SCENE III.-The Street. Enter D. DUART disguised with a servant. D. Du. Where did you find him? Serv. Hard by, sir, at an house of civil recreation; he's now coming forth; that's he.

Enter CLODIO.

D. Du. I scarce remember him. I would not willingly mistake-I'll observe him.

Clo. So! now if I can but pick up an honest fellow, to crack one healing bottle, I think I shall finish the day as smartly as the grand signiorHold, let me see, what has my hasty refreshment cost me here; umb-umb-umb-[Counts his money.]-seven pistoles, by Jupiter; why, what a plaguy income this jade must have in a week, if she's thus paid by the hour!

D. Du. 'Tis the same! leave me-[Exit Sercunt.]-Your servant, sir.

Clo. Sir-your humble servant.

D. Du. Pardon a stranger's freedom, sir; but, when you know my business

Clo. Sir, if you'll take a bottle, I shall be proud of your acquaintance; and if I don't do your business before we part, I'll knock under the table.

D. Du. Sir, I shall be glad to drink with you; but at present am incapable of sitting to it. Cio. Why, then, sir, you shall only drink as long as you can stand; we'll have a bottle here, sir. Hey, Madona ! [Calls at the door.

D. Du. A very frank-humoured gentleman: | I'll know him farther-I presume, sir, you are not of Portugal ?

Clo. No, sir-I am a kind of a-what-d'ye call-'um-a sort of a here-and-thereian; I am a stranger no where.

D. Du. Have you travelled far, sir?
Clo. My tour of Europe, or so, sir—

Enter Servant with wine.

Clo. So, so here's the wine! come; sir, to our better acquaintance-faith, I like you might ily—Allons!—[Drinks.]—Morbleu! ce n'est pas mauvais! Allons, encore, hey! Vive l'amour! Quand Iris, &c. [Sings.

D. Du. I find, sir, you have taken a taste of all the countries you have travelled through: but I presume your chief amusement has lain among the ladies. You fared well in France, I hope?

Clo. Yes, faith, as far as my pocket would go: the devil a stroke without it: no money, no inademoiselle; no ducat, no duchess: no pistole, no princess-By the way, let me tell you, sir, your Lisbonites are held up at a pretty smart rate, too -I was forced to come down to the tune of seven pistoles here-a man may keep a pad of his own cheaper than he can ride post, split me!

D. Du. I find, sir, you know England, then? Clo. Ay, sir, and every woman there that's worth knowing.

D. Du. But I wonder, sir, that, in a country so famed for handsome women, the men are so generally blamed for their scandalous usage of them,

Clo. Oh, damned scandalous, sir-they use their mistresses as bad as their wives, faith. I tell you what, sir; I knew a citizen's daughter there, that run away with a lord, who, in the first six months of her preferment, never stirred out, but she made the ladies cry at her equipage; and, about eight months after, I think, one morning reeling pretty early into a certain house in the Savoy, I found the self-same, castoff, solitary lady, in a room with bare walls, dressing her dear, pretty head there, in the corner bit of a looking-glass, prudently supported by a quartern brandy pot, upon the head of an oyster-barrel.

D. Du. I find few mistresses make their fortunes there; but pray, sir, among all your adventures, has no particular lady's merit encouraged you to advance your own marriage?

Clo. Sir, I have been so near marriage, that my wedding-day has been come; but it was never over yet, split me!

D. Du. How so, sir?

Clo. Why, the priest, the bride, and the dinner, were all ready dressed, faith; but, before I could fall to, my elder brother, sir, comes nie in with a damned long stride, and a sharp stomach says a short grace, and-whipped her up like an oyster.

D. Du. You had ill fortune, sir.

Clo. Sir, fortune is not much in my debt; for you must know, sir, though I lost my wife, I have escaped hanging since, here in Lisbon.

D. Du. That I know you have; be not amazed, sir.

Clo. Hey! what the devil! have I been all this while treating an officer, that has a warrant against me?-Pray, sir, if it be no offenco may I beg the favour to know who you are?

D. Du. Let it suffice, I own myself your friend -I am your debtor, sir; you fought a gentleman they call Don Duart-I knew him well; he was a proud insulting fellow, and my mortal foe: but you killed him, and I thank you; nay, I saw you do it fairly, too; and for the action, I desire you will command my sword or fortune.

Clo. Pray, sir-is there no joke in all this?

D. Du. There, sir; the little all I'm master of, may serve, at present, to convince you of my sincerity; I ask for no return, but to be informed how I may do you farther service. [Gives him a purse.

Clo. Sir, your health—I'll give you information presently.-[Drinks.]-Pray, sir, do you know the gentleman's sister, that I fought with? That is, do you know what reputation, what for tune she has?

D. Du. I know her fortune to be worth above twelve thousand pistoles; her reputation yet unsullied; but pray, sir, why may you ask this? Clo. Now, I'll tell you, sir-twelve thousand pistoles, you say?

D. Du. I speak the least, sir.

Clo. Why, this very lady, after I had killed her brother, gave me the protection of her house; hid me in her closet, while the officers that brought in the dead body came to search for me; and, as soon as their backs were turned, poor soul! hur

search.-Aside.]-May I depend on this for truth, sir?

Clo. Why, sir, you don't suppose I'd banter a lady of her quality?

D. Du. Damnation '-[Aside.]-Well, sir, I'll take your letter; but first let me be well acquainted with my errand.

Clo. Sir, I'll write this moment; if you please, we'll step into the house here, and finish the business over another bottle. D. Du. With all my heart. Clo. Allons! Entrez.

SCENE I-ELVIRA is discovered alone in mourning, a lamp by her. Don DUART enters behind disguised.

D Du. Thus far I am passed, unknown to any of the servants-now for the proof of what I fear-Ha! yonder she is―This close retirement, those sable colours, the solemn silence that attends her, no friends admitted, nor even the day to visit her-these seem to speak a real sorrow; if not, the counterfeit is deep indeed I'll fathom it- -Madam

Elc. Who's there? another murderer! where are my servants? will nothing but my sorrows wait upon me?

D. Du. Your pardon, lady; I have no evil meaning; this letter will inform you of my business, and excuse this rude intrusion.

Elv. For me! whence comes it, sir?

D. Du. The contents, madam, will explain to you-She seems amazed! looks almost through the letter-I should suspect the stranger had belied her, but that he gave me such convincing circumstances-Ha, she pauses! 'sdeath! a sunile too-I fear her now!

Elo. My prayers are heard; justice at length has overtaken the murderer: his vowed protection having been strictly paid, I now, unperjured, may revenge my brother's blood. It lies on me, if I neglect this fair occasion: but 'twere not safe to shew my thought; therefore, to be just, I must dissemble. [Aside.] I ask your pardon for my rudeness, sir; upon your friend's account you might, indeed, have claimed a better wel

come.

D. Du. So; then she's damned, I find. But I'll have more, and bring them face to face. [Aside] My friend, madam, thought his visits would be unseasonable, before the sad solemnity of your brother's funeral.

Eir. A needless fear! My brother, sir! Alas, I owe your friend my thanks, for having eased our family of so scandalous a burthen! A riotous, unmannered fellow; I blush to speak of him. 1). Du. Oh, patience! patience! [Aside. Elv. Pray, let him know, his absence was the

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.-LOUISA's House.

Enter LOUISA and JAQUES.
Lou. Is the lady seized?

Juq. Yes, madam, and half dead with the fright.

Lou. Let them be ready to produce her, as I directed. When the stranger's taken, bring me immediate notice; 'tis near his time, away.Exit JAQUES.] Had he not loved another, me thinks I could have borne this usage, sat me down alone content, and found a secret pleasure in complaining; but to be slighted for a girl, a sickly, poor, unthinking wretch, incapable of love; that, that stabs home! 'Tis poison to my thoughts, and swells them to revenge! My rival! no, she shall never triumph. Hark! what noise! they have him sure! How now!

Enter JAQUES.

Jaq. Madam, the gentleman is taken. Lou. Bring him in-Revenge, I thank thee now!

Enter Bravoes with CARLOS disarmed. So, sir, you are returned, it seems; you can love then! You have an heart, I find, though not for me! Perhaps you came to seek a worthier mistress here; 'twould be uncharitable to disap

Now, sir, is this the lady?

Cur. My Angelina! Oh!

Lou. Now, let me see you smile, and rudely throw me from your arms; now scorn my love, my passion, and my fortune; now, let your squeamish virtue fly me as a disease to modesty; and tell her, now, your shameful tale of my intemperance!

Car. Oh, cruelty of fate! that could betray

such innocence!

Lou. What, not a word to soften yet thy obstinate aversion! Thou wretched fool, thus to provoke thy ruin--End her! [To the Bravoes. Car. Oh, hold! for pity hold, and hear me!

Lou. I've learned from you to use my pityOn one condition yet she lives an hour; but, if refused

Car. He's old and cheerful, apt to be free; but he'll be sorry when his humour gives offence.

Enter Don LEWIS, JAQUES bowing to him. D. Lew. Pr'ythee, honest Dumb, don't be so ceremonious. A pox on thee! I tell thee it's very well as it is, (only my jaws ache a little :) but as long as we're all friends, it's no great matter.My dear Charles, I must buss thee, faith!Madam, your humble servant-I beg your pardon, d'ye see- -you understand me?

[Exit JAQUES.

Lou. I hope we are all friends, sir. D. Lew. I hope we are, madam-I am an honest old fellow, faith: though, now and then, I'm a little odd, too.

Cur. He's a stranger, uncle.

Cur. Yet hold! forgive my rashness, I was to blame, indeed; but passion has transported both

of us.

Lou. How he disarms my anger! But must my rival triumph then?

Ang. Charge me not with such abhorred ingratitude: be witness, Heaven, I'll for ever serve you, court you, and confess you my preserver.

Car. For pity, yet resolve, and force your temper to a moment's pause. See, at your feet, my humbled scorn imploring, crushed, and prostrate, like a vile slave, that falls below your last contempt, and, trembling, begs for mercy.

Lou. He buries my revenge in blushes. Now, live long and happily; forgive my follies past, and you have overpaid me. [Joins their hands.

Car. My Angelina! do I then live to hold thee thus? Oh, I have a thousand things to say, to ask, to weep, and hear of thee-But, first, let's kneel, and pay our thanks to Heaven, and this our kind

preserver.

Lou. Nay, now, you give me a confusion.[Raises them.] But if you dare trust me with the story of your love's distress, as far as my fortune can, command it freely to supply your present wants, or any future means proposed to give you lasting happiness.

Car. Eternal rounds of never-ending peace reward your wondrous bounty!-But I have been too busy in my joy; I almost had forgot my friendly uncle, the ancient gentleman that first came hither with me; how have you disposed of him?

Lou. I think he's here, and safe-Who waits there? [Enter JAQUES.] Release the gentleman

Ang. I thank you, sir, and wish I may deserve your love: our fortune, once again, is kind; but how it comes about

D. Lew. Does not signify three-pence; when fortune pays me a visit, I seldom trouble myself to know which way she came-I tell you, I am glad to see you.

Enter JAQUES.

Jaq. Madam, here's the lord governor come to wait upon your ladyship.

Lou. At this late hour! What can his business be? Desire his lordship to walk in.

Enter Governor.

Gov. Pardon, madam, this unseasonable visit, Lou. Your lordship does me honour.

Gov. At least, I hope my business will excuse it. Some strangers, here below, upon their offered oaths, demanded my authority to search your house for a lost young lady, to whom the one of them affirms himself the father: but the respect I owe your ladyship made me refuse their search, till I had spoken with you.

Ang. It must be they- -Now, madam, your protection, or we yet are lost.

Lou. Be not concerned! Would you avoid them?

Car, No, we must be found; let them have entrance; we have an honest cause, and would provoke its trial.

Lou. Conduct the gentlemen without. [Exit JAQUES.] My lord, I'll answer for their honesty; and, as they are strangers, where the law's scvere, must beg you'd favour and assist them.

Gov. You may command me, madam; though

there's no great fear: for, having heard the most that they could urge against them, I found, in their complaints, more spleen and humour than any just appearance of a real injury.

Enter CHARINO, ANTONIO, and CLODIO.
Cha. I'll have justice.

Ant. Don't be too hot, brother.
Cha. Sir, I demand justice.

Car. My father! Sir, your pardon and your blessing.

Ant. Why, truly, Charles, I begin to be a little reconciled to the matter; I wish you well, though I cann't join you together; for my friend and brother here is very obstinate, and will admit of no satisfaction: but, however, Heaven will bless you | in spite of his teeth.

Cha. This is all contrivance, roguery! I am abused! I say, deliver my daughter—she is an heiress, sir; and to detain her is a rape in law, sir, and I'll have you all hanged; therefore, no more delays, sir; for I tell you before-hand, I am a wise man, and 'tis impossible to trick me.

Ant. I say, you are too positive, brother; and when you learn more wisdom, you'll have some. Cha. I say, brother, this is mere malice, when you know, in your own conscience, I have ten times your understanding; for you see I am quite of another opinion: and so, once more, my lord, I demand justice against that ravisher.

Gov. Does your daughter, sir, complain of any violence?

Cha. Your lordship knows young girls never complain, when the violence is over; he has taught her better, I suppose.

af

Ang. [To CHARINO, kneeling.] Sir, you are my father, bred me, cherished me, gave me my fections, taught me to keep them hitherto within the bounds of honour and of virtue; let me conjure you, by the chaste love my mother bore you, when she preferred, to her mistaken parents' choice, her being yours without a dower, not to bestow my person, where those affections ne'er can follow-I cannot love that gentleman more than a sister ought; but here my heart's subdued, even to the last compliance with my fortune: he, sir, has nobly wooed and won me; and I am only his, or miserable.

Cha. Get up again.

Gov. Come, sir, be persuaded; your daughter has made an honourable and happy choice; this severity will but expose yourself and her.

Cha. My lord, I don't want advice: I'll consider with myself, and resolve upon my own opi

nion.

Enter JAQUES.

Jaq. My lord, here's a stranger without, inquires for your lordship, and for a gentleman that calls himself Clodio.

Clo. Hey! Ah, mon cher ami!

Enter Don DUART, disguised. Well, what news, my dear? Has she answered my letter?

D. Du. There, sir-This to your lordship. [Groes him a letter, and whispers. Gov. Married to-night! and to this gentleman, sayest thou? I'm amazed!

D. Du. Here is her choice, my lord.

Clo. [Reading the letter.]-Um-um-charms --irresistible excuse-so soon-passion-blushes-consent-provision-children-settlement--marriage-If this is not plain, the devil's in't Hold, here's more, faith- [Reads to himself. Gov. 'Tis very sudden—but give my service, I'll wait upon her.

Clo. Ha, ha, ha! poor soul! I'll be with her presently; and, faith, since I have made my own fortune, I'll e'en patch up my brother's too. Hark you, my dear dad, that should haʼ been— This business is all at an end-for, look you, I find your daughter's engaged; and, to tell you the truth, so am I, faith. If my brother has a mind to marry her, let him; for I shall not, split me-And now, gentlemen and ladies, if you will do me the honour to grace mine and the lady Elvira's wedding, such homely entertainment as my poor house affords, you shall be all heartily welcome to.

D. Lew. Thy house! ha, ha! Well said, pup

py!

Clo. Ha! old Testy!

Cha. What dost thou mean, man?

[To CLODIO.

Gov. 'Tis even so, I can assure you, sir; I have, myself, an invitation from the lady's own hand, that confirms it: I know her fortune well, and am surprised at it.

Ang. Blessed news! This seems a forward step to reconcile us all.

Cha. If this be true, my lord, I have been thinking to no purpose; my design is all broke to pieces.

Ant. Come, brother, we'll mend it as well as we can; and since that young rogue has rudely turned tail upon your daughter, I'll fill up the blank with Charles's name, and let the rest of the settlement stand as it was.

Chu. Hold! I'll first see this wedding, and then give you my final resolution.

Clo. Come, ladies, if you please, my friend will shew you.

Lou. Sir, we wait upon you.
Cha. This wedding's an odd thing.

D. Lew. Ha, ha! if it should be a lie, now.

[Excunt.

SCENE III.-ELVIRA'S Apartment-ELVIRA alone, with CLODIO's letter in her hand.

Elv. At how severe a price do women perchase an unspotted fame, when even the justest title cannot assure possession! When we reflect upon the insolent and daily wrongs which men and scandal throw upon our actions, 'twere enough to make an honest mind despair! If we are fair and chaste, we are proud; if free, we are wanton; cold, we are cunning; and if kind, forsaken-nothing we do or think on, be the

Ela. Conduct the company. Now, justice shall uncloud my fame, and see my brother's death revenged.

Enter hautboys playing, CLODIO singing, D. DUART, Governor, D. MANUEL, LOUISA, CARLOS, ANGELINA, ANTONIO, CHARINO, and D. LEWIS.

Clo. Well, madam, you see I am punctualyou've nicked your man, faith; I am always critical-to a minute. You'll never stay for me. Ladies and gentlemen, I desire you'll do me the honour of being better acquainted here-my lordGov. Give you joy, madam:

Clo. Nay, madam, I have brought you some near relations of my own, too— -This Don Antonio, who will shortly have the honour to call you daughter.

Ant. The young rogue has made a pretty choice, faith!

Clo. This Don Charino, who was very near having the honour of calling me son. This my elder brother-and this my noble uncle, Don Choleric Snapshorto de Testy.

D. Lew. Puppy! Clo. Peevish!

D. Lew. Madam, I wish you joy with all my heart; but, truly, I cann't much advise you to marry this gentleman; because, in a day or two, you'll really find him extremely shocking: those, that know him, generally give him the title of Don Dismallo Thickscullo de Halfwitto.

Clo. Well said, nuncle-ha, ha!

D. Du. Are you provided of a priest, sir? Clo. Ay, ay, pox on him! would he were come, though!

D. Du. So would I. I want the cue to act this justice, on my honour; yet I cannot read the folly in her looks. [Aside. Gov. You have surprised us, madam, by this sudden marriage.

Elv. I may yet surprise you more, my lord. D. Du. Sir, don't you think your bride looks melancholy?

Cio. Ay, poor fool, she's modest-but I have a cure for that-Well, my princess, why that demure look, now?

Elv. I was thinking, sir

Clo. I know what you think of-You don't think at all-You don't know what to thinkYou neither see, hear, feel, smell, nor taste

You ha'n't the right use of one of your senses→ In short, you have it. Now, my princess, have not I nicked it?

Elv. I am sorry, sir, you know so little of yourself, or me.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. Madam, the priest is come.

Elv. Let him wait, we've no occasion yetWithin, there-seize him.

[Several Officers rush in, who seize CLODIO, and bind him.

D. Du. Ha!

Gov. What can this mean?

Clo. Gads me! what, is my deary in her frolics already?

Eto. And now, my lord, your justice on that murderer.

Gov. How, madam !

Clo. That bitch, my fortune!

D. Lew. Madam, upon my knees, I beg you don't carry the jest too far; but if there be any real hopes of his having a halter, let's know it in three words, that I may be sure at once for ever, that no earthly thing but a reprieve can save him. [Apart to ELVIRA. Ant. Pray, madam, who accuses him? Elo. His own confession, sir. Cha. Of murder, say you, madam? Elo. The murder of my brother. Gov. Where was that confession made?

Elo After the fact was done, my lord, this man, pursued by justice, took shelter here, and, trembling, begged of me for my protection: he seemed, indeed, a stranger, and his complaints so pitiful, that I, little suspicious of my brother's death, promised, by a rash and solemn vow, I would conceal him: which vow, Heaven can witness with what distraction in my thoughts I strictly kept, and paid; but he, alas! mistaking this my hospitable charity for the effects of a most vile, preposterous love, proceeds upon his error, and in his letter, here, addresses me for marriage; which I, once having paid my vow, answered in such prevailing terms, upon his folly, as now have, unprotected, drawn him into the hands of justice.

D. Du. She is innocent, and well has disappointed my revenge. Aside. D. Lew. So, now I am a little easy-the puppy will be hanged.

Gov. Give me leave, madam, to ask you yet some farther questions.

Clo. Ay,-I shall be hanged, I believe.

Cha. Nay, then, 'tis time to take care of my daughter; for I am convinced that my friend Clody is disposed of and so, without compliment, do you see, children, Heaven bless you together.

[Joins CARLOS and ANGELINA's hands. Car. This, sir, is a time unfit to thank you as we ought.

Ant. Well, brother, I thank you, however; Charles is an honest lad, and well deserves her;