THE ADVENTURES OF FIVE HOURS.  
A Tragicomedy.  Non ego Ventosae Plebis suffragia venor. Horat. 

Febr. 21o 1662.  
IMPRIMATUR  
JOHN BERKENHEAD.   
LONDON, 〈…〉   

To the Right HONOURABLE, HENRY HOWARD, OF NORFOLK.  
SInce it is Your Pleasure (Noble Sir) that I should hold my Fortune from You; like those Tenants, who pay some Inconsiderable Trifle in lieu of a Valuable Rent, I humbly offer You this Poem in Acknowledgement of my Tenure: and I am well pleased with this Occasion to Publish my Sense of Your Favours, since it seems to me a kind of Ingratitude to be Thankful in Private.  
It was bred upon the Terrace-Walks in Your Garden at Aldbury; and, if I mistake not, it resembles the Place where it was Brought up: The Plot is Delightful, the Elevations Natural, the Ascents Easy, without any great Embellishments 〈…〉  
I designed the Character of Antonio as a Copy of Your Steady Virtue; if it appear to those, who have the Honour to know You, short of the Original; I take leave to inform them, that You have not sat to me long; 'Tis possible, hereafter I may Gratify my Country for their Civility to this Essay with something more worthy of Your Patronage, and their Indulgence.  
In the Interim I make it my Glory to avow, That had Fortune been Just to me, She could not have Recompensed the Loyal Industry of my Life with a more Illustrious Title, than that which You have been pleased to Confer upon me; of YOUR FRIEND. To which (as in Gratitude I am bound) I Subjoin that of  
Your most humble Servant, S. TUKE.   

The First SCENE is The City of SEVIL.  The Prologue Enters with a Play-Bill in his hand, and Reads, 
This Day being the 15th of December, shall be Acted a New Play, never Played before, called The Adventures of Five Hours.  
A NEW PLAY.  
theyare i'the right, for I dare boldly say,  
The English Stage ne'er had so New a Play;  
The Dress, the Author, and the Scenes are New.  
This ye have seen before ye'l say; 'tis true;  
But tell me, gentlemans, who ever saw  
A deep Imrigue confined to Five Hours Law.  
Such as for close Contrivance yields to none:  
A Modest Man may praise what's not his own.  
'Tis true, the Dress is his, which he submits  
To those who are, and those who would be Wits;  
Ne'er spare him Gentlemen, for to speak truth,  
He has a perilous Cens'rer been in's Youth;  
And now grown Bald with Age, Doting on Praise,  
He thinks to get a Periwig of Bays.  
Teach him what 'tis, in this Discerning Age  
To bring his heavy Genius on the Stage;  
Where you have seen such Nimble Wits appear,  
That passed so soon, one scarce could say th'were hear.  
Yet after our Discoveries of late  
Of their Designs, who would Subvert the State;  
You'll wonder much, if it should prove his Lot,  
To take all England with a Spanish Plot;  
But if through his ill Conduct, or hard Fate,  
This Foreign Plot (like that of Eighty Eight)  
Should suffer Shipwreck in your Narrow Seas,  
You'll give your Modern Poet his Writ of Ease;  
For by th' Example of the King of Spain,  
He resolves ne'er to trouble you again.   

THE PROLOGUE AT COURT.  He Addresses himself to the Pit. 

AS to a dying Lamp, 
This refers to the Author's purpose of Retirement, at that time when his Majesty recommended this Plot to him.  one drop of Oil  
Gives a new Blaze, and makes it live a while;  
So th'Author seeing his decaying Light,  
And therefore thinking to retire from sight,  
Was hindered by a Ray from th'upper Sphere,  
Just at that time he thought to disappear;  
He chanced to hear his Majesty once say  
He liked this Plot: he stayed; and writ the Play;  
So should Obsequious Subjects catch the Minds  
Of Princes, as your Seamen do the Winds.  
If this Attempt then shows more Zeal, than Light,  
'Tmay teach you to Obey, 
He looking up and seeing the King starts.  though not to Write.   

HA'! he is there himself. 
* He Knelt. He Rises.  Pardon my sight,  
My Eyes were dazzled with Excess of Light;  
Even so the Sun, who all things else displays,  
Is hid from us i' th' Glory of his Rays;  
Will You vouchsafe Your Presence? You, that were given  
To be our Atlas, and support our Heaven?  
Will You (Dread Sir) Your Precious Moment's lose  
To Grace the first Endeavours of our Muse,  
This with Your Character most aptly suits  
Even Heaven itself is pleased with the first Fruits.    

dramatis PERSONAE.  



Porcia.  
Camilla.   Young Ladies.  
Don Carlos. A Kind Brother to Camilla.  
Don Henrique. A Severe Brother to Porcia.  
Don Antonio Pimentel. Contracted by the Mediation of Friends to Porcia before he saw her.  
Don Octavio. Secret Gallant to Porcia, but feigning to be in Love with Camilla.  
Flora. Waiting-woman to Porcia.  


Ernesto.  
Sancho.   Servants to Don Antonio.  
Diego. Servant to Octavio.  


Sylvio.  
Geraldo.  
Pedro.   Servants to Don Henrique.  
The Corregidor, and Attendants.   THE SCENE SEVIL.  

The Reader is desired to take notice of these Errors of the Printer.  

Page 6. line 4●. read, Does fully state the difference of our Fortunes.  
Page 12. line 8. read, These Descants on our Griefs, etc.  
Page 19 line 43. read, And trusted to her Eyes when she did Wake.    

The First Act.  THE SCENE DONE HENRIQVE's HOUSE. Enter Don Henrique, who is immediately followed by Sylvio. Sylvio. 
SIgnior, Don Carlos is without.  Henr. 
Wait on him in.  Enter Carlos. Car. 
Cousin, to me this day hath longer seemed than usual,  
Since 'tis so far advanced without our seeing one another.  Henr. 
Me thinks so too; but you repair your Stay,  
By coming hither opportunely now;  
You have so often born with my Distempers,  
'Tis fit that once at least you should partake  
Of my Good humour.  Car. 
What ere the Cause may be (I'm sure) I joy  
In the Effect, and may it long continue.  Henr. 
I can inform you by experience now,  
How great a satisfaction 'tis to find  
A Heart and Head eased of a weighty care;  
For a Gentleman of my warm temper,  
Jealous of the Honour of his Family,  
(Yet never blemished) to be fairly freed  
From the Tuition of an Orphan Sister,  
Rich, Beautiful, and Young.  Car. 
You know, Don Henrique, that for divers years,  
Your Friend has been with the like Province charged,  
A tender Sister, by our Parents will,  
(When they were called from all their Cares below)  
To mine committed; and though more exposed  
Still to the world than yours; and (Sir) unless  
Nearness of blood deceive me, short of few  
In the advantages that draw Pretenders;  
Yet thanks to my Temper, Cousin, as well  
As to her Virtue, I have seen her grow  
Up from her Childhood, to her Dangerous Age,  
Without the least Disturbance to my rest:  
And when with equal Justice I reflect  
On the great Modesty and Circumspection  
Of lovely Porcia, I conclude, that you  
Might well have slept as Undisturbed as I.  Henr. 
Sir, I complain not of my Sister's conduct;  
But you know well, young Maids are so exposed  
To the Invasion of audacious men,  
And to the Malice of their envious Sex,  
You must confess the Confines of their Fame  
Are never safe till guarded by a Husband;  
The wisdom of Relations ought to use  
Preventions of all sorts; but dear Carlos,  
The Blemish once received, no Wash is good  
For stains of Honour, but th'Offenders blood.  Car. 
YE are too severe a Judge of point of Honor.  Henr. 
And therefore having not long since received  
The news, that Don Antonio Pimentel,  
Is likely to be here this night from Flanders;  
To whom my Sister by Velladas means,  
(Our common Friend and Patron) is contracted;  
I will not close these eyes till I have seen  
Her, and my Cares, safe lodged within his arms.  Car. 
I find you travels, Cousin, have not cured you  
Of that innate Severity to Women,  
Which grows to be a National reproach  
Unto us all abroad; the world laments  
That miserable Sex amongst us here,  
Born only to be honourable Prisoners;  
The more of Quality, the Closer kept;  
Which Cruelty is revenged upon ourselves,  
Whilst by Immuring those whom most we Love,  
We sing and sigh only to Iron Grates.  
As cruel is that over-cautious use,  
By Proxy to contract Parties Unknown  
To one another; this is only fit  
For Sovereign Princes, whose high qualities  
Will not allow of previous interviews;  
They sacrifice▪ their Love to Public good,  
Consulting only Interest and Blood.  
A custom, which as yet I never know  
Used between persons of a Lower rank,  
Without a sequel of sad Consequence:  
Sir, understand me right; I speak not this  
By way of Prophecy; I am no stranger  
To Don Antonio's great reputation,  
Which I believe so just, I no way doubt  
Your Sisters being happy in him.  Hen. 
Don Carlos, let us quit this Argument;  
I now am going to our noble friend  
And kinsman the Corregidor, to see  
If he will honour with his Company  
My Sister's Wedding; will you come along?  Car. 
Most willingly; as soon as I have brought  
My Sister hither, and left her with yours.  Henr. 
I have some business, Cousin, by the way,  
I'll go before, 
Henrique waits on him to the door.  and wait you i'th' 
Henrique waits on him to the door.  Piazza.  
Your Servant, Cousin.  [Exit Carlos. 
This Kinsman is my bosom friend, and yet  
Of all men living, I must hid from him  
My deep resentments of his Sister's scorn;  
That cruel Maid, to wound me to the Heart,  
Then close her Ears against my just complaints;  
But though as yet I cannot heal my wound,  
I may, by my Revenge upon my Rival  
Divert the Pain; and I will drive it home;  
There's in Revenged a Balm, which will appease  
The present grief, and Time cure the disease.  [Exit Henrique. Enter Porcia. Porcia. 
My heart is so oppressed, with fear and grief,  
That it must break, unless it find relief;  
The Man I love is forced to fly my sight,  
And like a Parthian, kills me in his flight:  
One whom I never saw, I must embrace,  
Or else destroy the honour of my race.  
A Brother's Care, more cruel than his Hate;  
O how perplexed is my unhappy fate!  Enter Carlos and Camilla. Car. 
Cousin, I thought my Sister's company  
Would not displease you, whilst I wait upon  
Your Brother in visit.  Porc. 
Sir, you oblige me with a welcome favour;  aside. 
I rather should have styled it Charity,  
To bring a friend to her, whose cruel fate  
Has robbed her of herself.  Cam. 
Me thinks, 'tis pity that a wall should make  
The houses two, of friends so entirely one,  
As you, and I, and our two Brothers are.  Porc. 
If it be true, that Lovers live much more,  
There where they Love, than where they Breath, I'm sure  
No walls can sever us, w' are still together.  Car. 
Were I not much engaged, I would not quit  
So sweet a Conversation; but, Sister,  
At my return, I'll wait upon you home.  Porc. 
For this night, Cousin, pray let her be mine,  
I beg it of you both.  Car. 
You may command, we are both yours.  [Exit Carlos. Porc. 
My dear Camilla, Porcia throws herself on camillas neck how I longed to have thee,  
Where freely breathing out my Grief, I might  
Some mitigation from thy Pity find;  
But since there's no true Pity without Pain;  
Why should I Ease, by thy Affliction gain?  Cam. 
Ah Porcia! if Compassion Suffering be,  
And to Condole be Pain; my Destiny  
Will full revenge in the same kind afford;  
Should I, but my unequalled griefs relate,  
And you, but equally participate.  Porc. 
If yours, as mine, from Love-disasters rise,  
Our Fates are more allied than Families.  Cam. 
What, to our Sex, and blooming age can prove  
An anguish worthy of our Sighs, but Love?  Porc. 
'Tis true, Camilla, were your fate like mine,  
Hopeless to hold, unable to resign.  Cam. 
Let's tell our Stories, than we soon shall see,  
Which of us two excels in Misery.  Porc. 
Cousin, agreed.  Cam. 
Do you begin then.  Porc. 
You know, After a little pause. Camilla, best, how generously,  
How long, and how discreetly, my Octavio  
Hath served me; and what trials of his faith  
And fervour I did make, ere I allowed  
The least hope to sustain his noble Love.  
Cousin, all this you know; 'twas in your House  
We had our interviews; where you were pleased  
To suffer feigned addresses to yourself,  
To cover from my watchful Brother's eyes,  
The real passion which he had for me.  Cam. 
My memory in this needs no refreshing.  Porc. 
And how one Evening (O that fatal hour)  
My Brother passing by Don Carlos house,  
With his great Friend and Confident Don Pedro,  
Did chance to see th' unfortunate Octavio,  
At your Balcony, entertaining me,  
Whom not believing there, he took for you;  
Where mad with Jealousy, his cruel nature  
(To which all Moderation is unknown)  
Resolves to stamp all your Neglects of him,  
In's supposed Rival poor Octavio's heart;  
He, and his Friend both draw, Octavio  
Retires, they assault him, who in's own defence  
Does kill Don Pedro, and is forced to fly.  
My Brother cruelly pursues him still,  
With such insatiate thirst after revenge,  
That nothing but Octavio's blood can quench;  
Yet covering still his Rage and Jealousy,  
With the resentment of Don Pedro's death.  Cam. 
Is this the sum of your sad story, Porcia? Is this all?  Por. 
No, no, Camilla, 'tis the Prologue only,  
The Tragedy does follow; this Tyrant,  
This cruel Brother, to th'Impetuous Laws  
Of whose Tuition, our deceased Parents  
My Person and my Fortune have condemned,  
In his unjust Suspicion restless grown,  
(Which he to palliate Vice with Virtues name,  
Does Sense of Honour call) takes an Alarm,  
And starts at every shadow; as if reproach  
Attended all the actions of a Sister,  
Though ne'er so Circumspect; and uses me,  
As if the Honour of our Family  
Were overthrown for ever▪ should my Eyes,  
Or Judgement, be but the least part allowed  
In making choice of him should be my Husband.  
Therefore to frustrate all my hopes at once,  
He has already married me by Proxy,  
To one in Flanders, whom I never saw,  
Who is this very night expected here.  Cam. 
Is such a rigour possible, dear Porcia?  Por. 
Was ever Misery like mine, Camilla?  
Heightened to such extremes, past all relief?  
If I acquaint my Brother with my Love  
TO Octavio, the man he most does Hate,  
I must expect the worst effects of fury;  
If I endeavour to Forget Octavio,  
Even that attempt renews his memory,  
And fresh Disquiet gives; If I refuse  
To marry, I am lost; If I obey,  
I cast Octavio and myself away.  
Two such Extremes of ill, no Choice admit,  
Each seems the Worst; on which Rock shall I split?  
Since if I marry, I cannot survive;  
And not to marry; were to die alive.  Cam. 
Your Story (I confess) is strangely moving;  
Yet if you could my Fortune weigh with yours,  
In Scales of equal Sensibility,  
You would not change your Sufferings, for mine.  Por. 
What can there be in Nature more afflicting,  
Than a Divorce from th'Object of our Love,  
For ever, to embrace the thing we Hate?  Cam. 
Have you not known that Object of your Love?  
And entertained the Person you esteem?  
Have you not heard, and answered to his Sighs?  
Has he not born his Part in all your Cares?  
Do not you live, and reign within his heart?  Por. 
I doubt no more his Faith, that my hard Fate.  Cam. 
But tell me, dearest Porcia, if I love  
One, I ne'er shall see, and suffer as much  
Without the Means of e'er expressing it,  
As what I suffer is above expression;  
If all my Sighs wander in fleeting Air,  
And ne'er can reach his ears for whom they're formed;  
If all my Passion, all my kill Cares,  
Must be for ever▪ to their Cause unknown;  
If that their weight must sink me to my Grave,  
Without one Groan that he can ever hear,  
Or the least hope, that I should e'er obtain  
By Pity Ease, or Cure by his Disdain:  
If this the state of my Misfortune be,  
Say, dearest Porcia, do you envy me?  Por. 
What over-cruel Laws of Decency  
Have struck you dumb? have you misplaced your Love,  
On such a Subject, as you dare not own?  Cam. 
No, the Cause is worthy of the Effect;  
And though I had no Passion for his Person,  
I were Ungrateful if I should not give  
The first place in my Heart to such high Merit.  Por. 
If he has been so Generous, to deserve  
Your Love, why are not you so Just, to let  
Him know it?  Cam. 
'Tis impossible; Ah! that dismal word  
Does full state the Difference of our Fortunes:  
You, in your first Adventure have been crossed,  
But I, before I can set out am lost.  Por. 
Pray make me comprehend this Mystery.  Cam. 
'Tis t' open my wounds afresh, dear Porcia, After a little pause.  
But You must be obeyed—  
The Conde de Onniate being sent  
Ambassador unto the Emperor;  
We having th' honour to be near allied  
To him, by his Lady, (who likewise went  
That Journey with her Husband) my Brother  
Was desired by her to make that Voyage;  
Whose tenderness for me, nor suffering him  
To let me stay behind, I was engaged;  
And treated by th' Ambassadress, my Cousin,  
With more respect than I could ever merit.  Por. 
She's a Lady, famed for great Civility.  Cam. 
We had not passed much time i'th', Emp'ror'S Corut,  
When my dear Brother unexpectedly,  
By urgent business, was called back to Sevil;  
And in our return (too near a Garrison  
Of th'enemies') our Convoy was surprised,  
And routed by a Party of their Horse.  Por. 
Camilla, you begin to raise my fears.  Cam. 
We Prisoners made, were hurried straight away  
To their Quarters, where my malicious Fate  
Made me appear too pleasing to the Eyes  
Of their Commander; who at first approach  
Pretends to Parley in a Lover's style,  
Protesting that my Face had changed our Fortunes,  
And him my Captive made: But finding soon  
How little he advanced in his Design  
By Flattery, and his feigned Submission;  
He shifts his Person, calls me his Prisoner,  
And swears my Virgin-Treasure was his Prize;  
And yet protests he had much rather own it  
To my Indulgence, than his own Good Fortune;  
And so through Storms and Calms, the Villain still  
Pursues his Course to his accursed End;  
But finding me inflexible to Threats  
As well as Fawn, he resolves to use  
The last, and uncontroled Argument  
Of Impious Men in Power, Force.  Por. 
Ah poor Camilla! tell me, where was then  
Your Brother, at a time of such distress?  Cam. 
My Brother? he, alas, was long before  
Born away from me, in the first Encounter;  
Where having certainly behaved himself  
As did become his Nation and his Name,  
Remained sore wounded in another House.  Por. 
Prithee make haste to free me from this fright.  Cam. 
The Brute approaches; and by Violence  
Endeavours to accomplish his intent;  
I Heaven invoke, and strong Resistance make,  
But with Unequal force, though Rage supplied  
Those Spirits, which my Fear had put to flight;  
Breathless at length with crying out, and striving,  
I spied a Dagger by the Villain's side,  
Which snatching boldly out, as my last refuge,  
With his own Arms I wound the Savage Beast;  
He, at the stroke, unseased me, and gave back;  
(So Gild produces Cowardice) than I  
The Dagger pointing to my breast, cried out,  
Villain, keep off, for if thou dost persist,  
I'll be myself both Sacrifice and Priest;  
I boldly now defy thy Lust, and Hate;  
She that dares Choose to die, may Brave her Fate.  
Immediately the Drums and Trumpets sound,  
Pistols go off, and a great cry, To Arms,  
To Arms: The Lustful satire flies; I stand  
Fixed with amazement to the Marble floor,  
Holding my Guardian Dagger up aloft,  
As if the Ravisher had threatened still.  Por. 
I fancy thee, Camilla, in that brave posture,  
Like a noble Statue, which I remember  
To have seen, of the enraged Juno,  
When she had robbed Jove of his Thunderbolt.  Cam. 
Freed from this Fright, my Spirits flow so fast  
To the forsaken Channels of my Heart,  
That those who by their orderly access  
Would have Supported life, by Throngs oppress.  
O'ercharged with Joy, I fell into a Swoon;  
And what was done in this Parenihesis  
Is not within the Circle of my Knowledge.  Por. 
YE have raised me to a mighty Expectation;  
Will the Adventure answer it, Camilla?  Cam. 
At my return to life, opening my eyes,  
Think, dearest Porcia, how I was astonished,  
To find there kneeling by my side, a Man,  
Of a most noble Form, who bowing to me,  
Madam, (says he) you're welcome to the world;  
Pardon, I pray, the Boldness of a Stranger,  
That humbly sues t'you to Continue in it;  
Or if You needs will Leave us, stay at least  
Till I shall have Revenged your wrongs, and then  
I'll wait upon you to the other world,  
For You with-drawn, this will a Desert seem,  
And Life a Torment.  Por. 
High gallantry, Cousin, for a first Address.  Cam. 
'Twas so Surprising, that my Confusion  
Checked my Reply: but I suppose my Looks  
Did speak the grateful Language of my Heart;  
For I perceived an Air of Joy enlighten  
His manly Face; out, O! it soon was clouded,  
By fresh Alarms; We heard the Soldiers cry,  
Where's Antonio, th'Enemy is rallied,  
And coming on to give Second Charge;  
He started up, and with a Mien, that marked  
The Conflict 'twixt his Honour and his Love;  
Madam, (says he) the Soul was never yet  
With such Convulsion from the Body torn,  
As I from you; but it must ne'er be said,  
That Don Antonio Pimentel was seen  
To Fellow in Dangers those he ought to Led;  
And thus the Vanquished Conqueror Disappeared,  
Leaving that Image stamped upon my Heart,  
To which I all the Joys must Sacrifice  
Of the poor remnant of my wretched Life;  
If properly to live I may be said, She puts her Handkerchief to her Eyes.  
When all my hopes of Seeing him are dead.  Por. 
What said you was his name, Camilla?  Cam. 
Don Antonio Pimentel, I told you.  Por. 
O Heavens! Antonio Pimentel?  Enter Henrique. Hen. 
I'm pleased to find you Speaking of your Husband.  Cam. 
What's that I hear? Aside. her Husband?  Hen. 
Have you the Letter ready, I desired you  
To write to him? I'll send a Servant with it,  
To meet him on the way, 'twill show Respect.  Porc. 
You know my Obedience, Brother.  Hen. 
'Tis well, Sister.  Enter Sylvio. Sylu. 
Sir, here's a Servant of Don Antonio,  
Newly alighted at the Gate; he's come  
Post from his Master, charged with Letters for You.  Hen. 
You ne'er could bRing me a more welcome News;  
Call him in, Sylvio: Sister, you may  
Withdraw, and take this time to ask your Cousin,  
How she likes my Choice of your Wedding-clotheses.  Por. 
My Wedding-clotheses? Ah! miserable Maid!  
The Heathen so to their Feigned Deities  
Adorned the Victims they did Sacrifice.  [Exeunt Porcia & Camilla. Enter Ernesto and Sylvio. Ern. 
Signior, Done Antonio kisses your hands,  
And sends me to present this Letter to you.  [He gives a Letter to Don HeNrique. Don Henrique opens it, and seeming to have read it to himself, says, Hen. 
I'm glad you left him well; but yet me thinks,  
He writes doubtfully of his being here  
This night, as I expected.  Ern. 
His Letter, I suppose, declares his purpose.  Henr. 
I'll answered, and dispatch you presently.  
In the mean while go make him welcome, Sylvio.  Exeunt Sylvio and Ernesto at one door, and Henrique at the other. Enter Sylvio, Ernesto, Geraldo, Pedro, with some Cups of Chocolate. Sylu. 
Methinks, Comrade, a soop of Chocolate  
Is not amiss after a tedious Journey;  
Your Master's Health, He drinks. Sir.  Ern. 
I'll do you reason, Sir.  Sylu. 
Pray how long is't, Brother, since you left Spain?  Ern. 
'Tis now five years, and upward, since I went  
From Sevil, with my Master, into Flanders,  
The King's Fencing-School; where all his Subjects,  
Given to Fight, are taught the Use of Arms,  
And notably kept in breath.  Sylu. 
Your Master, I am sure, has got the Fame  
To be a Perilous man in that rough Trade.  Ern. 
He's a brave Soldier, Envy must confess it.  Pedr. 
If seems so i'faith, since merely by the force  
Of his great Reputation, he can take our Bright  
Young Mistress so, without a Siege.  Ern. 
I hope she'll be Revenged on him ere long,  
And take him too, by the force of her Wit,  
And Beauty.  Pedr. 
S'has more than a Child's Portion, Sir, of both,  
I dare assure you.  Sylu. 
But, prithee, Brother, instruct me a little,  
Tell me, what kind of Country is this Holland,  
That's so much talked of, and so much fought for.  Ern. 
Why, Friend, 'tis a huge Ship at Anchor, fraught  
With a sort of Creatures, made up of Turf,  
And Butter.  Pedr. 
I pray, Sir, what do they drink in that Country?  
'Tis said, there's neither Fountains there,  
Nor Vines.  Ern. 
This is the Butler sure by his apt question. Aside.  
Friend, they drink there a certain muddy Liquor,  
Made of that Grain with which you feed your Mules.  Pedr. 
What? Barley? can that Liquor quench their thirst?  Ern. 
You'd scarce believe it did, had you but seen  
How oft they drink.  Pedr. 
But, methinks, that should make them drunk, Camera●  Ern. 
Indeed most Strangers do think so, but they  
Themselves believe it not, because they're so,  
So often.  Ger. 
A Nation sure of Walking Tuns; the World  
Has not the like.  Ern. 
Pardon me, Friend, there is but a great Ditch  
Butwixt them and such another Nation;  
If these Good-fellows would but Join, and drink  
That dry, i'faith they might shake hands.  Ger. 
Prithee, Friend, can these Dutch Borraccios Fight?  Ern. 
They can do even as well, for they can Pay  
Those that can fight.  Sylu. 
But where, I prithee, do they get their Money?  Ern. 
Oh, Friend, they have a Thriving Mystery;  
They Cheat their Neighbouring Princes of their Trade,  
And then they Buy their Subjects for their Soldiers.  Sylu. 
Methinks our Armies should beat these Dull Fellows  
Out of the World.  Ern. 
These Dull Fellows will sooner beat our Armies  
Out of their Country; Why, Friend, ready Money  
Will do much more, in Camps, as well as Courts,  
Than a Ready Wit, I dare assure you.  Ger. 
What a God's name could come into the Heads  
Of this People, to make them Rebel?  Ern. 
Why Religion, that came into their Heads  
A God's name.  Ger. 
But what a Devil made the Noblemen Rebel?  Ern. 
Why that which made the Devil himself Rebel, Ambition.  Sylu. 
This is a pleasant Fellow; Aside.  
I find that you Soldiers do not want Wit.  Ern. 
But I find he wants Wit that is a Soldier.  
Gentlemen, your Company's very good,  
But I have business that requires Dispatch.  Pedr. 
Will you not mend your Draught before you go?  Ern. 
I thank you, Sir, I have done very well.  [Exeunt. Enter Camilla, Porcia, Flora. Por. 
Was e'er Misfortune like to mine, Camilla?  Come. 
Was e'er Disaster, Porcia, like to mine?  Por. 
That I must never see Octavio more.  Cam. 
That I again must Don Antonio see,  
Never to see him Mine.  Por. 
I, to be married to the Man I HaTe.  Cam 
And I, to have the Man I Love, torn from me.  Por. 
I am, by Robbing of my Friend, undone.  Cam. 
And I (alas) by Yielding, ruin both.  Por. 
Ye Powers, who these entangled fortunes give,  
Instruct us how to Die, 
She weeps.  or how to Live.  Cam. 
Cousin, when we should Act, then to Complain,  
Is Childishly to beat the Air in vain.  
The sedescants on our Griefs do but Perplex,  
Let's seek the Remedy; You know, our Sex  
This Honour beats from Men, in Exigents  
Of Love, never to want Expedients.  Por. 
You have awakened me, give me your Veil,  
Quickly, my Dearest, quickly; and You, Flora,  
Run and see if my Brother be settled  
To the Dispatching of Antonio's Man. 
Porcia takes off Camilla's Veil and puts it on upon herself.   [Exit Flora. Cam. 
What mean you, Porcia?  Por. 
If once my Brother be set down to write,  
I may securely reckon one hour mine;  
His Wits are only in his Choler quick  
And his Hand ready in Revenge; he's so  
Extravagantly Jealous, he distrusts  
The Meaning of his own ill-chosen Words,  
And so at length can hardly fix on any.  
This Time I will make use of to go see  
Octavio, and let him know that the last Term  
Of all our Hopes is ready to Expire,  
Unless his Wit, his Courage, and his Love,  
Some quick Expedient find for our Relief.  Cam. 
Why, How, and Where d'ye hope to speak with him?  Por. 
In his own House, where he does lie concealed,  
'Tis not far off, and I will venture thither.  Cam. 
Know you the way?  Por. 
Not very well, but Flora's a good Guide.  Enter Flora hastily. Flo. 
O Madam! he's coming already.  Por. 
Ah spiteful Destiny! let us retire,  
Corin, into my Chamber.  [Exeunt Porcia and Camilla. Enter Henrique and Ernesto. Henr. 
If you desire to speak with her, you may.  Ern. 
I should be very glad to tell my Master  
That I have had th' Honour to see his Bride.  Henr. 
Where'oyour Lady, Flora?  Flor. 
She's in her Chamber, Signior.  Henr. 
Tell her, 〈…〉 does desire  
To do his Duty to her, ere he goes.  [Exit Flora. 
Friend, you will find her there, without a Veil,  
In her Home Dress, but you are privileged  
For this free Access, by your Relation.  
Whilst you wait on her, I'll go end my Letter.  [Exit Henrique. Enter Camilla, Porcia, and Flora. Por. 
If thou lov'st me, get him quickly away,  
Before my Brother come, 
She gives Flora a Letter.  and give him this.  Ernesto addresses himself to Camilla, seeing her without a Veil. Ern. 
Madam, I have been bold to beg the Honour  
Of Seeing you, to make myself more welcome  
To my Lord, at my return.  Por. 
A rare Mistake, 
Aside.  further it, dear Camilla.  
Who knows what Good this Error may produce?  Cam. 
Friend, in what state left you your Lord and mine?  Ern. 
As happy as the Hopes of being Yours  
Ought certainly to make him, Madam.  Cam. 
I would the Master were as easily deceived. 
Aside.   
I pray present my Humble Service to him:  
Flora, give him the Letter; Farewell.  [Exeunt Camilla, Porcia, and Flora. Ern. 
Now by my Life, she is a lovely Lady;  
My Master will be ravished with her Form;  
I hope the Bargain, which her Brother made,  
By th' interposal of Velladas Power,  
(Though founded only in Interest) may prove  
As happy a Marriage, as any other  
Made after th'old fashion, chief for Love;  
And that so rare a Beauty may have power  
To bring him back to his right Wits again  
From his wild Rave on an unknown Dame,  
Whom as he fancies (once upon a time)  
He recovered from a Trance, that is,  
From a sound Sleep, to make him Dreame'r since.  
I'll hasten to him with this pleasing news.  [Exit Ernesto. Enter Camilla, Porcia, Flora. Cam. 
My Melancholy could hardly hinder me  
From laughing at the Formal Fools mistake;  
But tell me, did not I present your Perswage  
With assurance? the way for both to thrive,  
Is to make me your Representative, 
Smiling.   Por. 
Most willingly, and I am confident,  
When you, your Charms shall to his heart apply,  
You all your Rivals safely may defy.  Cam. 
I wish I could be vain enough to hope it.  
But, Cousin, my Despairs are so Extreme,  
I can't be flattered, though but in a Dream.  Flo. 
Madam, do we go, or what d' you resolve on?  Por. 
I must resolve, I see, yet know not what.  Cam. 
Cousin, take heed, I am afraid you venture  
Too much, your Brother cannot tarry long;  
And, if returning, he should find you missing—  Por. 
You've reason, the opportunity is lost,  
What is't a Clock, Flora?  Flo. 
I think near Eight, for the Clock struck seven,  
Just as Camilla entered the Chamber.  Por. 
Quick then, Flora, fetch your Veil, you shall carry  
My Tablets to Octavio, there he'll find  
The Hour and Place where I would have him meet.  [Exit. Flora. Cam. 
'Tis well resolved; but where do you design Your Meeting?  Por. 
In the Remotest part of all the Garden,  
Which answers (as you know) to my apartment;  
And Flora has the Key of the Backdoor.  Cam. 
As the Case stands, you choose the fittest place.  [Flora returns Veiled. Por. 
Cousin, I beg your patience whilst I writ.  Cam. 
You, 
Porcia writes in her Tablets.  Flora, by this Accident may chance  
To see your faithful Lover Diego.  Flo. 
He is a faithful Lover of himself,  
Without a Rival, Madam.  Cam. 
Damsel, your Words and Thoughts do not agree;  
For could we see his Image in your Heart,  
'Twould be a fairer far, than ere his Glass Reflected.  Flo. 
Madam, I am not yet so very Old,  
That I should Dote.  Cam. 
Nor yet so very Young, but you may Love.  
Dotage and Love are Cozin-germans, Flora.  Flo. 
Yes, 
Smiling.  when we Love, and are not loved again;  
For else, I think, they're not so near a kin.  Cam. 
I've touch'd a Nettle, 
Aside.  and have stung myself.  Por. 
Make haste, 
Porcia gives Flora the Tablets, having locked them.  dear Flora  Flo. 
Madam, I'll 〈◊〉.  Aside. 
Should I not play my part, I were to blame,  
Since all my Fortune's betted on her game.  
Madam, has Octavio the other Key  
Belonging to the Tablets.  [Exit. Flora. Por. 
Yes, yes, I pray make haste.  
Let us retire, Camilla a little Rest,  
And Meditation, may new aids suggest.   

THE SECOND ACT.  THE SCENE, The City of SEVIL. Enter Don Antonio and Sancho in Riding-Cloathes. San. 
SIr, we are arrived in very good time.  An. 
I did not think it would have been so soon,  
By an hour at least, but Lovers ride apace.  
Why smile you, Sancho?  San. 
Faith at the Novelty of your Amours,  
To fall in Love with one, you Scarcely saw,  
And marry one, you Never saw; 'tis pretty;  
But we poor Mortals have another Method.  An. 
You're very pleasant; this, Sancho, is the place,  
Where I charged Ernesto to expect me,  
Whom I sent before to my Brother-in-Law;  
But with this Order, not to let him know,  
That I intended to arrive this Evening:  
Surprises in Love-meetings render Men  
More welcome, and have more of Gallantry.  San. 
Since you are here, Sir, earlier than you thought;  
Why might you not go shift you at the Posthouse?  
And be back here, before Ernesto come,  
Howe'er, 'tis better, that he wait for you,  
Than you for him i'th' open Street.  An. 
'Tis well thought on; come, let's to the Posthouse.  [Exeunt. Enter Don Octavio, and Diego. Oct. 
Come, Diego, 'tis time to quit our Lurking-holes,  
And to begin our Chase:  Die. 
Of what, Sir? Bats, or Owls, now the Sun's set?  
Call you this making of Love? methinks, 'tis  
More like making of War; marching all night  
In Arms, as if we designed to Beat up  
The Enemy's Quarters.  Oct. 
Why wouldst not thou venture as much for Flora?  Die. 
No in good faith; shall venture enough  
If e'er I Mary her; I'll run no hazard,  
(By my goodwill) before hand.  Oct. 
That's from your Fear, not Prudence, Diego.  Die. 
Sir, you may call it what you please, but I  
Dare boldly say, there lives not in the world  
A more Valiant Man, than I, whilst Danger  
Does keep its Distance; but when saucily  
It presses on, then (I confess) 'tis true,  
I have a certain Tenderness for Life,  
That checks my Ardour, and inclines my Prudence  
Timely to withdraw.  Oct. 
Your Style is wondrous civil to yourself;  
How you Soften that harsh word, called Cowardice;  
But the Danger is not always evident,  
When you are pleased, my Friend, to Run away.  Die. 
It may be so, Sir, not to Vulgar eyes;  
But I have such a piercing sight, that can  
Discover Perils out of others Ken;  
Which, they not seeing soon enough to Eat,  
Are forced t'Encounter; and then their struggling  
Is, by th'unwary world, taken for Courage.  Oct. 
You have more Light, Diego, I see, than Heat;  
But I'll allow your Wit and Honesty  
To come to Composition for your want  
Of Courage; though it be a Quality  
I may have use of; but we lose our time.  
Was ever Lover's Fare so rude as mine?  
Condemned to Darkness, forced to hid my Head,  
As well as Love? and to do me a Spite,  
Fortune has Contradictions reconciled,  
I am at once a Prisoner, and Exiled.  Enter Antonio and Sancho. Ant. 
Methinks, Ernesto should not tarry long,  
If not already come; Sancho, how call you  
The 〈◊〉 there just before us? where you see  
You Gentleman with his Cloak o'er his face;  
I have quite lost the memory of this place.  San. 
I am as much to seek, as you, Sir.  Ant. 
Let us golto him, Sancho, and inquire▪  
He has a notable good Mien; methinks,  
I ne'er saw an Air more like Octavio's  Oct. 
Unless my eyes do very much deceive me,  
'Tis Don Antonio; if it be he, Diego,  
There is no danger in his knowing us; 
Octavio let's fall his Cloak from before his face.   
He ever was my faithful friend; 'Tis he.  Ant. 
You injure me, Octavio, no be so long  
A knowing one, who is so entirely yours.  Oct. 
Your presence, here, noble Antonio, was So unexpected, 
They embrace.  that I hardly durst  
Believe my eyes, When came you to this Town?  Ant. 
I am just 〈◊〉 arrived  Oct. 
I joy to see you here, but should have thought  
It likelier to have heard of you at Court,  
Pursuing there the Recompenses due  
To your transcendent Merit.  Ant. 
That is no place for men of my Morality.  
I have been taught, Octavio, to Deserve,  
But not to Seek Reward; that does profane  
The Dignity of Virtue; if Princes  
For their own Interests will not advance  
Deserving Subjects, they must raise Themselves  
By a brave Contempt of Fortune.  Oct. 
I'm glad to find in you some Seeds yet left  
Of th' Ancient Virtue; may they Fruit produce  
Fit to Illum rate, and Instruct the Age.  
Let me once more embrace you, Sir, Welcome,  
Brave Leader.  Ant. 
Oh, you must spare your Servants, Sir.  Oct. 
He has not lived i'th' reach of public Fame,  
Who has not heard your noble Character;  
This is my house, be pleased, Sir, to go in,  
And make it yours; though truly at the present  
I am in a very ill condition  
To receive the Honour of such a Guest;  
Having by an unlucky accident,  
Been forced of late to keep myself concealed.  Ant. 
I humbly thank you, Sir, but cannot yet  
Receive that favour, for I here must stay  
Expecting the Return of one, I sent  
Before to town to my Brother-in-Law.  Oct. 
Have you a Brother-in-law in Sevil?  
You surprise me much.  An. 
It is most true, Octavio, I come hither  
A Married man, as far as friends can make me.  Oct. 
Since it imports you not to miss your Servant,  
Let us stay here without, until he come;  
And then go in, and rest yourself a while.  
But how go our public Affairs in Flanders?  Ant. 
I left our Armies in a better state,  
Than formerly.  Oct. 
And our brave Vellada (I suppose) in great Reputation.  Ant. 
The Honour of our Country, and the Terror  
Of others; Fortune consulted Reason,  
When she bestowed such Favours upon him.  Oct. 
They say he did Wonders at the Relief of Juliers.  Ant. 
It was indeed a famous Action.  Oct. 
You'll much oblige me, if whilst you expect  
Your Servant here, I might learn from yourself  
Some few particulars of your own Actions;  
Fame speaks Loudly of them, but not Distinctly.  Ant. 
Fame, like Water, bears up the Lighter things, And lets the Weighty sink; I am not used  
To speak in the First person; but if needs  
You'll have a story to fill up the time,  
I'll tell you an Adventure of mine own,  
Where you'll find Love so intermixed with Arms,  
That (I am confident) 'twill raise your wonder,  
How being prepossessed with such a Passion,  
I should (upon Prudential motives only)  
Be engaged (as now you find me) to Merry  
A Lady whom I never saw.  Oct. 
The Person, and the Subject, Sir, do challenge My best attention.  Ant. 
The following Evening to that glorious Day, 
After a little pause.   
Wherein our great Vellada gained such Fame,  
Against the cautelous Nassaw▪ some Horse  
Were sent from th'army, under my command  
To cover the Limbourg Frontiers, exposed  
To th'enemies' Inroads; scarce settled there,  
I received intelligence, that a Party  
Of theirs (about two hundred Horse) were come  
That very Evening to a neighbouring Village,  
Intending there to lodge; I instantly  
Cause Sound to Horse, and march to their Surprise  
So luckily, that by the break of day  
Their Quarters were on fire.  Oct. 
You had been taught, Sir, by our wise General,  
That Diligence in Execution is  
Even above Fortune, Mistress of Success.  Ant. 
They made but faint resistance; some were slain,  
Some perished in the flames, other escaped,  
Giving th'Alarm in Quarters more remote  
To their Companions drowned in Sleep and Wine;  
Who, at the Outcry, and the Trumpets sound,  
Methinks I fancy starting from their Beds,  
As pale and wan, as from their Dormitories  
Those the last Trump shall rouse; differing in this,  
That they awake to Live, but these to Die.  Oct. 
How Unsafe it is to be Secure!  Ant. 
Finding no more resistance, I made haste  
To a lofty Structure, which I conceived  
To be the likeliest Quarter for their Chief;  
Led thither by desire to rescue both;  
Him, from the Soldier's rage; That, from the Fire.  Oct. 
A care most worthy of a gallant Leader.  Ant. 
But think, Octavio, how I was surprised,  
When, on the floor of a Pavilion,  
Belonging to the Garden of that House,  
I found a Woman of a Matchless Form,  
Extended all along.  Oct. 
I easily can divine how such a Heart,  
As harbours in the brave Antonio's breast,  
May suffer at so Sad a Spectacle.  Ant. 
At the first sight I did believe her Dead;  
Yet, in that state so Awful she appeared,  
That I approached her with as much Respect,  
As if the Soul had animated still  
That Body, which, though Dead, scarce Mortal seemed.  
But as the Sun from our Horizon gone,  
His Beams do leave a Tincture on the Skies,  
Which shows it was not long since he withdrew;  
So in her lovely face there still appeared  
Some scattered streaks of those Vermilion Beams,  
Which used t'irradiate that bright Firmament.  
Thus did I find that distressed Miracle,  
Able to Wound a Heart, as if alive,  
Uncapable to Cure it, as if dead.  Oct. 
I no more doubt your Pity, than your Wonder.  Ant. 
My Admiration did suspend my Aid,  
Till Passion joined to Pity, made me bold;  
I kneeled, and took her in my arms, than bowed  
Her body gently forward; with which motion,  
A Sigh stole from her; O th'ravishing sound!  
Which being a Symptom of remaining life,  
Made me forget it was a sign of Grief.  
At length she faintly opens her bright eyes;  
So breaks the Day; and so do all the Creatures,  
Rejoice, as I did, at the new born Light:  
But as the Indians, who adore the Sun,  
Are scorched by's Beams, ere Half his Race be Run;  
So I, who did adore her Rising Eyes,  
Found myself Wounded by those Deities.  Oct. 
How you have raised my Expectation!  
Pray release me quickly.  Ant. 
From her fair hand a bloody Poniard fell,  
Which she held fast during her Trance, as if  
she'd only needed Arms whilst she did Sleep,  
And trusted to her Eyes whilst she did Wake.  
What I said to her, being a production  
Of mere Ecstasy, I remember not;  
She made me no Reply, yet I discerned  
In a Serener Air of her pale face,  
Some Lines of Satisfaction mixed with Fear.  Oct. 
Such looks in Silence have an Eloquence.  
But pray go on.  Ant. 
Raised from the ground, and to herself returned,  
I stepped a fitting distance back; as well  
To gaze upon that lovely Apparition,  
As to express Respect; when at that instant  
The Trumpets sound a Charge; my Soldiers cry,  
Where is our Leader? where's Antonio?  
My Love a while disputed with my Honour,  
But that the longer settled Power o'rcame,  
And fear of Future danger to her Person  
Made me then seek the Present for myself;  
I came up to my Troops, left in Reserve,  
As they were ready to receive a Charge  
From divers Squadrons of fresh Horse, who being  
Quartered in Neighbouring Villages, had taken  
Hotly th'Alarm, and came (though then too late)  
In succour of their friends; Honour and Love  
Had so inflamed my heart, that I advanced  
Beyond the Rules of Conduct, and received  
So many wounds, that I with faintness fell.  Oct. 
How can this Story end!  Ant. 
My Soldiers beat th' Enemy, and brought me off,  
Where Surgeons quickly cured my Outward Wounds,  
But the remembrance of that Heroine,  
My Inward Hurts kept bleeding still afresh;  
Till by the business of the War constrained  
To attend my Charge i'th'Army, my despair  
Of ever finding her, concurring with  
The powerful persuasions of Vellada,  
I was at length even forced to an Engagement  
Of Marriage with a Lady of this City,  
Rich, Noble, and, as they say, Beautiful.  
And so you have me here, come to Consummate  
Those Nuptial Rites, to which my Interest,  
And th'Importunity of Friend's advice,  
O'errule my judgement, though against my heart.  Oct. 
A wonderful Adventure! but pray, Sir,  
May I not take the liberty to ask you,  
Who may this noble Lady be, to whom  
The Fates have destined so much Happiness?  Ant. 
I have no Reserves for you, 'tis the Sister Of—  Enter Ernesto, and Octavio retires hastily, and covers his face with his Cloak. Antonio hodding to Octavio. 
It is my Servant, Sir.  Oct. 
Step to Antonio, Diego, and desire him To send him off.  Ant. 
I will immediately; 
Diego goes to Antonio, and whispers.  Well, Ernesto,  
What good news? speak freely.  Ern. 
Sir, as you charged me, I told your Brother-in-Law,  
I thought you hardly could be there this night;  
He kisses your hands, and bade me tell you,  
That he expects your coming with impatience;  
He charged me to present you with this Letter;  
Th'other is from your beauteous Bride, a person  
The most accomplished that I ever saw.  
My being yours gave me the privilege  
Of a Domestic, in the free admission  
To see her in her Chamber-dress, without  
A Veil, either to cover Faults, or hid Perfections.  Ant. 
Tell me truly, is she so very handsome?  Ern. 
Handsomer far in my opinion, Sir,  
Than all the Brussels Beauties, which you call  
The Finished Pieces; but I'll say no more;  
Let your own Eyes inform you; here's a Key  
Of the Apartment, that's made ready for you;  
A Lower Quarter, very nobly furnished,  
That opens on St. Vincent's Street.  Ant. 
Give it me; and go you to the Posthouse,  
And take care that my things be brought from thence.  [Exit Ernesto. 
Octavio, will you go along with me,  
And be a Witness of my first Address?  Oct. 
Sir, you choose in me an ill Companion  
For Nuptial Joys, or any Happiness;  
One, whose Misfortunes to such sad Extremes  
Are heightened, that the very Mentioning  
Of Happy hours serves only to Embitter  
The memory of my Lost Joys.  Ant. 
So deep a sense of your Misfortunes, Sir,  
Is prejudicial to yourself and Friends.  Enter Flora in haste. Flo. 
Where's your Master, Diego?  Die. 
There's some Ill towards, 
Aside.  when this Bird appears,  
Do you not see him? I have lived too long a Maid.  Flo. 
I have something to say to you in private, 
Goes to Octavio.  Sir,  
That requires haste.  Oct. 
What new Accident brings you hither, Flora?  Flo. 
These Tablets will inform you, 
She draws Octavio aside, and puts up her Veil.  Sir, Farewell.  Die. 
Will you not stay for an Answer Damsel?  Flo. 
'Tis a Command, not a Question Diego.  Die. 
Short, and Sweet, Flora.  Oct. 
Good Flora stay a Minute; I much fear It is some new Misfortune.  Die. 
Nay, Sir, you may be sure 'tis some Disaster,  
Else it would ne'er have come so Easily,  
And so Unsought for.  Oct. 
Will you allow me for a Moment, 
Bowing to Antonio.  Sir,  
To step into my House, and read a Letter.  Ant. 
I'll attend you in, and wait your leisure.  [Exeunt all but Diego. Die. 
These little black Books do more Devils raise,  
Than all the Figures of the Conjurers.  
What can this be? I have not seen this Damsel  
With so busy a face; but here she comes  
Already, 'twas a quick dispatch.  Enter Flora, and seems to go away in haste. Die. 
A Word, Flora, or a kind Glance at least,  
What? grown cruel? Diego no body w'you?  Flo. 
This is no time for fooling.  Die. 
Nay, if you be so serious, far you well;  
Yet I'll perform the Honour of our Street,  
And bring you to the end on't.  Flo. 
I shall be well holp up with such a Squire;  
If now some wand'ring Knight should chance t'assault you,  
To bear away your Damsel, what would you do?  Die. 
I'd use no other Weapon but a Torch;  
I'd put aside your Veil, show him your face,  
That, I suppose, would guard us both.  Flo. 
Why, d'ye think it would fright him, Diego?  Die. 
Oh no, 'twould charm him, Flora.  Flo. 
Well, such as 'tis, I'll venture it without Engaging your known Valour.  Die. 
Faith you may so;  
The face, dear Flora, defends all below.  Flo. 
Away, you Fool; Goodnight to you.  [Exit Flora. Enter Octavio and Antonio. Oct. 
What may this be? O my Malignant Fate!  
The Warning's short, yet she must be Obeyed;  
The hour draws near; 
Aside.  I must go seek a Friend;  
Her words seem to imply need of a Second;  
'Twere barbarous to engage Antonio  
Newly arrived, and come on such an Errand.  
Noble Antonio, my confusion's great  
To tell you thus abruptly, I must leave you;  
Th' occasion's indispensable.  Ant. 
I must not quit you, Sir, I know too well  
The Laws of Honour, to desert you now:  
When I my friend in such disorder see,  
And all the Marks that he is called to Danger,  
To leave him then—  Oct. 
It is a Summons from a Lady, Sir,  
Whom I have loved with Passion and Success;  
To meet her in her Garden presently:  
All is propitious on her part and mine;  
But she's so Guarded by a Tyrant Brother,  
So Jealous naturally, and so Incensed  
By that new Accident I told you of,  
Which makes me a close Prisoner all the day;  
That to persuade you there no Danger is  
In this Adventure, were to abuse you;  
But even for that reason I am bound  
Not to consent to the Embarking you  
In an occasion that's so opposite  
To what you come for; Antonio, We must  
As well to Friends as to ourselves be just.  Ant. 
He ought not to pretend to Friendships' name,  
Who reckons not Himself and Friend the same.  Oct. 
Friendship with Justice must not disagree,  
That were to break the Virtue's Harmony.  Ant. 
Who in his Friends Distresses takes no part,  
His Friendship's only in his Tongue, not Heart.  Oct. 
You from a life of Perils hither come  
To find a Nuptial Bed, not seek a Tomb.  Ant. 
My Friend engaged, it never must be said,  
Antonio left him so to go to Bed.  Oct. 
Y are married, and expose what's not your own.  Ant. 
Wedded to Honour, that must yield to none.  Oct. 
I find, Antonio, you must still subdue.  Ant. 
I owe my Triumph to my Cause, not You.  
Come, we lose time, your Mistress must not stay.  Oct. 
Who's so accompanied, needs not fear his way.  [Exeunt.  

THE THIRD ACT.  The SCENE is, DON HENRIQUE's House. Camilla, Porcia, Flora appear in a Balcone. Por. 
COme, Cousin, the hour assigned approaches.  Cam. 
Nay, more than so, for 'tis already night.  Flo. 
And thanks to your Stars sufficiently dark.  Por. 
To the Clouds you would say, Flora, for Stars,  
In this occasion, would not much befriend us.  
Pray, Cousin, when Octavio shall arrive,  
Do you and Flora watch above with care;  
For if my cruel Brother should surprise us—  Cam. 
Let us alone to play the Sentinels.  Flo. 
I'm confident he's abroad, and will not  
Suddenly return; for I heard him say,  
He'd pass th'Evening at the Corregidors;  
And thence, you know, he seldom comes home early.  Enter Antonio, Octavio, and Diego, with their Cloaks o'er their faces, and their Swords undrawn in their hands. Ant. 
Is it not something early for Adventures Of this Nature?  Oct. 
'Tis the Hour she appointed.  Ant. 
How dark 'tis grown o'th'sudden, there's not one  
Star appears in all the Firmament.  Die. 
So much the better; for when I must fight,  
I covet no Spectators of my Prowess.  Aside. Oct. 
Stay you here, Antonio, I'll step before,  
And give the Sign; when you here the door open,  
Then come on, and follow me in.  Enter at the other side of the Stage Henrique and Carlos. Henr. 
The Corregidors is a pretty place.  Car. 
The Walks do so entice me, I always  
Weary myself, before I can retire.  Henr. 
Indeed we have stayed longer than we thought,  
And therefore let's go home the shorter way;  
The back door of my Garden's here at hand.  Car. 
It will be better than to go about.  Por. 
Would he were come, 
Above.  I fear the Rising Moon  
Will give us little time.  [Octavio knocks upon the Hilt of his Sword. Por. 
I think I hear his usual Knock; 
Above in the Balcone.  Who's there?  Oct. 
'Tis I.  Por. 
I hope you're not alone.  Oct. 
No; here's Diego with me, and a Friend.  Por. 
'Tis well; I'll open the door presently.  Henr. 
Come; 
Porcia comes down.  we are now hard by the Garden gate.  Oct. 
Let's to the door; sure she's there by this time;  
Be not afraid Diego.  Die. 
Agree that with him that made me, who has Given me a Heart no bigger than my Thumb;  
you'd as good command me not to Breath.  Oct. 
Come on; what art thou thinking on?  Die. 
That I see Company, or that my Fear does  Oct. 
YE are in the right; 
The noise of a Lock.  let's to avoid suspit on  
Walk on at large, till they are out of distance.  Car. 
I think I heard your Garden door open.  Henr. 
I think so too; Ha! at this time o'th' night?  
What can be the meaning on't? 'Tis so.  Ant. 
They have opened the door; 'tis time for me  
To follow, surely Octavio is gone in.  [Antonio moves towards the door. Por. 
What stay you for? 
Holding the door half open.   Henr. 
What's that I hear? sure 'tis Porcia's voice.  Por. 
What mean you to stand there? come in, I say.  Henr. 
Hell and Furies!  Carl. 
Be patiented, 
He goes to draw his Sword.  Sir, and you will make a clearer Discovery of your Affront.  Por. 
You may come in securely, 
Setting open the door.  Octavio:  
I have set those will watch my Brothers coming.  Ant. 
Madam, I am not Octavio.  Por. 
Not Octavio? who are you then? and who's  
That Shadow there?  Henr. 
I can hold no longer; 
Draws his Sword.  I'm thy Chastiser,  
Vile Woman, and his Mortal Enemy.  Ant. 
Ha! my Mortal Enemy?  Henr. 
Yes, Villain; who ere thou art, thou shalt pay  
This Treachery with thy Life.  Ant. 
Vain Man; who ere thou art, know, the Life thou  
Threaten'st, is Guarded by too good a Sword.  Carlos draws, and they all enter the Garden fight. Henr. 
Make fast the door. 
To Carlos.   Henr. 
Thou art some desperate Villain hired to murder. 
In the Garden.   [Octavio and Diego come to the door. Ant. 
Hired by Friendship, and honour's my Salary.  [A noise of fight within. Oct. 
That's Antonio's voice within the Garden; 
Runs to the door and finds it shut.   
What! the door shut! my Friend engaged, and I  
Excluded! cursed Fate! this Tree may help me  
To climb o'er; if not, I'll fly t' him.  Die. 
You may do so; your noble Love has Wings,  
And's ever Fledge; 
He climbs up.  'tis Molting time with mine;  
Yet I'll up too; the hazards not in climbing,  
Here I will so, and out of dangers reach  
Expect the Issue.  The Scene changes to a Garden, out of which they issue fight. Oct. 
Courage, brave Friend; you have Octavio by you.  Ant. 
So Seconded, a Coward would grow firm.  Henr. 
What! is there more of your crew? then 'tis time  
To call for help; Ho! Sylvio, Geraldo,  
Pedro, come forth; and bring out Torches with you.  Enter Sylvio with his Sword drawn. Sylu. 
Here am I, Sir; my Comrades will follow  
As soon as they have lighted their Torches. 
They fight.   Ant. 
How I despise these Slaves Octavio,  
Having you by me! 
In the Tree.   Die. 
Their Swords do clatter bravely in the dark.  Sylu. 
I'm slain.  [Sylvio falls. Die. 
Good; that's Sylvio's voice; I have owed that Fellow  
A Good-turn this Twelvemonth for a Mistake,  
Breaking my Head, when he should have Broke a Jest;  
Now he's paid.  Henrique stepping back falls over Sylvio, and loses his Sword, and Carlos runs in to him. Car. 
What! are you hurt?  Henr. 
No, only I fell; Help me to find my Sword.  Oct. 
What? d'ye give back? you do well to take breath,  
Whilst you have any left; 
The Rising Moon appears in the Seen.  'twill not be long,  
Now that the Rising Moon lends us some light.  [Porcia runs out to Octavio. Por. 
O Octavio! let not this moment slip  
To Free me from my cruel Brother's Fury,  
Or never hope to see me any more  
Amongst the living.  [Octavio leads her away by the Arm. Oct. 
Ah! Noble Maid, he that is once possessed  
Of such a Treasure, and safeguards it not,  
Let him live Wretched, and Detested die;  
Where's my brave Friend?  Ant. 
You have me by your side, lead off your Mistress,  
I'll secure your Retreat. 
In the Tree, pointing to those who are going off.   [Exeunt Octavio, Porcia, and Antonio. Die. 
That doubtless is my Master, who victorious  
Is bravely marching off with his fair Prize;  
I'll down, and follow, inventing all the way  
Some handsome Lie t'excuse my Cowardice;  
Why lived not I five thousand years ago,  
Being ne'er made for this damned Iron Age?  Diego comes down from the tree, and follows Antonio. Car. 
But whilst my care led me to secure you, 
Having helped up Henrique.   
Our Enemies, I fear, are got away;  
I heard the door open, and see none here,  
Although the Night's much brighter grown than 'twas▪  
I'll follow, and trace the Villains if I can  
To their Dens; mean while take care of your Sister;  
And (pray) till my return be Moderate.  Henr. 
How! Moderation in this case! what ho!  
Geraldo, Pedro, ah ye cursed Rogues,  Enter Servants with Torches. 
Durst ye not show your heads till they were gone?  
Geraldo, light me in, whilst Pedro looks  
To his hurt Companion; ah Porcia! Porcia!  Exeunt Henrique and Geraldo; Pedro carries out Sylvio fainting with his hurts. The Scene Changes to the City of SEVIL. Enter Octavio, Porcia, Antonio, and a little after Diego, and after him Carlos. Die. 
Sure, 
Pointing to Carlos.  that's Antonio bringing up the Rear;  
Sir, theyare but just before us; he bears her  
Most gallantly away; lose not sight of me.  Car. 
This Fellow takes me for one of his Crew;  
He will by his mistake help me to harbour 'em.  [Exeunt. [Camilla and Flora appear in the Balcone. The Scene changes to Don Henrique's House. Cam. 
Was there ever such a Disaster, Flora?  
Sure, theyare all dead, so great's the Silence.  Flo. 
Madàm, if mistake not very much,  
I heard your Brother's voice amongst 'em.  Cam. 
Ah! my dear Brother, how thy ill-placed Friendship  
Upon that Brutal Kinsman has abused  
Thy Goodness; though my Natural affection  
Moves me, Flora, to Pity him in Danger,  
Yet my Concernment for my Cousin Porcia  
Does prevail at present; Porcia, Porcia;  
No body answers.  Flo. 
Madam, let us go down into the Garden.  Cam. 
Take heed of that; 'twere to involve myself  
In this unlucky Scandal; 'tis possible,  
Affrighted with the Scuffle, she's returned  
Into her Quarter by the other door;  
Let us hast thither. 
They go down and enter upon the Stage.   Flo. 
Oh! Madam, I see a Light, and Don Henrique  
Coming this way with his Sword drawn, what shall  
We do?  Cam. 
Peace; 
They go behind the door.  let us hid ourselves behind the door,  
Till we discover his Intentions.  Enter Henrique, and Geraldo with a Torch, and Pedro with a Light; Henrique and Geraldo their Swords drawn. Pedr. 
Sir, I have searched all the Rooms of the House,  
And cannot find her.  Henr. 
Base Infamous Woman; may be she's fled  
To th' Quarter ordered for Antonio.  Pedr. 
That door is locked, his Servant has the Key.  Henr. 
Ah this unworthy Woman! thus to rob  
A Brother of the Fruits of all his Care;  
And cast this Stain on th' Honour of our House;  
But if I ever get the Fugitive  
Within my reach, I'll Sacrifice her Blood  
To the Offended Spirits of my Ancestors.  Flo. 
Madam, d you hear?  Cam. 
I, and tremble, Flora.  Henr. 
Call out for her Woman.  Pedr. 
Flora, Flora.  Enter Flora. Flo. 
My good Angel Guard me; what would you have Sir?  Henr. 
Where's your Mistress, Hussy?  Flo. 
She told me, Sir, 'bout half an hour since  
She would go down into the Garden.  [Exit Flora. Henr. 
My Shame is certain; ah! the sad condition  
Of us Men of Honour! how unequally  
Our Crosses and our Comforts mingled are!  
Our Orphan Sisters are no sooner grown  
Above the Follies of their Childish Age;  
During which Season Custom does exact  
Our Watchful Caution over all their Actions;  
But they are Grafted on some Stranger Stock,  
Where they do change both their Abodes, and Names,  
Without Reflection in the least Degree  
Of Gratitude, on those, who Pained themselves  
To Cultivate their Youths; or else become  
An Hourly Torture to us, whilst the best  
Continued in our Care do never cease  
To give the Fears at least of what I feel.  
O unjust Heavens! why suffer you that they,  
Who to our Joys of Life such Bubbles are,  
Should add such Weight unto our Griefs, and Care?  
Ah Porcia, Porcia!  Enter Carlos. Car. 
Cousin, I'm much mistaken, or I have  
In very Little time made a Great Progress  
Towards your Revenge; I come from harbouring  
The Villains, who have done you this Affront.  Cam. 
It imports to be attentive now.  Henr. 
Oh, you revive me, may I but once enjoy  
The Pleasure of my Revenge, though the next  
Moment were the last Period of my Life,  
I should departed contented; are the Villains  
Within our reach?  Car. 
Be patiented, Sir, and I'll inform you fully;  
You were no sooner up, but I pursued  
Your flying Enemies, hoping the night  
Grown somewhat Lighter, would enable me  
(At a convenient distance) to discover  
The place of their Retreat; one of their Party,  
Who was behind the rest, mistaking me  
For one of his Comrades, bade me come on;  
Saying his Master was but just before;  
That he had born his Mistress bravely off.  
We had not passed above a Street or two,  
Before he stopped, and at the second House  
Beyond the Church in St. Iago's Street,  
He entered, and desired me to follow him;  
I making a stand, he grew suspicious,  
And from my Silence guessing his Mistake,  
He slipped into the House, and locked the door;  
I having well observed the street and House,  
Returned with speed to give you this account.  Flo. 
Oh, Madam, this is Don Octavio's House;  
Without all doubt they've carried Porcia thither.  Cam. 
Peace, Flora, and listen to the sequel.  Hen. 
Come, Cousin; we lose time; call all my Servants;  
I will besiege the House; if they refuse  
To render; I will reduce that Theatre  
Of my Shame to Ashes, and make their Fort  
Both Theirs and its own Sepulchre; There are  
Such Charms in Vengeance, that I do not wonder,  
It is reserved for him, who formed the Thunder.  Car. 
Have patience, Cousin, and consult your Reason;  
'Twill soon convince you, how Unpracticable  
And Vain your Proposition is, t'attempt  
At this time of the night, within a City,  
A House so Guarded, That, indeed, would prove  
Very like Thunder, which the Cloud destroys  
Wherein 'twas formed, producing only Noise.  
What can the Issue be, but to Alarm  
The Town; expose your Person, and your Fortune  
To th' Rigour of the Law; publish your Shame;  
And frustrate your Revenge for ever?  Henr. 
What! would you have me tarry till these Villains,  
Who have invaded my House; Affronted  
My Person; Murdered my Servant; and Robbed  
Me of a Sister; may evade my Vengeance?  Car. 
No; fear not that; let me alone to find  
A certain way to hinder their escape;  
I'll instantly to the Corrigidors,  
And beg th'assistance of his Authority,  
To secure these Criminals for the present,  
That afterwards the Law may punish them.  Henr. 
A fine Proposal! why, Cousin, can you think  
That I'll submit a Personal Injury  
Unto a tame Decision of the Law?  
And having been Affronted by the Sword,  
To pray the Aid of the Long Robe, and take  
An Advocate for Second?  Car. 
Your Provocation's great, Resentment's just;  
But, Cousin, the Greater they, the More you stand  
In need of Moderation, and th'Advice  
Of such a Friend, as you have always found me;  
Nor can I e'er express it more than now,  
In freely telling you, you must not suffer  
Your Passion to Command in this Occasion;  
Passion, which wheresoever it contends  
To Govern most, there most Destroys its Ends.  Henr. 
Oh! how I hate your dry Morality!  
To treat a Friend with Sentences, that's raging  
In a Fever; you may as well pretend  
To teach a Man to Sing his Part, that's stretched  
Upon a Rack; no, Sir, I'll sooner die,  
Than ere consent to publish my Disgrace,  
Before I have Revenged it.  Car. 
'Tis far from my intent; all my design  
Is only how we may Conceal your Shame,  
Till we have got these Villains in our Power.  
Which can be brought about by no such means,  
As by demanding Justice against those,  
Who did assault your Person, and have slain  
Your Servant; a most plausible pretence.  
Will this content you? trust my Conduct Cousin;  
Is not my Interest the same with yours?  Henr. 
Well, since it must be so, I pray make haste.  Car. 
Doubt not my diligence; by this I'll prove  
Friendship has Fire, and Wings as well as Love.  Hen. 
If you could F●●e, you'd move with too much Leisure;  
Ah tedious Minutes which Revenge does measure!  [Exit Carlos. Flo. 
Madam, you've heard their mischievous design.  Cam. 
Yes, Flora, out of question Porcia's there;  
And if they find her, she is lost forever.  Flo. 
I'll try to Hinder it, though I were sure  
To Perish in th' attempt; I am confident,  
The House at present is in such confusion,  
I may run thither without being missed.  Cam. 
'Tis well thought on; in th' interim I'll retire  
To Porcia's Chamber.  [Exeunt from behind the door. Enter Geraldo. Ger. 
Sir, Done Antonio is just now arrived.  Henr. 
Ha! what's that you say Sirrah?  Ger. 
That Don Antonio, Sir, your Brother-in-law  
Is without, walking i'th' Hall, and bade me  
Give you notice of it, shall he come in?  Henr. 
Antonio arrived! O Heavens! this Circumstance  
Alone was wanting to complete my Shame.  
When he desires to See his Wife, shall I  
Myself inform so generous a Person  
That she is Run away? where shall I find  
A Heart, a Tongue, a Voice, or Breath, or Face  
To utter this unparalleled Disgrace?  Ger. 
What is your pleasure, Sir? Don Antonio  
May think it long.  Henr. 
Wait on him in, but at the same time tell him  
You cannot find me; I will leave my House,  
And the discovery of my Shame to Fate;  
And any Censure rather undergo,  
Than be Relater of my own Disgrace;  
Till first I have my Honour's Ransom paid  
In the Vile Blood of that perfidious Maid.  [Exit Henrique. Enter Antonio and Ernesto. Ant. 
My Friend and his fair Mistress safely lodged,  
And free from their Adventure; 'tis now fit  
To mind my own Engagement; But Ernesto,  
What can the meaning be of this indecent  
Suffering me to remain without thus long  
Upon my first Arrival? come, let's go on  
Into the other Rooms.  Ern. 
I swear, Sir, I'm amazed at this great change;  
'Tis not above two hours, since I found here  
A numerous and well-ordered Family,  
In all appearance, now I see the Pages  
Bolt out of the doors, then start back again  
Into their holes, like Rabbits in a Warren;  
The Maids lie peeping at the Garret windows,  
Like th'Upper Tyre of Ordinance in a Ship;  
All looks disordered now; nor can I guests  
What may have caused so strange an alteration;  
But there I see the Servant you sent in.  Enter Geraldo. Ant. 
Friend, where's your Master?  Ger. 
I cannot tell, Sir.  Ant. 
Where is his Sister?  Ger. 
In truth I know not, Sir; we Man-servants  
Have little to do in the Lady's Quarters.  [Exit. Geraldo. Ant. 
This looks but oddly; are you sure Ernesto,  
You've not misguided me to a wrong House?  Ern. 
If you are certain that we are awake,  
Then I am certain this is the same House  
Wherein this afternoon I saw, and spoke with  
Don Henrique and your Bride; by the same Token  
There was a Lady with her in a Veil;  
And this very Room is the Ante-chamber  
To her Apartment.  Ant. 
I should be finely served, if after all  
This Negotiation, and a tedious Journey,  
My Pains and Patience should be cast away  
On some such withered Sibyl for a Wife,  
As her own Brother is ashamed to show me. 
Ernesto goes towards the door.   Ern. 
You'll soon be freed from that fear, Sir.  Ant. 
How so?  Ern. 
Because I see her in the Inner Room,  
Lying along upon her Couch, and Reading;  
Her face is turned the other way, but yet  
Her Shape, and clothes assure me it is she.  Ant. 
Art sure 'tis she?  Ern. 
There are not many like her.  Ant. 
If thou beest sure 'tis she, I'll venture in,  
Without her Brother's help to introduce me.  Ern. 
She's coming this way, Sir.  Camilla Enters Reading. Cam. 
You've reason, Dido, and 'tis well remarked,  
The Woman, who suffers herself to Love,  
Ought likewise to prepare herself to Suffer;  
There was great Power in your Charms, Aeneas,  
T'enthrall a Lady's heart at first approach,  
And make such early and such deep Impressions,  
That nothing, but her death, could ere deface.  
Alas! poor Dido!  Ant. 
What do I see; 
Antonio seeing her, stands as if amazed.  or do I waking dream?  
Sure I am asleep; and 'tis a Vision  
Of her, who's always present to my Thought;  
Who fearing my Revolt does now Appear  
To Prove and to Confirm my Constancy.  
When first I saw that Miracle, she seemed  
An Apparition, here it must be one.  Ern. 
What fit of Frenzy's this, Sir? why 'tis Porcia▪  
A Lovely Living Woman, and your Bride.  Ant. 
The Blessing is too mighty for my Faith.  Ern. 
Faith! ne'er trouble your Faith in this occasion,  
Approach her boldly, Sir, and trust your Sense.  Ant. 
As when we dream of some Transporting Pleasure,  
And finding that we Dream we fear to Wake,  
Lest Sense should rob us of our Fancy's Treasure,  
And our Delightful Vision from us take;  
Blessed Apparition, so it fares with me.  
That very Angel does once more appear,  
To whose Divinity long since I raised  
An Altar in my Heart, where I have Offered  
The constant Sacrifice of Sighs and Vows.  
My eyes are open, yet I dare not trust 'em;  
Bliss above Faith must pass for an Illusion;  
If such it be, O let me sleep for ever  
Happily deceived; but Celestial Maid,  
If this thy glorious Presence Real be,  
O let one word of Pity raise my Soul  
From Visional Delights, and make me die  
With Solid Joy instead of Ecstasy.  Ern. 
'Slife! he's in one of his old Fits again;  
Why what d'ye mean, Sir? 'tis Porcia herself.  Cam. 
I am that Maid, who to your Virtue owes  
Her Honour then, and her Disquiet since;  
Yet in my Pain I cannot but be Pleased  
To find a Stronger Passion justified  
By Obligation; I may avow the Fire,  
To which both Love and Gratitude conspire.  Ant. 
Incomparable Creature! can it be?  
That having Suffered all, which mighty Love  
Did e'er inflict, I now should be repaid  
With fuller Joys, than Love could ever give;  
Fortune to make my Happiness complete,  
Has joined her Power, and made me find a Bride  
In a Lost Mistress, but with this Alloy,  
Of leaving me no Means my Faith to prove,  
Since Chance anticipates the Hopes of Love.  Cam. 
The Servant's Error has misled the Master,  
He taketh me too for Porcia, blessed Mistake;  
Assist me now Artful Dissimulation;  
But how can that consist with so much Passion?  Aside. 
'Tis possible the Sense of my Distressed  
Condition might dispose a Gentle heart  
To take Impressions then, which afterwards  
Time, and your Second Thoughts may have Destroyed;  
But can a Constant Passion be produced  
From those Ideas Pity introduced?  
Let your Tongue speak your Heart, for should y'abuse me,  
I shall in time discover the Deceit;  
You may Paint Fire; Antonio, but not Heat.  Ant. 
Madam—  Cam. 
Hold; be not too Scrupulous, Antonio;  
Let me Believe it, though it be not True;  
For the chief Happiness, poor Maids receive,  
Is when ourselves we happily Deceive.  Ant. 
If, since I first those Conquering Eyes beheld,  
You have not reigned Unrivalled in my Heart;  
May you Despise me now you are my Own,  
Which is, I think, all Curses summed in one.  
But may your Servant, Madam, take the boldness  
To ask, if you have ever thought of him?  Cam. 
A Love, so founded in a Noble Heart,  
Has need of no Remembrancer, Antonio;  
You know yourself too well; those of your Trade  
Have skill to Hold, as well as to Invade.  Ant. 
Fortune has lifted me to such a Height  
Of Happiness, that it may Turn my Brain,  
When I look down upon the rest o'th' world.  
What have I now to wish but Moderation  
To Temper, and to Fix my Joys?  Cam. 
I yield as little t'you, noble Antonio,  
In Happiness, as Affection, but still  
Porcia must do as may become your Bride,  
And Sister to Don Henrique, in whose absence  
A longer Conference must be excused.  
And so I take the freedom to withdraw.  
Should I have stayed until Don Henrique came,  
His presence would have marred my whole design.  Aside. [Exit Camilla. Ant. 
Where Beauty and Discretion so combine,  
'Tis Heaven, methinks, to find that Treasure mine.  Enter Henrique. Henr. 
Sure Don Antonio, having long ere this  
Found out th' infamous Flight of my vile Sister,  
Will be retired to meditate Revenge  
Upon us both: ah Curse! he is there still;  
I'll slip away; but, O Heavens! 'tis too late,  
He has perceived me.  Ant. 
How, Don Henrique! avoid your Friend? that's come  
So long a Journey t'embrace you, and cast  
Himself at the feet of your fair Sister?  Henr. 
Noble Antonio, you may well imagine  
The trouble I am in, that you should find  
My House in such Disorder, so unfit  
The Honour to receive of such a Guest.  Ant. 
'Tis true, Don Henrique, I am much surprised  
With what I find; I little did expect  
Your Sister Porcia should have been—  Henr. 
Oh Heavens! 
Aside.  I'm lost, he has discovered all.  
'Tis not, Antonio, in a Brother's power  
To make a Sister of a better Paste,  
Than Heaven has made her.  Ant. 
In your case specially; for out of doubt,  
Heaven never made a more Accomplished Creature.  Henr. 
What means the Man?  Ant. 
I come just now from Entertaining her:  
Whose Wit, and Beauty so excel all those  
Of her fair Sex, whom I have ever known,  
That my Description of her would appear  
Rather Detraction, than a Just Report  
Of her Perfections.  Henr. 
Certainly he mocks me; he never could  
Have chosen a worse Sufferer of Scorn;  
But I will yet contain myself awhile  
To see how far he'll drive it; Say you, Sir,  Aside. 
That you have Seen, and Entertained my Sister?  Ant. 
Yes, Don Henrique, and with such full Contentment,  
So raised above Expression, that I think  
The Pains, and Cares of all my former Life  
Rewarded with Excess, in the Delight  
Of those few Minutes of her Conversation;  
'Tis true, that Satisfaction was abridged  
By her well-weighed Severity; to give me  
A greater Pleasure in the Contemplation  
Of her discreet Observance of the Rules  
Of Decency; not suffering me, though now  
Her Husband, any longer to enjoy  
So great a Happiness, you being absent.  Henr. 
I am confounded; 
Aside.  but I must dissemble  
My Astonishment, till I can unfold  
The Mystery; She might have spared that Caution,  
But I suppose you'll easily Forgive  
An Error on the Better side.  Ant. 
Sir, I have seen so much of her Perfections  
In that short Visit, I shall sooner doubt  
All Definitions in Morality,  
Than once suppose her capable of Error.  Henr. 
This Exposition makes it more Obscure: 
Aside.   
I must get him away. Sir, is't not time  
I bring you to your Chamber? it is late,  
And I believe that you have need of Rest.  Ant. 
I should accept your offer, were I not  
Obliged, as late as 'tis, to see a Friend  
Before I go to Bed.  Henr. 
I'll wait on you, Sir, if you I give me leave.  Ant. 
I humbly thank you, Sir, but can't consent  
To give you so much trouble; I'll return  
Within an hour at farthest.  Henr. 
When e'er you please; you're wholly Master here.  Ant. 
I never saw a man so Discomposed, 
Aside.   
What e'er the matter is.  
Ernesto, I must make a step to see  
A Friend near hand; bid Sancho follow me;  
And stay you in my Chamber till I come.  [Exeunt Antonio, Ernesto. Henr. 
Your Servant, 
Henrique waits on him to the door.  Sir; this sudden Salley hence  
At this time of the night, and newly arrived  
From a long Journey, does imbroil me more.  
But now I will not long be in Suspense;  
I'll to my Sister's Chamber.  Enter Carlos as Henrique is going into Porcia's Chamber. Car. 
Ho Don Henrique, there is haste required; all's  
Prepared, and if the Quarry lodged shall prove  
Worthy of our own Swords, we may employ them;  
If not, the Sword of Justice shall revenge  
Our Injuries; for the Corregidor  
Is ready with a Band of Sergeants.  Henr. 
Speak softly; Don Antonio is arrived,  
And some of his may overhear us.  Carl. 
That's very unlucky, but does he know  
That Porcia's missing?  Henr. 
I think not yet.  Carl. 
Come, let's away; we have no time to lose.  Henr. 
Pray stay awhile; I labour with a Doubt  
Will burst me if not cleared before I go.  Carl. 
What Cousin! will you lose an Opportunity  
Never to be recovered? are you mad?  
Will you permit the Villains to escape, 
He pulls   
And laugh at us for ever? come away.  [Exit Carlos, him. Henr. 
Well, I must go; and let time make it out;  
The worst Estate of Human Life is Doubt.   

THE FOURTH ACT.  The SCENE is DON OCTAVIO's House. Enter Octavio angrily pushing Diego, and Porcia following. Oct. 
VIllain, thou hast undone us, cursed Villain;  
Where was thy Soul, had Fear quite Banished it?  
And left thee not one grain of common Sense?  Porc. 
Was there ever so fatal an Accident?  Oct. 
Why, Traitor, didst thou not let me know it,  
As soon as we were come into the House?  Die. 
What would ye have done if ye had known it then?  Oct. 
I would have fallyed out, and Killed the Rogue,  
In whose Power thou hast put it to Destroy us;  
Can it be doubted, but that long ere this  
He has acquainted Henrique where we are?  
From whose black Hage we must immediately  
Expect to encounter all the pernicious  
Effects of Malice, backed by Seeming justice;  
Curse on all Cowards! better far be served  
By Fools, and Knaves: they make less dangerous Faults.  Die. 
Am I in fault, because I'm not a Cat?  
How could I tell i'th' dark whether that Rascal  
Was a Knight Errand, or a Recreant Knight?  
I thought him one of us, and true to Love;  
Were it not for such Accidents as these  
That mock Man's Forecast, sure the Destinies  
Had ne'er been placed amongst the Deities.  Oct. 
Peace, cowardly Slave; having thus played the Rogue,  
Art thou Sententious grown? did I not Fear  
To Slain my Sword with such Base Blood, I'd let  
Thy Soul out with it at a thousand wounds.  Die. 
Why then a thousand Thanks to my Base Blood  
For saving my Good Flesh. 
Aside.   Oct. 
Pardon, my dearest Mistress, this Excess  
Of Passion in your presence.  Por. 
What shall we do Octavio? we are lost  
For ever; if we should stay here, my Brother  
Will be upon us instantly. Alas!  
My own Life I value not Octavio,  
Where yours, my Better life, such hazard runs;  
But O my Honour! O my Innocence!  
Exposed to Scandal; there's my deepest Sense.  Oct. 
Though the Complexion of your Brother's Malice.  
Resemble Hell, it is not Black enough  
To cast a Stain upon your Virgin Whiteness.  
As Contraries compared set off each other,  
The sister's Brightness will expose the Brother.  Por. 
O my Octavio! he is still my Brother;  
But what do you resolve to do?  Oct. 
I must resolve and suddenly, but what  
I swear know not, there have been such Turns  
In my Misfortunes, they have made me giddy.  Por. 
You must determine, time wastes Octavio.  Oct. 
If I should lead you through the Streets, and meet  
Th'inquisitive Justice, I daring not  
T'avow myself upon the other score  
You know of, you might that way be in danger;  
We must not venture it; 
* To Diego.  Run Rascal, and fetch  
A Chair immediately.  Die. 
A pretty Errand at this time o'th' night;  
These Chair-men are exceedingly well natured,  
theyare likely to obey a Servant's Orders  
After ten a clock.  [Exit Diego. Oct. 
Ye Powers above, why do ye lay so great  
A Weight on Human Nature, and bestow  
Such an Unequal Force to bear our Loads?  
After a long pursuit through all those Storms,  
Which Hellbred Malice, or the Power of Fate  
Can ever raise, t'oppose a Noble Love;  
To be at length posse said of the Rich Mine,  
Where Nature seemed to have lodged all her Treasure;  
And in an instant have it ravished from me,  
Is too rude a Trial for my tired Patience  
To sustain; I cannot bear it.  Por. 
My Sense of this Misfortune equal yours,  
But yet I must conjure you to submit  
To Heavens Decrees; such Resignation  
'Tis possible, their Justice may induce  
The mischief to divert, though ne'er so near.  Oct. 
Ah Porcia to part with you!  Por. 
Lose not yourself with me, though we are forced  
To Separate, yet we are not Divorced.  Oct. 
Whilst our Souls act by Organs of the Sense,  
'Twixt Death and Parting there's no difference.  Por. 
Consult your Reason, than you will comply;  
Making a Virtue of Necessity.  Oct. 
Ah lovely Maid, 'twas not allowed to Jove  
To hold at once his Reason, and his Love.  Enter Diego. Die. 
The Chair is come, Sir, just as I expected.  Oct. 
Where is it?  Die. 
Even where it was; they are deeply engaged  
At New Cut, and will not leave their Game,  
They swear, for all the Dons in Sevil.  Oct. 
A curse upon these Rogues! I'll make 'em come,  
Or put some of 'em in a condition  
To be carried themselves.  [Octavio runs out. Die. 
Madam, though I was never yet Unkind  
To my own Person, I am so much troubled  
At the Disquiet my Mistake has brought you,  
That could I do it conveniently, i'faith,  
I could even cudgel myself.  Por. 
Away Buffon, is this a time for fooling?  Enter Antonio and Sancho. Ant. 
Where is my noble Friend Octavio?  Die. 
Did you not meet him at the door, Sir?  Ant. 
No.  Die. 
He went out just as you came in.  Ant. 
Madam, 
Addresses himself to Porcia.  I might have gone to Bed, but not  
To Rest, without returning to inquire  
Anew of Yours, and of my Friend's Condition;  
And once more offer you my Service.  Por. 
I take the boldness in Octavio's absence  
To return his with my most humble Thanks  
For your late generous Assistance of us,  
And for this new Addition to our Debt.  Ant. 
Madam, though I have not the Happiness  
To be Known to you, yet my constant Friendship  
With Octavio is of an ancient Date;  
And all Occasions where I may express  
The Fervour of it, are most welcome to me.  Enter Flora in great haste. Flo. 
O Madam— I'm out of breath with running.  Por. 
What Accident, Flora, brings you hither?  Flo. 
A sad one, Madam, and requiring haste,  
To give you timely notice on't; Don Carlos,  
Assisted by the light o'th' Rising Moon,  
And by a Mistake of some of your Train,  
Has Traced you to this House, and in my hearing,  
Informed your Brother of the Place, and Manner  
Of your Retreat, who is now coming hither  
Accompanied with the Corregidor,  
To seize on whomsoever shall be found  
Within these Walls, upon pretence of Murder.  Por. 
O cruel Accident!  Flo. 
Madam, make haste, get out at the back door;  
Or you will certainly be met withal.  Por. 
How vile a Creature am I now become!  
For though in my own Innocence secure,  
As to myself, t'others I shall appear  
Some wicked Woman, that has sold her Honour  
To purchase Infamy.  Flo. 
They'll instantly be here.  Por. 
O that Octavio should just now be absent!  
But to expect till he return were madness.  Ant. 
YE have reason, Madam, and if you dare trust  
Your Person to the Conduct of a Stranger,  
Upon my Honour, Lady, I'll Secure you,  
Or Perish in th'Attempt.  Por. 
Generous Sir, how shall a wretched Maid,  
Abandoned by her Fare to the pursuit  
Of an Inhuman Brother, e'rbe able  
Either to Merit, or Requite your Favours?  Ant. 
Madam, they're more than Paid in the Admission,  
And your Acceptance of them will transfer  
The Obligation, making me the Debtor.  Por. 
To your Protection I resign myself,  
With equal Gratitude and Confidence.  Ant. 
Come Madam, there is no time to be lost;  
Diego, find out your Master presently,  
And tell him, that the Danger not allowing  
Our Stay till his Return, I shall convey  
His Mistress safely to a Nunnery.  Por. 
And Flora, stay you here to bring me word,  
What he resolves to do in this our desperate Condition.  [Exit Diego. Flo. 
Madam, I shall.  Ant. 
But stay; 
Going out returns.  I swear I'd like to have committed  
A foul Mistake; the Monastery Gates  
Will not be opened at this time of Night,  
Without a strict Inquiry into the Cause;  
Besides, 'tis possible, that once Lodged there,  
She may be out of my Friend's Power, or mine,  
Ever to get her thence if it be known.  
Lady, I have thought better on't; I shall  
Conduct you to my Brother-in-law's house;  
A Person of such Quality, and Honour,  
As is fit to engage in your Protection;  
And there my Wife may have the Happiness  
T' accompany you, and pay the Offices  
Due to your Virtue, and distressed Condition:  
And going to a House that's so much mine,  
Make account, Madam, 'tis to your own Home.  
Sancho, stay you here to attend Octavio,  
And guide him the next way to my Apartment; 
Turning to Sancho.   
Here is the Key; I shall have little use on't,  
Having left Ernesto waiting for me there.  
One word more, Sancho; let Octavio know  
'Tis my advice that he come in a Chair;  
He by that means may scape Examination,  
Should he be met with.  Por. 
Flora, I pray do you continue here,  
And if by any accident Octavio  
Should hindered be from coming after us,  
Observe his Motions, and where he Fixes;  
Then return home; and I shall find some way  
Of sending to you to inform myself.  Flo. 
I shall not fail t'observe your Orders, Madam.  Ant. 
Madam, I'm ready to wait on you.  Por. 
An cruel Brother! ah my dear Octavio!  
O how perverse, and rigorous is my Fate!  
Thus to torment me betwixt Love and Hate.  [Exeunt Antonio, Porcia. San. 
'Tis no small Compliment my Master makes  
Your Lady, and her Gallant, at this time  
O'th' night to quit his Brothers-in-law, and leave  
So fair a Bride as Porcia all alone.  Flo. 
What? is his Mistress' name Porcia too?  San. 
Yes; and if she has but as fair a Handmaid  
As yourself, I shall soon forget my Damsel  
In the Low-countries.  Flo. 
If your Low-countrieses Damsels resemble us,  
You would not be put to't to forget first;  
But I believe that you are safe enough;  
I have not heard such Praises of their Wit,  
But that we may suppose they have good Memories.  Enter Diego. Die. 
Is not my Master yet returned?  Flo. 
No.  Die. 
Well; now have we an Honourable Cause  
To wear the Beadle's Livery; faith, Flora,  
If your tender Sex had not been privileged  
From this harsh Discipline, how prettily  
Would the Beadles Crimson Lace show upon  
Thy white back.  Flo. 
IT won't do so well as on a darker ground;  
'Twill suit much better with your Tawny hide.  San. 
I pray, Comrade, is it the Mode in Sevil  
To be Whipped for Company?  Die. 
Oh! a well-bred Soldier will ne'er refuse  
Such a Civility to an old Friend;  
This is a new way of being a Second,  
To show your Passive Courage.  San. 
We Soldiers do not use to show our Backs.  Die. 
Not to your Enemies; but, Sir, the Beadle  
Will prove your Friend, for your Blood being Heated  
With your long Journey, Breathing of a Vein  
Is very requisite.  San. 
Would to Heaven that I were in the Camp again:  
There we are never stripped till we are dead.  Enter Octavio, and the Chair-men appear at the door. Oct. 
Be sure you stir not thence till I return. 
To the Chair-men.   
Sirrah, where's Porcia?  Die. 
She's fled away i'th'dark, with a Young man Of your acquaintance.  Oct. 
Rascal, leave your fooling.  Die. 
There's none i'th' case, Sir, 'tis the wisest thing  
She ever did, had she stayed your return,  
She would have fallen into those very Clutches,  
In which you will immediately be gripped,  
Unless you make more haste: Flora is come  
With all possible speed, to let you know  
theyare coming with the Justice to lay hold  
Of all within this House, upon pretence  
Of a most horrid Murder; be quick, Sir;  
And save yourself. She's safe in a Nunnery;  
Conducted thither by Antonio;  
Where, poor Lady, she's dropping for you now  
More Beads, perhaps, than Tears.  Oct. 
Peace Screetch-Owl; Fire consume that Tongue of thine.  
What sayest thou Villain? in a Nunnery?  
Porcia in a Nunnery? O Heavens! nothing  
But this was wanting to make me Desperate;  
What hope's there left ever to get her thence,  
After such Accidents as these made Public?  
Ah Flora, is it true that my dear Porcia  
Is gone into a Monastery?  Flo. 
Once, Sir, 'twas so resolved, and Diego sent  
To give you notice on't; but afterwards  
He being gone, they changed their Resolutions:  
There's one can tell you more—  San. 
My Master bade me stay to let you know  
He has conveyed her to his own Apartment, 
Pointing to Sancho.   
In his Brothers-in-law House, a person  
So eminent in Quality, and Credit,  
That the engaging him in her, and your  
Protection, Sir, may much avail you both;  
Besides, she'll have the pleasure there of being  
Very well treated by my Master's Bride.  
There he'll expect you, Sir, and does advise  
Your coming in a Chair, to avoid Question  
In case of any Encounter.  Flo. 
And my walking by, Sir, as a Attendant,  
Will pass you without scruple for a Lady.  Oct. 
I'll take his counsel, he's a generous Friend,  
Come Chair-men, away. 
* To Sancho.  Pray, friend, do you guide us.  Die. 
Up with your Burden Beasts, and fall forthwith  
To your Half-Trot.  [Exeunt. The Chair is carried over the Stage, Diego, Sancho, and Flora follow. 
A Noise within, Fellow, follow, follow.  Enter Carlos, the Corregidor, and Sergeants, pursuing Sancho, Flora, and Diego. Die. 
This is one of Don Cupid's pretty Jests.  
We're struck upon a Shelf before we could  
Put out to Sea.  Flo. 
Oh, we are undone Diego!  Car. 
You find, 
To the Corregidor.  Sir, my Conjectures not ill grounded.  Cor. 
What are you, Sirrah?  Die. 
A Living Creature, very like a Man,  
Only I want a Heart.  Cor. 
You're pleasant, Sir, pray Heaven your mirth continue.  
Who is that Woman with the Veil?  Die. 
Let her answer for herself, sh'has a Tongue,  
Set it but once a going, and she'll tell  
All that she knows, and more.  Cor. 
Make her discover her face.  [One of the Sergeants goes to lift up her Veil. Car. 
Hold Friend; Cousin, if it should be Porcia,  
'Twere not fit to expose her here.  Cor. 
'Tis very well considered, go you to her,  
And speak to her in private.  [Carlos goes towards Flora. Flo. 
'Tis I Sir, Flora, who being commanded  
By my Lady—  Carl. 
Speak softly prithee Flora, 'tis enough;  
I understand the rest, and pity her;  
Bid her sit still i'th' Chair, I'll do my best  
To save her from the Fury of her Brother.  Aside. Flo. 
He thinks 'tis Porcia there, a good Mistake,  
It may secure Octavio for the present  
From the hands of this rude Rabble; 
* To Octavio in the Chair.  Sat still,  
They take you for my Mistress Sir, I'll follow  
The Chair, and have a watchful Eye on all  
Occasions, that may further your Escape.  Car. 
We have found our wand'ring Nymph.  Cor. 
Is it Porcia herself?  Car. 
No, 'tis her Woman Flora following  
The Chair, wherein they were conveying her  
To some other place.  Cor. 
We arrived luckily, had we but stayed  
A moment longer, they had all been fled.  Ser. 
Will you have us see, Sir, who's in the Chair?  Cor. 
Forbear Fellow! 
* To Carlos.  Her own Folly's punishment  
Enough't'a Woman of her Quality,  
Without our adding that of Public shame.  Carl. 
'Twas luckily thought on, when you obliged  
Don Henrique to expect us at your House;  
For had he come, and found his Sister thus,  
IT had not been possible to have restrained  
His Passion from some great Extravagance.  Cor. 
I could not think it fit to let him come;  
For one of such a Spirit could ne'er brook  
The sight of those had done him these Affronts,  
Without invading those strict Rules, which might  
Render his Life obnoxious to the Laws.  
'Tis better that a business of this nature,  
(Chief 'twixt Persons of such Quality)  
Should rather be reduced by Mediation  
(If it be possible) to some fair Agreement,  
Than to a public Trial by the Law,  
Or, which is worse, some Barbarous Revenge.  Carl. 
This Fellow (if I am not much mistaken)  
Is Don Octavio's Man. 
Looking upon Diego.   Cor. 
Who do you belong too, Friend?  Die. 
To no body, Sir.  Cor. 
Do not you serve?  Die. 
Yes Sir, but my Master is not himself.  Cor. 
Take his Sword from him Sergeant. 
The Sergeant goes to take away his Sword.   Die. 
Diego disarmed by any other hand  
Than by his own? know Friend, it is a Weapon  
Of such dire Execution, that I dare not  
Deliver it, but to the hands of Justice.  The Corregidor receives the Sword, and gives it to one of his Sergeants. 
Signior, pray call for it, when you come home,  
And hang't up in your Hall, then underwrite,  
This is bold Diego's Sword; O may it be  
Ever from Rust, as 'tis from Slaughter free.  Cor. 
Thou art a Fellow of a pleasant humour.  Die. 
Signior, I never pain myself for Love,  
Or Fame, or Riches, nor do I pretend  
To that great subtlety of Sense to Feel  
Before I am Hurt, and for the most part  
I keep myself out of Harms way.  Carl. 
The Definition of a Philosopher.  Cor. 
Come, leave your fooling Sirrah, where's your Master?  Die. 
I am afraid we are not to be parted.  Cor. 
Whom do you mean?  Die. 
My Master, myself, and the Fool your Worship  
Mentions, for sure one that had any Wit,  
Would never serve a Lover Militant;  
He had better wait upon a Mountebank,  
And be run through the Body twice a week  
To recommend his Balsam.  Cor. 
This Fellow's an Original.  Die. 
But of so ill a hand, I am not worth  
The hanging up, Sir, in my Master's room,  
Amongst the worst of your Collection.  Enter Sergeants with two Footmen, and two Maidservants. Serj. 
An't please your Worship, we have searched the House,  
From th' Cellars to the Garrits, and these are all  
The living cattle we can find.  Cor. 
Friends take a special care of that same Varlet,  
And the Waiting-woman; we'll find a way  
To make them tell the Truth, I warrant you.  Flo. 
O Diego! must we be Prisoners together?  Die. 
Why, that's not so bad as the Bands of Wedlock,  
Flora.  Cor. 
Come, let's away; but whither to convey her—  
To her own House certainly were not fit,  
Because of her incensed Brother.  Car. 
If you approve it, Cousin, I'll carry her  
To mine; for since we seek (if possible)  
The business to compose, she will be there  
With much more Decency, and Satisfaction,  
And less exposed to Censure of the World,  
Being in a Kinsman's House, and having there  
My Sister to accompany her.  Cor. 
This business cannot be in better hands,  
Than yours; and there I'll leave it, and bid you  
Good-night.  Carl. 
Your Servant Cousin, 
As the Corregidor goes out.  I wish you well home.  
Cousin, you may be please to take your Sergeants  
Along with you; there are without two Servants  
Belonging to Don Henrique, they'll suffice  
To guard our Prisoners, and with far less notice.  Cor. 
Come Sergeants, follow me.  Carl. 
Well, 
To the Footmen and Maids.  you may go about your business, Friends,  
I'll not be troubled with ye; I am glad  
We did not find Octavio here; though I  
Might unaffected Ignorance pretend,  
I would not bring him (though by chance) t'his End.  [Exeunt Servants. San. 
Well, I am now sufficiently instructed,  
And since there is no notice taken of me,  
I'll fairly steal away, and give my Master  
Account of this Misfortune.  [Exit Sancho. Carl. 
Take up the Chair, and follow me.  [They take up the Chair. Die. 
A Lovely Dame they bear, 'tis true, she's something  
Hairy, but that's a sign of Strength.  Carl. 
Make haste, I long to let Don Henrique know,  
That his lost Sister is by my dexterity  
Recovered, and I hope to find some means  
To calm his Fury, and to repossess  
My Cousin Porcia, and (if't be possible)  
Octavio of his good Graces. Come away.  [The Chair is carried off. Die. 
How like an Ass he'll look, when opening the Shell,  
His Worship finds within so rough a Kernel.  [Exeunt omnes. The Scene Changes to Don Antonio's Apartment in Don Henrique's House. Enter Antonio and Porcia. Ant. 
Madam, banish all your Fears, you are now  
Safe in this House; be pleased to remain here,  
Till I shall bring some Lights, and acquaint Porcia  
With th' Honour she receives in entertaining  
So fair a Guest.  Por. 
Who is't you say you will advertise Sir?  Ant. 
My Wife Porcia; have but a little patience;  
And she shall wait upon you.  [Exit Antonio. Por. 
Is her name Porcia too? I pray Heaven send her  
A better Fate than her distressed Names-sake.  
O Octavio! O Love! how dear do you  
Cost me! where am I brought? what House is this?  
What with my Fears, and Darkness, I have lost  
All my measures; I can't so much as guests  
What Quarter of the Town it is we're in,  
For to avoid th' Encounter of my Brother,  
And his Revengeful Train, we have been forced  
To make so many Turn, I am Giddy.  
But thanks to Providence I have this comfort,  
That I am in a place out of his reach.  Enter Antonio with two Lights, and sets them on the Table. Ant. 
Madam, my Wife will presently attend you.  
Pardon I pray my absence for a moment.  [Exit Antonio. Por. 
Now I begin to hope my Sighs, and Tears,  
Have in some sort with the just Heavens prevailed  
At length to free me— 
* Looking about her.  But what do I see!  
Am I awake, or is it an Illusion?  
Is not this my Brother's House? Is not this  
The Quarter joining to my own Apartment?  
There is no room for Doubt, and my Misfortunes  
Are always Certain; Miserable Creature,  
That I should be thus Bandied up and down  
From one Hazard t'another, greater still.  
Ah cruel Heavens! what have I ever done  
To deserve this lasting Persecution?  
But how came I here? brought by Octavio's friend,  
Upon whose Virtue I did so rely  
That I my Brother's Malice durst defy.  
Can he betray me? sure I am in a Dream.  
But if Octavio— O vile Suspicion!  
Octavio false? no, Truth and He are one.  
'Tis possible his Friend may guilty be;  
But to what end so base a Treachery:  
And if Perfidious, how could he be his Friend.  
I am confounded with the various forms  
Of my Misfortunes, Heightened still the more,  
The less I can their Hidden Cause explore.  
This onely's evident, that I must fly  
Immediately this fatal place; But why  
Struggle I thus with Fate? since Go, or Stay,  
Death seems alike to wait me every way. 
She weeps.   Enter Antonio and Camilla. Cam. 
I wonder much what Lady this can be  
Antonio mentions. 
Aside.   Ant. 
Pardon, my dearest Mistress, the Liberty  
Which I so early take; but I presume  
Such is your Generous Tenderness to those,  
Whose sad Misfortunes, not their Faults, have driven  
Into Distress, that you will think yourself  
Obliged to him, who gives you the occasion  
To exercise those Virtues which do Visit  
Others, but Reside with you; This fair Lady—  
But she will best relate her own sad Story;  
Whilst I seek out Don Henrique, and engage him  
Both to Protect and Serve her with his Credit.  [Exit Antonio. Upon Camilla's approach Porcia takes the Handkerchief from her Eyes. Cam. 
Ha! 
She runs after Antonio.  what's that I see? stay, stay Antonio.  
It is not fit Don Henrique,— but he's gone,  
And we are lost for ever.  Porc. 
O Heavens! is this Antonio, the same Man  
To whom I am Betrothed? then my Destruction  
Is inevitable.  Cam. 
Are you an Apparition? or are you  
Porcia herself? speak, that when ye have said it thrice  
I may not yet believe you.  Por. 
You well may Doubt even what you See Camilla;  
Since my Disasters are so new, and strange,  
They sever Truth from Credibility.  Cam. 
How is it possible you should be here?  Por. 
I know not how, only of this I'm sure,  
I have not long t'expect the dismal end  
Of my sad Tragedy; since 'tis evident  
The Person that hath led me to this Place,  
This fatal Place, is the abused Antonio;  
Who with my Cruel Brother has conspired  
To take away my wretched life, and chose  
This Scene as fittest for their Cruelty.  
And thus, strange Fate! (through ignorance betrayed)  
I have Protection sought from the same Party,  
Whom I have Injured, and have made my Husband  
Th'only Confident of his own Affront:  
Who to accomplish his too just Revenge,  
As well upon my Family, as Person,  
Gives me up to be Murdered by my Brother.  
So whilst I'm branded as a Faithless Bride,  
He'll be detested as a Particide.  Cam. 
Prodigious Accident! but wert thou blind  
Not to know thine own House unhappy Porcia?  Por. 
Alas, how could I in so dark a Night,  
In such Confusion, and so full of Fear?  
Besides, he brought me in by the Back way,  
Through his own Quarter, where was neither Light,  
Nor any Creature of the Family.  Cam. 
Although I cannot comprehend the steps  
Of this your strange Adventure, yet dear Cousin,  
Your case (as I conceive) is not so desperate.  Por. 
We easily persuade ourselves to hope The things we wish; but Cousin, my condition  
Will not admit Self-flattery, and what  
Can you propose to temper my Despair?  Cam. 
Don't you remember, how this very Evening  
Antonio's Man finding me in your Quarter  
Without a Veil (you having put on mine)  
That he applied himself to me, and I  
By your command, your Person did assume?  Por. 
Yes very well.  Cam. 
The Master since has by the Man's Mistake  
Been happily led into the same Error,  
And I not disabused him yet, in hopes  
It might produce Advantage to us both.  Por. 
Oh! he has spoken with my Brother since;  
Who sure has Undeceived him long ere this.  
No, without doubt they having found themselves  
Affronted both, have both conspired my death.  Cam. 
How Cousin can that be? if Don Antonio  
In your Protection has engaged himself,  
And is Octavio's Friend.  Por. 
Cousin, if you impartially reflect  
On the Affront which I have done Antonio,  
You will not wonder much if he recede  
From the scarce-troden Path of rigid Honour  
To meet with his Revenge; and to that end  
Proceeds thus cautelously, and does seign  
Not to know me, that he may disavow  
Both to Octavio, and to all the world,  
Th'Infamy of Betraying a poor Maid  
To loss of Life and Honor.  Cam. 
Misfortunes make you rave; this vile Suspicion  
Is inconsistent with Antonio's Fame:  
You may as well believe that Nature will  
Reverse the order of the whole Creation,  
As that Antonio, a Man, whose Soul  
Is of so strong, and perfect a Complexion,  
Should ere descend to such a slavish Sin.  
And if we had the leisure, I could give you  
Such reasons to convince you of your Error,  
That you would easily acknowledge it.  Por. 
I had forgot her near Concernments for  
Antonio. 
Aside.  Pardon and Pity me Camilla;  
My mind is by Afflictions made so Weak,  
I'm ready to believe Impossibilities.  Cam. 
I Pity thee with all my heart; but Cousin,  
If Antonio not knowing you, nor your  
Relations, should chance to find your Brother,  
And him inform of what has passed, and that  
He has conveyed the distressed Party hither,  
He'll presently imagine it is you;  
And then (I fear) 'twill be impossible  
(Though he should interpose with all his power)  
To stop the Torrent, or divert his Rage  
From breaking in, and executing on us  
That horrid Parricide, which (though too late)  
It may be he himself would execrate.  Por. 
There's too much ground for what you fear Camilla:  
But if we could secure ourselves this night,  
There were some hopes that we tomorrow may  
Engage both Don Antonio, and your Brother  
To find out some Expedient to redeem me  
From this deplorable condition.  Cam. 
Were you only in pain for your Security  
This night, I know an easy Remedy  
For that.  Por. 
Which way my Dearest?  Cam. 
Why what does hinder us from making use  
(On this occasion) of the secret Door,  
By which (you know) you have so often passed  
Into our House (upon more pleasing Errands?)  
By this we shall these Benefits obtain;  
Of Safety from your Brother's present Fury,  
And time to try if Carlos, and Antonio  
May be engaged to mediate in this Business.  
And I have cause to think you will not find  
Antonio so implacable, as you  
Imagine.  Por. 
I conceive you Cousin; Fool that I was,  
To think a Heart once Conquered by your Eyes  
Should e'er become another Virgin's Prize.  Enter Antonio. Ant. 
So late; a Guest in's House; that's come so far;  
On such a Business; and not yet come home? 
Aside.   
There's something in't I cannot comprehend.  
I cannot, Madam, yet find out your Brother,  
But sure 'twill not be long ere he return.  
Then I'll acquaint him with the Accident  
Has made his House this lady's Sanctuary.  Aside. Por. 
Here is a glimpse of comfort, for I see  
He takes my Cousin for Don Henrique's Sister;  
O blessed Mistake so luckily continued!  Cam. 
I am by his permission Mistress here,  
And since that I am pleased Sir, 'tis enough,  
Without our troubling him with the Account  
Of her sad Story.  Ant. 
Yes, Madam, as to th'Excuse, but 'twere fit  
He knew it too, that we might serve ourselves  
Of his Credit in this lady's Protection.  Enter Henrique. Henr. 
Though I did promise the Corregidor  
Not to stir from his House, till his return,  
Yet I could not obtain it of myself;  
I'm so impatient to unfold the Riddle  
Of Don Antonio's seeing of my Sister,  
And entertaining her in her own Lodging;  Aside. 
I shall not now be long i'th' dark. 
* He sees her.  O Heavens!  
'Tis she herself, and Camilla with her:  
Were all my Servants mad, or all agreed  
T'abuse me, in affirming she was fled?  
But Don Carlos, was he mad too, to swear  
That he had traced her to an other House?  
Certainly I, or they must be Possessed;  
Or some Enchantment reigns within these Walls.  Ant. 
O here comes Don Henrique, I'll now acquaint him  
With your sad Story Madam.  Cam. 
I fear we are undone.  Ant. 
Don Henrique—  Por. 
I'm dead if he proceed, but how to hinder him—  Ant. 
Here's a Lady with your Sister Porcia—  Henr. 
Yes, Sir, I see who ' 'tis.  Ant. 
Since you know her Sir, you will the eas'lier  
Excuse my boldness.  Henr. 
Boldness, in what Sir?  Ant. 
To have been th' occasion of your finding her  
Here, with your Sister, at this time of night.  Henr. 
Lord Sir, what do you mean?  Ant. 
Truly there was a Necessity in it,  
Which will, I hope, excuse my Intercession  
With you in her behalf.  Por. 
Now all comes out.  Henr. 
I understand you Sir, she does desire  
To pass this night with Porcia, to assist her  
In ordering her Nuptial Ceremonies:  
Let her stay here a God's name.  Por. 
If he does not dissemble, my Condition  
Is not so desperate as I imagined.  Aside. Ant. 
I hope you'll pardon this great Liberty;  
So early a Confidence will need it, Sir.  Henr. 
'Tis more than enough Sir, that you desire it,  
Th'Occasion too does justify her stay.  Ant. 
'Tis most true Sir, the Occasion did enforce me  
Thus boldly to presume upon your Friendship.  Henr. 
Ha' done for Heaven's sake, is it a Novelty  
Think you for Porcia, and her Cozin-Germin  
To pass a Night together?  Ant. 
Is she so near a Kinswoman of his?  
Strange Inadvertence in her not to tell me  
Her relation to him, when I named him first.  
I'd made fine work on't had I told him all.  Aside. Henr. 
She knows I own her many a Good-turn  
Upon Octavio's score, 
Looking on the Ladies.  and hope ere long  
To be able to repay her to the full.  Por. 
Can he declare his mind in plainer terms?  Cam. 
I cannot tell which of us two he means,  
But I begin to fear that he knows all.  Henr. 
Since 'tis so late, pray give the Ladies leave  
To retire to their Chambers; Go in Sister.  Ant. 
My Brother's Words, and his Behaviour  
Imply some Mystery; I must be silent  
Till I discover more.  Aside. Por. 
Let us begun, we're lost if we stay here;  
I'm confident he counterfeits this Calm  
To disguise his Revenge, until Antonio,  
And the rest of the House are gone to Bed.  Cam. 
But we shall ne'er be able to get out  
Whilst they continue in the outward Rooms.  Por. 
Yes, by the Garden-dore, but I'm afraid 'Tis shut.  Cam. 
No; now I think on't, Flora went that way,  
And left it open.  Por. 
Come, let's be gone; I hope Heaven does ordain  
Ease by that Door which first let in my Pain.  [Exeunt Porcia and Camilla. Ant. 
I'll only make a step Sir, to my Lodging,  
And then return to you immediately.  Henr. 
Pray give me leave to wait on you.  Ant. 
I humbly thank you Sir, I know the way,  
And shall not stay above a Moment from you.  Henr. 
You're Master here, Sir.  Ant. 
I'll now go see whether my Servant Sancho  
Has brought Octavio to my Apartment,  
As I directed him.  [Exit Antonio. Henr. 
Heavens! was there ever so strange a Mystery!  
Don Carlos he affirmed that those we fought with  
Had conveyed Porcia away, and when I come  
To seek her in the House I find her missing,  
To second this, her Waiting woman Flora  
Tells me that she went down, about that time,  
Into th' Garden; Antonio, not long after,  
Affirms that he both saw, and entertained her  
In her own Apartment, where I now find her,  
And Camilla with her: What can this be?  
These sure are Riddles to pose an Oedipus;  
But if by my own Sense I am assured  
My Honour's safe, which was so much in doubt,  
What matter is it how 'tis brought about.   

THE FIFTH ACT.  The SCENE is Doncarlos' House. Enter Diego, Flora, and Geraldo accompanying the Chair, greaping as i' the dark. Ger. 
DAme Flora, and Signior Diego, go in there.  
And you my Friends, set down the Chair i' th'door;  
And when the Party's entered, pull it to;  
'Twill lock of it self; that done, you may be gone:  
There's Money for you; I'll go fetch a Candle.  [Exit Geraldo. Diego, and Flora go in, and the Chair being set in the door, Octavio goes out into the room, the Chair-men clap to the door, and go away. Enter Octavio, Diego, Flora, at another door. Oct. 
What! 
Groping as i' th' dark  put in all alone here i' the dark!  
And the door shut upon me! Diego, Flora.  Die. 
Here am I Sir, and Flora too, unless  
My Sense of feeling fails me.  Oct. 
I can't conjecture where we are; I durst not  
So much as peep out of the Chair, since Flora  
Gave me the warning; but where e'er I am,  
'Tis better far than in the Sergeants hands.  Flo. 
Though now i'th' dark, I know well where we are:  
I have too often walked the Streets, Octavio,  
From your House hither, upon Cupid's Errants,  
Not to know the back door of Carlos'  
Apartment; 'tis there I am sure w' are now.  Oct. 
Curse on thee, Flora! hadst thou lost thy wits  
Not to let me know it sooner! thinkest thou  
I should have tamely suffered them to bring me,  
Like a poor Bird shut in a Cage, t' a place,  
Where I must look for nothing but Destruction.  Die. 
A Gipsy told me by my Palm long since,  
A sour-faced Damsel should be my destruction.  Flo. 
Suspend a while your Apprehensions, Sir;  
You may escape before the Candles come;  
The door was wont to open on this side;  
If not, I have another way in store.  [Octavio goes to the door. Oct. 
Flora, 
Striving to open the door.  I cannot make the Lock go back.  Ger. unlocks it on the other side, and coming in with a Candle, meets with Octavio, and starting back and stumbling lets the Candle fall, then running out again locks fast the door. Die. 
Nay then, i'faith, we're fast; I heard him give  
The Key a double Turn.  [Diego takes up the Candle. 
Here's a fair Trial for your Maiden breath,  
Flora blow it in again, let's owe your Mouth  
More Light, than yet your Eyes could e'er impart.  Flo. 
Light's cast away on such an Owl as you;  
But yet I'll try.  [Flora blows the Candle in. Die. 
Thanks, gentle Flora, to your Virgin Puff;  
'Tis a Strong breath that can overcome a Snuff. [Aside  
But I had rather it had been let alone:  
If I must needs be slain, unless it were  
Behind my back, I'd have it i' the dark;  
For I hate to be killed in my own presence.  Oct. 
What must we do Flora? all my hope's in you.  Flo. 
There is yet room for Hope; there's Back-stairs  
Beyond that inner Chamber, that goes down  
Into the Garden, if the door be open,  
As certainly it is, the way is easy.  Oct. 
Come, let's lose no time; prithee guide us Flora.  [Exeunt. The Scene changes to Don Henrique's House. Enter Don Henrique. Henr. 
As well pleased as I am, to find my Honour  
Less Desperate than I thought, I cannot rest  
Till I have drawn from Porcia a Confession  
Of the whole Truth, before she goes to bed;  
She's in her Chamber now, unless by new  
Enchantments carried thence.  As he is going towards Porcia's Chamber, Enter Carlos in haste. Carl. 
I can't imagine what should make Don Henrique  
Quit the Corrigidors till we returned:  
One of his Servants tells me he's come home.  
O here he is; now shall I raise a storm  
Which (if we do not take a special care)  
Will scarce b' allayed without a shower of Blood;  
Yet I must venture't, since it so imports  
Our Friendship, and the Honour of our House.  Aside. 
Happiness is a stranger to Mankind,  
And like to a Forced Motion, it is ever  
Strongest at the beginning, then Languishing  
With time, grows weary of our company;  
But to Misfortunes we so subject are,  
That like to Natural motion they prove still  
More Vigorous in their Progress.  Henr. 
What means this Philosophical Preamble?  Carl. 
You I'know too soon I fear.  Henr. 
Don Carlos, I am now so well recovered  
From all m'Inquietudes, that for the future  
I dare defy the Malice of my Stars  
To cause a new Relapse into Distemper.  Carl. 
Cousin, I'm so surprised with this great change,  
That my Confusion does suppress my Joy;  
But since you're so much Master of your Passions,  
I'll spare my Ethics, and proceed to give you  
In short the Narrative of our success;  
The Corregidor (as we did expect  
Forward to serve you in th'Affair I mentioned)  
Was pleased to go along with me in person,  
With a strong Band of Sergeants, to the place,  
Where I attended by your Servants led him:  
Cousin, 'twas there; it wounds my heart to speak it;  
And I conjure you summon all your Patience:  
'Twas there I found—  Henr. 
Whom Cousin did you find? for since I'm sure  
You found not Parcia there; my Concernments  
In your Discoveries are very unlikely  
To discompose me.  Carl. 
I would to Heaven we had not found her there.  Henr. 
What's that you say, Cousin, my Sister there!  Carl. 
Yes Sir, your Sister.  Henr. 
My Sister! that's good i'faith: ha', ha', ha'.  Carl. 
Why do you laugh? is the Dishonour of  
Your Family become a Laughing Matter?  
This is a worse Extreme methinks than t'other.  Henr. 
How can I choose but Laugh to see you Dream;  
Awake for Heaven's sake; and recall your Senses;  
Porcia there said you?  Carl. 
Yes Sir, Porcia I say; your Sister Porcia;  
And which is more, 'twas in Octavio's House.  Henr. 
Why sure you're not in earnest, Cousin.  Carl. 
As sure as you're alive I sound her there.  Henr. 
Then you transport me, Sir, beyond all patience:  
Why Cousin, if she has been still at home,  
Antonio seen, and entertained her here,  
Accompanied by Camilla; if even now  
I left them there within; Is't possible  
You should have found her in Octavio's House?  
To be here, and there too, at the same time,  
None sure but Janus with his double face  
Can e'er unfold this Mystery.  Carl. 
Sir, let me advise you; Abuse not yourself:  
I tell you positively I found her there:  
And by the same Token, her Waiting-woman  
Flora was there attending her.  Henr. 
Flora! dear Cousin, do not still persist  
Thus to affirm impossibilities.  Carl. 
Sure you are making some Experiment  
Upon my Temper, and would fain provoke  
My Patience to some such high Disorder,  
That I should ne'er hereafter have the face  
When you are in you Fits to play the Stoic.  Henr. 
Cousin, I swear to you upon my Honour,  
'Tis not above a quarter of an hour,  
Since I did speak with Porcia, and your Sister  
In that very Apartment, and am now  
Returning to them in my Sister's Chamber.  Carl. 
And Sir, I swear to you upon my Honour,  
'Tis not above a quarter of an hour,  
Since I left Porcia carried in a Chair  
From Don Octavio's House, your man Geraldo  
Conducting the Chair-men to mine, and followed  
By Flora, whilst I came to find you out  
T' acquaint you, Sir, with this unpleasing news:  
But fit for you to know as soon might be.  Henr. 
This Question, Cousin, may be soon decided,  
Pray come along, her Chamber's not far off.  Carl. 
And my House is but the next door, let's in.  Henr. 
You'd quickly find your Error.  
Here comes your Servant, whom I left to Guard her;  
He'll instantly convince you of the Truth.  Enter Geraldo. Ger. 
O Sir!  Henr. 
What brings you hither Geraldo?  Ger. 
O Sir, I bring you such rare news, your Enemy,  
Your Enemy Octavio— I'm out of breath.  Henr. 
What does the Varlet mean?  Ger. 
Sir, I suppose Don Carlos has informed you  
That he left me to see your Sister P'rcia,  
With Flora, and Diego Octavio's Man  
Safely conveyed t'his House.  Carl. 
See now Don Henrique, who was i' the Right.  Ger. 
I did as he commanded me, and put them  
All three into Don Carlos' Antichamber;  
Porcia in the same Chair which brought her thither;  
And for more safety made the door be locked;  
Whilst I went down in haste to fetch a Light.  Henr. 
As sure as Death this Madness is Infectious;  
My Man is now in one of Carlos Fits.  Ger. 
Returning with a Light a moment after,  
No sooner opened I the door, but Heavens!  
Who should I see there standing just before me  
In the same place where I left Porcia, but  
Octavio, your Enemy Octavio.  Hen. 
Here is some Witchcraft sure; what can this mean?  Ger. 
Amazed at th' sight, I let the Candle fall;  
And clapped the door to; then I double-locked it,  
And brought away the Key.  Carl. 
But how could he get in, if you be sure  
You locked the door, when you went out for Lights?  Ger. 
I know not whether he was there before,  
Or got in after, but of this I'm sure,  
That there I have him now, and safe enough.  Carl. 
I am sorry for it.  E Aside ' Henr. 
Let's not, Don Carlos, now perplex ourselves  
With needless Circumstances, when? and how?  
Those Queries are too Phlegmatic for me;  
If the Beast be i' thed Toil it is enough;  
Let us go seize upon him; he must die.  Enter Antonio. Ant. 
Good Brother, what unhappy Man is he,  
Whom you so positively doom to death?  
I have a Sword to serve you in all occasions  
Worthy of you, and me.  Henr. 
His intervening, Carlos, is unlucky,  
How shall we govern ourselves towards him  
In this Affair? so unfit for his knowledge?  Carl. 
Antonio is a Man of shining Honour;  
But having such a share in this Affront,  
If once he know't, I am afraid he'll bring  
Fuel, not Water to Don Henrique's Fire.  Aside. 
Don Henrique, 
To Henrique  you must suddenly resolve  
What answer to return, he's not a Man  
To be put off with any slight Pretences;  
Nor yet to be engaged in such an Action,  
As bears th'appearance rather of Cruelty,  
Than Honour, and you know, Antonio needs  
No fresh Occasions to support his Name;  
Who Dangers seek, are indigent of Fame.  Ant. 
I find my coming hath disordered them,  
There's something they would fain conceal from me;  
All here is discomposed, what er's the matter.  Aside. Carl. 
Perhaps 'twere better to suspend a while  
The Execution of your just Revenge:  
Time, and mature weighing of Circumstances,  
Never did harm in Actions of this Nature;  
Where one has still the Party in his Power.  Henr. 
A Curse on your Tame Proposition Carlos!  Carl. 
He, who the Rules of Temperance neglects,  
From a Good Cause may produce Vile Effects.  Henr. 

To Antonio.  I doubt not of your kind Concurrence, Sir,  
In all the near Concernments of a Person  
Allied to you as I am; but Noble Brother,  
It were against the Laws of Hospitality,  
And Civil Prudence to engage a Guest  
(Newly arrived after so long a Journey)  
In an occasion, Sir, of Blood, and Hazard.  Ant. 
If such be the occasion, I must then  
Acquaint you freely, that I wear a Sword,  
Which must not be excluded from your Service;  
I'm sure you are too Noble t'imploy yours  
In any Cause not justified by honour;  
But I confess there are Affronts so great,  
And heightened by such odious Circumstances,  
As do release us from the usual Forms  
Of Generous Revenge; and set us free  
To take't on any Advantage.  Henr. 
Though with Regret I see, Sir, I must yield  
To your excess of Generosity;  
This only I shall say to satisfy  
Your just Reflections; that my Resentments  
Are grounded on Affronts of such a Nature,  
That as nothing but the Offender's Life  
Can e'er repair them, so as to the Forms  
Of taking that Revenge, they can't admit  
Of the least scruple.  Ant. 
honour's my Standard; and 'tis true, that I  
Had rather Fall, than Blush for Victory;  
But you are such a Judge of Honour's Laws▪  
That 'twere Injurious to suspect your Cause.  
Allow me, Sir, th'honour to lead the way.  Exit Antonio and Henrique. Carl. 
If Porcia be there too, (as I believe)  
'Twill prove, I fear, a fatal Tragedy;  
But should she not be there; yet 'tis too much  
For such a Heart as mine, through Ignorance  
To have betrayed a Gentleman, though Faulty,  
In to such Cruel hands; I must go with them;  
But so resolved, as in this Bloody strife  
I'll salve my Honour, or I'll lose my Life.  [Exit Carlos. The Scene changes to Carlos' House. Enter Octavio, Diego, Flora with a Candle. Flo. 
O the unluckiness! I vow t'you Sir,  
I have scarce known that door e'er locked before.  Oct. 
There's no Remedy Flora, I am now  
At the Mercy of my Enemies.  Die. 
Having broken into another's Ground,  
'Tis just i'faith▪ you should be put i' th' Pound.  Oct. 
The Tide of my ill Fate is swollen so high,  
'Twill not admit increase of Misery;  
Since amongst all the Curses there is none  
So wounds the Spirit as Privation.  
For 'tis not where we Lie, but whence we Fell,  
The Loss of Heaven's the greatest Pain in Hell;  
When I had sailed the doubtful Course of Love,  
Had safely gained my Port, and far above  
My Hopes, the precious Treasure had secured,  
For which so many Storms I had endured;  
To be so soon from this great Blessing torn,  
That's hard to say, if 'twere first Dead, or ●orn,  
May doubtless seem such a transcendent Curse,  
That even the Fates themselves could do no worse;  
Yet this I bore with an erected face,  
Since Fortune, not my Fault caused my Disgrace;  
But now my Eyes unto the Earth are bend,  
Conscious of meriting this Punishment,  
For trusting a fond Maid's Officious Care,  
My Life, and honour's taken in this Snare;  
And thus I perish on this unseen Shelf,  
Pursued by Fate, and False unto myself.  
Flora, 
He pulls out his Tablets.  when I am dead, be sure that you  
These Tablets give to Porcia; there she'll find,  
That to th'Extremest Moment of my Life  
I constantly pursued those Noble Ways,  
Which might Deserve her, though I could not Have her.  
Give me the Candle.  Octavio sets the Candle on a Table, and sits down as to write in his Tablets. Die. 
A double Curse upon all Love in earnest,  
All Constant Love; 'tis still accompanied  
With strange Disasters; or else ends in that  
Which is the worst of all Disasters Marriage.  Flo. 
Sure you could wish that every body living  
Had such a Soul of Quicksilver, as yours,  
That can fix no where.  Die. 
Why 'twould not be the worse for you, dear Flora,  
You than might hope in time to have your Turn,  
As well as those, who have much better Faces.  Flo. 
You, I presume Sir, would be one o'th'latest  
Which I should hear of, yet 'tis possible  
That one might see you, before you should be welcome.  Die. 
She has Wit, and good Humour; excellent  
Ingredients to pass away the time;  
And I have kindness for her Person too,  
But that will end with Marriage, and possibly  
Her good Humour; for I have seldom known  
The Husband, and the Wife make any Music,  
Though when asunder they can play their parts;  
Well, friend Diego, I advise you to Look  
Before you Leap, for if you should be Coupled  
To a Yoke instead of a Yokefellow,  
'Tis likely you may wear it to your Grave.  
Yet, honest Diego, now I think on't better,  
Your Dancing, and your Vaulting days are done,  
Faith all your Pleasures are three Stories high,  
theyare come up to your Mouth, for you are now  
For Ease, and Eating, th'only Joys of Life,  
And there's no Cook, nor Drienurse like a Wife.  [Flora overhears him. Flo. 
I could find Reasons too for Matrimony,  
A Stolen Maid is a horrible reproach,  
I must confess it; and a Waiting-woman  
Does only change a Mistress for a Master;  
I may quit her, 'tis true, but not my Husband,  
And on the other side she may quit me,  
And turn me off, when old, and good for nothing.  
A Husband's bound to keep me still; In fine,  
For aught I can perceive the Scales are Equal,  
I may throw Cross and Pile, which Life I'd have,  
The Single Beggar, or the Married Slave;  
But hark! the Door within, from whence we came  
Is newly opened, or my Ears deceive me.  Die. 
Methoughts I heard it too, let us peep in.  [They look into the next Room, and start back. 
O Sir, 
Runs to Octavio.  we're lost, I see two Female-Giants  
Coming most terribly upon us.  Oct. 
Away you troublesome Fool.  Enter Camilla and Porcia, the one with a Key, the other with a Candle. Por. 
I'm confident no body saw us pass  
From th'other House.  Cam. 
However, let's go through my Brother's Quarter,  
And open the Backdoor into the Street;  
'Tis good in all Events t'have a Retreat  
More ways, than one.  Por. 
O Heavens! 
A door claps behind, and both look back.  our surest is cutoff, the Wind  
Has clapped that door to through which we came.  Cam. 
The Accident's unlucky, 'tis a Spring-lock,  
That opens only on the other side.  Por. 
Let's on the faster, and make sure of th'other. Octavio here!  Octavio hearing them starts up with the Tablets in's hand. Oct. 
Porcia in this place! may I trust my Senses,  
Or does my Fancy create these Chimaeras?  Die. 
Either we Sleep, and Dream extravagantly;  
Or else the Fairies govern in this House.  [Flora runs to Porcia. Flo. 
Ah! dearest Mistress, you shall never make me  
Quit you so again.  Por. 
But can that be Octavio?  Oct. 
I was Octavio; but I am at present  
So much astonished, I am not myself.  Cam. 
What can the meaning of this Vision be?  [Octavio approaches Porcia. Oct. 
My dearest Porcia, how is't possible  
To find you in this place, noble Antonio  
Having so generously undertaken  
Your protection?  Por. 
Did he not yours so too? and yet I find  
Octavio here, where he is more exposed  
Than I, to sure destruction; I am loath  
To say 'tis he, who has Betrayed us both.  Oct. 
Antonio false? it is impossible.  Die. 
It is too evident.  Oct. 
Peace Slave; he is my Friend, of Noble Blood,  
Whose Fame's above the Level of those Tongues,  
That Bark by Custom at the brightest Virtues,  
As Dogs do at the Moon.  Por. 
How hard it is for Virtue to suspect.  
Ah Octavio! we have been both deceived;  
This vile Antonio is the very Man,  
To whom my Brother without my Consent,  
Or Knowledge has Contracted me in Flanders.  Oct. 
Antonio the Man to whom you're Contracted,  
Porcia the Bride whom he is come to Marry?  Por. 
The very same.  Oct. 
Why did you not acquaint me with it sooner?  Por. 
Alas, I have not seen you since I knew it;  
But those Few hours such Wonders have produced,  
As surpass all Belief, and do require  
More time, than your unsafe Condition here  
Will allow us to make you understand it.  Cam. 
Dear Friends, I cannot blame your Apprehensions,  
Nor your Suspicion of Antonio's Friendship:  
But I am so possessed with the Opinion  
Of his great Virtue, that I shall as soon  
Believe Impossibilities, as his  
Apostasy from Honour.  Oct. 
What's her Concernment in Antonio, Porcia?  Por. 
O, that's the strangest part of our sad Story;  
And which requires most time to tell you.  A Blaze of Light appears at the Window, and a noise within. Por. 
See, Flora, at the Window, what's that Light,  
And Noise we hear.  [Flora goes to the Window. Flo. 
O Madam! we are all undone, I see  
Henrique, Carlos, and their Servants with Torches  
All coming hither, and which is wonderful,  
Antonio leading them with his Sword drawn.  Cam. 
Thou dreamest, distracted Wench; Antonio false?  
It is impossible.  Camilla runs to the Window, and turning back says, 
All she has said is in appearance true,  
There's sure some hidden Mystery which thus  
Abuses us; for I shall ne'er believe  
Antonio can transgress the Rules of Friendship.  Oct. 
Friendship's an Empty Name, made to Deceive  
Those, whose Good Nature tempts them to believe;  
There's no such thing on Earth, the best that we  
Can hope for here is faint Neutrality.  Por. 
Ye Powers above! what pleasure can ye take  
To Persecute Submitting Innocence?  Oct. 
Retire, dear Porcia, to that inner Room,  
For should thy cruel Brother find thee here,  
He's so revolted from Humanity,  
He'll mingle thine, with my Impurer Blood.  Por. 
That were a kind of Contract; let him come;  
We'll meet at once Marriage, and Martyrdom.  Oct. 
Soul of my Life retire.  Por. 
I will not leave you.  Oct. 
Thou preservest me by saving of thyself;  
For they can murder only half of me,  
Whilst that my better part survives in thee.  Por. 
I will die too, Octavio, to maintain,  
That different Causes form the same Effects;  
'Tis Courage in you Men, Love in our Sex.  [Octavio takes hold of her to lead her away. Oct. 
Help me Camilla.  Cam. 
You must be ruled, your Presence will increase  
Your Brother's Fury, and Octavio's Danger.  Por. 
That Argument is Irresistible.  They retire to the other Room, and Octavio waits on them to the door. Die. 
Nay if you are at that, 
Taking Flora by the hand  the Devil take  
The hindmost; 'tis for your sake, dearest Flora,  
I eat these Honourable Occasions.  
Having no Weapon, 
As he goes out with Flora, turning to Octavio.  Sir, 'tis fit that I  
March off with th' Baggage.  [Exeunt Diego, Flora. Oct. 
I'm now upon the Frontiers of this Life,  
There's but one step to Immortality;  
And though my cruel fortune has allowed me  
No other Witness of my Tragic end,  
But my Inhuman Murderers; yet my Death  
Shall not Disgrace either my Life, or Love;  
To th'other World this Honour I will bear,  
That as I still have Lived, and Loved, so I  
Encounter Death with the same Constancy.  Enter Antonio, Henrique, Carlos, and Geraldo, with their Swords drawn, Antonio before the rest. Ant. 
Where is the Man whose Insolence, and Folly  
Has thus misled him to Affront my Friend?  Oct. 
Here is the Man thou seekest, and he, whom thou  
So basely hast Betrayed.  [Octavio draws. Ant. 
Oh Heavens! what is't I see? It is Octavio My Friend.  Oct. 
Not thy Friend, Antonia; but 'tis Octavio,  
Who by thy Perfidy has been betrayed▪  
To this forlorn Condition; but vile Man,  
Thou now shalt pay thy Treachery with thy Life.  [Octavio makes at Antonio. Ant. 
Hold Octavio; though thy Injurious Error  
May transport thee, it shall not me beyond  
The Bounds of Honour; Heaven knows I thought  
Of nothing less, than what I find, Octavio  
In this place.  Henr. 
What pause is this, Antonio? all your Fervour  
In the Concernments of your Friend, reduced  
To a tame Parley with our Enemy?  
Do all the Promises, you have made to me,  
T'assist my just Revenge, conclude in this?  Oct. 
Do all the Promises you have made to me,  
T'assist my Virtuous Love, conclude in this?  Hen. 
Where is your wont Bravery? where your Kindness  
To such a near Ally?  Oct. 
Where is your former Honour? where your Firmness  
To such an ancient Friend?  Ant. 
What course shall my Distracted Honour steer  
Betwixt these equal, 
Aside.  opposite Engagements?  Henr. 
What, demur still? nay then I'll right myself.  Henrique makes at Octavio, Antonio turns on Octavio 's side. Ant. 
Wh'attaques Octavio must pass through me.  Carl. 
I must lay hold on this Occasion. 
Aside.   
Good Cousin, I conjure you to restrain  
Your Passion for a while, there does lie hid  
Some Mystery in this, which once unfolded,  
May possibly produce the Means of making  
That Reconcilable, which now seems desperate.  Henr. 
Sweetly proposed, Sir, an Accommodation?  
Thinkest thou my Anger's like a Fire of Straw,  
Only to Blaze, and then expire in Smoak?  
Thinkest thou I can forget my Name, and Nation,  
And Barter for Revenge, when Honour Bleeds?  
His Life must pay this Insolence, or mine.  [He makes at Octavio again, Antonio interposes. Ant. 
Mine must protect his, or else perish with him.  Henr. 
Since neither Faith, nor Friendship can prevail,  
'Tis time to try what proof you are, Antonio,  
Against your own near Interest; Know, that Man,  
Whom you protect against my just Revenge,  
Has seconded his Insolence to me  
By foul Attempts upon my Sister's Honour;  
Your Porcia's Sir, if this will not inflame you.  [Porcia endeavours to come out, Camilla holds her. Por. 
This Injury's beyond all Sufferance.  Carl. 
To what excess of Folly does our Rage  
Transport us Men! 
Aside.  this most Important Secret,  
Which Tortures could not have made him discover,  
He (only to advance his blind Revenge)  
Has now unforced declared to that Person,  
From whom, of all men living, he ought most  
To have concealed it.  Oct. 
How! I attempt your Sister's Honour Henrique?  
The Parent of your black Designs, the Devil,  
Did ne'er invent a more malicious Falsehood;  
'Tis true, that I have served the Virtuous Porcia,  
With such Devotion, and such Spotless Love,  
That, though Unworthy, yet she has been pleased  
To recompense my Passion with Esteem:  
By which, she has so chained me to her Service,  
That here I vow either to Live her Prize,  
Or if I Die, to fall Love's Sacrifice.  Ant. 
O Heavens! what's that I hear? thou blessed Angel  
Guardian of Honour, I do now implore  
Thy powerful assistance to preserve  
That Reputation, which I hitherto  
By Virtuous Actions have maintained unblemished;  
In vain, Don Henrique, you design to change  
My Resolutions; it must ne'er be said,  
That Passion made Antonio recede  
From the strict Rules of Honour; Sir, I tell you,  
Nothing can make me violate my first  
Engagement.  Henr. 
Nay, than thou shalt Die too, Perfidious Man;  
Ho! Geraldo, Pedro, Leonido.  Enter Geraldo, Pedro, Leonido, with their Swords drawn, and join with Henrique, Carlos interposes. Carl. 
For Heaven's sake, Cousin, draw not on yourself  
The horrid Infamy of Assasinating  
Persons of Noble Blood by Servile Hands.  Henr. 
Do you Defend them too? Kill 'em I say.  Ant. 
Retire Octavio, I'll sustain their shock.  Oct. 
Octavio retire?  Ant. 
Trust me you must, they will surround us else;  
Through that narrow Passage they'll Assail us  
With less advantage.  They retire fight off the Stage: Henrique and his Men pursuing them, and Carlos endeavouring to stop Don Henrique. Henr. 
What d'ye give back, ye Men of mighty Fame?  Ant. 
Don Henrique, you shall quickly find 'tis Honour,  
Not Fear makes me retire.  [Exeunt. Enter presently Antonio and Octavio at another door, which Antonio bolts. Ant. 
Now we shall have a breathing while at least  
Octavio, and time to look about us;  
Pray see yond other door be fast.  Octavio steps to the door where they went out, and Henrique bounces at the door they came in at. Henr. 
Geraldo, 
Within.  fetch an Iron Bar to force The door.  [Camilla and Porcia peep out. Cam. 
Heaven has heard our Prayers; theyare both safe here.  Por. 
Let's go to 'em Camilla.  Cam. 
'Tis better to stay here a while, and hearken  
What Resolution of themselves they take.  [Antonio goes to both the doors to see if they be fast. Ant. 
So, 'tis now as I could wish.  Oct. 
What do you mean, Generous Antonio?  Ant. 
To Kill thee now myself, having performed  
What Pre-engagement did exact from me  
In your Defence 'gainst Others; my Love now  
Requires its Dues, as Honour has had his;  
There's no Protection for you from my Sword,  
But in your Own, or in your frank renouncing  
All Claim to Porcia; She is so much mine,  
That none must Breath, and have the Vanity  
Of a Pretender to her whilst I Live.  Oct. 
My Claims to Porcia I shall ne'er renounce,  
But still assert them by all noble ways;  
Yet, Sir, this hand shall never use a Sword  
(Without the last Compulsion) 'gainst that Man,  
Who has so much Obliged me; no Antonio,  
You are securely Guarded by the Favours,  
You have conferred upon me.  Ant. 
Sir, let not your pretended Gratitude  
Enervate your Defence; 'tis not my custom  
To serve my Friends with Prospects of Return;  
I therefore, Sir, do freely here acquit you  
From all the Obligations, you are pleased  
To own from me.  Oct. 
You may, Sir, if you please, forbear to add  
New Favours to my ' account; but you can never  
Subtract those, which are past; and till that Debt  
Be fully paid, I shall not dare t' appear  
I'th' Lists against so Generous a Creditor.  Ant. 
Your Scruples are ill grounded; 'twas Octavio  
(My ancient Friend) whom I designed to Serve;  
Not that Disloyal Man, who has invaded  
My Honour, and my Love; 'Tis the Intent Creates the Obligation, not th' Event.  Oct. 
I call those Powers, who both Discern, and Punish,  
To witness for me, that I never knew.  
You e'er pretended to Don Henrique's Sister,  
Before I came within these fatal Walls:  
This I declare, only to clear myself  
From th'Imputation of Disloyalty;  
And to prevent the Progress of your Error.  Ant. 
How can I think you should speak Truth to me,  
Who am a Witness you've been False to her,  
To whom, you now profess so high Devotion.  Oct. 
I false to Porcia! take heed, Antonio,  
So foul an Injury provokes too much;  
But, Sir, I must confess I own you more,  
Than the Forgiuness of one gross Mistake.  Ant. 
Rare Impudence! I must not trust my Senses.  Oct. 
If we cannot adjust this Competition,  
Let us our Fortunes, not our Passions charge  
With this our breach of Friendship.  Ant. 
Leave your Discourses, and Defend yourself;  
Either immediately Renounce all Claims  
To Porcia; 
Shaking his Sword.  or this must speak the rest.  Oct. 
Nay, 
They fight.  then, this must Reply.  They without bounce at the door, as if they were breaking it open. Por. 
Why do I doubt? there is no means to save him  
From the present danger, but by another,  
Perhaps as great, but something more remote;  
I'll do't.  Whilst they fight, Porcia breaks from Camilla, and unbolis the door, then runs back into her place. Enter Henrique, Carlos, Leonido, Geraldo, with their Swords drawn. Hen. 
What's this! Antonio fight with Octavio!  
This Bravery is excessive, Gallant Friend;  
Not to allow a share in your Revenge  
TO him, who's most concerned; he must not die  
Without some Marks of mine.  Henrique makes at Octavio, and Antonio turns to Octavio's side. Ant. 
Nay, than my Honour you invade anew,  
And by Assaulting him, Revive in me  
My Pre-engagements of Protecting him  
Against all others.  Hen. 
Why were not you Antonio fight with him?  
Were you not doing all you could to Kill him?  Ant. 
Henrique, 'tis true; but finding in my breast  
An equal strife 'twixt Honour, and Revenge;  
I do in just compliance with themboth  
Preserve him from your Rage, to Fall by mine.  Carl. 
Brave Man, how Nicely he does Honour weigh!  
Justice herself holds not the Scales more Even.  Henr. 
My Honour suffers more as yet than yours,  
And I must have my share in the Revenge;  
Either he must renounce all Claims to Porcia,  
Or Die immediately.  Ant. 
It is agreed: that he must Do, or Die:  
But by no other hand, than mine.  Oct. 
Cease your Contention, and turn all your Swords  
Against this Breast; whilst Porcia ' and I have breath,  
She must be mine, there's no Divorce but Death.  Henr. 
I'll hear no more, protect him if thou canst  Antonio. 
Kill the Slave, kill him, I say.  Henrique makes at him, and Carlos endeavours to interpose. Carl. 
For Heaven's sake hold a Moment; certainly  
There's some Mistake lies hidden here, which cleared,  
Might hinder these Extremes.  Henrique and his Servants press Antonio and Octavio. Cam. 
These Errors must be cleared, before they grow  
Too fatal, but I fear your Brother's fury  
Will not admit of Reason.  For. 
I'm sure I'll try, though it should cost my life.  Enter Porcia and Camilla from the Inner Room. Por. 
Don Henrique.  Cam. 
Antonio, Carlos  Por. 
Octavio.  Hear us but speak, Camilla and Porcia together. Henr. 
Ha! how came she here?  Carl. 
Did not I tell you that she was brought hither  
By my Directions? you would not believe me.  Henr. 
But how then could Octavio come hither?  Carl. 
Nay, that Heaven knows; you heard as well as I  
Your Man's Relation.  Henr. 
Ah thou vile Woman! that I could destroy  
Thy Memory with thy Life.  Ant. 
Hold, 
He offers to run at Porcia, Antonio interposes.  Sir, that must not be.  Henr. 
What may not I do Justice upon her Neither?  Ant. 
No Sir; although I have not yet the Honour  
To know who she x's, I have this night engaged  
Myself, both to Secure, and Serve her.  Carl. 
He knows not Porcia; who was i' the right  
Don Henrique, You, or I?  Henr. 
He not know Porcia? whom not an hour since  
I saw, and spoke with, entertaining her  
In his Apartment; sure we are Enchanted,  
And all we see's Illusion.  Cam. 
Allow me, Henrique, to dispel these Charms;  
Who is't, Octavio, you pretend to? speak.  Oct. 
You might have spared that Question; since none  
Knows so well as you, 'Tis Porcia I adore.  Ant. 
Porcia's my Wife; 
Offers to make at Octavio.  Disloyal Man thou Diest.  Cam. 
Hold Sir; which is the Porcia you claim too?  Ant. 
Can you be'n doubt of that? you know too well  
The Conquest, that you made so long ago  
Of my surprised heart in Flanders.  Carl. 
Conquest! Surprised! Flanders! what can this mean?  Henr. 
New Riddles every moment do arise,  
And Mysteries are born of Mysteries.  Cam. 
Thanks be to Heaven, our work draws near an end;  
Cousin, it belongs to you to finish it.  Por. 
To free you from that Labyrinth, Antonio,  
In which a slight Mistake, not Rectified,  
Has involved us all; know, th'supposed Porcia,  
Whom you so long have loved, 's the true Camilla.  Cam. 
And you, Don Henrique, know, Octavio  
Has always been your Sister's faithful Lover;  
And only Feigned a Gallantry to me,  
His real Passion to Disguise from you.  Ant. 

* Octavio and Antonio run to one another and embrace.  Generous Octavio.  Oct. 
Brave Antonio, how happy are we both!  
Both in our Loves, and Friendships!  Ant. 
Man's Joys do ne'er to their Perfection rise,  
Till when by Crosses heightened, they surprise.  Cam. 

* Camilla takes Antonio by the hand and leads him to Carl. Don Carlos.  This, my dear Brother, is that brave Commander,  
To whom you own your Life, and Liberty;  
And I much more, the safety of my Honor.  Carl. 
Is this the Gallant Leader, who rescued us  
With so much Valour from th'Enemy's hands?  Cam. 
The very same.  Carl. 
If you knew him so well, why did not you  
Acquaint me with it sooner? 'twas a fault Camilla.  Cam. 
Alas, 
Drawing Carlos aside.  my dearest Brother, Gratitude  
Conspiring with the Graces of his Person,  
So soon possessed him of my Heart, that I  
Despairing e'er again to see him; and  
Ashamed of such a Visionary Love,  
Durst never trust my Tongue with my own Thoughts.  Carl. 
'Tis enough.  
Take here from me the Hand of her, 
Don Carlos presents Camilla to Antonio.  whose Heart  
Heaven, and your Merits have long since made yours  
Without my Knowledge; may her Virtue pay  
Some part of that, which we both own to yours.  Ant. 
Here with your leave, 
Antonio takes Porcia's hand, and kisses it with great respect.  and hers I seal the Vows  
Of my Eternal Faith unto you both.  Carl. 
But let's take heed, Antonio, lest whilst we  
Are Joying in our mutual Happiness,  
Don Henrique's scarcely yet composed Distemper  
Revive not, and Disorder us afresh:  
I like not his Grim Posture; you know well  
After a Tempest, though the Wind be laid,  
There often does remain for a good while  
A dangerous Agitation of the Waves;  
He must not yet be trusted with himself.  Ant. 
'Tis well thought on, let us go to him.  Oct. 
Here with Respect we wait the Confirmation  
Of Heaven's Decrees from your Indulgence, 
Octavio holding Porcia by the hand advances towards Henrique.  Sir.  
This Lady▪ your Incomparable Sister,  
Can witness that I never did invade  
Your Passion for Camilla; and Pedro's death  
Happened by your mistaken Jealousy;  
The Causes of your Hate being now removed,  
'Tis just, Don Henrique, the Effects should cease.  Henr. 
I shall consult my Honor.  Carl. 
You cannot take a better Counsellor  
In this Case, than you Own, and Sister's Honour;  
What, to secure them both, could have been wished  
Beyond what Fate hath of itself produced?  Henr. 
How hard it is to Act upon Constraint.  
That, which I could have Wished, I now would Fly;  
Since 'tis obtruded by Necessity.  Ant. 
Noble Don Henrique, make account of me  
To be as truly yours by this Alliance,  
As if a Brother's Name subsisted still.  Henr. 
I must consent, 
Aside.  I see, or worse will follow.  
He is a Fool who thinks by Force, or Skill  
To turn the Current of a Woman's Will  
Since fair Camilla is Antonio's Lot,  
I Porcia yield to Don Antonio's Friend.  
Our Strength, and Wisdom must submit to Fate.  
Script of my Love, I will put off my Hate.  
Here, 
Henrique takes Porcia by the hand and gives her to Octavio.  take her hand; and may she make you, Sir,  
Happier, than she has done me.  Enter Diego and Flora from the inner Room. Flo. 
Had such Disorders e'er such a Come-off?  
Methinks 'twould make a Rare Plot for a Play. 
They all embrace, but Henrique coldly.   Die. 
Faith Flora, I should have the worst of that;  
For by the Law of Comedy 'twould be  
My Lot to Marry you.  Oct. 
Well thought on, Diego, though spoken in Jest;  
We cannot do, I think, a better thing  
In Earnest, than to make them Two Join Hands.  
What sayest thou to it, Flora?  Flo. 
Indeed I have had so many Frights this night,  
That I am e'en afraid to lie alone.  Die. 
Give me thy Hand Flora, 
Diego takes her by the hand.  it is a Bargain;  
I promise thee, dear Spouse, I'll do my best  
To make thee first Repent this Earnest Jest.  Flo. 
That time shall try.  Carl. 
Since this last happy Scene is in my House,  
You'll make Collation with me are we part.  Ant. 
Agreed, agreed, agreed.  Oct. 
Agreed, agreed, agreed.  Die. 
Sir, you had best make haste, else what you call  
Collation, may prove a Breakfast, for 'tis  
Near twelve a Clock.  Ant. 
Thus end the Rare Adventures of Five Hours;  
As sometimes Boisterous Storm's in Gentle Shours.   

THE EPILOGUE.  Diego comes stealing in, and is followed by Henrique, who stays at the Door, and Listens. Die. 
Come Gentlemen!  
Let the Dons, and Monsieurs say what they will;  
〈◊〉 our parts, we are for Old England still.  
〈◊〉 is a fine Play indeed, to lay the Scene  
〈◊〉 three Houses of the same Town, O mean!  
〈◊〉 we have several Plays, where I 〈◊〉 fie.  
〈◊〉 Devil to tell where the Scene does lie:  
times in Greece, and then they make a step  
Transilvania thence at one Leap  
To Greece again: this shows a ranging Brain,  
Which scorns to be confined t' a Town in Spain.  

Then for the Plot;  
The possible Adventures of Five Hours;  
A copious Design, why ' in some of ours  
Many of th' Adventures are impossible,  
Or if to be achieved, no Man can tell  
Within what time; this shows a rare Invention,  
When the Design's above your Comprehension:  
Whilst here you're treated with a Romance Tale,  
And a Plot covered with a Spanish Veil.   

As for the Style;  
It is as easy as a Proclamation,  
As if the Play were Penned for th'whole Nation.  
None of those thundering Lines, which use to crack  
Our Breathes, and set your Wits upon the Rack.  
Who can admire this Piece, or think it good;  
There's not one Line, but may be understood.   

The Raillery;  
As innocent, as if't had passed the Test  
Of a full Synod: not one Bawdy Jest;  
Nor any of those Words of Double Sense,  
Which makes th' Ladies, to show their Innocence;  
Look so demure; whilst by a simp'ring Smile,  
The Gallant shows he understands the Style.  
But here you have a Piece so subtly Writ,  
Men must have Wit themselves to find the Wit:  
Faith that's too much; therefore by my consent,  
We'll Damn the Play.   Henr. 
Thinkest thou, 
Pointing to the Pit.  Impertinent,  
That these, who know the Pangs of bringing forth  
A Living Scene, should e'er destroy this Birth.  
You ne'er can want such Writers, who aspire  
To please the Judges of that Upper ●ire.  
The Knowing are his Peers, and for the rest  
Of the Illiterate Crowd (though finely dressed)  
The Author hopes, he never gave them cause  
To think, he'd waste his Time for their Applause.  
You then (most equal Judges) freely give  
Your Votes, whether this Play should Die, or Live.  

THE EPILOGUE AT COURT  
W'Have passed the Lords, and Commons; and 〈◊〉  
At length, Dread Sir, to hear Your Final Doom  
'Tis true, Your Vassals 〈◊〉 may Vote the Laws,  
Their 〈…〉 Divine Applause.  
This Shining Circle then will all sit Mute,  
Till one pronounce from you▪ Le Roy le Ven●.   
FINIS