 
How? In what manner did he beat you?  San. 
In the best manner he could, without doubt. The gallant person who diverted himself at my expense, made a shift to make my back, and his Cane meet some half a Score times.  Gus. 
You told him you belonged to me, and the offended Don Diego retains a grudge since our last quarrel, and considered thee accordingly.  San. 
No Sir, he told me that I belonged to you, and without any consideration at all, loaded my back with his salutes, and sent me to you greeting—  Ruis. 
Are you sure you understood him right, did he name Don Gusman, and then say you belonged to him.  San. 
Nay Sir, I believe he took me for an arrant blockhead as you do, because he took such pains to beat it into me.—  Elu. 
By his usage of Sanco and his Message, he takes you for his Rival.  San. 
Without doubt he takes him for his Rival, and it is as the most humble Vallet of his Rival, that I have been regaled so plentifully.  Ruis. 
When you saw how he would use you, you should have told him from whom the note had come.  San. 
What had I gained by that, for besides that you had forbidden me. I should only have changed my Master, not the employment, and since I could not escape beating, what matter was it for whose sake I had been beaten.  Gus. 
I will find time, to return Don Diego thanks, for his Message.  Ruis. 
Since it was to his Rival that he meant the affront, it is I that am to take an account of his actions.  Gu. s 
I may be his en'my without being his Rival. He not count to declare himself mine, has by his ill usage of one that he knew belonged to me, has named me for fear he should doubt it, I stand in honour obliged to take notice of the affront.  Elu. 
I fear the event of this—  Elu. Aside Ruis. 
If I had not written the Note, Don Diego and you would in probability never have had any more concern. Besides Sanco at that time belonged not to you, but to me, since you were pleased to make me Master of him, and he was employed in my business. So whether in concern of his Rival, or in consideration of his Master, he gave Sanco the beating, it is to me only that the affront was done,  San. 
It was an affront to both, therefore the best way to revenge it, is for one to set upon him before, whilst the other attaques him hehind.  Elu. 
In my judgement you are both too nice to interpret an affront from a gentleman's ill treatment of a Servant, when the Master is not in presence. A Servants sauciness oftentimes deserves it.  Ruis. 
I do not make a positive conclusion that I am obliged to resent it, but only supposing it an affront, that it concerns not Don Gusman, but me to revenge it.  Elu. 
I hope neither of you will think yourselves so far concerned as to heighten it to a quarrel.  Ruis. 
Elvira, let not any such fears disquiet you. Don Gusman, how do you dispose of yourself the rest of this morning?  Gus. 
I am now going to Court.  Ruis. 
I'll wait on you thither▪ After I have conducted Elvira home.—  Elu. 
I will return into the Church, and pray Heaven to avert your minds from such resolutions  Gus. Ruis. Sanco, Exeunt. jac. 
Give me my Veil, now put on your own. Instead of the Church, I will go to Don Diego's house, and endeavour that way to prevent a quarrel, which else I see will follow, by my Brothers smoothing over his mind. Go jacinta— Ring at his Door.  Enter Ordgano. ja. 
Signior, is Don Diego within.  Ordg. 
Yes.  Elu. 
I would speak with him, if he be at leisure.  Ordg. 
A Cavalier is always at leisure to receive the visits of the fair. Be pleased to walk in Madam.  Exeunt. Enter Don Diego walking about in a fume. The Scene a Room in's House. Dieg. 
False beyond thy Sex! In cunning more artificial than the most practised of thy kind in Sin. God's, shall my revenge pursue her, or her Lover. Where shall it begin, or beginning, where must it end.  Enter Ordgano, Elvira at a distance. Ordg. 
Sir, here is a fair Person come to give you a visit.  Dieg. 
If she be fair, she's faithless too.  Ordg. 
There, Madam, is my Master.  Elu. 
Don Diego, I desire the liberty to say something to you, that none should be witness of, but myself.  Dieg. 
Ordgano▪ quit the Room.  Elu. 
Stay, be pleased to command him too, that while I am with you to tell every body that shall come to visit you, that you are not within; for it much concerns me not to be surprised with you.  Dieg. 
I charge you not to let any one come in, who ever it be: Go.  Ordg. exit. Elu. 
Sir, the occasion of this visit, is to let you understand, that one action of yours this morning has procured you two enemies; both which have a design at your life, and either of them is brave enough to make you stand in need of all your valour.  Dieg. 
I guess the Enemies you mean are Don Ruis and Don Gusman.  Elu. 
The same Sir, though the fate of arms should give you advantage over one, yet you are not in safety, whilst the other has his blood to spill; and the second may do what the first failed in.  Dieg. 
I neither doubt their courage nor my own. The most brave is not sure of success.  Elu. 
To avoid the mischief, absent yourself two or three days out of Town. In which time I will so qualify things, that there shall be no prejudice to your honour.  Dieg. 
Quit the Town Madam for a quarrel! No.  Elu. 
If the Love you have for the fair Octavia makes you find any difficulty in absence, let your servants only give out you are gone some little journey: But especially let me beg the favour of you not to be seen to day.  Dieg. 
I wish, with a blind obedience, I could acknowledge the honour you do me in the care you take of my safety. But far from avoiding my enemies, honour obliges me to prevent their inquiry by my presence.  Elu. 
Yes, had you a single enemy, but you have two?  Dieg. 
If Madam, for me you have this fear, I advise you to quit it. For the danger is not so great as you imagine, though the odds be so. My enemies being valiant, they will without doubt be as generous.  Elu. 
If your honour obliges you to accept the combat, the interest of your Mistress forbids it. Do you think she can approve of divulging so nice a secret, and if you love her as she deserves, would it not be better to make a sacrifice of your fame to her, than to have the displeasure of exposing hers?  Dieg. 
I should be much troubled, if it should cost me my own reputation to be sparing of another's, whose interest I am no longer obliged to. But if in obeying you, I should be assured to do you a service; so pleasant a consideration, might make me forget what I owe myself.  Elu. 
Since neither the care of yourself, nor the consideration of a person for whom you are obliged to have the greatest esteem in the world will induce you to comply. Know too, you will render me the greatest service imaginable. For as a secret I tell it you, that one of your two enemies is my Lover, the event of this quarrel must either way be unfortunate. If you conquer, death deprives me of him, if he vanquish you, I lose him in his flight.  Dieg. 
This is the real cause you require my absence?  Elu. 
It is. Trust me with your honour a few days, and I will render it back bright as it is, with a full assurance of your safety.  Dieg. 
Your Love shall ever be a secret, but as to the rest, it is impossible to give you an absolute satisfaction. All that I can do to serve you, is to constrain my resentment to Don Gusman for he (doubtless) is the gallant person, that has the honour to please you. I must not fly his presence, but at all times that he shall speak to me as a gallant person ought to do, he shall find, that I know in what manner to answer him.  Enter Octavia, Ordgano. Ordg. 
Madam, let me first acquaint my Master. Speaks as they enter. I am strictly charged to the contrary.  Octavia steps behind Diego▪ pulls down her Veil. Oct. 
Whence is't, that Ordgano treats me to day after this strange manner? and that— Spies Octavia. I humbly beg your pardon Madam, I did not know that Don Diego was so agreeably taken up. I had not quarrelled with his Servant, if I had known the ground of his Orders. I thought they had proceeded only from the ill humour of his Master.  Dieg. 
Do you Madam by way of reprisal, give me a visit to quarrel with me.  Octa. 
I came to clear your mistakes, and to tell you what I have learned of the Letter and Serenade. But at present you are not in a condition to hear me, and though you would be in the humour to afford me your attention, I should not be so disobliging to interrupt the pleasure you receive with Madam— whose conversation questionless will be more charming, than any thing I have to say.  Elu. 
The compliment you make me would be the beginning of a quarrel, if I should answer it in the same obliging manner. But I deceive myself, or the most agreeable one I can make you, is to quit the place, where you are not infinitely pleased to see me, I will Madam, and advise you not to discompose your Spirits, with imagining I intent to advantage myself by the divorce betwixt you and your Lover. Madam your Servant. Adieu.  Dieg. 
Madam, I'll wait on you down.  Elu. Dieg. exeunt. Re-enter Ordgano. Dieg. 
Well Madam, what is it you have to acquaint me with?  Oct. 
Nothing! but that you are very disobliging not to let me see the charming person to whom you have given the heart you found me not worthy of. If not out of good nature, you should have done't for revenge, if she was fair, and I had seen that her beauty had justified her revolt, the sight must needs have raised a secret spite in my heart, I should presently have fallen sick, and in a short time died with grief for the loss of you. There had your revenge been completed, Don Diego.  Dieg. 
Oh Heavens! Madam, that a person so witty as you believe yourself, should endeavour to get clear of a Treachery whereof you are convicted, by imputing one to me, of which there is so little appearance. I wish it was as easy for you to convince me, you never had a kindness for Don Gusman, as it for me to justify, that I never yet have seen the face of that Lady you talk off.  Oct. 
And Oh Heavens! Sir, for a man so witty as you believe yourself too, to think you can persuade me out of my senses, why was your Sentinel set at door, contrary to your custom, but for fear of being surprised, which shows you were afraid of the presence of some body whom you were unwilling should see her. Why this precaution if the person was unknown to you?  Dieg. 
I see, Madam, I was not to blame for asking you when you came in, if you were not come to quarrel, I find you are glad of any pretence that you make use of such a slight one.  Oct. 
You would not have foreseen that you should have been quarrelled with, if you had not known yourself guilty enough to occasion it. And but for your mistrustfulness I had not accused you of any thing.  Dieg. 
You would not have wanted a pretence, though you had found none; that came designedly for that purpose.  Oct. 
I came thinking to do you a kindness. To tell you that Don Gusman was not the man that gave me the Cerenade. That the Letter, which put you into such a pelt, came from another. I would have told you likewise the name of your Rival, whose gallantry last night clashed with yours, and to have left you no scruple, I'd have told you too, who has been false to us both; how all this came about, and last of all, how I came to the discovery. But since you have made a new conquest, the knowledge of this will be very indifferent to you, and I shall now spare myself the trouble.  Dieg. 
You may spare the labour Madam, if you think, as you yourself said just now, to persuade me out of my senses. Was then the Cerenade last night, the servant this morning, and the Letter he brought, all but visions? Was you not followed from Church by Don Gusman's servant? Was it not the same person that brought the Letter? Were not the contents, that he followed your Counsel, that he was my Rival, and conjured you to hasten your promise? After this shall I not believe Don Gusman is the man? Shall all be Vision both by Night and by Day?  Oct. 
Answer me, Sir, I pray, to find a Lady in your Chamber, to force by a Sentinel, set to forbid entrance, to see you all confused at the surprise I gave you by pressing in; to hear your new Mistress talk of a divorce betwixt you and me, which was a secret, she could not know, but from you alone; and lastly, to see you rather play the ridiculous person, then let slip any occasion to offend me, and to conduct a stranger down Stairs in the presence of one you knew, whom you left without the least civility of excuse.- answer me you that are so skilful in visions, if this be one, shall I be made believe that you know not this person, never saw her face, shall this pass for truth, or shall it all be vision, vision.  Dieg. 
I have already told you, that the Lady you ground your anger on is an absolute stranger, that I have no manner of knowledge either of her name or person, I neither asked to see one, or hear the other.  Oct. 
I have told you as much of Don Gusman, that I never had seen him, spoken to him, or received Letters from him, and yet you would not believe me, though you never found him in my Chamber. But Don Diego, after such evidences as I have received 〈◊〉 befits not a man of good sense so grossly to impose on a person that hath either eyes or ears. And you'd have done better to have said, that you could not hinder a Lady so accomplished and beautiful, to have an inclination for you, that 'twould not have been like a gallant soul, to deny her entrance into your house, when she came on purpose, to honour you with her visits. But that you receive them out of complaisance; that in your passion some words slipped from you of our falling out. But not to be willing to own any thing is to acknowledge yourself guilty of all, and your obstinate denial of your crime is a proof that you are not sorry for't. Adieu my Dear Lover, that has found a new Mistress full as fair, but questionless not half so false as the old, peaceably enjoy your new conquest and let there be no more Sentinels at your door, if I am the only person you are afraid off.  Exit. Oct. Dieg. 
So, now has fortune given her the run of the dice, she is marched off as she thinks victorious, with an absolute belief that she has foiled me with my own weapon. Now will she conclude that she has all the reason of the World not to own any thing of her own crimes, unless I will acknowledge myself guilty of the like. And so stand in as much need of her pardon as she of mine. Thus she sells me at her pleasure.  Enter Ordgano. Ordg. 
Sir, there is a Gentleman without that would not send in his Name desires to speak with you. But by his attendant it should be Don Gusman, if Sanco belied not his Master's Name.  Exit. Dieg. 
Wait him in. I believe the business he comes about, will suit well with my present temper.  Enter Don Gusman. Gus. 
Sir, I come to demand satisfaction for the affronts done me, I need not repeat more of 'em, then when I tell you, you took a Letter out of my servants hand by violence, broke it open and read it. Your usuage to him and your message to me you cannot have forgetton.  Dieg. 
Enough— I own every tittle of your accusations! Now? Perfidious Woman wast thou but present, to hear Aside. thy obstinate denials confuted by his own mouth. Sir, I am only sorry that you have so far gotten the start of me, to be the inviter. Now to tell my injuries would be superfluous and loss of time. I will therefore with a ready compliance to your demand, wipe off as much as I can of my past remissness. Sir, I am ready to wait on you.  Gus. 
If we are seen together it may cause suspicions in some Persons, if they should meet us. Wherefore that nothing may hinder our design, nominate a place fit for such a rancountre, and we'll part at the door and go several ways.  Dieg. 
At the Grove of Pines.  Gus. 
I know it, and will meet you there.  Exeunt. Enter in the Street Don Gusman, Don Diego, Ordgano, Sanco. Gus. 
Sanco return to Court, and stand in the Lobby, till you see Don Ruis coming by, tell him I accidentally lost his company, and urgent affairs pressed me to be gone without allowing me time to take my leave.  San. 
Yes Sir.  Gus. 
What makes thee look so pale and tremble?  San. 
I- I- got cold Sir last night with Serenadeing, and have a fit of an Ague, I think.  Gus. 
Go, go, walk it off.  Dieg. 
Ordgano, Stir not from home till you hear from me, be diligent in your duty.  Gus. 
Sir, your Servant.  Dieg. Gus. exeunt. Ordg. 
Country, Country.  San. 
Ah Lord let me alone.  Ordg. 
What's the matter? you look as if you were not well, Country.  San. 
Oh, my heart aches.  Ordg. 
You tremble.  San. 
Would not any one tremble at the wickedness that your Master and mine are gone about?  Ordg. 
Why! what's the matter?  San. 
After my Master went in, I had a Fool's curiosity to harken to their discourse, I laid my ear close to the door, and heard 'em talk a company of idle words. As injuries, grievances, affronts, and satisfaction.  Ordg. 
They are gone to fight then.  San. 
Don Gusman all the way we came muttered the Devils Pater noster to himself.  Ordg. 
'Tis so, their parting at door was but cunning.  San. 
Ay Lord, to see how cunning men are to go to the Devil.  Ordg. 
I'll after 'em, but stay: whither is't they are gone?  San. 
'Twas to a Grove.  Ordg. 
The Grove of Pines.  San. 
Ay, ay, that.  Ordg. 
I'll after 'em with all speed, and get some Friends along with me, to prevent their design.  San. 
Ay do, make haste and save a soul.  Ordg. exit. Enter Don Ruis. Ruis. 
Ha, Sanco here! then I fear Don Gusman is gotten here before me upon the same design. Where's your Master?  San. 
Oh Sir I am glad you are come, he and Don Diego are gone to destroy both Soul and Body of one another.  Ruis. 
I feared so, when I missed him in the King's Lodgings, which way went they?  San. 
To the Grove of Pines.  Ruis. 
I'll endeavour to o'ertake 'em.  Exit. Ruis to the door. San. follows him talking San. 
I pray do Sir, and desire my Master, for the Lords sake, not to be killed, for if he dies I shall want a service. Methinks he should have a little care of himself for my sake. Well it is a strange thing, that men can't stay till Nature brings the right Keys, but must wear such cursed Instruments at their Girdles to pick lock the doors of Mortality, and let Souls out so at random.  

Who fight with swords for life sure care but little,  
Since 'tis no more than this, in dock out nettle.    

ACT. V.  
SCENE I.  The Scene Octavia's Apartment in Count Benevent is House. Enter Elvira, Octavia. Octa. 
WOnder not, Madam, that the relation of this Quarrel gives me no more disquiet. Don Diego is a man so indifferent to me now, that I have no more than a common concern for his safety.  Elu. 
Can you then be content to see the life of a Lover remain exposed to the fury of his enemies?  Octa. 
I could not once have suffered it. But know Elvira, that perfidious man has had the arrogance to scan even the most innocent actions of my life to find pretensions to justify his own disloyalty. This day, not two hours since, I surprised him in his Chamber with a shameless woman, whom he preferred to me.  Elu. 
Time is now too precious to be trifled away in unprofitable grievances. Know, dear Friend, I was that woman you surprised. I went to acquaint him with the intentions of his enemies, and to persuade him to that, which I now press you to undertake, your interruption and his own obstinate gallantry rendered my endeavours ineffectual.  Octa. 
Have then my suspicions wronged him! And is he faithful still! Oh my friend, how subject are Lovers to mistakes?  Elu. 
His innocence thus cleared consent to use your interest to persuade him to grant that to a Mistress he refused to one unknown.  Octa. 
I'll rather let the worst happen fate has in store, than submit to visit him first. Try your interest, Madam, with Don Gusman.  Elu. 
I confess, Madam, I have some ascendancy over him, and if I desire him to sacrifice his resentment to me, I believe he will not refuse it. But know my Brother and he are gone to Court, and though I have sent jacinta home with orders to watch their return, and privately to acquaint Don Gusman, that I am at a Friend's house, where I desire to speak with him, and to conduct him hither, yet I am afraid lest they should attempt to find your Lover before they return home, to prevent that danger, you must condescend to go immediately to Don Diego—  Octa. 
To go and visit him after the solemn leave I have taken, O, I cannot think on't.  Enter Jacinta. jac. 
Madam, I have brought Don Gusman to the back door, where he waits for entrance.  Elu. 
Now, Madam, our design may be effected without the visit you are so unwilling to make.  Octa. 
Oh Heavens! his coming hither is of dangerous consequence. He is the man of whom Don Diego is become jealous, and if he should know, that I have seen him here, he would have reason to believe, that I have indeed betrayed him.  Elu. 
To take away your fear, you shall understand how I contrived it. I ordered jacinta to conduct him to the back door of your house, without giving him any account to whom it belonged, though he should make inquiry. Now let some one go down, and open the back door, and bring him up the private stair case, into your apartment, I alone will appear to receive him; thus it will be so far from coming to the knowledge of Don Diego, that Don Gusman himself will never know that he has been here in your House.  Octa. 
But if my Father should come whilst you are speaking with Don Gusman, I'll assure you; and suspect me to be half at least concerned in some amorous intrigue. I assure you, he is a man the hardest of any in the world to be put off with excuses.  Elu. 
Let but the back door he enters at still remain unlocked, and if it should so happen, that your Father returns, he may slip down the back stairs, and go out unseen.  Octa. 
Go then jacinta, bid Beatrice unlock the back door, and do you conduct him up the little stairs. Madam, Exit Ja. I conjure you not to protract his stay with any unnecessary discourse; but to hasten his retreat with all expedition imaginable.  Elu. 
After a few minute's discourse, I will release you from your fears.  Octa 
I will conceal myself in this little withdrawing-Room, during the time of his stay. I hear him coming.  Octavia abjconds. Enter Don Gusman, Jacinta. Elu. 
Don Gusman, I have contrived this meeting to satisfy myself of your intentions, and if you own that I have any power over you▪ do not disguise 'em. Do you still retain your resolution to fight Don Diego.  Gus. 
That is already done: and he is now no more either my enemy or your Brothers.  Octavia rushes out. Oct. 
O Heavens! is he dead?  Gus. 
No Madam, he is not dead.  Oct. 
Is he hurt, or wounded, O my fears!  Gus. 
I will not inquire the cause, Madam, of your concern, but certainly he must be either a Lover or a Brother, and either of those Titles are sufficient to justify your exacting from me an account of what is passed.  Elu. 
Quickly Sir let us hear—  Gus. 
Don Diego, and myself, being gotten into the field, we had already our swords in our hands, and just ready to engage, when Don Ruis, who pursued us with all speed, interposed and declared to Don Diego that I was not his enemy, but that he was the only man offended, and was able without my assistance to take his revenge. Don Diego might perhaps have harkened to what he said; but I urged that he could not quit me for another, without confessing himself conquered. He could not digest so harsh a word, yet the obstinate Don Ruis to prevent our engagement, put himself again betwixt us.  Elu. 
What will be event of this?  Gus. 
Whilst we were thus contending, some friends, who had likewise heard of our design, I know not how, came to us, and would know the ground of our quarrel.  Oct. 
This happy circumstance lightens my heart of half its fears.  Gus. 
Don Diego, forced by their importunity to tell the cause of his resentment, declared he was jealous of me, charging me of attempts to deprive him of the affections of a Lady, for whom he had an ardour that was inextinguishable, then mentioned a Serenade last night, and a Letter that this morning he surprised in the hands of my servant. But Don Ruis cleared me of these accusations owning himself the person that gave this Cerenade, and that sent the Letter too, but not to the Lady, but her servant. Don Diego perceiving his errors, embraced me in the most obliging manner, and made excuses, which I received with a sincere affection.  Octavia. 
Now my hopes blossom a pace?  Gus. 
Now to adjust matters betwixt him and Don Ruis, their friends affirmed, that the extroardinary beauty of a Lady might justify both their pretensions to adore her. That two such Gallant persons, coveting the same object, declared it to be of a more than common value. And that a Lover without Rivals might conclude he had a Mistress without merit.  Elu. 
Now Madam, comes the result of all—  Gus. 
By these discreet Mediators they were obliged to conjure the fair person that charmed them both to decide their right by her choice. And to promise one another, to look upon him without envy, whom it should please her to make happy, since both of them could not be so. Thus Madam, whether I speak to the Sister, or the Mistress—  Enter Beatrice in haste. Beat. 
O Madam, your Father unluckily is come in at the back door, and finding it open is so enraged that he has locked it and taken away the Key.  Oct. 
Haste then and conduct this Gentleman down the Fore-Stairs, and let him out at the great Door, Sir, shall I beg your pardon.—  Beat. 
Madam, 'tis impossible your Father follow's me close and is by this time at the very Door.  Elu. 
I hear him.—  Oct. 
Run, run in there Sir.  absconds in the withdrawing Room. Enter Count de Benevent. Ben. 
hay! Where are you, Odds precious no body below, all got to the house top like Cats in a Moonshiny night. Octavia, where are you? Odds precious Octavia who unlocked the back door, how comes it open, Odds precious have not I commanded it should eternally be kept shut.  Oct. 
It was was opened, Sir, but just now.—  Ben. 
Odds precious that now should have been never. How often have you heard me say, That the back door, le's in the Thief, and le's out the Whore.  Elu. 
Sir, having made a visit just behind your house, and not being willing to come so near, without giving Madam Octavia an assurance of my respects, I sent to desire her, that the back door might be opened to save me the trouble of going round.  Ben. 
Odds precious, Madam Elvira, I beg your pardon most heartily. Odds precious I thought no more of you than of the Soul of King Philip.  Elu. 
I am much displeased with myself for the liberty I have taken, since it is so much against your will.  Ben. 
Odds precious talk no more on't, I am extremely glad of he honour you do me in visiting my daughter.  Elu. 
I hope Sir you will pardon my presumption.  Ben. 
Odds precious Madam, I'd ha' pulled down one side of my house to have let you in.  Elu. 
The goodness you have so readily to excuse it—  Ben. 
Odds precious no more words about nothing, I am old and hasty, but true and hearty, and Alphonso is my name. But Odds precious Octavia, you have been to blame for entertaining this good Lady here all this while, when you have there so much a pleasanter and cooler Room. Come, Madam within there are some Pictures, and other little curiosities to please your Fancy.  Elu. 
Sir, we are but just come out thence, I have taken a full view of all. 'Tis indeed a very fine place.  Ben. 
But Odds precious whilst you do stay—  Elu. 
I was just taking my leave as you came in.  Ben. 
Odds precious but now I am come you'll stay a little longer.  Elu. 
Sir, I humbly beg your pardon, because I should commit a great incivility to some Ladies of the Court, who sent to know at what hour I would be at leisure to receive their visit, and it is now near the time appointed.  Ben. 
Nay, odds precious I have nothing to say against puntilioes; if it be so, do as like's you, and live the longer. freewill and hearts ease make a complexion beyond Red-Wool and Fucus.  Elu. 
Sir, your servant—  Ben. 
Nay, Odds precious, but I'll wait on you home.  Elu. 
By no means Sir, I will not give you that trouble. Madam, your Servant.  They kiss on both cheeks, the whilst Octa. speaks to Elu. Oct. 
O dear Elvira refuse not my Father's offer, Aside to Elvira. his absence at this time will infinitely oblige me. Since Madam, you know my Father offers nothing but what is requisite, why? is't, you do yourself the injury to refuse it.  Elu. 
I denied myself the honour, cautious of being the occasion of too great a trouble.  Ben. 
Odds precious, Madam, I am not so old yet to think it a trouble to wait upon Ladies. Mine was not an age of that debauchery to make men old and decrepit at thirty. I am upwards of threescore, and yet, Odds precious, I am sound of Limb and cheery of heart. Ha, come Lady.  Elu. 
Your servant.—  Oct. 
Madam, your servant, Ben. Elu. Beatrice. exeunt. Beatrice make haste up again. Sir, you may now venture to come forth again. You narrowly escaped, being discovered.  Gus. come forth. Gus. 
I heard every word he said, and wondered what prevention you could find.  Oct. 
I was all in a trembling, fear left me no power to speak, I was hasty to say something, but knew not what?  Gus. 
Madam Elvira brought it off very handsomely.  Oct. 
She was a great presence of wit, and speaks with much assurance. I wonder Beatrice stays.  Gus. 
May I yet venture down stairs, Madam.  Oct. 
Stay Sir, and I will look out at Window she goes to the window, returns. and see if my Father is gotten into the Street, Oh Heavens, Sir, I see Don Diego below contending with Beatrice to come in.  Gus. 
Fear nothing, Madam, from him.  Oct. 
Nothing never happened so unluckily. I hear him coming up stairs, he is rushed in, in spite of her, retire in there again Sir, and shut the door.  Gus. absconds again. Enter Beatrice. Don Diego pressing in. Beat. 
Nay Sir, you must not, pray Don Diego retire, My Lady will be angry.  Dieg. 
Nay Beatrice, I have proof enough thou art not my friend. Madam, I know you are already so much offended, that I cannot increase your anger with any new guilt; therefore I have pressed into your house, but this is the most warrantable crime man ever committed; since it is to cast myself at your feet and supplicate your pardon for all my passed offences. I am now convinced of all: How much I have wronged your Virtue. I bless the day, the hour, that has rendered you innocent, and me only guilty.  Oct. 
Rise Sir, I pardon you—  Dieg. 
Are you so heavenly, have you such a stock of mercy to forgive me?  Oct. 
I do Sir, with all my heart. But now you must be gone. My father has forbidden you the house, and charged me never to receive you more. He will presently come in if he finds you here, neither you nor I must hope his pardon.  Dieg. 
Whilst I was watching below to be blessed with a sight of you from your Windows, he came forth in company of a person, whom 'tis probable he will not so soon leave. If with as much sincerity as speed, you granted my pardon, you will have time more than necessary to give me farther assurances of it, and I too shall have enough to return you thanks for your favours.  Oct. 
I have already said it, and confirmed it, and most willingly again repeat it, I do pardon you, with all my heart I do; but now Sir you must go.  Dieg. 
I fear to forgive so many injuries with so much readiness; is less a mark of your goodness than of your indifference.  Oct. 
Sir, what would you have me say?  Dieg. 
I would be assured that I owe my pardon to your bounty and goodness only, and not to your fears or desires to have me gone.  Oct. 
If you think that you do not deserve the favours I bestow on you, now merit it by granting that which I demand of you, Not to stay any Longer. Your presence gives me much disquiet, from which I beg that by your sudden absence you'd deliver me.  Dieg. 
Your earnestness to have me gone, gives me suspicions That you design not my pardon, but my banishment.  Oct. 
To leave you no reply, know that what ever offence you have been guilty of, to refuse believing that I now forget it, is to be guilty of a much greater.  Dieg. 
But Madam, all that you have done for me is unprofitable, if you do not yet more. Don Ruis with whom I have been quarrelling in the field, disputes with me the honour of serving you, and to reconcile us, some friends have prevailed with us, to submit ourselves to your choice; as soon as you have pronounced it, the unfortunate is to bear his wretchedness without a murmur, and I have so highly offended you; that I cannot but fear I am the person that must be miserable.  Oct. 
I will engage my word to prefer you to Don Ruis, you never was so dear to me as now, therefore, Sir, fear nothing, or only fear, if you depart not now I desire it, that I'll thrust you out a door.  Dieg. 
How mighty pressing you are Madam! You must have an aversion for me that my presence gives you so great an affliction  Oct. 
O Sir, my Father.  Dieg. 
If he should come! The back door.  Oct. 
O Sir, he has got the Key of't, be gone, be gone, or all my spite, and malice will return.  Dieg. 
Let but me stay one moment longer, that in your eyes I may once more find the way to your heart.  Beat. 
Oh Madam, looking out at the window, I saw your Father meet with Don Ruis, and has delivered Madam Elvira into his hand, and is returned, he is just at the door.  Oct. 
We are undone—  Dieg. 
I'll make sure of my retreat in here?  Don Dieg. runs to the door of the withdrawing-room. Half opens the door, putteth one leg in, Octavia catches hold of his other arm to pull him back. Oct. 
Hold you must not Sir, my Father will come in there immediately, that being the coolest Room in the house, he always writes his Letters there, and ordered when he went out, that Pen, ink, and paper should be carried in ready against his return.  Dieg. 
Lock it and say you have lost the Key, say any thing.  Goes half way in and retreats. Octa. 
Hold Sir, forbear, there is no lock to the door.  Dieg. 
I now discover ungrateful woman, what obliged you to be so earnest with me to be gone—  Octa. 
What Sir?  Dieg. 
Go, look in, and see one at the further end of the Room stand wrapped and twined in the window Curtain, a pair of large feet are visible, I know 'tis a Lion by his Paw. I'll say no more to you now, because I am forced to leave you, but had I as little honesty as yourself, I should now acquaint your Father—  Beat. 
Sir, come this way, go down these little stairs to the back door, and remain there till I give you notice of an opportunity to make your escape.  Gus. exit. Oct. 
Beatrice this is most unfortunate. What shall we do?  Beat. 
I heard my Master unlock his Study door. Madam go down, and pretend something of business, and all the while you discourse, keep your body betwixt the door and him, or find some occasion to shut it. I'll place Don Gusman at the top of the stairs in readiness to slip down at a minute's warning.  Octa 
Do Beatrice, I'll run down before, for fear he should be coming out, and frame some pretence to keep him longer there.  Octa, Exit. Beat. 
Sir, Pray come forth. Enter Don Gusman.  
O Sir Don Diego saw you for all the Curtain.  Gus. 
Did he know who I was?  Beat. 
No Sir, I believe not, he only discovered by your feet that you were a man, follow me Sir to the stair head.  Gus. Beat. exunt. Enter Don Diego. Peeping into the Room, and enters by degrees. Dieg. 
Ha, I see no body, all's quiet, I hear no noise in any part of the House, this was, as I suspected, all but design, they were urgent with me to be gone, for fear I should make a discovery of the person they concealed, the pretence too of the old Counts being returned was a false alarm to draw me out of the Room, till they conveyed the other away. 'Tis so, here's no body now. O my too tender sense of her honour? O Female subtlety? had I but suspected this before I would have forced that traitor from his Sanctuary into the open field, and there have revenged my injuries with my Sword, I hear some body coming up I'll step in till I know who it is.  Dieg. goes into the room, where Gusman came out. Enter Octavia, Beatrice, following her at a distance. Oct. 
Beatrice, I have got the Key of the Back door. My Father had laid it down upon the little table in his study, run, run down, and let Don Diego out, that I may carry't again before he misses it. Oh Heavens! She has not yet Beat. Exit. the backway conveyed Don Gusman out, he is still in the next Room, I saw him put to the door: I thought you had been gone, for Heaven's sake Don Gusman keep close till the jealous Don Diego.—  Don Dieg. comes forth. Dieg. 
Well Madam.—  Oct. 
Ah.—  Dieg. 
What would you say of the jealous Don Diego? what think you now has not his suspicions wronged your virtue, has he not been much to blame, for doubting a fidelity so pure? And you have questionless been very obliging, to have so much goodness for a man who deserved it so little. O ungrateful, and perfidious!  Enter Beatrice. Beat. 
O he's here!  Oct. 
Speak lower Sir, or you will undo us both. You are again in a mistake—  Dieg. 
In a mistake deceitful Woman!  Oct. 
For Heaven sake, Sir, speak lower or my Father.—  Enter Count de Benevent. Ben. 
Odds precious, who's here?  Octa. Beat. 
Ah, Ah.  Ben. 
Odds precious, Don Diego, I thought I had forwarned you my house. You Mistress Minx, Odds precious, was that the design of your coming down to steal away the Key, to let him out, thy blood shall wash away the stain from thy Family when I have been revenged of this Traitor, this Thief that steals into my house, and robs me of my honour. Odds precious, Sir, you are come a visiting. I'll give you, your entertainment.  they draw. Oct. Beat. 
Ah, Ah-  Oct. Bea. runs down the back stairs, exeunt. Ben. 
Are you got to the door? Don Dieg. fights only warding the blows, and defending himself, and retreats to the door. Fighting, exeunt. I'll wait on you down. Ho Pedro, Pedro, shut the door Pedro.  Enter Don Gusman. The Scene changes to the Street. Gus. 
Don Diego has not yet made his escape▪ I would fain meet him at his coming out, to search into his temper and resolutions.  Enter Beatrice, Octavia. Octa. 
Give me my veil Beatrice.  Beat. 
Madam, here's Don Gusman.  Octa. 
O Sir, my Father has surprised Don Diego in the house, we left 'em with their swords drawn. He threatened to murder me. But I took the opportunity to make my escape at the back door whilst they quarrelled. Don Diego knows it was you that were in the closet.  Gus. 
Whither do you fly Madam?  Octa. 
I know not Sir, to Elvira.  Gus. 
She and her Woman passed by just now, and Don Ruis presently after.  Octa. 
I must take shelter quickly, I shall be pursued.  Gus. 
Are you well acquainted with Don Ruis his house?  Octa. 
Very well.  Gus. 
Take this Key then and go into the apartment forwards, whilst I go and see how the business ends between your Father and your Lover. Of which I'll bring you word presently.  Octa. 
Pray do Sir, and satisfy 'em both in what you know of the business. Come Beatrice.  Octa. Beat. exeunt. As Don Gusman is going off he meets Don Diego. Enter Don Diego. Dieg. 
Don Gusman you are the Person of the World I desired to meet. Now at least, I hope, we may pretend a just ground to quarrel  Gus. 
Hold Sir, when I fight it is in the field.  Diego. 
Let's go then.  Gus. 
Stay Sir and hear me, you will but put yourself to an unnecessary trouble.  Dieg. 
Don Gusman I expect to find you of a temper not to disown, but justify your actions.  Gus. 
It is Sir, and I shall both own and justify my being in the House of the Count de Benevent.  Dieg. 
Enough Sir, Come.  Gus. 
Stay Sir, and let me tell you in short, That I was no sooner returned from the field, but I was informed by the Servant of Elvira, that her Mistress was gone to a Friends House, and had given her order to bring me to her with all speed, where she had an opportunity to discourse with me, which the presence of Don Ruis allowed her not at home. I went: was conducted in a back way at a private door: was had up into a fair apartment, where I was received only by the fair Elvira, her first words demanded if I were resolved to fight with you. I replied we had already been in the field, and that you was no longer my enemy or her Brothers. Those doubtful words deceived the understanding of one that harkened, for then a Lady bolted out of an inner Room, eagerly demanding if you was killed! Her passionate inquiries forced from me a speedy relation of what had passed in the field, which scarce was ended when news was brought that her Father was come in; that he had locked the back door, which was left open for my retreat; to avoid his presence, I retired into an inner Room, but he no sooner entered, but Elvira took her leave to be gone, he offered her his service home, which she accepted to give me an opportunity to get out of the house. They were no sooner gone, but your coming up occasioned a second surprise. I again made my retreat to the same place. What followed I need not tell you. Now Don Diego do you think, you and I have any occasion to go into the Field.  Dieg. 
How maliciously fate contrives to turn the respects and services I pay to that person I love, into occasions of hatred and displeasure.  Gus. 
Love to your advantage will soon o'ercome those resentments.  Dieg. 
My follies have exposed her to the fury of an enraged Father. All his wild anger now will flash on her.  Gus. 
She is not in his power: whilst you two were contending she made her escape. Here I had the fortune to meet her, we but just parted as you came.  Dieg. 
And whither is she fled for Refuge?  Gus. 
I have given her the Key of my apartment, where if Elvira is from home she will do me the honour to stay till my return.  Dieg. 
You have removed a world of care and trouble from my heart.  Gus. 
She gave me her commands to make enquiry what has happened to her Father and you in this quarrel.  Dieg. 
I retreated, only defending myself till I reached the stairs, and then I was too nimble for the old assailant. He pursued me down, with what speed he could, but I first made sure of the door, and in a minute, when it was just going to be locked by one of his servants, and so made my escape without doing or receiving any hurt. Come Don Gusman, let me not delay throwing myself at her feet, to implore her grace and favour, and from her breast remove the anxiety of her fears.  Gus. 
Leave that to my care. I counsel you to go directly to some friends that you know have the greatest influence o'er her offended Father, and by their assistance disabuse him if he think any thing has passed betwixt you and Octavia in prejudice to his honour, and her virtue.  Dieg. 
I approve of your advice. During my absence, excuse my extravagancies and prepare me a kind reception.  Gus. 
I promise you the best of my service.  Severally exeunt. Enter Octavia, Beatrice. Oct. 
Friend, if any but your Master come to inquire for me, say I am not here?  San. 
If they ask for you, by your name, I may safely say I Don't know where you are: but if they inquire for one with no name, how then?  Beat. 
Why then say the same—  San. 
So I will, if your Lady desires the same.  Oct. 
Do honest friend?  Beat. 
Living in the Service of a Cavalier, you cannot but be so well bred, as to have at all times an excuse ready to serve a Lady.  San, 
Yes, I'll tell a Lie to show my breeding.  San. Exit. Oct. 
Now Beatrice go with all speed to my Aunt's house, acquaint her with these unlucky accidents, and tell her I desire leave to put myself under her protection, that during the time of my Father's displeasure, she may be responsible for my carriage. Say I am at present with Madam, Elvira.  Beat. 
Yes, Madam?  Oct. 
Stay Beatrice, first give me the Key of the door, I'll lock myself in, and make answer to no body, till your return, except Don Gusman; as you go down charge Sanco to watch his Masters coming, and to bid him speak, when he knocks at the Door, that I may be sure not to open it to any one but him.  Beat. 
Madam, he is come already—  Oct. 
Go then Beatrice, make haste.  Beat. Exit. Enter Don Gusman. Gus. 
Madam, I bring you the good news that your Father and Lover parted without the least damage received from either's Sword. And that Don Diego is gone to get friends to mitigate his displeasure, by giving him a just account of his being in the house and—  Enter Sanco. San. 
Hold, hold Madam, I'll first see if my Master says he is within. Sir, here's a Lady urgent to speak with you.  Oct. 
I'll not be seen—  Gus. 
Step into that Closet, Madam, and shut the door, your imprisonment shall be but short. Entreat the Lady to walk in.  San. 
As far as I see she wants no entreaty, Madam, my Master is within as good luck will have 't.  Enter Elvira. Elu. 
I knew that, I almost overtook him at the Door. You see Sir, I am as good as my word, I told you, you should see me when it was convenient.  Gus. 
How egregiously. I have been mistaken; till now I thought that, Octavia, and this unknown had been the same person.  Elu. 
Whence is it Sir, you seem amazed?  Gus. 
If Elvira should know I converse with this invisible Mistress, she would suspect me false, and punish the treachery by renouncing my Love.  Elu. 
Does my presence Sir, displease you, that you thus coldly receive this favour, which I could not grant without giving myself so much confusion.  Gus. 
'Tis true Madam, that you did promise to honour me with your presence, and when you had the goodness to make it, your words had something in 'em very harmonious, but now the fear I have, lest any should surprise you here, le's me not see you without great reluctance, therefore, if you will sensibly oblige me, deprive me of the honour I confess myself unworthy of.  Elu. 
How pleased I am to hear this. Aside Don Gusman, I thought the answer you returned in writing, had been but raillery, or if meant really, that you writ it injustice to your friend; whose Mistress you suspected me. I came now with resolutions to convince you of that mistake, by unvailing myself to you. But since I find how little satisfied you are with my visit, I assure you, I will never more do you the honour to trouble you. Fare you well Sir.  Elvira goes out at door, cometh running in. Gus. 
At what Madam, are you surprised?  Elu. 
Some one is coming up stairs— to herself. it is my Brother. I'll run into the Closet. Ha, there is a Woman, I saw her Elvira runs to the Closet, pulls the Door a little open, Octa. within, claps it too again. hand, when she clapped the Door against me. I find 'tis not out of respect to thee Elvira he has seen, that he refuses the kindness of Elvira veiled. But for her sake that is there concealed.  Enter Ruis, Ruis speaks to Elvira taking her for Octavia, she all the while shifts from him. Ruis. 
Madam, I have heard of the misfortunes that happened at Count Benevents; and came with all possible haste to offer you my service. Were not your interest concerned, I should rejoice at the accident that gives me opportunity to converse with the person, for whose society alone I would quit the rest of the World. Why is it Madam, that you fly from me? What do you fear from a Lover that never opposed your rigour but by a Multitude of respects? And who having heard of your disasters, does not approach you, but to make an offer of all the services he is capable to render?  Gus. 
To whom, Don Ruis, do you believe you speak?  Ruis. 
To Octavia, who has escaped from her Father's house, and came to my sister Elvira, but not finding her within, has given you the honour of her company.  Gus. 
I know not who has so informed you. But the Lady you see is so far from being Octavia, that she is not in the least known to you.  Ruis. 
Don Gusman you are questionless so much my friend, as not to make a mystery of a thing I know so well; if the fair ungrateful, to whom I could never render myself considerable enough to be beloved, had not cruelly desired you to do it. She would not hide herself as she does, if in my place, Don Diego had come and assured her of his service, and this her refusal to answer, is not the first injustice she has done me.  Gus. 
Don Ruis to oblige you to retire, I'll confess to you, that this is the unknown charming person I told you of; therefore let me entreat you not to do her the affront to endeavour to know her better.  Ruis. 
Ah Don Gusman, you interress yourself too much to my disadvantage; I know this to be Octavia, I had a relation of what passed in her father's house, with an account of her escape and being here, from Beatrice her own servant, whom I met as she was going to the Lady's Aunt.  Gus. 
Whatever she told you, yet I assure you, that you are now mistaken: and affirm that this is not Octavia, but the veiled Lady.  Ruis. 
If what you say be true, and that the person I see is not Octavia, let her tell me so herself, and I'll withdraw; I do not demand the sight of her, since she is unwilling to be seen, but one word is quickly spoke, and I am resolved not to retire till from her own mouth. I receive my adieu.  Gus. 
Two or three words Madam, will deliver us from his presence. I do not say in what a fear I am for you, and for myself, if it should happen that others should surprise you here: do not stay for the misfortunes which I foresee, since with one word you may have free passage Gusman speaks this aside to Elvira. and rescue me from a mighty trouble.  Elu. 
See Sir, if I can rescue  Elvira turns her back to Ruis, lifts up her veil, and shows Gusman her face. Gus. 
Have! conceal your face again, Madam, and be resolute neither to speak a word, nor let him see you, I expect to Elvira. Don Diego will come presently and ask for Octavia, who is in the Closet, into which I will put you as soon as your Brother is gone out of the Room. Don Ruis I turns to Ruis. can't prevail with the Lady to speak one word to you  Enter Sanco. San. 
Sir, Sir, here's Don Diego below, shall I fetch your Pistols out of the Closet?  Gus. 
Hold Sirrah, what would you have the Pistols for?  San. 
O Sir, now 'tis a rare time to be revenged as he comes up stairs, they are ready charged.  Gus. 
Go and wait on him up—  San. 
If I was a person of Quality, and he should beat my servant, but half so much as he did yours, I'd shoot at him though there were no more men in the World.  Gus. 
Hold your prating, unless you have a mind to be beaten again.  San. 
Nay Sir, he has disparaged your Livery enough already with his Cane, I am almost a shamed to walk after you in't; there remains the print of every blow he gave me visible to all the world to your disgrace.  Gus. 
If you are my servant, hold your tongue and do your duty.  San. 
I know not well whither I am your servant or not. This is your coat, but I have been looking under't, and there I find I wear the Livery of Don Diego, black and blue upon Orange-tawny. And he takes the liberty to beat me at his pleasure, as if he was my master.  Gus. 
I'll run my sword in your Guts.  Gusman makes an offer to draw his Sword, San. takes a large leap to the door. San. 
Oh, Don Diego's here Sir.  Enter Don Diego. Dieg. 
My obliging enemy, I have stayed longer than I expected. Octavia, who makes your apartment her sanctuary, and who already has so much reason to hate me, will be offended at it without question But Madam, I hope you will give me your pardon, when you shall know that I have spent my time wholly in your service, visiting of friends who have power with your father, to try if they can pacify his displeasure, and make him favourable to my desires.  Ruis. 
Now Don Gusman, will you affirm that this veiled person is not Octavia, how can you excuse the wrong to friendship, and the injuries done to me?  Dieg. 
'Tis I who have reason to be offended, that find you here Don Gusman who gave me his word to serve me, has not been punctual to his promise, to give you opportunity in my absence to insinuate into the affections of that beauty who has charmed us both.  Gus. 
You are much to blame Don Diego, for making any complaints against me; far from embracing the interest of Don Ruis I have protested to him, e'er since he came, that this Lady was not Octavia, as he believed: but since you are both present, I am not any longer obliged to deny that it is she herself. If you are minded to have her away, behold I deliver her into your hand, for I know from her own mouth, that it was you she resolved to make her choice.  Ruis. 
He must take my life that will take her from hence, before she has told me herself, that it is you whose service she is pleased to accept. Don Gusman whom I thought my friend, does not give me marks enough of it, to oblige me to rely upon his word. I will stand to the conditions we have made. I doubt whether Octavia will be for you, or me, so long as she does not say any thing:  Enter Octavia out of the Closet. Oct. 
If there wants only my speaking, you shall not be long in doubt.  Dieg. 
Ruis. Ha.—  Oct. 
If my esteem can do you any good, that I offer you; but it is impossible for me ever to give you my Love: bestow your heart on some other person, whose inclinations may make her worthy of it.  Ruis. 
The fatal sentence now is passed, my hopes as the Sun goes down in Clouds, now set in dark despair. But ne'er like that to rise again.  Oct. 
Endeavour not to take ill what I have said to you, since it was you only forced me to say to much.  Ruis. 
No Madam, now I withdraw all my pretensions; no more do I obstruct your course of Love. As she and you think fit, dispose of her.  to Don Diego. Oct. 
Now Sir, convey me secretly to my Aunts, under whose care and 〈◊〉 you shall leave me, till from your friends you have an account of my Father's temper and resolutions. I will no longer 〈◊〉 the return of Beatrice.  Gus. 
Ho?  Enter Sanco. San. 
Run down and get two Chairs ready. to Elvira. aside. Madam I'll send you away in one.  Ruis. 
Now friend I find you told me nothing but truth. That Lady is not Octavia, Madam, I beg your pardon, you see how much it did concern me to inquire.  Exeunt. A noise without, and squeaking of Women. Enter Octavia running, bolts herself into the Closet, Elvira comes running at the door, her veil hangs, she loses it, she runs to the Closet, finds it locked. Enter Sanco. San. 
I find the Ladies and I are of the same constitution, sworn enemi's to drawn Swords.  Elu. 
The door is shut, Elvira runs to get up her veil, meets Ruis who had taken it up. what shall I do.  San. 
Nay if you are all providing for Sanco creeps under the Table. yourselves, I'll shift for one.  Enter Ruis, Gusman, Diego Alguazil, Count de Benevent, and officers. Ruis takes up the veil as he comes in. Alg. 
Don Diego, you are my prisoner.  Dieg. 
Sir I submit.  Ben. 
Odds precious, hold him fast—  Ruis. 
Madam, here's your veil.  Ben. 
Come God's precious, where are you gentlewoman?  Ruis. 
Ha Elvira!  Ben. 
Odds precious, that's none of her.  Ruis. 
O disgraceful Maid, was it you that kept yourself so close in your veil, and stood so mute, shame to thy sex, and dishonour to thy Family. I'll be revenged. Ruis. lays hand on his Sword.  Gus. 
Hold Don Ruis.  Alg. 
Hold Sir.  Ben. 
Odds precious, she has been playing pranks too? The Moon's in the critical minute.  Ruis. 
I will at present choke my anger,—  Gus. 
By all that's sacred in friendship, I swear that nothing has passed betwixt your fair sister and 〈◊〉 the most austere virtue can disapprove—  Ben. 
Ay, ay, no harm, no harm, Odds precious my jewel will be at that too anon.  Gus. 
Till you pressed her to speak, I did not so much as know the person I had been conversing with to be Elvira.  Ben. 
Come, come, Odds precious where is her fellow Comrade in mischief? Odds precious there's never any good towards, when young Girls get together a tattling.  Alg. 
Don Diego by order of Justice you must remain my Prisoner, unless you consent to marry the Lady. No other Act of yours can vindicate her fame, or restore to her Family the honour you have taken from it.  Dieg. 
Do you, Count Benevent, exact this from me?  Ben. 
Odds precious do I.  Dieg. 
You seek to force a blessing on me, which I would have implored from you, and have already employed my best friends to interceded for.  Ben. 
Odds precious than I am satisfied as to that punctilio: But Odds precious, where is she? where is she?  Enter Octavia. She comes out of the Closet. Octa. 
I may now venture out, and appear unveiled. Sir with my face uncovered, I kneel before you to let you see I have not a heart conscious of crimes to make me blush. I know not of any offence I have committed, except my fear of your displeasure be one. I fled not Sir from you, but from your Anger.  Ben. 
Odds precious that's all one: I'll march you off for all that. There take her: look to her yourself, Odds precious you know her tricks better than I do.  Ben. gives Octavia to Don Diego. Dieg. 
Now Sir, I hope, your anger is appeased, and you are fully satisfied.  Ben. 
Odds precious I have no more to say.  Gus. 
But Don Ruis, I perceive your brow is still contracted. If my acknowledgements can remove your displeasure, I will confess that no Lover ever sacrificed a heart in brighter flames, than I do mine to the fair Elvira. Nor is the offering, I believe, displeasing to her: If, Don Ruis, you hold me worthy of your sister, and my friendship is as acceptable to you, as my love to her, promote its perfection; and let our marriage bind me to you in a stricter union.  Ben. 
Odds precious e'en let him have her too. As they have been Rogues together, e'en let 'em fare both alike, and now go to be married together. Odds precious, it is the best way, so a done.  Ruis. 
I feel the torments of successless love, and cannot be so cruel to see my friend in that condition. 'Tis my only happiness at this time, that I can so well dispose of her. I have a mind at present so disturbed at my own loss, that I have no conduct o'er myself, how unfit am I then to have the charge of another? Here Sir, I resign her to you.  Sanc. 
So, Now the danger is passed and the storm is quite over, I'll venture abroad and bid adieu to my Cover.  Sanco crawls from under the Table. Elu. 
I wish, in return, I could settle such a peace in your breast, as you have done in mine.  Ben. 
Odds precious Cheery, cheery, Don Ruis, Love in the breast is like a bush of dry Thorns in an oven; it blazes, and crackles, and keeps a sputter for a while, but presently gives over. Odds precious think no more of her.  San. 
Sir the next time you ask my Master leave to send me to be beaten, pray let it be to gain your Mistress, now he goes away with her, I have been cudgeled to no purpose.  Ruis. 
I cannot soon forget the ruin of my hopes, but I will wear my sorrows with discretion.  

Yet if my griefs by fits you do discover,  
Excuse those starts in a rejected Lover.   Exeunt.  

EPOLOGVE.  
OUr Play's success we very much do fear,  
For we see few, but Wits and Critics here▪  
We are sure of you at all times of th' year.  
Our Londoners are gone for recreation  
To spend with Country friends the long vacation;  
Or else to Epsome for a month's purgation.  
The Country gallants too, whom suits of Law,  
And Four Cart-horses up to Town did draw  
In mouldy Couch, filled with their she relations,  
Who once a year come up to see the fashions;  
When each had bought her a new tawdry Gown,  
The Law Suits ended and the terms were done.  
They and their Sun burnt Squires hastened down.  
How we rejoced to see 'em in our pit!  
What difference, me thoughts there was,  
Betwixt a Country Gallant and a Wit.  
When you did order Periwig with Comb,  
They only used four fingers and a Thumb.  
Whilst you stroked up fringed gloves were elbow deep,  
They one glove on, the other off did keep,  
Thus twist and twist, and the tanned calve-skin gripe,  
Till it looked like a Chitterlin or Tripe;  
And then to stretch it, thus through hand they'd pull it.  
But Lord! the wisped Cravat that hung below the gullet!  
How pale and white did your complexions show  
To their Mary-Gold-Faces, as they sat by you!  
But when betwixt the acts they did stand up,  
Their swords looked as if they belong to th'County troop▪  
Huge ones they wore in narrow girdle Belts.  
But most I laughed to see their flapping Felts.  
They in their greasy waste Belts and great Swords,  
Like Yeomen looked, but, you like any Lords.  
You had large shoulder Belts with Ribbon tied,  
And each a little little spitfrog by his side.  
Well as you please you may laugh on and jeer,  
But such as these all your Forefathers were.  
Tho they perha●●●n't so much Wit as you,  
They've more 〈…〉 and more Money too;  
But there the 〈◊〉 does them out do.  
Wherefore your Company our stage renounces,  
For the kind Country clowns, and the rich City Dunces.  
FINIS.