Lor. Are you sure of that?

Isab. I am your daughter, my lord, and can boast as strong a resolution as yourself. I'll die before I'll marry Guzman.

Lop. Say you so? I'll try that presently. [Draws.] Here, let me see with what dexterity you can breathe a vein now. [Offers her his sword.] The point is pretty sharp-'twill do your business, I warrant you.

Inis. Bless me, sir! What, do you mean to put a sword unto the hands of a desperate woman? Lop. Desperate! ha, ha, ha! you see how desperate she is. What, art thou frighted, little Bell? ha!

Lop. Ay, ay, child, thou hadst better take the man; he'll hurt thee the least of the two.

Isab. I shall take neither, sir: Death has many doors; and when I can live no longer with pleasure, I shall find one to let him in at without your aid.

Lop. Say'st thou so, my dear Bell? Ods, I'm afraid thou art a little lunatic, Bell. I must take care of thee, child. [Takes hold of her, and puils out of his pocket a key.] I shall make bold to secure thee, my dear; I'll see if locks and bars can keep thee till Guzman come. Go, get into your

chamber:

There I'll your boasted resolution try, And see who'll get the better, you or I. [Pushes her in, and locks the door.

SCENE I.-A Room in Don PEDRO'S House. Enter Donna VIOLANTE reading a Letter, and FLORA following.

Flo. What, must that letter be read again? Vio. Yes, and again, and again, and again, a thousand times again; a letter from a faithful lover can ne'er be read too often; it speaks such kind, such soft, such tender things-[Kisses it. Fo. But always the same language. Vio. It does not charm the less for that. Flo. In my opinion, nothing charms that does not change; and any composition of the four-andtwenty letters, after the first essay, from the same hand, must be dull, except a bank-note or a bill of exchange.

Vio. Thy taste is my aversion.--[Reads.]My all that's charming, since life's not life, exiled from thee, this night shall bring me to thy arms. Frederick and thee are all I trust. These six weeks absence has been in love's account six hundred years. When it is dark, expect the wonted signal at thy window: till when, adieu. Thine, more than his own, FELIX.'

Flo. Who would not have said as much to a lady of her beauty, and twenty thousand pounds? -Were I a man, methinks I could have said a hundred finer things.

Vio. What would you have said?

Flo. I would have compared your eyes to the stars, your teeth to ivory, your lips to coral, your neck to alabaster, your shape to

Vio. No more of your bombast; truth is the best eloquence in a lover.What proof remains ungiven of his love? When his father threatened to disinherit him for refusing Don Antonio's sister, from whence sprung this unhappy quarrel, did it shake his love for me? and now, though strict inquiry runs through every place, with large rewards to apprehend him, does he not venture all for me?

Flo. But you know, madam, your father Don Pedro designs you for a nun-to be sure, you look very like a nun!-and says your grandfather left you your fortune upon that condition.

Vio. Not without my approbation, girl, when I come to one-and-twenty, as I am informed. But, however, I shall run the risk of that. Go, call in Lissardo.

Flo. Yes, madam. Now for a thousand verbal questions. [Exit, and re-enter with LISSAR. Vio. Well, and how do you do, Lissardo? Liss. Ah, very weary, madam.look'st wondrous pretty, Flora.

Vio. How came you?

-'Faith, thou [Aside to FLO.

Liss. En chevalier, madam, upon a hackney jade, which they told me formerly belonged to an English colonel; but I should have rather thought she had been bred a good Roman catholic all her lifetime for she down'd on her knees to every stock and stone we came along by.My chops water for a kiss, they do, Flora.

[Aside to FLORA. Flo. You'd make one believe you are wondrous fond now.

Vio. Where did you leave your master? Liss. Od, if I had you alone, housewife, I'd shew you how fond I could be

[Aside to FLORA. Vio. Where did you leave your master? Liss. At a little farm-house, madam, about five miles off. He'll be at Don Frederick's in the evening--Od, I will so revenge myself of those lips of thine. [To FLORA.

ill.

Vio. Is he in health?
Flo. Oh, you counterfeit wondrous well.
[To LISSARDO.
Liss. No; every body knows I counterfeit

very

[TO FLORA. Vio. How say you? Is Felix ill? What's his distemper? ha!

Liss. A pies on't! I hate to be interrupted.— Love, madam, love-In short, madam, I be

lieve he has thought of nothing but your ladyship ever since he left Lisbon. I am sure he could not, if I may judge of his heart by my own.

[Looking lovingly upon FLORA. Vio. How came you so well acquainted with your master's thoughts, Lissardo?

Liss. By an infallible rule, madam; words are the pictures of the mind, you know: now, to prove he thinks of nothing but you, he talks of nothing but you.-For example, madam, coming from shooting t'other day with a brace of partridges, Lissardo, said he, go bid the cook roast me these Violantes.I flew into the kitchen full of thoughts of thee, cry'd, Here, cook, roast me these Floras. [To FLORA. Flo. Ha, ha, excellent!-you mimic your master then, it seems.

Liss. I can do every thing as well as my mas. ter, you little rogue.-Another time, madam, the priest came to make him a visit, he called out hastily, Lissardo, said he, bring a Violante for my father to sit down on.—— -Then he often mistook my name, madam, and called me Violante: in short, I heard it so often, that it became as familiar to me as my prayers.

Vio. You live very merrily then, it seems. Liss. Oh! exceeding merry, madam. [Kisses FLORA's hand. Vio. Ha! exceeding merry: had you treats and balls?

Liss. Oh! yes, yes, madam, several.

Flo. You are mad, Lissardo, you don't mind what my lady says to you. [Aside to LISSARDO. Vio. Ha! balls-Is he so merry in my absence? And did your master dance, Lissardo?

Liss. Dance, madam! where, madam?
Vio. Why, at those balls you speak of.
Liss. Balls! what balls, madam?

Vio. Why, sure you are in love, Lissardo; did not you say, but now, you had balls where you have been?

Liss. Balls, madam! Odslife, I ask your pardon, madam! I, I, I had mislaid some wash-balls of my master's t'other day; and because I could not think where I had laid them, just when he asked for them, he very fairly broke my head, madam; and now, it seems, I can think of nothing else. Alas! he dance, madam! No, no, poor gentleman! he is as melancholy as an unbraced drum. Vio. Poor Felix! There, wear that ring for your master's sake, and let him know I shall be ready to receive him. [Exit VIOLANTE.

Liss. I shall, madam.- -[Puts on the ring.] Methinks a diamond ring is a vast addition to the little finger of a gentleman. [Admiring his hand. Flo. That ring must be mine.-Well, Lissardo, what haste you make to pay off arrears now? Look how the fellow stands!

Liss. 'Egad, methinks I have a very pretty hand-and very white-and the shape!--Faith, I never minded it so much before-In my opinion it is a very fine shaped hand--and becomes a diamond ring as well as the first grandee's in Portugal.

Flo. The man's transported! Is this your love, this your impatience?

Liss. [Takes snuff.] Now in my mind—I take snuff with a very jantee air-Well, I am persuaded I want nothing but a coach and a title to make me a very fine gentleman. [Struts about. Flo. Sweet Mr Lissardo! [Courtesying] if I may presume to speak to you without affronting your little finger

Liss. Odso, madam, I ask your pardon-Is it to me, or to the ring-you direct your discourse, madam?

Plo. Madam! Good lack! how much a diamond ring improves one!

Liss. Why, though I say it-I can carry my. self as well as any body-But what wert thou going to say, child?

Flo. Why, I was going to say that I fancy you had best let me keep that ring: it will be a very pretty wedding-ring, Lissardo, would it not?

Liss. Humph! ah! But-but-but-I believe I sha'n't marry yet a while.

Flo. You sha'n't, you say-Very well! I suppose you design that ring for Inis.

Liss. No, no; I never bribe an old acquaint ance-Perhaps I might let it sparkle in the eyes of a stranger a little till we come to a right understanding—but then, like all other mortal things, it would return from whence it came.

Flo. Insolent!-Is that your manner of deal.

ing?

rogue you.

Liss. With all but thee-Kiss me, you little [Hugging her. Flo. Little rogue! Pr'ythee, fellow, don't be so familiar; [Pushing him away] if I mayn't keep your ring, I can keep my kisses.

Liss. You can, you say! Spoke with the air of a chamber-maid.

Flo. Replied with the spirit of a serving-man. Liss. Pr'ythee, Flora, don't let you and I fall out; I am in a merry humour, and shall certainly fall in somewhere.

Flo. What care I where you fall in.

Enter VIOLANTE.

Vio. Why do you keep Lissardo so long, Flora, when you don't know how soon my father may awake? his afternoon naps are never long.

Flo. Had Don Felix been with her, she would not have thought the time long. These ladies consider nobody's wants but their own. [Aside. Vio. Go, go, let him out, and bring a candle. Flo. Yes, madam.

Liss. I fly, madam. [Exeunt LISS. and FLORA. Vio. The day draws in, and night, the lover's friend, advances-night, more welcome than the sun to me, because it brings my love.

Flo. [Shrieks within.] Ah, thieves, thieves! Murder, murder!

Vio. [Shrieks.] Ah! defend me, Heaven! What do I hear? Felix is certainly pursu'd, and will be taken.

Enter FLORA, running. How now? why dost stare so? Answer me quickly; what's the matter?

Flo. Oh, madam! as I was letting out Lissardo, a gentleman rushed between him and

Col. Madam, the necessity this lady was under of being conveyed into some house with speed and secrecy, will, I hope, excuse any indecency I might be guilty of in pressing so rudely into this I am an entire stranger to her name and circumstances-would I were so to her beauty too. [Aside.] I commit her, madam, to your care, and fly to make her retreat secure if the street be clear: permit me to return, and learn from her own mouth if I can be further serviceable. Pray, madam, how is the lady of this house called? Flo. Violante, signior-He is a handsome cavalier, and promises well. [Aside. Col. Are you she, madam? Flo. Only her woman, signior.

Col. Your humble servant, mistress. Pray be careful of the lady.[Gives her two moidores, and exit.

Flo. Two moidores! Well, he is a generous fellow. This is the only way to make one careful. I find all countries understand the constitution of a chamber-maid.

Enter VIOLANTE.

Vio. Was you distracted, Flora, to tell my name to a man you never saw! Unthinking wench! who knows what this may turn to?- What, is the lady dead? Ah! defend me, Heaven! 'tis Isabella, sister to my Felix. What has befallen her? Pray Heaven he's safe.--Run and fetch some cold water.-Stay, stay, Flora.-Isabella, friend, speak to me: Oh! speak to me, or I shall die with apprehension.

Flo. See, she revives.

Isab. Oh! hold, my dearest father; do not force me, indeed I cannot love him.

Vio. How wild she talks !

Isab. Ha! where am I?

Vio. With one as sensible of thy pain as thou thyself canst be.

Isab. Violante! what kind star preserved and lodged me here?

Flo. It was a terrestrial star called a man, madam pray Jupiter he proves a lucky one. Isab. Oh! I remember now. Forgive me, dear Violante! my thoughts ran so much upon the danger I escaped, I forgot.

Vio. May I not know your story?

Isab. Thou art no stranger to one part of it. I have often told thee that my father design'd to sacrifice me to Don Guzman, who, it seems, is just return'd from Holland, and expected ashore to-morrow, the day that he has set to celebrate

I

our nuptials. Upon my refusing to obey him, he lock'd me into my chamber, vowing to keep me there till he arriv'd, and force me to consent. know my father to be positive, never to be won from his design; and having no hope left me to escape the marriage, I leap'd from the window into the street.

Vio. You have not hurt yourself, I hope?

caught me in his arms: at first, my fright made Isab. No; a gentleman passing by by accident me apprehend it was my father, till he assured me to the contrary.

Flo. He is a very fine gentleman, I promise you, madam, and a well-bred man I warrant him. I think I never saw a grandee put his hand into his pocket with a better air in my whole lifetime; then he open'd his purse with such a grace, that nothing but his manner of presenting me with the gold could equal.

Vio. There is but one common road to the heart of a servant, and 'tis impossible for a generous person to mistake it.—Go, leave us, Flora. But how came you hither, Isabella?

Isab. I know not; I desired the stranger to convey me to the next monastery, but ere I reach'd the door, I saw, or fancy'd that I saw, Lissardo, my brother's man, and the thought that his master might not be far off flung me into a swoon, which is all that I can remember.Ha! what's here? [Takes up a letter.] 'For Colonel Briton; to be left at the post-house in Lisbon.' This must be dropt by the stranger who brought me hither.

Vio. Thou art fallen into the hands of a soldier; take care he does not lay thee under contribution, girl.

Isab. I find he is a gentleman, and if he is but unmarried, I could be content to follow him all the world over.-But I shall never see him more, I fear. [Sighs and pauses.

Vio. What makes you sigh, Isabella? Isab. The fear of falling into my father's clutches again.

Vio. Can I be serviceable to you?

Isab. Yes, if you conceal me two or three days. Vio. You command my house and secrecy. Isab. I thank you, Violante. I wish you would oblige me with Mrs Flora a while.

Vio. I'll send her to you.-I must watch if dad be still asleep, or here will be no room for Felix. [Exit.

Isab. Well, I don't know what ails me; methinks I wish I could find this stranger out.

Enter FLORA.

Flo. Does your ladyship want me, madam? Isub. Ay, Mrs Flora: I resolve to make you my confidante

Flo. I shall endeavour to discharge my duty, madam.

Isab. I doubt it not, and desire you to accept this as a token of my gratitude.

Flo. Oh, dear seniora! I should have been your humble servant without a fee.

Could not

Isab. Here, did you say? You rejoice me though I'll not see him if he comes. you contrive to give him a letter?

Flo. With the air of a duennaIsab. Not in this house-you must veil and follow him-He must not know it comes from me. Flo. What, do you take me for a novice in love affairs? Though I have not practis'd the art since I have been in Donna Violante's service, yet I have not lost the theory of a chamber-maid-Do you write the letter, and leave the rest to me.Here, here, here's pen, ink, and paper.

Isab. I'll do it in a minute. [Sits down to write. Flo. So this is a business after my own heart.-Love always takes care to reward his labourers, and Great Britain seems to be his favourite country.-Oh! I long to see the other two moidores with a British air-Methinks there's a grace peculiar to that nation in making a present.

Isab. So, I have done. Now, if he does but find this house again!

Flo. If he should not-I warrant I'll find him, if he's in Lisbon; for I have a strong possession that he has two moidores as good as ever was told. [Puts the letter into her bosom. Enter VIOLANTE.

Vio. Flora, watch my papa; he's fast asleep in his study: if you find him stir give me notice. [Colonel taps at the window.] Hark, I hear Felix at the window; admit him instantly, and then to your post. [Exit FLORA. Isub. What say you, Violante? is my brother come?

Vio. It is his signal at the window.

Isab. [Kneels.] Oh, Violante! I conjure you by all the love thou bear'st to Felix, by thy own generous nature, nay, more, by that unspotted virtue thou art mistress of, do not discover to my brother I am here.

Vio. Contrary to your desire be assur'd I never shall. But where's the danger?

Isab. Art thou born in Lisbon, and ask that question? He'll think his honour blemish'd by my disobedience, and would restore me to my father, or kill me; therefore, dear, dear girl

Vio. Depend upon my friendship; nothing shall draw the secret from these lips, not even Felix, though at the hazard of his love. I hear him coming; retire into that closet.

Isab. Remember, Violante, upon thy promise my very life depends. [Exit. Vio. When I betray thee, may I share thy fate.

Fel. My life! my soul! my Violante ! Vio. What hazards dost thou run for me? Oh, how shall I requite thee?

Fel. If during this tedious painful exile thy thoughts have never wander'd from thy Felix, thou hast made me more than satisfaction.

Vio. Can there be room within this heart for any but thyself? No; if the god of love were lost to all the rest of human kind, thy image would secure him in my breast: I am all truth, all love, all faith, and know no jealous fears.

Fel. My heart's the proper sphere where Love resides: could he quit that, he would be no where found; and yet, Violante, I'm in doubt.

Vio. Did I ever give thee cause to doubt, my

Felix?

Fet. True love has many fears, and Fear as many eyes as Fame, yet, sure, I think they see no fault in thee. [Colonel taps again.] What's that? [Taps again. Vio. What! I heard nothing. [Again. Fel. Ha! What means this signal at your win

dow?

Vio. Somewhat, perhaps, in passing by, might accidentally hit it; it can be nothing else. Col. [Within.] Hist, hist, Donna Violante! Donna Violante!

Fel. They use your name by accident too, do they, madam ?

Enter FLORA.

Flo. There is a gentleman at the window, madam, which I fancy to be him who brought Isabella hither. Shall I admit him?

[Aside to VIOLANTE, Vio. Admit distraction rather! Thou art the cause of this, unthinking wretch.

[Aside to FLORA. Fel. What, has Mrs Scout brought you fresh intelligence? Death! I'll know the bottom of this immediately. [Offers to go. Flo. Scout! I scorn your words, signior. Vio. Nay, nay, nay, you must not leave me. [Runs and catches hold of him. Fel. Oh! 'tis not fair not to answer the gentleman, madam: it is none of his fault that his visit proves unseasonable. Pray let me go, my presence is but a restraint upon you. [Struggles to get from her. The Col. pats again. Vio. Was ever accident so mischievous !

my letter to him. [Exit. The Col. taps louder. Fel. Hark! he grows impatient at your delay.

-Why do you hold the man whose absence would oblige you? Pray, let me go, madam. Consider the gentleman wants you at the window. Confusion! [Struggles still.

Vio. It is not me he wants.

Enter FELIX.

-Have I caught you? Nay, then I'll leap the balcony. If I remember, this way leads to it. [Breaks from her, and goes to the door where ISABELLA is.

Vio. Oh, Heaven! what shall I do now! Hold, hold, hold, hold; not for the world-you enter there. Which way shall I preserve his sister from his knowledge? [Aside. Fel. What, have I touch'd you? Do you fear your lover's life?

Vio. I fear for none but you. For goodness sake do not speak so loud, my Felix. If my father hear you, I am lost for ever; that door opens into his apartment. What shall I do if he enters? There he finds his sister-If he goes out, he'll quarrel with the stranger.--Felix, Felix!Nay, do not struggle to be gone, my Felix.If I open the window he may discover the whole intrigue, and yet of all evils we ought to choose the least. Your curiosity shall be satisfied. [Goes to the window, and throws up the sash.] Whoe'er you are, that with such insolence dare use my name, and give the neighbourhood pretence to reflect upon my conduct, I charge you instantly to be gone, or expect the treatment you deserve. Col. I ask pardon, madam, and will obey: but when I left this house to-night

Fel. Good!

Vio. It is most certainly the stranger. What will be the event of this, Heaven knows. [Aside.] You are mistaken in the house, I suppose, sir.

Fel. No, no, he's not mistaken.-Pray, madam, let the gentleman go on.

Vio. Wretched misfortune! Pray, be gone, sir, I know of no business you have here.

Col. I wish I did not know it neither-But this house contains my soul; then, can you blame my body for hovering about it?

"Fel. Excellent!

Vio. Distraction! He will infallibly discover Isabella. I tell you again you are mistaken; however, for your own satisfaction, call to-morrow.

Fel. Matchless impudence! An assignation before my face!-No, he shall not live to meet your wishes.

[Takes out a pistol, and goes towards the window; she catches hold of him.

Vio. Ah! [Shrieks.] Hold, I conjure you. Col. To-morrow's an age, madam! may I not be admitted to-night?

Vio. If you be a gentleman, I command your absence.- -Unfortunate! what will my stars do with me! [Aside. Col. I have done—only this- -be careful of my life, for it is in your keeping.

[Exit from the window. Fel. Pray, observe the gentleman's request, [Walking off from her.

madam.

[Aside.

Vio. I am all confusion. Fel. You are all truth, all love, all faith! oh, thou all woman!-How have I been deceived?- -'Sdeath! could you not have imposed upon me for this one night? Could neither my faithful love, nor the hazard that I have run to see you, make me worthy to be cheated on? Oh, thouVio. Can I bear this from you! [Weeps. Fel. [Repeats.] When I left this house to-night -To-night! the devil! return so soon! Vio. Oh, Isabella! what hast thou involv'd me in! [Aside. Fel. [Repeats.] This house contains my soul. Vio. Yet I resolve to keep the secret. [Aside. Fel. [Repeats.] Be careful of my life, for it is in your keeping.- -Damnation!- -How ugly she appears! [Looking at her. Vio. Do not look so sternly on me, but believe me, Felix, I have not injur'd you, nor am I false, Fel. Not false, not injured me! Oh, Violante, lost and abandoned to thy vice! Not false! Oh, monstrous !

Vio. Indeed I am not.-There is a cause which I must not reveal.- -Oh, think how far honour can oblige your sex-then allow a woman may be bound by the same rule to keep a secret.

Fel. Honour! what hast thou to do with honour, thou that canst admit plurality of lovers! A secret! ha, ha, ha! his affairs are wondrous safe who trusts his secret to a woman's keeping. But you need give yourself no trouble about clearing this point, madam, for you are become so indifferent to me, that your truth and falsehood are the same.

Vio. My love! [Offers to take his hand. Fel. My torment! [Turns from her. Flo. So I have delivered my letter to the colonel, and received my fee. [Aside.] Madam, your father bade me see what noise that was.-For goodness sake, sir, why do you speak so loud?

Fel. I understand my cue, mistress; my absence is necessary; I'll oblige you.

[Going, she takes hold of him. Vio. Oh, let me undeceive you first! Fel. Impossible!

Vio. 'Tis very possible, if I durst.
Fel. Durst! ha, ha, ha! Durst, quoth-a!
Vio. But another time I'll tell thee all.
Fel. Nay, now or never——

Vio. Now it cannot be.

Fel. Then it shall never be-Thou most un. grateful of thy sex, farewell.

[Breaks from her, and exit. Vio. Oh, exquisite trial of my friendship! Yet, not even this shall draw the secret from me. That I'll preserve, let Fortune frown or sinile, And trust to Love my love to reconcile. [Exit.