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Title: The Stolen Heiress; or, The Salamanca Doctor Outplotted. A Comedy

Author: Susanna Centlivre

Release date: May 29, 2011 [eBook #36234]

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Delphine Lettau and the Online Distributed

Proofreading Canada Team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This

book was produced from scanned images of public domain

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STOLEN HEIRESS; OR, THE SALAMANCA DOCTOR OUTPLOTTED. A COMEDY ***

THE

STOLEN HEIRESS:

OR THE

Salamanca Doctor Outplotted.

A

COMEDY.

Drawn from

THE

WORKS

OF THE CELEBRATED

Mrs. CENTLIVRE.

VOLUME ONE

LONDON:

Printed for J. KNAPTON, C. HITCH and L. HAWES,

J. and R. TONSON, S. CROWDER and Co. W. BATHOE,

T. LOWNDS, T. CASLON, and G. KEARSLY.

M.DCC.LXI.

PROLOGUE.

Spoke by Mrs. PRINCE.

Our Author fearing his Success to Day,

Sends me to bribe your Spleen against his Play,

And if a Ghost in Nelly's Time cou'd sooth ye,

He hopes in these that Flesh and Blood may move ye,

Nay, what is more, to win your Hearts, a Maid!

If ever such a Thing the Play-house had.

For Cold and Shade the waxen Blossom's born,

Not to endure the Regions of the Sun,

Let every Beau then his Applause begin,

And think the Rarity was born for him:

Your true-bred Knights for fancy'd Dames advance,

And think it Gallantry to break a Launce,

And shall a real Damsel e'er be found

To plead her Cause in vain on English Ground,

Unless that dreadful Prophecy's begun,

In which Seven Women are to share——one Man!

But thanks my Stars that Danger I disown,

For in the Pit, I see 'tis—one—to one.

And while the Fair can all their Rights enjoy,

We'll keep our Title up to being Coy,

So let your Praise be noisy as your Wine,

And grant your Favours, if you'd purchase mine.

A SONG design'd to be sung by Mr. DOGGET.

The Man you Ladies ought to fear,

Behold and see his Picture here.

With Arms a-cross, and down-cast Eyes

Thus languishes, and thus he dies,

Then gives his Hat a careless Pull,

Thus he sighs, and thus looks dull,

Thus he ogles, thus he sneers,

Thus he winks, and thus he lears.

This, this is he alone can move,

And this the Man the Ladies love.

THE

EPILOGUE.

Spoke by Mr. DOGGET.

You have seen what Scholar is in Cap and Gown,

Before his Breeding's polish'd by this Town:

'Tis not enough, that he can Hebrew speak,

Greek, Latin, Chaldeac, and Arabick;

He may perform his Task in Church and School,

Ne'er drop a Word, that is not Grammar-Rule.

Run through the Arts; can each Degree commence,

Yet be a Freshman still, to Men of Sense.

Tho' the learn'd Youth, can all the Sages quote,

Has Homer, Hesiod, and the rest by Wrote;

Yet what's all this to Picquet, Dress or Play?

Or to the Circle, on a Visiting-Day?

A finish'd Beau; for such fine things I have seen,

That heretofore, has of some College been:

But that Despising, nothing now retains,

}

For Learning is a Thing requires Brains;

And that's a Perquisite the Gentleman disdains.

The Great Dull Ass, from breaking Head of Priscian;

Hither he comes, and writes approv'd Physician.

The Noise of Chariot brings the Patients in;

Grant them Patience, that Physick for their Sin.

Well then——

Since Learning's useless, I'll the Task defy;

Practice to Ogle, Flatter, Swear and Lye;

For that's the Way the Ladies Hearts to gain,

Burn all my Books; my Studies are but vain:

To gain their Looks, each Shape and Dress I'll try;

Smile when they Smile; and when they Frown, I Die.

Dramatis Personæ

MEN.

Governor of Palermo,

Mr. Bowman.

Count Pirro, Nephew to the Governor,

Mr. Griffith.

Gravello, a Sicilian Lord, Father to

Lucasia,

}

Mr. Freeman.

Larich, his Brother,

Mr. Fieldhouse.

Lord Euphenes, an old Sicilian General,

Mr. Arnold.

Palante, Son to Euphenes, but unknown

in Love with Lucasia,

}

Mr. Powel.

Clerimont, his Friend,

Mr. Baile.

Eugenio, Son to Gravello in Disguise

under the Name of Irus,

}

Mr. Booth.

Alphonso, formerly an Officer under

Euphenes,

}

Mr. Knap.

Francisco, in Love with Lavinia,

Mr. Pack.

Sancho, a Pedant, bred at Salamanca,

design'd by Larich, a Husband for

Lavinia,

}

Mr. Dogget.

Tristram, his Man,

Mr. Lee.

Rosco, Servant to Count Gravello,

Mr. Bright.

WOMEN.

Lucasia, Daughter to Gravello, in

Love with Palante,

}

Mrs. Barry.

Lavinia, Daughter to Larich, in Love

with Francisco,

}

Mrs. Prince.

Laura, Woman to Lucasia,

Mrs. Lawson.

The SCENE in PALERMO.

THE STOLEN HEIRESS:

OR, THE

SALAMANCA DOCTOR Outplotted.

ACT I. SCENE I.

Enter Count Gravello and Rosco.

Gravello. ROSCO!

Rosco. My Lord.

Grav. Hast thou divulg'd the News that my Son died at Rome?

Rosco. Yes, my Lord, with every Circumstance, the Time, the Place, and Manner of his Death; that 'tis believed, and told for Truth with as much Confidence, as if they had been Spectators of his End.

Grav. That's well, that's very well, now Rosco follows my Part, I must express a most unusual Grief, not like a well-left Heir for his dead Father, or a lusty Widow for an old decrepit Husband; no, I must counterfeit in a far deeper Strain; weep like a Parent for an only Son: Is not this a hard Task? Ha, Rosco?

Rosco. Ah, no, my Lord, not for your Skill; in your Youth your Lordship saw Plays, conversed with Players, knew the fam'd Alberto.

Grav. 'Tis true, by Heav'n, I have seen that Knave paint Grief in such a lively Colour, that for false and acted Passion he has drawn true Tears, the Ladies kept Time with his Sighs, and wept to his sad Accents as if he had truly been the Man he seem'd, then I'll try my Part, thou hast still been privy to my Bosom Secrets; know'st Wealth and Ambition are the Darlings of my Soul; nor will I leave a Stratagem unessay'd to raise my Family. My Son is well and safe, but by Command from me he returns not this three Months. My Daughter, my Lucasia, is my only Care, and to advance her Fortune have I fram'd this Project; how dost like it, Rosco, ha!

Rosco. Rarely, my Lord, my Lady will be now suppos'd the Heir to all your vast Revenues, and pester'd with more Suitors than the Grecian Queen, in the long Absence of her Lord. You'll have the Dons, Lords and Dukes swarm about your House like Bees.

Grav. My Aim is fix'd at the Rich and Great, he that has Wealth enough, yet longs for more, Count Pirro, the Governor's Heir and Nephew, that rich Lord that knows no End of his large Fortunes, yet still gapes on, for Gold is a sure Bait to gain him, no other Loadstone can attract his Iron Heart, 'tis proof against the Force of Beauty, else I should not need this Stratagem, for Nature has not prov'd a Niggard to my Daughter.

Rosco. To him, I'm sure, she's play'd the Step-Dame, I much fear Lucasia will not relish such a Match.

Grav. Ha! not relish it! has she any other Taste but mine, or shall she dare to wish ought that may contradict my Purpose—But hold, perhaps you know how she's inclin'd, you may be confederate with her, and manage her Intrigues with that Beggar Palante, who is only by Lord Euphene's Bounty, my mortal Enemies, kept from starving.

Rosco. Who I, my good Lord? Heav'n knows, I have learnt by your Lordship's Example, always to hate the Poor, and like the Courtier, never to do ought without a Bribe.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. My Lord, Count Pirro, to wait upon your Lordship.

Grav. Conduct him in. [Exit. Serv.] Now Rosco, to my Couch; if my Plot takes, I'm a happy Man.

Enter Count Pirro.

Pirro. Is your Lord asleep?

Ros. I think not, my Lord, but thus he lies, Heav'n knows when this Grief will end—My Lord, my Lord, the Count of Pirro.

Grav. I pray your Lordship pardon me, at this Time I'm not fit to entertain Persons of your Worth.

Pir. Alas! my Lord, I know your Grief.

Ros. Ay, 'twas that brought his good Lordship hither.

Pir. You have lost a worthy, and a hopeful Son, but Heav'n that always gives, will sometimes take, and there's no Balsam left to cure these Wounds but Patience; there's no disputing with it, yet if there were, in what could you accuse those Pow'rs, that else have been so liberal to you, and left you to bless your Age a beauteous Daughter.

Ros. Now it begins to work.[Aside.

Pirro. Your Blood is not extinct, nor are you Childless, Sir, from that fair Branch may come much Fruit to glad Posterity; think on this, my Lord.

Grav. I know I should not repine, my Lord, but Nature will prevail, I cannot help reflecting on my Loss; alas, my Lord, you know not what it is to lose a Son; 'tis true, I have still a Child, Heav'n has now confin'd my Care to one, to see her well bestow'd shall be the Business of my Life—Oh! my Eugenio.

Ros. Egad, he does it rarely. [Aside.

Pirr. How shall I manage, that he may not suspect my Love to his Daughter proceeds from his Son's Death, [Aside.] I was just coming to make a Proposal to your Lordship as the News reach'd my Ear, I much fear the Time's improper now to talk of Business.

Grav. Pray Heaven it be the Business I wish; were my Grief more great, if possible, yet would I suspend it to hear my Lord of Pirro.

Ros. Cunningly insinuated. [Aside.

Pirro. Your Lordship is too obliging.

Grav. Not at all, pray proceed, my Lord.

Pirro. It was, my Lord, to have ask'd the fair Lucasia for my Wife.

Ros. So he has swallow'd the Bait. [Aside.

Grav. As I could wish. [Aside.

Pirro. 'Twas not out of any Consideration of her present Fortune, my Lord, I hope you'll not believe, since I designed it e'er I knew Eugenio dead. I wish he may believe me. [Aside.

Grav. If 'twas, my Lord of Pirro does deserve it all, nor would I wish my Child a better Match. But 'tis too soon to treat of Marriage after such a Loss.

Rosco. Dear Sir, consent to this good Lord, so will your Care be over, and hopeful Grandsons make up poor Eugenio's Loss.

Grav. What would you have me think of Joy and Death at once, and mingle the Grave and Marriages together.

Pirro. If you'll consent, my Lord, a private Marriage may be had, and so dispense with the usual Solemnities of Joy. If you refuse me, I shall think you slight my Claim.

Grav. That Argument alone prevails: No, I will never give the Count of Pirro Cause to doubt of my Esteem.

Rosco. Consider, my Lord, she's an Heiress, that may set bold desperate Youths on rash Attempts; and tho' they know Sicilian Laws gives Death to him that steals an Heiress, yet I'll not warrant her Safety till to-morrow Night.

Pirro. He's in the right, my Lord.

Grav. Away, and call her, tho' she's disorder'd with her Griefs. Now thou hast rais'd another Fear, and my poor Heart trembles for Lucasia, as it for Eugenio bleeds.[Ex. Rosco.

Pirro. Within my Arms she shall be safe and happy, the Governor, my noble Uncle, and my Friend, her great Protector.

Enter Rosco with Lucasia.

Grav. Come near Lucasia, like the Ambassadors from this World's great Rulers, I bring thee Grief and Joy, pause not upon a Brother's Loss, tho' 'twas a dear one; but fix thy Thoughts here, upon this Lord; thus I bequeath thee to the illustrious Count of Pirro.

Pirro. Thus I with Extasy receive her.

[Kneels and kisses her Hand.

Luc. You'll give me Leave, my Lord, to wake from this Confusion:

Is't possible! do I behold my Father?

Can he resolve, at once, to part with both

His Children, my Brother, the best of Men,

No more will bless his Roof, no more will grace

This Palace with his Presence——

Must I be cast out too, far more unblest

Than he who's lodg'd within the peaceful Grave.

Oh, send me to him, e'er you condemn me

To perpetual Bondage, to a Life of Woe;

To a Marriage unthought of, unforeseen.

Pirro. Madam——

Grav. Mind her not, my Lord, 'tis Grief, 'tis mere Distraction, she shan't dispute my Will. Please to walk in, my Lord, we'll peruse the Writings of your Estate, and hear what Settlement you'll make her, and to-morrow the Priest shall join you, to alleviate her Griefs, and Mine.

Pirro. But to see her weep thus, damps all my rising Joy.

Grav. They are but Virgin Tears, pray come with me, Daughter, you know my Will, I expect you be obedient; you know 'tis your Duty.

Luc. I know 'tis Sir.——

But you, I hope, will give my Tortur'd Heart

Your Leave to break, and that may shew my Duty.

Pirro. Fair Lucasia.

Luc. Oh, Distraction!

[Flings from him.

Grav. Pray come, my Lord, let her have her Way, the Fits of Women's Grief last not long, at least when I command she shall obey.

[Exeunt, all but Lucasia.

Luc. A dismal Sentence, it strikes me upon my Soul,

And raises Terrors far more grim than Death;

Forgive me, Brother, if t' thy Memory

I pay not one Tear more, all now are due

To Love, and my Palante.

Enter Laura.

Lau. You name the Man that waits by me conceal'd,

For one blest Minute to comfort his Lucasia.

Luc. All Minutes now are curs'd, no chearful day,

Will ever bring the lost Lucasia Peace.

Lau. Come forth, Sir, I believe you'll prove the best Physician.

Enter Palante.

Luc. Oh Palante, art thou come prepar'd to weep,

Else, for me, thou art no fit Companion,

For I have News will rack thy very Soul.

Pal. Yes, I have heard of brave Eugenio's Death;

He was thy Brother, and my early Friend:

Thus doubly ty'd, thou need'st not doubt I mourn

Him truly——

Luc. Oh poor Palante!

So wretched Alcione did at Distance grieve,

When she beheld the floating Corps,

And knew not 'twas her Husband.

Pal. What means my Love?

Luc. Dost thou not love me, my Palante?

Pal. Oh! after so many Years of faithful Service,

Why am I ask'd that Question?

Luc. It were better that thou didst not, for when

Thou hear'st the Story 'twill turn thee into Marble;

'Twill shock thy manly Heart, and make each Nerve

Lose its accustomed Faculty, chill all

Thy Blood, and make thine Eyes run o'er like mine,

For we must part for ever.

Pal. Can that Voice pronounce a Sound so dreadful?

Art thou then alter'd with thy Fortune? Must

I lose thee?

Luc. O thou unkind one to suspect my Love,

My promis'd Faith, or think me in the least

Consenting to my rigid Father's Will,

Who, but now has given me to the Count of Pirro.

Pal. Ha! to the Count of Pirro, that Lump of Deformity:

My Sword has been my Fortune hitherto,

And ne'er was wont to fail its Master, and

Whilst this Arm can hold it, I'll maintain my Right.

Luc. Which Way rash Man, is he not surrounded

By numerous Friends, and waiting Slaves?

Does not inevitable Death attend

Thy desperate Purpose?

Pal. Then let that same Sword, the old Acquaintance

Of my Arm, pierce its lost Master's Breast, and

End my Sorrows.

Luc. Forbid it Heaven, is there no other Way?

Pal. But one, and that I dare not name.

Luc. Oh! how has thy Lucasia, since first our

Mutual Vows were plighted, given Cause for Doubt.

Why dost thou fear to ask, since all is thine, within

The Bounds of Honour.

Pal. When I attempt ought against Lucasia,

Contrary to the nicest Rules of Virtue,

May Heaven, and she, forsake me.

Luc. Oh, I know it, and when I refuse what

May advance our Loves, may I be curst

With that hated Count of Pirro. Speak, my Palante.

Pal. Can I—Ye all-seeing Powers, move so bold a Suit,

Oh! let me humbly ask it on my Knees,

To quit her cruel Father's House,

And all the Grandeur of a pompous Court.

To bear a Part in my hard Fortunes;

Oh! 'tis too much to think, to wish, to hope.

Luc. Yes, dear Palante, more than this I'd do for thee.

What's Pomp and Greatness when compared with Love?

Oh! that thou wert some humble Shepherd on

Our Sicilian Plain, I thy chearful Mate,

Wou'd watch with Pleasure till the Ev'ning Tide,

And wait thy blest Return, with as much Joy

As Queens expect Victorious Monarchs, and

Think myself more blest than they. But, oh Palante!

Thou know'st our Country's Laws gives Death without

Reprieve to him that weds an Heiress against her Parents Will,

Tho' with her own Consent.

Pal. Who would not die to purchase thee? For I

Must die without thee.

Luc. No, live Palante, we'll together tread

The Maze of Life, and stand the Shock of Fate.

The Power's Decree, or both our Happiness,

Or both our Miseries, where shall we meet?

For I will leave this loathsome House, before their

Watch grows stricter.

Pal. Will thou then forsake the World for thy Palante?

Everlasting Blessings fall around thee,

And crown thy Days and Nights with Peace and Joy.

Oh! my fond Heart, I cannot half express

The Raptures thou hast rais'd, thou Treasure of

My Soul, let me embrace thee, and while thus

I hold thee in my Arms, I'm richer than

The Eastern Monarch, nor wou'd I quit thee

To be as great as he——

Oh! let but what my Arms infolds be mine;

Take all the rest the World contains, my Life.

Luc. My Palante——

Pal. I have an only Friend, faithful and just

As men of old before Deceit became

A Trade, he shall assist us in our Flight;

He shall prepare a Priest, if thou wilt meet

Me in the Eastern Grove; when we are wed

We'll fly to Spain, till Time and Friends procure

My Pardon.

Luc. In some Disguise I'll meet thee there,

Just at the Hour of Noon,

For then my Father sleeps, and I will take

The Opportunity——

And, oh! I fear no Danger but for thee.

Pal. For me there's none, whilst thou'rt safe, and with

Me thy Loss alone can make Palante die.

Enter Laura.

Laura. Madam, your Father——

Luc. Away Palante, may all the Pow'rs preserve thee.

Pal. And thou the best of Woman-kind.

[Exeunt severally.

Luc.

O Love, thou that hast join'd a faithful Pair,

Guard my Palante, make him all thy Care.

Fate's utmost Rigor we resolve to try,

Live both together, or together die.

Enter Count Gravello, Larich, and Lavinia.

Grav. Brother, you are welcome to the House of Sorrow; but I have learnt so much Philosophy, to cease to mourn when the Cause is past Redress. Once more, forgetting Grief, you are welcome, you, and my fair Niece.

Lar. Thank you Brother—the Girl's a foolish Girl—Marriageable, but foolish—You understand me.

Lavin. I thank you, Sir.

Larich. Why, are you not a Fool, Hussy—look'e Brother, I have provided the Mynx a rich Husband, a Scholar too, Body of me bred all his youth at Salamanca, learn'd enough to commence Doctor—I love a learn'd Man, especially when Riches too concur; he's the Son and Heir of my old Friend Don Sancho, of Syracuse—and the Baggage cries I hate him, and yet has never seen him; but she is in Love, forsooth, with a young beggarly Dog, not worth a Groat; but I'll prevent her, I'll warrant her.

Grav. Just, just my Case, we are Brothers in every Thing, my Daughter too thinks her Judgment wisest, and flies a Fortune for a Princess, but her Reign's at an End, to-morrow I'm rid of her; I warrant you, Brother, we'll hamper the young Sluts.

Lavin. You may be both mistaken, old Gentlemen, if my Cousin is of my Mind.

Larich. What's that you mutter, Mrs. Littlewit?

Lavin. I say, I long to see my Cousin Lucasia, Sir, I hope that's no Crime.

Grav. No, no, Rosco, wait of her in to my Daughter, and dost hear Lavinia? Pr'ythee, let Obedience be thy Study, and teach it her.

Lavin. I'll warrant you, Sir, I'll teach her to be Obedient, if she'll but follow my Advice, [Aside.] but 'tis something hard, though Uncle, to marry a Man at first Sight one's heard but an indifferent Character of.

Larich. How, Hussy, are you a Judge of Characters? Is he not a Scholar? Answer me that.

Lavin. A meer Scholar is a meer——You know the old Proverb, Father.

Larich. Do you hear the perverse Baggage; get you out of my Sight, Hussy.

Lavin. I am obedient, Sir—I dare swear I shall find better Company than two old arbitrary Dons.

[Exit with Rosco.

Larich. Did you ever see such a Slut? body o'me these wild Wenches are enough to make old Men mad.

Grav. My Daughter is of another Strain, solid as Man but obstinate as Woman; but no Matter, when she is married my Care is over, let Count Pirro look to't.

Larich. Count Pirro! body o'me a mighty Fortune for my Cousin; why, he's rich enough to buy a Principality; my Son's rich too, and a great Scholar, which I admire above all Things.

Enter Rosco.

Rosco. Oh! Sir, such News, such a Sight, Sir!

Larich. What's the Matter?

Rosco. Don Sancho come to Town in his Salamanca Habit, his Dress, and grave Phiz has alarm'd the Mob, that there's such a crowd about the Inn Door, I'll maintain't his Landlord gives him free Quarter for a Twelve-month, if he'll let him expose him to Advantage, ha, ha, ha, he makes as odd a Figure, Sir, as the famous Don Quixot, when he went in Search of his Dulcinea.

Larich. Brother, pray correct your Servant, I like not his ridiculous Jests upon the Habit of the Learned, my Son-in-Law that is to be, minds nothing but his Books.

Rosco. Sir, I ask your Pardon, my niggard Stars have not allow'd Line enough to my Judgment, to fathom the Profundity of your Son's Shallow Capacity— [Bowing comically.

Grav. Peace, Sirrah—Come, Brother, now your Son's arriv'd, I hope we shall have a double Match to-morrow——We'll not consult the Women, but force them to their Happiness.

Experienc'd Age knows what for Youth is fit;

With Wise Men, Wealth out-weighs both Parts and Wit.

[Exeunt.

ACT II. SCENE I. Lucasia's Chamber.

Enter Lucasia and Lavinia.

Lavin. Upon my Life, Cousin, I think my Condition worse than yours, and yet you see I am not so much dejected.

Luc. Oh! What Condition is't can equal mine?

Much less exceed it; to be oblig'd to

Break my Vow, to part from my Palante;

Forc'd to the Arms of a mishapen Monster,

Whom Nature made to vex the whole Creation.

Nor is his crooked Body more deform'd

Than is his Soul, Ambition is his God;

He seeks no Heav'n but Interest; nor knows he

How to value ought but Gold.

Oh! my dearest Brother, had'st thou but liv'd

I had been truly happy, but now am

Doubly miserable, in losing thee and my Palante.

Lavin. For Heaven's Sake don't afflict yourself at this Rate, but study rather to avoid the Ill, if you would counter-plot my Uncle; dry up your Eyes, and let the Woman work, I warrant you may contrive some Way to get rid of this Lump of Worms-meat; I don't fear giving my Father the drop, for all his Care, yet tho' he made me ride post to Town, to meet the Fool he has pick'd out for me; it shall cost me a Fall, if I don't marry the Man I have a Mind to; I shall see who's the best Politician, my Dad, or I.

Luc. Thy Courage gives fresh Life and Liberty,

To poor Lucasia's tired restless Soul,

Such Pow'r have chearful Friends t'ease our Sorrows.

Oh! my Lavinia, may thy Counsel prove

Prophetic, I'm going now, in this Disguise, to meet my

Dear Palante; may no malignant Star

Interpose to cross our mutual Wishes.

May thy Designs successful prove,

To fix thee ever in Francisco's Arms.

Lavin. And make Palante yours.

SCENE the Street.

Sancho and Francisco meeting.

Fran. Don Sancho your Servant; who thought of seeing you at Palermo, I thought you had been at the University of Salamanca?

Sancho. I came lately from thence.

Fran. Pr'ythee, what brought you hither?

Sanc. Why, that that brings some Men to the Gallows, a Wench.

Fran. What, I warrant, you have got your Bed-maker with Child, and so are expell'd the College.

Sancho. That's a Mistake.

Fran. What, thou art not come hither to take Physic, ha!

Sancho. No, not the Physic you mean; but am going to enter into a Course, that is, the Course of Matrimony.

Fran. Matrimony, with who, pr'ythee?

Sanc. Why, with Don Larich's Daughter: Do you know her?

Fran. Ha! Is this my Rival? This was a lucky Discovery, [Aside.] I know her; ay, very well, Sir. I can assure you she's very handsome, and as witty as she's fair: Thou won't visit her in that Dress, sure?

Sancho. To chuse, Sir, 'tis an Emblem of Learning; nay, I design my Man shall carry a Load of Books along with me too, that she may see what he is Master of, that is to be Master of her.

Fran. Indeed, my Friend, you'll never succeed upon those Terms.

Tristr. Sir, my Master has such an Itch to this foolish Learning, that he bestows more Money yearly upon Books, than would build an Hospital for all the Courtesans in Italy.

Sancho. No more, or you'll displease me, Tristram.

Tristr. I can't help that, Sir,—Sir, will you believe me, I have spent two Days in sorting Poets from Historians, and as many Nights in placing the Divines on their own Chairs, I mean their Shelves; then separating Philosophers, from those People that kill with a License, cost me a whole Day's Labour; and tho' my Master says Learning is immortal, I find the Sheets it is contain'd in savours much of Mortality.

Sancho. I hope my Books are in good Case, Tristram?

Tristr. Yes, yes, Sir, in as good Case as the Moths have left 'em.

Sancho. Od'so, I had forgot, to get me Suarez Metaphysicks, Tolet de Anima, and Granados Commentaries, on Primum Secundæ Thomæ Aquinatis.

Tristr. How the Devil does he do to remember all these Author's hard Names, I dare swear he understands not a Syllable of their Writings——Sir, would not the famous History of Amidis de Gaul do as well?

Fran. Ay, better, better far, Man, hark'ee Sancho, you are not at Salamanca now, amongst your square Caps, but in Palermo, come up to see your Mistress the fair Lavinia, the Glory of the City; go and court her like a Gentleman, without your Tropes and Figures, or all the Physics, Metaphysics, and Metaphors, will streight be made pitiful Martyrs.

Sancho. Martyrs, Sir, why, I thought—

Fran. Thyself an errant Idiot, thy Brain's more dull than a Dutch Burghers. Is this a Dress fit for a Gentleman to court his Mistress in? Away, away, the Lady you speak of, I can assure you is too much a Gallant to be taken with a Band and a square Cap—If you would succeed, you must throw off that Pedant, and assume the Gentleman, learn the Toss of the Head, and know the Principles of each Man by the Cock of his Hat.

Sancho. How's that, pray?

Fran. Oh! I'll teach you: If you be but willing to improve, I'll warrant you carry the Lady.

Sanch. But I am to be married to her as soon as I see her, so my Father told me, and that her Father admired a Scholar above all Things.

Fran. I'll improve that Hint—Ay, as I told you, a Scholar that is read in Men, not in Books.

Sancho. In Men, what's that? in Men! Tristram, what does he mean? what Man is to be read? In Men! I don't understand you; but you'll teach me, you say.

Fran. Ay, ay, I'll give you a Lesson upon that Subject.

Sancho. Very well; but what shall I do for Cloaths to dress like a Gentleman?

Fran. If you please to step into my Lodgings here, I'll equip you with a Suit of mine till you can have one made, and there I'll teach you a little of the Town breeding, and I warrant you you'll succeed.

Sancho. Come on; faith I long to become thy Scholar.

Fran. And I to make you an Ass. [Exit.

Enter Eugenio and his Man.

Eug. What can this mean; where e'er I come the News is current of my Death, yet not two Days since, I wrote and received Letters from my Father, and here the Rumour goes, I have been dead this fortnight! I am resolv'd to know the Grounds, if possible. Pedro, go get me some Disguise, and for your Life discover not who I am, I'll stay here at this Inn 'till you return, and in the mean Time think what Method to pursue my Project in. [Exit.

SCENE changes to the Grove. Lucasia sola.

Lucasia. Methinks this silent solitary Grove

Should strike a Terror to such Hearts as mine;

But Love has made me bold, the Time has been,

In such a Place as this, I should have fear'd

Each shaking Bough, and started at the Wind,

And trembled at the Rushing of the Leaves;

My Fancy would have fram'd a thousand Shapes;

But now it seems a Palace,

Delightful as the Poets feign

The Elizian Fields; Here do I expect

To meet my Love, my faithful, dear Palante.

Why does he stay thus long? when last we

Parted, each Hour he said wou'd seem a Year,

Till we were met again, and yet I'm here

Before him; I'll rest a while, for come I

Know he will.

[Goes and sits down.

Enter Palante and Clerimont.

Pal. This Clerimont, this is the happy Place,

Where I shall meet the Sum of all my Joys,

And be possest of such a vast Treasure

As wou'd enrich a Monarch to receive;

And thou, my Friend, must give her to my Arms.

Luc. 'Tis my Palante's Voice. [Comes forward.

Pal. My Life, my Soul, what here before me? still

Thou prevent'st me in the Race of Love, and

Makest all my Endeavours poor in Competition

With thy large Favours——

But I forget, Dearest; bid my Friend here welcome,

This is he whom I dare trust, next my own

Heart, with Secrets.

Luc. I must admire him that loves Palante;

Friendship's a noble Name, 'tis Love refin'd;

'Tis something more than Love, 'tis what I wou'd

Shew to my Palante.

Cler. It is indeed a Beauty of the Mind, a Sacred Name,

In which so brightly shines that Heavenly Love,

That makes th' immortal Beings taste each others Joy;

'Tis the very Cement of Souls. Friendship's

A Sacred Name, and he who truly knows

The Meaning of the Word, is worthy of Estimation.

No Pains he'll spare, no Difficulties start,

But hazard all for th' Int'rest of his Friend.

Pal. Ay! Now methinks I'm Emperor of the World,

With my inestimable Wealth about me:

To such a Mistress, such a Friend, what can be

Added more to make me happy?——

Oh! thou darksome Grove, that wont to be call'd

The Seat of Melancholy, and Shelter

For the discontented Souls! sure thou'rt wrong'd!

Thou seem'st to me a Place of Solace and Content?

A Paradise! that gives me more than Courts

Cou'd ever do: Blest be then thy fair Shades,

Let Birds of Musick always chant it here;

No croaking Raven, or ill-boding Owl,

Make here their baleful Habitation:

But may'st thou be a Grove for Loves fair Queen

To sport in, for under thy blest Shade two faithful

Lovers meet——Why is my Lucasia sad?

Luc. I know not, but I long to quit this Place,

My Thoughts seem to divine of Treachery,

But whence I know not; no Creature's conscious

To our meeting here but Laura; I have always

Found her honest, and yet I would she did not know it.

Pal. 'Tis only Fear assaults thy tender Mind;

But come, my Friend, let's to the Cell adjoining

To this Grove, and there the Priest

Shall make us one for ever.

[Exeunt.

Enter Larich and Lavinia.

Lar. Come, set your Face in order, for I expect young Sancho here immediately, he arriv'd in Town last Night, and Sent me Word but now, he'd be here in an instant.

Lav. But, Sir.

Lar. Sir me no Sirs, for I'm resolv'd you shall be married to Night.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. Sir, here's a Gentleman to wait on you calls himself Don Sancho.

Lar. Odso, shew him up; now, you Baggage, you shall see the Pink of Learning, one that can travel thro' the whole World in an Afternoon, and sup in Palermo at Night, ha! you shall; you'll be as wise as the Sibyls in a Month's Time, with such a Husband, and will bring forth a Race of Politicians that shall set the World together by the Ears, then patch it up again in the supping of a poach'd Egg.

Enter Sancho and Tristram.

Lar. Save you, Sir.

Sanc. You don't think me damn'd, Sir, that you bestow that Salutation upon me?

Lar. By no Means, Sir, 'tis only my Way of expressing a hearty Welcome.

Sanc. Sir, your humble Servant: Is this your fair Daughter, Sir?

Lar. Yes, Sir.

Sanc. She's very handsome, Faith.

Lar. She's as Heaven made her.

Sanc. Then she shou'd be naked; the Taylor shou'd have no Hand in her—I suppose you know my business, shall we be married instantly?

Lar. Won't to-morrow serve, Sir? I wou'd first hear a little of your Proceedings in the University; came you from Salamanca now, Sir?

Sanc. From Salamanca! What do you see in my Face that shou'd make you judge me such a Coxcomb?

Lar. Your Father writ me word, that his Son that was to marry my Daughter, was a Scholar, wholly given up to Books.

Sanc. My Father was an errant Ass for his Pains, I ne'er read a Book in my Life but what I was beat to, and those I forgot as soon as I left School: A Scholar! he lies in his Throat that told you so.

Lav. In my Conscience, Sir, you may believe him; I dare swear he never saw a Book except the Chronicle chain'd in his Father's Hall.

Lar. Hold your Tongue, Hussy; how now?

Sanc. Sir, I understand a Horse, a Hawk, or Hound, as well as any Man living; nay, I understand Men too; I know now that you are an old covetous Hunks, by the sett of your Hat now; but no Matter for that, your Daughter is the better Fortune.

Lav. The Fool has hit right upon my Father, we shall have rare Sport presently.

Sanc. I have studied Men, Sir——I know each Man's inward Principle by his out-side Habit.

Lav. Does your profound Knowledge reach to Women too, Sir?

Lar. You will be prating——

Sanc. Look you, Sir, observe the Management of my Hat now——This is your bullying Gamester.

[Three Corners short Pinch.

Lar. What the Devil have we here! z'death this can never be Don Sancho's Son?

Lav. This is indeed the Pink of Learning, Sir—I shall be as wise as the Sybils with such a Husband; ha, ha, ha.

Sanc. Your Beaus wear their Hats [Offering to put it on.] no, hold, thus, Sir; [Clapping it under his Arm.] your conceited Wit, thus, [Putting it on over the left Eye.] and your travell'd Wit thus [Over the right Eye without a Pinch.] your Country 'Squire, thus, [Putting it behind his Wig.]

Lar. I wonder how an Ass wears it, I'm sure thou art one; I am amaz'd! this must be some Trick certainly. [Aside.

Lav. What think you now, Sir, shall we get a Race of Politicians? In my Conscience this falls out as well as I could wish. Oh that I could but once see Francisco. [Aside.

Lar. Huzzy, hold your Tongue, or——or——

[Holds up his Cane.

This may be some of your Contrivance, for ought I know. This is a very great Blockhead; Ounds, I—I—I—have a good Mind to add one Fashion more to your Hat, and knock it down to your Crown.

Sanc. Evermore, Sir, when you see a Man wear his Hat thus, [Pulling it down on both Sides.] he's a Projector, a Projector, Sir, or a Member of the Society of the Reformation of Manners, [In another Tone.] What think you of this, old Gentleman? ha! is not this a greater Knowledge than ever Man attain'd to by Books? ha!

Lar. I admire that my old Friend, knowing my Aversion for these foolish Fopperies, shou'd breed up his Son to 'em, then write me Word he had made him a Scholar, purposely because I was a Lover of Learning; pray, Sir was you ever in Palermo before?

Sanc. No, Sir; but I like it very well now I am in't.

Lar. I must be satisfied that you are Seignor Sancho's Son, e'er I shall like you for mine. [Aside.

Sanc. What think you of a Glass of Champaign, Sir? If you'll go to the Tavern, I'll give you a Bottle of the best the House affords; what say you, old Dad? ha! and there we will consult about our Marriage.

Lar. If you'll go to the Tavern that joins to the Piazza, I'll wait on you in a quarter of an Hour.

Sanc. Sir, I shall wait your Pleasure.

Lar. I took the Hint, to get rid of him, what shall I do to find the Truth of this? [Exeunt.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. Sir, a Scholar enquires for you.

Lar. A Scholar! admit him immediately.

Enter Francisco in Sancho's Habit.

Fran. So, I watch'd Sancho out, now for my Cue. [Aside.] If you be the venerable Man to whom this goodly Mansion is impropriated; I come to negociate about authentic Business.

Lav. This rather shou'd be Don Sancho's Son——his Words and Habit speak him most learned——I am the Person, pray let me be bold to crave your Name.

Fran. My Appellation, or pro Nomen, as the Latins term it, is call'd Jeremie; but my Cognomen, in our Mother Tongue, is call'd Sancho.

Lav. Ha! upon my Life 'tis Francisco; oh, for an Opportunity to speak to him: I hope to Heaven, my Father won't find out the Cheat. [Aside.

Lar. Ay, this is he, this is he; what Don Sancho's Son?

Fran. The Nominals, the Thomists, and all the Sects of old and modern School-men, do oblige me to pay to that Gentleman filial Duty.

Lar. I am glad to hear it with all my Heart, I know the other must be an Imposter, but I'm resolv'd to apprehend and punish him: Sir, you are welcome; I guess your Business, my Daughter is yours.

Fran. My Business is about Propagation, as the civil Lawyers do learnedly paraphrase, is of Concomitance, or Cohabitation, or what you please to term it.

Lar. How am I blest that this wonderful Scholar shall be match'd into my Family——Daughter, what say you now, here's a Husband for you now, here's a Husband for you.

Lav. Pray Heaven you hold but in the Mind 'till you have made him such. [Aside.

Lar. Does he not speak like an Oracle? 'egad I'll maintain't, he shall put down ten Universities and Inns of Court in twenty Syllables——Pray, Sir, speak learnedly to my Girl, for, tho' I say it, she has a good Capacity.

Fran. Most rubicund, stilliferous, splendant Lady, the occular Faculties by which the beams of Love are darted into every Soul, or human Essence, have convey'd into my Breast the Lustre of your Beauty; and I can admire no other Object; therefore pardon me, Sir, if I only express myself in Terms Scholastic, and in Metaphors, my Phrase to her.

[Turning to Larich.

Lar. Learned, learned, young Man, how happy am I in thee?

Lav. Now do I long to see my Father's Back turn'd, that he might change his learned non-sense, and talk more modern, to talk more wise; you may spare your Rhetoric, Sir, unless you come down to my Understanding; but I know just enough of your Meaning, to tell you it does not suit with my Inclination.

Lar. What don't suit with your Inclination, ha, forsooth?

Lav. Marriage, Sir.

Lar. 'Tis false, hussy, you have an Inclination, and you shall have an Inclination; not an Inclination, quoth the Baggage: Sir, I say she's yours, come into the next Room, and I'll have the Settlement drawn immediately, and you shall be married to Night. Not an Inclination! [Exit.

ACT III. SCENE I the Street.

Enter Eugenio.

Eug. Thus in Disguise I shall discover all,

And find the Cause of my reported Death,

Which does so much amaze me.

A Month ago my Father sent me Word, that I shou'd hasten my Journey to Palermo; and I met the Post upon the Road, that gave me a Letter, wherein he strictly charges me not to come this three Months: No sooner had I enter'd the Town, but I met the Rumour of my Death, which still surpris'd me more; but this Letter shall help me to the Knowledge of the Truth.

[Shews a Letter, goes to the Door and knocks.

Enter Rosco.

Rosc. Who'd you speak with Friend?

Eug. With the Lord Gravello, if you please, Sir.

Ros. Marry gap, and can't I serve your Turn? Nothing but my Lord, good lack! I guess he knows you not; pray what's your Business? What's your Name? From whence come you? What do ye want? I believe you are of no such Extraction, that you shou'd be introduc'd to my Lord; let me be judge, whether your Affair requires his Lordship's Ear, else, Friend, I shall bring you but a scurvy Answer; either he's busy, or a-sleep, or gone abroad, any of these are sufficient for your Quality, I suppose.

Eug. Thus great Men always are abus'd, because there's no Access, but through such Knaves as thee? then I'll return my Message back unto his Son, and bid him employ a finer Fellow, if he expects that he should see his Father.[Going.

Ros. Ha! his Son! stay, Sir, and forgive me; here comes my Lord.

Enter Count Gravello, Rosco goes and whispers him.

Grav. Wou'd you ought with me, Friend?

Eug. If you be the Lord Gravello.

Grav. The same.

Eug. I came from Rome, my Lord; laden, I hope, with happy Tidings, and after the sad Report I have met with, I dare say, welcome; your Son Eugenio lives, and with his Duty, recommends this Letter to your Lordship's Perusal.

Grav. How! does my Boy live? Oh! I'm overjoy'd, for I thought him dead. Rosco, reward him for his Tidings, reward him largely, Rosco.

Ros. There's a Pistole for you, eat like an Emperor, d'ye hear, till that be out.

Grav. He writes me Word that you are a Gentleman fallen to Decay, and begs that I would take you into my Service: I have no Place vacant at present, but the first that falls worth your Acceptance, shall be yours; in the mean Time command my House. [I must not let him suspect I knew Eugenio was alive] the happy News that thou hast brought me, has rais'd me from the Vale of Death; but tell me, Friend, hast thou reveal'd this to any in Palermo, but myself?

Eug. To none. For tho' I met the tragic Story in every Street through which I pass'd, still I conceal'd the Truth, intending your Lordship's Ear should first receive it.

Grav. Thou hast done exceeding well; Rosco, give him a double Reward, a double Welcome; I have some private Reasons to myself, that it should still be kept a Secret, which if thou'rt faithful, thou in Time shalt know.

Eug. Fear not, my Lord, I am no Blab; I ever thought a slippery Tongue Mankind's Shame. What can this mean?[Aside.

Ros. This is a notable Fellow.

Grav. Rosco, bid him welcome; tell him my House is his, bid him be free.

Ros. As long as you have Occasion for him——Sir, I am your most obedient, most devoted, and thrice humble Serviteur; command the Pantry, Cellar, Maids, Chambers——for in these I rule, and these are at your Service, Sir.

[Bowing low.

Eug. I thank you my quondam Friend; but a quiet Residence in my Lord's House, the Time I stay, satisfies my Desires.

Ros. A worthy Man, upon my Faith. Oh! my Lord, here comes the Bridegroom, I know by this Fellow's being out of Breath.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. My Lord Count Pirro so fine, so brisk, so ugly.

Grav. How, how, Sirrah, ugly?

Serv. So handsome, I mean, Sir; Pox on't, how came my Head to run so of Ugliness?

Ros. Seeing the Count, I warrant thee Jack.

Grav. Be gone, Varlet, and attend his coming. [Exeunt.

Eug. Ha! Count Pirro, the Bridegroom—and, my Life a Secret; I begin to find the Cause. [Aside.

Enter Count Pirro.

Pir. I came my Lord, to claim your Promise, and receive into my Arms the beautiful Lucasia.

Grav. And I'll acquit myself instantly. Within there—call Lucasia.

Enter Laura.

Laura. My Lord.

Grav. My——call your Lady; what does your Flurtship do here? I want your Mistress——why don't the Wench stir?

Laura. My Lord, I don't know.——

Grav. What don't you know? nay, no grinding between your Teeth, speak out.

Laura. Why then, my Lord, I don't know where she is.

Grav. 'Tis false, 'tis impossible; when went she out? and whither? Speak ye confederate Mischief; how long ago, I say? Confess, or I'll have ye rack'd.

Laura. She would not take me with her to prevent Suspicion; and now all must out, for my Limbs will never bear stretching, that's certain. [Aside.

Grav. What are you inventing a Lye——don't stand muttering your Devil's Pater-noster there, but speak quickly—or—

[Draws his Sword.

Laura. Oh hold, it was, my Lord, my Lord, a, a, a——

Grav. What was it? speak.

Laura. It was a great while ago, my Lord.

Grav. Ha, speak to the Purpose, or thou dy'st.

Laura. No, no, no, my Lord, it was——it was just now; what shall I say to save my unhappy Mistress? [Aside.

Pirro. You terrify the Creature so, that we shall never learn the Truth, my Lord; don't tremble so, Sweetheart, but tell when went your Lady out, and whither?

Grav. Away my Lord, my Sword shall fetch the Secret forth; Huzzy, speak, or by this Hand, this Minute is thy last.

[Holds his Sword to her Breast.

Laura. Oh, hold Sir, and I will tell you all; I do confess.

Grav. What?

Laura. It must out; that my Lady's fled to meet Palante in the Eastern Grove, and I believe, by this, they are married.

Grav. Fly and escape my Fury, thou more than Devil.

[Straps her with his Sword, she shrieks and runs off.

Now, my Lord of Pirro, you that so kindly came this Day to comfort me, how shall I look you in the Face? or what Reparation can I make you, if my Daughter's lost? Within there! raise the House, take Officers immediately, I charge you; fly to the Eastern Grove, and seize my Daughter and all that you find with her: We'll have Revenge, my Lord, at least.

Pirro. There's yet a Pleasure left in that, and I'm resolv'd my Arm shall give him Death; let's to the Grove, my Lord.

Rosco. Do you consider, my Lord, the Danger of your rash Attempt, the Law will do you right; 'tis present Death in Sicily, to steal an Heiress without her Friends consent; first secure him, and his Lifes yours.

Eug. 'Tis as I suppose; oh Treachery! [Aside.

Grav. Rosco, thou art an Oracle, that Way the Revenge is more secure and certain. I'll after 'em, and see the Traitor brought to condign Punishment.

[Exit with Rosco.

Pirro. I'll to the Governor, and prepare him for the Judgment, my Interest there will surely sign his Death. [Going.

Eug. Am I alive? do I breathe? can I have a human Soul, and suffer this injustice to proceed? Poor Palante, must thou die, because Fortune has not blest thee with her Favours; No, something I will do to save thee; and yet, if possible not discover who I am. My Lord——

[Pulls Count Pirro by the Sleeve as he goes out.

Pirro. What art thou?

Eug. A poor Poet, my Lord, little beholden to Fortune.

Pirro. None of thy Profession are, take up some more thriving Occupation; turn Pimp, Solicitor, Gamester, any Thing will do better than Rhiming; there's something for thee, I'm in Haste now.

Eug. My Lord, I thank you for your Charity, and your good Advice; but I have some for you too.

Pirro. For me! what is't?

Eug. I understand, my Lord, that you are to marry my Lord Gravello's Daughter.

Pirro. Yes, an Heiress——

Eug. No Heiress, my Lord, her Brother is alive.

Pirro. The Fellow's mad.

Eug. What I say is certain Truth; and to my Knowledge, his Father gives out the Report of his Death only as a Bait for you.

Pirro. Ha! where is he?

Eug. In this Town conceal'd till your Marriage be over; know I hate this Family, and that makes me discover it.

Pirro. Does he hate the Family? then perhaps he has only forg'd this Lye to hinder Lucasia from marrying into mine; I'll try him farther. [Aside.

Art thou sure he is alive?

Eug. As sure as that I live myself; my Lord, I saw him not two Hours ago; I wish he was not, for your Lordship's sake: I am his Domestic, and come now to learn Intelligence; I loath my Servitude, detest the proud Family, and shou'd rejoice to see 'em ruin'd.

Pirro. From whence proceeds thy Hate? the World reports Eugenio a Man of Honour, Honesty and Courage.

Eug. That Part of the World that thinks him such, sees thro' the wrong End of the Prospective; his Honour's but Pretence, his Honesty Hypocrisy, and his Courage Lewdness; he ravisht a Sister of mine at Rome, for which I never can forgive him.

Pirro. This Fellow, I find is ripe for Mischief; and if I durst trust him, wou'd, for a large Reward, remove Eugenio, and make Lucasia indeed an Heiress; and 'twere but just, since Count Gravello did design to wrong me of his Estate, why shou'd not I rob him of his Son? where could be the Danger of this Act; I can't fore-see any, for he has already given it out he's dead, and therefore dares not search into the Matter; but is it safe to trust this Stranger, he may betray my Purpose, or not do it; yet 'tis reasonable to think the contrary, for he hates him for his Sister's Rape, and therefore would be glad to meet Occasion to revenge it, especially when usher'd in by a great Sum: I'm resolv'd to break it to him. [Aside.] What is your Name, Friend?

Eug. Irus, my Lord.

Pirro. Your Name as well as Habit speak you poor.

Eug. I'm poor enough, my Lord.

Pirro. Very poor?

Eug. Very poor, my Lord.

Pirro. Would you not gladly mend your Fortunes.

Eug. I wish your Lordship would shew me the Way.

Pirro. What think you now of taking Revenge for your Sister's Rape, ha?

Eug. Alas! my Lord, that I wou'd have done long ago, but Want prevented my Escape.

Pirro. Say'st thou so? my Friend: well, poison this Eugenio, and thou shalt not want; for thy Reward, a thousand Crowns are thine.

Eug. Think it done, my Lord, nor will I receive my Hire till I have brought you a certain Proof Eugenio is no more; all I ask is but your Hand to the Agreement, my Lord, that I may be sure of my Reward.

Pirro. I'll give it thee——We must be safe, for his Father will be asham'd to prosecute, after his reported Death. I must confess I lov'd Lucasia as an Heiress, but was she ten times as fair, I would not marry her without the Dowry, therefore make sure my Fortune by thy Master's Death.

Eug. He dies this Night.

SCENE changes to the Grove.

Enter Palante, Lucasia, and Clerimont.

Pal. 'Tis done, 'tis done, the Sacred Knot is ty'd,

And bright Lucasia is for ever mine.

I ne'er till now did taste the Sweets of Life;

Or the transporting Extasy of Joy.

Burst not ye feeble Ministers of Nature,

With the vast Excess of swelling Pleasure.

Oh! my Friend, what shall I say to thee?

Cler. This is no Time for Talk or Transports,

Make Use of my Fortune, and fly till the Pursuit is over.

Pal. Oh! Clerimont, I'm bankrupt every Way,

Both to thee, and to my fair Lucasia.

Still thou art sad, my Love.

Luc. My Sadness does proceed from Fear for thee,

Take your Friend's Counsel, let us fly this Place.

Hark! What Noise is that? ha me, we're lost.

Enter Gravello, Eugenio, Rosco, and Officers.

Grav. Fall on Officers, there they are.

Cler. Thieves.

Pal. Villains!

Grav. Thou art thyself the Thief and Villain too;

Give me my Daughter thou Ranter.

Pal. First take my Life.

Grav. Fall on, I say; down with 'em if they resist.

Luc. Oh! we are undone, wicked, wicked Laura.

Pal. Come on, Slaves.

Cler. We shall not surrender tamely.

[They fight, but are disarm'd by the Multitude.

Grav. So, keep 'em fast, we'll have 'em faster shortly.

For you, Minion, I shall secure you from a second 'Scape.

Luc. Yet do but hear me, Father.

Grav. Call me not Father, thou disobedient Wretch,

Thou Vagabond, thou art no Child of mine;

My Daughter was bred up to Virtue.

Luc. For you my Mother wou'd have done as much:

If Need had so required;

Think not that my Mind e'er stray'd from Virtue;

Oh! listen to the Voice of my Prayer, and Crown

It with rich Mercy.

Grav. Off, Strumpet, Officers away with the Criminals,

They both shall die.

Pal. Now I must speak, oh spare my Friend, for he

Is innocent.

Cler. If thou must die, Palante, I have no

Other Wish, but to suffer with thee.

Grav. That Wish assure thyself thou shalt obtain.

Luc. Oh, stay blood-thirsty Men, stay and hear me

But a Word, and that shall be my final Resolution.

If thou, my cruel Father wilt not hear,

But dost proceed to spill the Blood of him

In whom my Life subsists, remember, Sir,

I am your Daughter, once you did love me;

Oh! tell me then, what Fault can be so great

To make a Father murderer of his Child?

For so you are in taking his dear Life;

Do not think that I will stay behind him.

No, whilst there's Asps, and Knives, and burning Coals;

No Roman Dame's Example shall outgo

My Love.

Pal. Oh! my Lucasia, thou hast touch'd my Soul!

Barely but to imagine thou must die,

Will make me restless in my silent Grave.

Is not my Death sufficient, barbarous Man?

But must Lucasia's Woe be added too?

Dry up those Tears, my Wife, my lovely Bride,

Or thou wilt make me truly miserable,

Preserve thy Life, that I may after Death,

In thee my better Part survive.

For thee and for my Friend my only Prayers shall be,

If you both live, Palante dies with Pleasure.

Grav. Away with 'em, and let the Law decide it.

Luc. I too alike am guilty;

O let me share the Punishment with them,

Thou shalt not go alone, take me with thee;

Here are my willing Hands, quick bind 'em fast,

[Runs and clasps Palante.

Else here I'll hold 'till my last Breath expires.

Grav. Ungracious Viper, let go the Traitor.

Luc. What to die? Oh, never!

Pal. Had I a hundred Lives, the Venture had

Been small for such a Prize.

A Face not half so fair as thine has arm'd

Whole Nations in the Field for Battle ripe:

And brought a thousand Sail to Tenedos,

To sack lamented Troy, and shou'd I fear

To hazard one poor Life for thee, my Fair?

A Life that had been lost without thy Love,

For thou'rt both Life and Soul to thy Palante.

Luc. I'll clasp him like the last Remains of Life.

And struggle still with never dying Love.[Holds him.

Grav. Then thus I dash thee from him, thou Stranger

[Pushes her, and falls down.

To my Blood, there lie and grovel on the Earth, and thank the Powers I do not kill thee; away to Justice with the Traitors.

Pal. If there be a Torment beyond this Sight,

Then lead me to it, that I may taste all

The Variety of Misery, and

Grow compleatly wretched.

Oh, inhuman Cruelty!

Slaves give me Way, that swift as Lightning,

I may dash him dead that wrong'd Lucasia.

You spiteful Powers, show'r all your Curses down,

Augment the Weight, and sink me all at once.

Grav. Away with the Traitor.

Pal. Oh, let me first embrace my Love, my Wife.

Grav. By Hell, he shall not.

Pal.

So when a Ship by adverse Winds is tost,

And all the Hopes to gain the Port is lost,

The trembling Mariners to Heaven cry,

And all in vain, for no Relief is nigh.

Around fierce Terrors strike the aking Sight;

So I when shut from that all-charming Light,

Like them must plunge in everlasting Night.

[Exit. forc'd off.

Grav. I'll to the Governor, and urge my injur'd Suit. Rosco and Irus, guard that wretched Woman; take Care that she neither sends nor receives a Message. [Exit.

Rosco. Yes, my Lord.

Eug. My very Heart bleeds to see two such faithful Lovers parted; methinks my Lord's too cruel in this Action.

Ros. Ay, ay, Friend; but we are to obey, not to dispute his Will.

Eug. I can scarce forbear revealing myself, but I will reserve it for a fitter Hour; her Grief's so great, I fear it has deprived her of her Senses; look up, Madam.

Luc. Where's my Palante, gone to death? Oh Heav'n!

Then shall I be mad, indeed? what are you,

Officers of Justice! I'm ready, Sir.

Eug. No, Madam, I am one my Lord your Father left to attend you.

Luc. Attend me! alas, I need no Attendance.

Eug. Do not reject my Service.

Luc. All Service comes too late to miserable me;

My Fortune's desperate grown.

Eug. Believe me, Madam, I have a feeling Woe;

A greater your own Brother could not have:

Think not I'm suborn'd to do you wrong,

By all the Pow'rs I'm your trusty Friend,

Command me any Thing, and try my Faith.

Ros. This is a rare spoken Fellow; I can't put in a Word.

Luc. Oh! 'tis most prodigious;

Cou'd I lose Pity in a Father's Breast,

And find it in a Stranger's? I shall not

Live to thank you, Sir, but my best Prayers go

With you.

Eug. 'Tis not for Thanks, nor for Reward I look,

But the Sacred Love I bear to Virtue,

Makes me offer this.

Luc. Surely this poor Man is nobly bred, howe'er

His Habit speaks him.       [Aside.]

All Physic comes too late to my sick Mind,

Since there's no Hopes of my Palante's Life.

Eug. Unless the Governor will please to pardon him, 'twas good that he were mov'd.

Ros. Be not so forward, Friend, I say; in my Conscience this Fellow will betray Eugenio lives.

Eug. Peace, Fool.

Ros. You are something free, methinks.

Luc. Who shall dare to make that Supplication?

My Father and the Count of Pirro rules;

Yet I wou'd venture if I knew which Way.

Eug. So meritorious is the Act, that I wou'd stand the Test in giving you the Liberty to sue.

Ros. How, Sir?

Eug. Peace, Muckworm, or my Sword shall stop thy Breath for ever.

Ros. A desperate Fellow this, I dare not contradict him.

Luc.

A thousand Blessings on you for your Care,

Yes, I will go, grant it ye Powers above;

If you had e'er regard to injur'd Love:

Teach me such Words as may his Pity move;

Let it pierce deep into his stony Heart,

In all my Sufferings make him feel a Part.

Oh make him feel the Pangs of sharp Despair,

That he may know what wretched Lovers bear:

My Sighs and Tears shall with Intreaties join,

That he would save Palante's Life, or sentence mine:

But if relentless to my Prayers he be,

And he must fall, then welcome Destiny.

Fate does our Lives so close together twine,

Who cuts the Thread of his unravels mine.

[Exeunt.

SCENE the Governor's House.

Enter the Governor and Count Pirro.

Gov. Welcome, my dearest Nephew, you are grown a Stranger to the Court of late, tho' you know my aged Sight receives no Joy without you; but I can forgive you since Love is the Cause: I hear you have the Lord Gravello's Consent to marry the fair Lucasia.

Pirro. I had, my Lord, but am unjustly robb'd of that fair Prize you mention; my promis'd Bride is stolen by Palante, Lord Euphenes's Foster-Son, a Man far unworthy of Lucasia's Love; her Father with Officers are gone to apprehend 'em—and bring 'em here before you to receive their Doom: Oh, Uncle, if ever you had a Kindness for me; if the being ally'd to you by Blood, or aught I have done, or can hereafter do, let me intreat you to give the Law its utmost Course: Young Clerimont too assisted in the Rape.

Gov. Fear not, Nephew, the Law shall have its Course, and they shall surely die.

Enter Euphenes and Count Gravello at several Doors.

Euph. My Lord, the Governor, I am come begging to you, for Palante my Foster-Son, whom, Childless, I adopted for my own; for him I plead.

Gov. What is his Offence?

Euph. No heinous Crime, my Lord, no treasonable Plot against your Person or the State, for then these aged Cheeks wou'd blush to ask Pardon. No crying Murder stains his Hands, his Fault is only Love: Unfortunately he has married the Daughter and Heiress to that proud Lord that follows, and seeks the last Extremity.

Grav. I seek no more than what the Law will give; I am abus'd, my Lord, my Daughter is stoll'n, the only Comfort of my Age: Justice, my Lord, 'tis Justice that I ask.

Pirro. To his just Suit I bend my Knees—be not biass'd by aught but Justice.

Euph. Thou speakest like an Enemy, call it Revenge—not Justice——My Lord.——

Gov. I'll hear no more, be silent; if the Law will save him, he shall live, if not, he dies; yes, my Lord, you shall have Justice—— [Exeunt.

SCENE changes to Gravello's House.

Enter Larich, Francisco, and Lavinia.

Lar. Body o'me! here's mad Work abroad, my Niece is stolen: I'm resolv'd to make sure of you; the Priest shall join you instantly.

Fran. Haste, Sir, to consummate our Joy:

I'll call the Muses from their sacred Hill,

To emulate your Daughter's Beauty;

And I'll, myself, in lofty Numbers sing my own

Epithalamium.

Lar. First I'll punish that Impostor——Here, bring in the Prisoner.

Lav. Oh! I fear we are undone, Francisco.

Fran. Pray, Father, delay not my exorbitant Desires.

Lar. But for a Moment, learn'd Son,

And thy exorbitant Desires shall be satisfied.

Enter Sancho and Tristram, forc'd in by Servants.

San. Hey-day! What's the Matter now: Is the old Gentleman grown generous? Must we take a Bottle in his own House, ha?

Lar. Sirrah, you are a very impudent Impostor.

San. Hey, what's here, Frank in my Cloaths? what is there a Play to be acted? ha? what Part must I play? I have acted a Part at the College e'er now, Pox on't, that College will run in my Head, pr'ythee what am I to play, Francisco.

Fran. The Fool, Sir.

San. That's something blunt tho' Frank.

Lar. Ha! what do I hear? Francisco? sure that's the Fellow my Daughter is in Love with, I must enquire into this.

Fran. My Reverend Patree, I hope you'll not credit this illiterate Idiot, you knew me by my Scholastic Breeding.

San. Why what does he mean now? Breeding! why, why, why, you wer'nt half so long at Salamanca as I, Frank, if you go to that Tristram, where are my Books, Tristram? we'll soon see who's most learn'd.

Γέρων πίθηκος ούχ άλίσνοται πάγις

You must not think to catch old birds with Chaff.

Δὶς διὰ πασῶν ἐςι ῶρὼ ἄλληλα

He knows not a Hawk from a Handsaw.

Fran. The Man's distracted, Sir, away with him to Prison.

San. To Prison! nay, then the Truth shall out, that Habit's mine, and these Cloaths are his, he told me that this Lady wou'd hate a Scholar, and taught me how to act the Bully, fackins he did now, ask Tristram else.

Lar. Here's strange juggling, I believe neither of you is Seignior Sancho's Son.

Trist. Bless me, Sir, do you doubt my Master? why he's as like my old Master as if he was spit out of his Mouth.

Lav. Methinks now by the Description, Father, this Scholar must needs be Don Sancho, and this aukward Beau but a Pretender.

Lar. Peace, I'll have none of your Judgment.

San. A Pretender, odsbud, I find she is in Love with a Scholar, what a Sot was I to be persuaded to change my Habit, I shall be fobb'd of my Mistress, by and by, why Frank, why thou wilt not fob me wilt thou.

Lar. Right, that Project will take,——come who produces me a Letter from my Friend, I know the Hand, and that shall decide the Business.

Trist. Here, here, Sir, here's Letters.

[Pulls out a Leather Pouch with Letters, and gives it to Larich.

San. That's my Father's Hand, I can assure you, Sir, but the Stile is Solomon's, they are freight with Wisdom, but my Father pays the Postage.

Lav. Now we're undone, we are certainly betray'd.

Fran. Have Courage, I will still be near thee, and prevent this Marriage or lose my Life.

Lav. My Woman shall give you Notice of their Proceedings.

Lar. I am convinc'd, and worthy Sir, I ask your Pardon, what an Escape have I had.

San. Pr'ythee Frank don't frown so, faith I forgive thee with all my Heart.

Fran. Away you Dolt——

San. Fackings Tristram, he's woundy out of Humour, I have fob'd him now Faith, he, he, he.

Lar. Sir, I desire your scholastic Breeding wou'd quit my temporal Habitation [to Francisco,] least I commit you to a closer Place, and thank this Gentleman for your Liberty, 'tis because he has some small Acquaintance with you, that I don't proceed in a rougher Manner.

Fran. I am defenceless now, but I shall find a Time. [Exit.

Lar. To be hang'd I hope, come Mrs. I suppose you had a Hand in this wise Plot, I'll prevent your Stratagems, I'll noose and fetter you in the Chains of Wedlock, then if you plot, let Sancho look to't.

For when they are wed the Father's Care is done,

Trist.

And the poor doting Husband's just begun.

ACT IV. SCENE   the Governor's

House. The Governor in a Chair reading..

Gov. I Have been searching over all our Sicilian Laws, and know they cannot find one Clause to save Palante.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. A Lady without, my Lord will not be denied your Presence.

Gov. Admit her.

Enter Lucasia.

Luc. Pardon me, Sir, for pressing thus rudely

On your Privacy, I know 'tis boldness.

But I hope the Hour's propitious to me,

Finding you alone, and free from Business,

I promise myself I shall be heard with Patience.

Gov. Were the Business of the World at stake, such Beauty would claim a Hearing, speak Madam.

Luc. Thus low I beg for poor Palante's Life.

Gov. Ha!

Luc. Oh, Sir.

If ever Pity touch'd your gen'rous Breast,

If ever Virgin's Tears had Power to move,

Or if you ever lov'd and felt the Pangs

That other Lovers do, pity, great Sir,

Pity and pardon two unhappy Lovers.

Gov. Your Life is not in Question, Madam.

Luc. If Palante dies, I cannot live, for we

Have but one Heart, and can have but one Fate.

Gov. What I can do, I will to save him, but Law must have its Course, rise Madam.

Luc. Never till——

The gracious Word of Pardon raises me,

There's Pity in your Eye, oh! shew it, Sir!

And say that he shall live, 'tis but a Word,

But oh, as welcome as the Breath of Life,

Why will you part two Hearts that Heav'n has join'd?

He is my Husband, Sir, and I his wedded Wife.

Gov. That can plead no Excuse, for 'tis your Crime, but if I shou'd incline to pity you, what wou'd you return? what wou'd you do to purchase the Life of him you hold so dear?

Luc. You cannot think the Thing I would not do.

Speak, Sir, and lay it but in my Power,

And even beyond my Power I will attempt.

Gov. You wou'd be thankful then shou'd I pardon him?

Luc. If I were ever thankful unto Heav'n

For all that I call mine, my Health and Being,

Cou'd I then be unthankful unto you,

For a Gift I value more than those?

Without which all other Blessings will be tasteless.

Gov. Those that are thankful study to requite, wou'd you do so?

Luc. As far as I am capable I will,

Tho' I can ne'er make ample Satisfaction,

All my Services to you are Duty,

But to those Pow'rs above that can requite

That from their Wasteless Treasure daily heap

Rewards more out of Grace than merit on

Us Mortals;

To those I'll pray that they wou'd give you, Sir,

More Blessings than I have Skill to ask.

Gov. There rises one Way and but one to save him.

Luc. Oh! name it, Sir, that——

Swift as the Arrow from the Archer's Hand

My trembling Feet may fly to save him,

Oh! you have rais'd me from the Gulph of Grief

To that blest comfortable Region, Hope,

My Senses all dance in the Cirque of Joy.

My ravish'd Heart leaps up to hear your Words,

And seems as 'twou'd come forth to thank you.

Say, how, how shall I save him?

Gov. Marry my Nephew Pirro and Palante lives.

Luc. Oh! unexpected Turn of rigid Fate,

Cruel, Sir, far more cruel than my Father.

Why did you raise me to a Height of Joy?

To sink me in a Moment down again,

In what a sad Dilemma stands my Choice,

Either to wed the Man my Soul most loaths,

Or see him die for whom alone I live.

To break my sacred Vows to Heav'n and him,

To save a Life which he would scorn to take

On Terms like those, name any Thing but that,

You are more just than to enforce my Will,

Why should I marry one I cannot love,

And sure I am I cannot love Count Pirro,

Love him! no, I shou'd detest and loath him.

The Cause that made him mine, wou'd hourly add

Fresh Matter for my Hate.

Gov. You have your Choice, I swear by Heaven never to pardon him, but upon these Conditions.

Luc. Oh! I am miserable.

Gov. 'Tis your own Fault, come consider Madam, Palante will thank you for his Life, and if you let him die, you are the Tyrant.

Luc. I shou'd be such if I shou'd save him thus.

Since you have swore not to save him upon

Other Terms, I'll shew a duteous Cruelty

And rather follow him in Death than so

To buy his Life, no, I despise the Price.

Why do I breathe my Woes, or beg for Mercy here;

Or hope to find plain Honesty in Courts?

No, their Ears are always stopp'd against Justice,

Avarice and Pride supplies the Place of Pity.

So may just Heav'n when you for Mercy sue,

As you have pitied me so pardon you.

[Exeunt severally.

SCENE Count Gravello's House.

Enter Larich, Lavinia, Sancho and Tristram.

San. Is the Priest ready Tristram?

Trist. Yes, yes, Sir, a Priest and a Lawyer are always in Readiness, their Tongues are the chief Instrument belonging to their Trade, with which they commonly do more Mischief than all the Surgeons in the Kingdom can heal, he waits in the next Room, Sir, if you can get the Lady in the Mind.

Lar. You are witty Sirrah, but no more of your Jests, do ye hear, least I make you experience, there's something else can do Mischief besides their Tongues, come Mistress what you are in the Dumps now, are you? dry up your Eyes and go about it chearfully, or I'll turn you out of Doors, I assure you.

Lav. Good, Sir, consider.

Lar. Consider! no I won't consider, nor shall you consider upon ought but what I'd have you.

Lav. Sir, do you persuade him. [To Sanch.] think how unhappy I shall make you.

San. Make me happy first, and then I'll do any Thing you'd have me.

Trist. The wisest Bargain I ever heard my Master make.

Lav. What wou'd you do, Sir, with me that cannot love you? Alas I was engaged long before I saw you, you may be happier far elsewhere, go court some Nymph whose Heart's intirely free, such only can be worthy of your Love.

San. For my Part I don't know what to say.

Lar. 'Zdeath she'll persuade him by and by to quit his Pretences to her——come, come, come Mistress no more of your Cant. [Pulls her by the Arm.] It shall avail you nothing I'll promise you.

Lav. Good, Sir, hold a little, Don Sancho seems disposed to hear Reason.

San. Why ay truly, for my Part methinks 'tis a Pity to vex the Lady so.

Lav. Besides, Sir, 'tis for his sake I do it, to make him easy, and to prevent his eternal Shame and Torture.

San. Poor Fool, how hard it is, ay, ay, I know 'tis for my Sake, pray, Sir, hear her—pray do for my Sake as she says.

Lar. Pooh Fool.

San. Shall she say more for my Sake, than you'll hear Father that is to be.

Lar. Well Huzzy, consider what you say, for if it be'nt to the Purpose, as I'm sure it won't——look to't!

Lav. Before your hasty Rashness betrays me to eternal Woe, revoke your harsh Commands.

Lar. Ay, I knew that would follow, and this is all you have to say, Mistress, ha? come, come Woe, I'll woe you.

Lav. Something I have to speak, but know not in what Words to dress my Thoughts fit for me to speak, or you to hear, oh spare the poor Remains of my already too much violated Modesty,—Heav'n can I do this, but there is no other Way. [Aside.

Lar. How? how? how's that? Modesty! why what a Duce is the Matter with your Modesty, ha?

Lav. Oh! Sir, force me not to wrong a Man whose Father I have so often heard you say, you lov'd, think what sure Disgrace will follow, how will it reflect upon your Name and Family, when I shall be found no Virgin.

Lar. Ha! no Virgin? take Heed Minion that you stain not the Honour of my House, for if you do, I swear by the best Blood in Sicily, my Sword shall do me Justice.

Lav. Now help me Courage, and forgive me Heaven my Resolutions, Death or my Francisco. [Aside.

I throw myself beneath your Feet, thus prostrate beg for Mercy, that I have deserved Death my guilty Blushes own, the mighty Secret hangs upon my Tongue, but Shame refuses Utterance to my Words.

Lar. I'm all of a cold Sweat, Heav'ns! how I dread the End of her Discourse.

San. Pray Father let her rise, or I shall weep too.

Trist. Nay, I'll say that for my Master, he's as tractable as a Monkey, and generally does what he sees other People do. [Aside.

Lav. Oh! let it still remain unknown, and rather banish me, confine me to some horrid Desart, there to live on Roots and withered Grass, and with the falling Dew, still quench my Thirst, and lastly to some savage Monster be a Prey, e'er I divulge my Shame.

San. I can hold no longer. [Cries aloud.

Lar. On, for I'll hear it all, tho' thou shalt live no longer than thou hast told thy Tale.

Lav. Sure ne'er before was Maid thus wretched, Oh Francisco! I give thee here the greatest Proof of Love that ever Woman gave——if it must out, then with it take my Life, but Oh! spare the innocent Babe.

Lar. Ha! the Babe?

Lav. Oh! I am with Child.

Lar. Then die both, and both be damn'd.

[Offers to stab her, but is prevented by Sancho and Tristram.

Sanc. Oh, Lord, Sir, for Heavens Sake, Sir, are you mad, help Tristram.

Lar. 'Zdeath a Whore! Oh thou Scandal of my Blood.

San. Egad I'm resolv'd to own the Child, and bully this old Fellow a little now——a Whore, Sir! who dares call my Wife a Whore? the Child is mine, Sir, let me see who has any Thing to say to't.

Lar. Away, don't trifle with me, I shall not give you Credit.

San. What care I whether you do or no, I say again the Child is mine, Madam, dry your Eyes, I like you ne'er the worse, and the World will like me the better for't, it will bring me into Reputation.

Lav. Oh Heavens! what will come on me now, Oh! fly me, Sir, as you wou'd shun Contagion, cou'd you receive into your Arms a Wretch polluted by another.

San. Pish, shaw, pish, shaw, 'tis the least Thing in a thousand, thou said thou didst it for my Sake just now, and sure I shou'd return the Kindness, Ingratitude is worse than the Sin of Witchcraft.

Lar. Oh! the audacious Strumpet, give me Way, that I may punish the Offence as it deserves.

[Francisco within.

Fran. Slaves give me Way, he dies that bars my Entrance.

Lav. Ha! 'tis my Francisco's Voice—Oh! blest Minute.

Lar. Ha! what Noise is that?

[Help, Murder cry'd within.

San. How Murder within and Murder without too, this is a barbarous House, I wish I was safe out on't. Tristram stand by thy Master.

Tristr. Oh, Sir, I had rather run with you, for I hate Murder in cool Blood.

Enter Francisco with his Sword drawn.

Lar. Help within there, murder, you won't murder me Sirrah, ha? [Enter three or four Servants.] run for the Corregidore, I shall be murder'd in my own House.

Fran. No, Sir, this Sword can never hurt the Father of Lavinia, nor will my Arm guide it to any Act unjust, nor is it drawn for aught but to defend my Wife.

Lar. Impudent Rascal, can'st thou look me in the Face, and know how thou hast injur'd me, thou hast dishonour'd my Daughter.

San. Sir, I say no man has dishonour'd her but myself, and I wonder you shou'd tax this honest Gentleman with it.

Fran. Ha, Villain! re-call what you have said, or by Heaven 'tis thy last, 'tis safer playing with a Lion, than with Lavinia's Fame.

[Holding his Sword at his Teeth.

San. Lavinia's Fame, what Fame, what makes you so choleric, I thought I shou'd do the Lady a Kindness in it.

Trist. Many a Man wou'd have been glad to have got rid of it so.

Lav. Humour my Father in what he says, for 'twas my last Stratagem to defer my Marriage.

[Aside to Francisco.

Lar. Lavinia's Fame! No Monster, thou hast robb'd, robb'd her of her Fame.

Fran. The Wrong my Love has done your fair Daughter, 'tis now too late to wish undone again, but if you please it may be clos'd up yet without Dishonour, I will marry her.

Lar. Marry her? she'll have a mighty Bargain of that, marry a Beggar, what Jointure canst thou make her?

Fran. I am poor, I must confess, in regard of your large Wealth, but I swear by all Things that can bind, 'twas not your Wealth was the Foundation of true-built Love, it was her single uncompounded self, her self without Addition that I lov'd, which shall ever in my Heart out-weigh all other Womens Fortunes with themselves, and were I great, great as I cou'd wish myself for her Advancement, no such Bar as Fortune's Inequality shou'd stand betwixt our Loves.

Lar. Say you so, Sir, why then take her——there hang, drown'd or starve together, I care not which, but never come within my Doors more.

[Throws her to him.

[Exit Larich.

San. Hey day, what have I lost my Mistress then, why what must I say to my Father, Tristram, who'll run stark mad without Hopes of a Grandson?

Tristr. Oh, Sir, if this Gentleman had not put in his Claim, here had been one ready to his Hands.

San. Ah Pox on't, 'tis damn'd unlucky, but come let's to the Tavern and drink away Sorrow. [Exeunt.

Fran. Come my fair Lavinia, and find a Father in thy Husband's Arms, oh thou charming Excellence, thou something better sure than ever Woman was, the matchless Proof that thou hast given of thy Love shall be recorded to Posterity——

Lav. It is a matchless one indeed, and I struggled long e'er I cou'd bring myself to own a Deed so distant from my Heart, but it has serv'd my Purpose, and I glory in it now, but my Father's last Words methinks chills my Blood, how shall you like the Yoke without lining think you ha!

Fran. Don't wrong my Love Lavinia, or think that I can want any Thing when possest of thee.

Love shall make up what Fortune does deny,

And Love alone shall all our Wants supply.

[Exeunt.

The SCENE changes to the Street, Count Pirro and Lord Gravello.

Grav. Now my Lord she's your's again, Palante dies.

Pirro. So noble were the Carriage of the Youths that I could almost pity their hard Sentence.

Grav. I admire Palante's Constancy, he seem'd regardless when the Jury pronounc'd his Sentence, as if he feared not Death, but when his Friends came on, I observed the Tears to fall.

Pirro. He begg'd very hard to save his Friend.——

Grav. And his Friend as eagerly to die with him, truly I think Clerimont's Crime did not deserve Death, but our Sicilian Laws doom all to Death that have but the least Hand in stealing of an Heiress, but see the Lord Euphenes, he sticking hard to save his Foster Son, let's avoid him, for I know he'll rail. [Exit.

Enter Lord Euphenes.

Euph. Unhappy poor Palante, the Law has cast thee in Spite of all that I could do to save thee, I'd give my whole Estate to rescue thee from Death: In thee methought my lost Lysander liv'd, and in losing thee I'm childless now indeed. I lov'd thee like my own Son, I rescu'd thee from Pyrates, by which my Child was lost.

Enter Alphonso.

Alphon. Thus once again from twenty Years Exile.

(Tost by the Storms of Fortune to and fro)

Has gracious Heav'n giv'n me Leave to tread

My native Earth of Sicily, and draw

That Air that fed me in my Infancy.

Euph. Ha! either my Eyes deceive me or 'tis my good old Friend Alphonso.

Alph. My Lord Euphenes?

Euph. Alphonso, welcome to Sicily, I thought thee dead with my unhappy Son, or what was worse, in Slavery, where no Intelligence cou'd find thee, for I have us'd my utmost Diligence.

Alph. In part you have guess'd aright, for I have been twenty tedious Years in gauling Slavery, for when the Argives surprized the Fort they hurried me on board, and because I made a brave Resistance, they ne'er wou'd give me Leave to offer at my Ransom, so violent was their Hate, but now worn out with Age, unfitting for their Labour, they turn'd me Home, an useless Drone, your Son they put on board another Ship, and by some I heard it rumoured, he being wondrous fair, that they design'd to breed him for the Sultan's Use, but some Years after I heard he was retaken on this Coast.

Euph. Ha!

Alph. I conceal'd his Name, least the many Conquests you have gain'd against them shou'd have wing'd their Revenge, and made 'em kill the lovely Child, I call'd him Palante, have you ever heard of such a one?

Euph. Oh all ye immortal Powers, the very same, I took, and is Palante then Lysander, and have I found thee once to lose thee ever?

Alph. Ha! what means all this?

Euph. 'Twas Nature then that worked my Soul, and I by Instinct lov'd him. Oh my Alphonso, this Discovery comes too late, and instead of bringing Comfort to my Age, thou hast plung'd me down in deep Despair.

Alph. Alas, my Lord, how have I err'd? pray explain yourself.

Euph. Oh Alphonso! the Youth thou speak'st of I retook from Argive Pirates, I bred him, and tho' not sensible who he was, I lov'd him tenderly: He is this very Day condemn'd for stealing of an Heiress, now judge if my Grief falls not with Weight upon me.

Alph. Unfortunate Mischance, is there no Way to save him?

Euph. None I fear, but yet I'll try all Means, if my long Service to my Country, my Winter Camps, and Summer Heats, and all my stormy Fate at Sea can plead, I will expand my Deeds as Rome's Consuls did of old, make bare my Breast, and shew my scar'd Bosom to move and raise their Pity.

I that ne'er mention'd aught my Arm has done,

Will now urge all to save my darling Son.

[Exeunt.

ACT V. SCENE a Prison.

Palante and Clerimont come forward.

Pal. Oh! Clerimont, I swear by my malignant Stars,

Death brings no Terrors with it but for thee;

The Thoughts of thine, and that I have involv'd

In my sad Fate, my best and only Friend,

Sits heavy on my Soul, and gives me double Death:

My Father's Tears, whom now too late I know,

Pierce not my Breast with half this killing Grief,

This gnaws me worse than my Lucasia's Loss;

And, like a Vulture, preys upon my Heart.

I was rewarded, call'd Lucasia mine:

For such a Treasure who wou'd refuse to die?

But thou'rt condemn'd for only aiding me,

I am the Cause of thy sad Fate, my Friend;

Hurry'd by me to an untimely Grave:

Thou fall'st for him thou ever hast oblig'd.

Cler. No more Palante——

Why dost thou call me by the Name of Friend?

Yet think I cou'd descend from Friendship's Rules:

For so I must shou'd I repine at Death,

Or fear to suffer with so brave a Man.

To die is nothing to a Man resolv'd:

Why shou'd we wish to hold this mortal Frame,

By Nature subject to such various Ills,

Which first or last brings certain Death to all?

Were there no Hand, indeed, but human Laws

To cut the Thread of our Mortality,

Then we had Cause for Grief; but when we reflect

We only leap the Abyss a little sooner,

Where all Mankind must follow by degrees,

The Apprehension moves not me.

Pal. Oh! Noble Constancy——

After Ages shall record the Story,

And rank thee with the bravest Roman Youths;

And melancholy Virgins when they read,

In moving Accents celebrate thy Name.

Cler. What baleful Planet rul'd when thou wert born,

That mark'd for thee this Path of Sorrow out?

Oh! ye malicious Stars, when ye had stood

So long the rude Buffets of blind Fortune,

And now just as the pleasing Scene appear'd,

I' th' Moment when th' art found of noble Birth,

And wed to thy long wish'd for Bride Lucasia,

Then to snatch thee hence, is twice to kill thee.

Oh! it is the Mock'ry of spiteful Fates,

When we with Labour reach the aim'd at Wish,

Straight this unstable Fairy World removes.

We die, or are dash'd back again to what we were.

Enter Eugenio and Lucasia.

Luc. Faithful Irus how shall I reward thee?

Ha! see where stands Palante and his Friend!

Oh! lead me Irus, quickly, lead me back,

Else I shall grow a Statue at this Sight:

Not all the frightful Noise of Chains we've past,

And meagre Looks of Wretches in Despair,

Are half so terrible as this.

Pal. My Lucasia!

Art thou come to take thy last Adieu, and

Bless my Eyes before they close for ever?

Luc. Oh! Palante!

Pal. What! no more? Give thy labouring Sorrows vent,

That like Convulsions heaves thy snowy Breasts,

And struggles for a Passage to thy Tongue.

Luc. O! I had dy'd e'er seen this fatal Hour;

But this good Man pursu'd with Care my Steps,

And stop'd my Hand, which else had giv'n the Blow,

When first I heard the sad and dreadful News,

That thou, Palante, wer't condemn'd to die.

Eug. Still all I ask is, that you wou'd have Patience;

I'll to Court where Lord Euphenes is,

Now begging for his Son, in Hope to bring you Happiness. [Exit Eug.

Luc. Fly Irus, fly, and bring us instant Word.

Oh! my aking Brain is near Distraction;

For much I fear there is no Help for me.

Pal. Yet I rejoice in this, I'm found of Noble Birth—

That in succeeding Ages, when this Act,

With all its Circumstances shall be told,

No Blot may rest upon thy Virgin Fame;

No censuring Tongue reflect upon thy Choice;

And say thy Husband was a Wretch unknown,

And quite unworthy of Lucasia's Arms.

Luc. What Comfort's in this late Discovery found?

Will the Greatness of thy Race protect thee?

Virtue and ev'ry Good was thine before;

Yet the cruel Pow'rs are deaf to all my Prayers:

Nor will thy Merit plead with angry Heav'n,

To ward the Stroke, and save thy precious Life.

Oh Greatness! thou vain and vap'rish Shew,

That, like a Mist, dazzles the Eyes of Men,

And as the Fogs destroy the Body's Health,

That poisons deep, and gangrenes in the Soul;

But seldom's found t' assist the virtuous Man.

Thou wert——

As dear to these desiring Eyes before,

And honour'd full as much in this poor Heart.

Oh! I cou'd curse the Separating Cause,

And wish Lucasia never had been born.

Pal. Be calm, my Love, my everlasting Dear,

Cease to lament, and give thy Spirits ease.

Oh! hear me Heav'n, and grant my last Request;

May Health, long Life, and ev'ry Bliss beside,

Conduce to make Lucasia happy still.

Let nothing fall to interrupt her Joy,

But make it lasting as you make it great.

Grant this, and I to rigorous Destiny

Submit with Pleasure.

Luc. Long Life; no, rather wish me sudden Death,

To rid me of my Cares, and that Way give me Ease.

Ha! I'm seiz'd with an unusual Terror, Fear

And Horror swim in Shades of Night around,

How sad and dreadful are these Prison Walls!

Thy Voice seems hollow too, and Face looks pale.

Oh! my Palante, my Heart——

Throbs, as if the Strings of Life were breaking.

[A Bell tolls within.

Hark! hark! Oh! 'twas this that it foretold.

Ope' Earth, hide me in thy unfathom'd Womb,

To drown the Call of Fate——this dismal Bell.

Cler. Madam——

Be patient, add not to his Misery;

For whilst he sees you thus, his Soul's unfit

For aught but Earth; th' Approach of Death is near,

A little Time is necessary now,

To calm his Mind to suffer like a Man.

Luc. Oh! Heav'n help me. [Faints.

Pal. Oh! She's dying; do not thus rend my Soul with Grief.

Enter an Officer.

Officer. Gentlemen, this Bell gives warning, that within Half an Hour you must prepare to die.

Pal. 'Tis very well, we shall be ready. Canst thou conduct this Lady to her Father's House?

Luc. Stand off, and touch me not: No, I will stay with thee.

Do not push me from thee, my dear Palante;

For I shall die apace, and go before.

Officers. The Officers all wait to conduct ye to the Place of Execution.

Cler. We come now, Friend, when shall we meet again.

Pal. The bless'd Pow'rs can tell, in Heav'n sure.

Luc.

Oh! all ye Maids that now are crown'd above;

Did any feel, like me, the Wrecks of Love?

By Tempests torn from my dear Husband's Side,

And made a Widow, when I'm scarce a Bride.

SCENE the Governor's House.

Enter Governor and Count Pirro, and Lord Gravello.

Govern. This is strange Palante should be found The Lord Euphene's Son; but fear not Nephew, the Law has pass'd, and he shall suffer.

Pirro. I urge still, my Lord, she was my promised Wife; Her Father so design'd her, had he then been known Euphene's Son. I urge that, speak my good Father.

Grav. My Lord, I had; yet let me own, I rather wish the unknown Palante had suffer'd for my Daughter, than the Son of one, who tho' my Foe, I must acknowledge great and brave.

Govern. So wou'd I my Lord, but there's no Fence for Accidents; I do expect to be beset with Prayers and Tears, but all in vain; see where he comes.

Enter Euphenes and Alphonso.

Euph. Behold! Lord Governor, my aged Knees, are bent to thee,

'Tis in thy Power to wrest this heavy Judgment of the Law;

Suspend it at least, till the King shall hear the Cause,

And save my Son.

Gover. Rise Euphenes, your Speech carries a double Meaning, you pray and threaten with the same Breath, we are not to be frighted Lord; the Laws of Sicily have had their Course, your Son falls by them.

Euph. Oh! mistake me not, I am as humble as your Pride can wish me; but give me Leave to speak, tho' 'tis my hard Fortune to offend; let me the Anguish of my Soul deliver to that injurious Lord, the Father of Lysander's, or by the more known Name, Palante's Wife; hard-hearted Man! had'st thou no other Way to wreck thy canker'd and long foster'd Hate upon my Head, but this? Thus cruelly, by my Son's Suffering, and for such a Fault as thou shou'dst Love him, rather? Is thy Daughter injur'd by this Marriage? Is his Blood base? Or can his now rising Fortunes know an Ebb? This Law was made to restrain the Vile from wronging noble Persons, by Attempts of such a kind; but where Equality meets in the Match, there is no Crime! or if there is, forgive his Youth, and have Pity on him.

Gover. Euphenes, you wrong your Virtue when you'd save a Criminal, the Law condemns; tho' the righteous Judgment falls upon your Son, and your Appeal shall come too late.

Euph. Then you have set a Period to a loyal House and Family that have been Props of the Sicilian Crown and with their Blood in Wars, won many an honour'd Field. I can spend no more in Tears, I'll spend the sad Remnant of my childless Age, and only wish to rest i'th' Grave together.

Alph. Hear me thou Governor, not kneeling, but erect as old Age and Slavery has left me: This noble Sicilian Youth was lost in defending Sicily from the fam'd Fortress, which beat back a thousand Times, invading Foes, and sunk 'em in the working Seas, from thence the Child was ta'en, and must he 'scape the Hazards of the rowling Waves, Rocks, Tempests, Pirates, and ignominious Fate, to perish in his native Isle: Oh, barbarous Usage, stop yet at least his Judgment, and let this poor old Man see once again, his dear Palante; for that I'll bow my stubborn Knees, and ask the Blessings as I importune Heaven.

Euph. Oh! my Lord, let my unhappy Son appear before ye, e'er the cruel Sentence comes to Execution.

Grav. If you deny them this, it may be ill represented to the King.

Pirro. I fear, my Lord, you are staggering.

Gover. Nephew, be silent, and be safe; they shall have their Will, but to no Purpose, only a Moment's short Delay; for I have sworn, and he shall die——Guard bring here the Prisoner.

Euph. I thank the Governor.

Gov. Oh spare thy Thanks, till thou hast real Cause: the Law, the Statute's plain, and he must die for't, there is no Remedy.

Enter, brought in by the Guards,

Palante, Clerimont, Lucasia and Eugenio.

Euph. Oh! Son!

Alph. Palante!

Pal. Pardon me, Sirs, I have too much Tenderness upon my Soul already, too many Clogs that drag it downwards; oh! forgive me, if I beg ye wou'd not add more Weight to Death.

Gra. Madam, 'twere more becoming your Quality and Modesty, to be at Home; thou dost but ill return thy Father's Care.

Luc. I have no Father, nor ever had that I remember, but born and destin'd for an out-cast Wretch, and curst to ruin a most noble Husband: Oh he was the Pride of the Sicilian Youths, and Glory of the World; but he is dead, or doom'd to die, and that's alike distracting.

Euph. Heav'n bless thee, thou Mirrour of thy Sex, that in the Sea of thy transcendant Virtues, drown'st all thy Father's Malice, and in my Thought, redeem'st more than thy Race can lose.

Gov. Lord Euphenes, what End had you in this, in bringing here the Criminals?

Euph. To move your Mercy was my End; but Wolves and Tygers know not what Pity means.

Gov. Forbear Reproach, and hear me; I'll stand it to the King, and all the World; here is an Heiress stole, the worst of Robberies; he is condemn'd by the Law, he fell to the Judgment of the Law; I surrender him. Guards, carry on the Pris'ners.

Luca. Oh! cruel Sentence! hear me, Sir.

Gov. Away with 'em.

Eug. Stay yet a little, thou most imperious Governor; for I will be heard.

Gov. Thou! What art thou?

Eug. My Name is Irus; Lord Pirro knows me.

Pirro. Ha!

Eug. Thou tremblest, Lord, hear; you that have condemn'd these noble Friends, and hunt their Lives for a mere Trifle; sentence to Death a Man for loving and being belov'd; hear, a black Deed will start your Soul with Horror, and make you own the Crime before ye nothing.

Gov. What means the Fellow!

Eug. Nay, 'tis not a Frown can stop me, nor will my Fate be long; know then, this Lord gave out his Son Eugenio dy'd at Rome, but he was well, and in this City.

Palan. How say'st thou?

Luc. Proceed, dear Irus.

Eug. First stop Lord Pirro; for my Story will not please him: I say Eugenio lived; which when I discover'd to that trembling Lord, he brib'd me with a thousand Crowns to poison him: Here's the Agreement under his own Hand; and here's a Letter from Eugenio to his Father, which denotes that he was poison'd, and dying.

Gra. Let me see it: Oh! 'tis his Hand. Wretch that I am, is my dissembled Grief turn'd to true Sorrow? Were my acted Tears but Prophecies of my ensuing Woe? And is he dead? Oh! pardon me, dear Ghost of my Eugenio! 'twas my Crimes that call'd this hasty Vengeance from above, and shorten'd thus thy Life; for whilst with Fallacies I sought to fasten Wealth upon our House, I brought a Cannibal to be the Grave of me and mine; base, bloody, murdering Lord.

Pirro. Vile Cozener, Cheater and Dissembler, now indeed we both are caught.

Euph. Oh! cruel Man! now see the Justice of offended Heav'n; thou who pursu'st the poor Palante's Life with so much Violence, thou now must feel the Weight of a Son's Loss.

Gov. This will prove a Tragedy indeed; away with the Prisoners. Your Trial's next, Lord Pirro.

Pirro. I do confess——

Eug. Hold, is there no means left to save them? Wou'd not you now, Lord Gravello, give your Daughter freely to Palante?

Gra. More willingly than I wou'd live another Hour.

Euph. Oh! You are kind too late; had you been thus when Need required, you had sav'd yourself and me, and both our hapless Sons.

Gov. Oh Nephew, my Prompter still in Cruelty,

Now thou thyself must feel the Rigour of the Law.

Eug. Now ye behold the Good from Bad, which nought but this Extremity had shewn; yet all be safe, Eugenio lives, and fair Lucasia is no Heiress now.

Omnes. How! lives!

Eug. Yes, lives to call thee Brother, worthy Palante, and thou, my dear Lucasia, Sister.

[Throws off his Disguise.

Luc. Oh, Irus, Eugenio, Palante, where am I?

Palan. Oh! Lucasia, Clerimont; my Friend, my Love, my Wife.

Eug. Pardon me ye most afflicted Sufferers,

That I thus long have kept myself conceal'd;

My End was honest, to let my Father see

The Frailty, I will not call it by a harder Name,

Of Count Pirro; the Son he coveted so eagerly,

To raise the Storms to their most dreadful Height,

That Calms, and Peace might be more pleasing.

Gra. I see it was Eugenio, and thou Palante.

Now, my Son, give me thy Hand, here take thy Wife,

And for the Wrong that I intended thee, thy Portion

shall be double.

Pal. Oh! I am over-paid, Lucasia and my Friend secure. This is the Work of Heav'n, and oh ye gracious Powers I thank ye for it.

Cler. Joy rises from my Heart, and with unutterable Transports stops my Speech; thus once again let me embrace thee.

Euph. And has a Father nothing from a Son?

Alph. And old Alphonso too expects a Welcome.

Pal. Oh! take me, Father, Brother, Friend, Lucasia! There's the Sum of all.

Luc. Sure such Hours as these give us a Taste of Immortality.

Gra. My Lord Euphenes, I hope all Enmity is now forgot betwixt our Houses.

Euph. Let it be ever so; I do embrace your Love.

But speak Eugenio, what hast thou to ask?

Whose timely Care prevented our undoing.

Eug. My Lord, you have a virtuous Niece, for whom I long have sigh'd, I beg your leave to own my Flame.

Euph. She's yours; I've often heard her praise Eugenio. And all Things else within my Power command.

My Lord the Governor, you alone seem sad.

Gov. I am not so at your good Fortune, but that my Nephew whom I have found so base, urg'd me to such Cruelty: Be gone, and hide thy ignominious Head, for I will never see thee more.

Pirro. No matter, I am free, and will enjoy myself in spight of all Mankind. [Exit.

Gov. However this my Care shall do, I will solicit earnestly the King to mitigate this cruel Law, and make the Thefts of Love admit of Pardon.

Who have we here? they seem to rejoice too.

Enter Larich singing, Francisco, Lavinia, Sancho and Trist.

Larich. Ha, hey, what, every body in Joy! Good News, Coz, Palante come off safe; my pretty Niece pleas'd here, and Son-in-law, Francisco, just receiv'd a certain Information of an Uncle's Death, that has left him, let me see, let me see; ay, ay, enough to please me.

Sancho. Nay, nay, hold, every body is not so well pleas'd neither; I am melancholy, I came hither to see the Execution; but I see no body has occasion to be hanged but myself, for I have lost my Mistress; faith I have, Tristram. What Account shall I give my Father of this Match?

Tris. Fackins, Master, I cannot tell.

Larich. Then Lavinia is a pure Virgin still, for all the Tricks she play'd; faith she is: Was it not a sly one, ha, Brother?

Gra. I know nothing of the Matter.

Luc. Cousin, I wish you Joy, as large a Share as I possess, and Fate itself can give no more.

Lav. I am doubly bless'd to see you happy.

Fran. And I have nothing left to wish.

Pal. Come, my Lucasia, now we are bless'd, let us retire, and give a loose to Raptures yet unknown.

Virtue survives thro' all the Turns of Fate,

Let not impatient Man think Mercy late;

For Heaven does still the justest Side regard,

And virtuous Lovers always meet Reward.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE

Very occasional misspellings have been silently corrected. These include misspelled character names (Engenio for Eugenio; Euphanes for Euphenes). Several of the characters' names are abbreviated in a variety of ways in the original text and have not been standardised. A single misprint affected the meaning and can be identified in the body of the text by a grey dotted underline; wont was changed to won't in the passage:

Thou won't visit her in that Dress, sure?

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Table of Contents

Stolen Heiress:

Salamanca Doctor Outplotted.

COMEDY.

Drawn from

WORKS

OF THE CELEBRATED

Mrs. CENTLIVRE.

VOLUME ONE

LONDON:

PROLOGUE.

THE

EPILOGUE.

Dramatis Personæ

The Stolen Heiress:

OR, THE

Salamanca Doctor Outplotted.

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE