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diff --git a/38931-8.txt b/38931-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3a69822 --- /dev/null +++ b/38931-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2832 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Perjur'd Husband, by Susanna Centlivre + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Perjur'd Husband + +Author: Susanna Centlivre + +Release Date: February 19, 2012 [EBook #38931] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PERJUR'D HUSBAND *** + + + + +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 +material from the Google Book Search project.) + + + + + + + + + + + THE + Perjur'd Husband: + + OR, THE + Adventures of VENICE. + + + A + TRAGEDY. + + + 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. + + + +[Decoration] + + + THE + PROLOGUE. + + By a GENTLEMAN. + + Spoken by Mrs. OLDFIELD. + + + _Such dreadful Laws of late 'gainst Wit are made,_ + _It dares not in the City show its Head._ + _No Place is safe; each Cuckold turns Informer,_ + _If we make merry--it must be in a Corner._ + _And here's To-night, what doubly makes it sweet,_ + _A private Table, and a Lady's Treat:_ + _At her Reflections none can be uneasy,_ + _When the kind Creature does her best to please ye._ + _Humbly she sues, and 'tis not for your Glory_ + _T'insult a Lady--when she falls before ye._ + _But since no human Wit can stand the Test,_ + _With_ Gorman! _and the_ Champion of the West! + _She'll fill the Lists, and then you cannot slight her,_ + (_With Honour safe_) _for she's_ a fair Inviter. + _Expects no Favour, but at Honour's Call,_ + _Defies the boldest_ Briton _of you all;_ + _Whate'er's her Fate, she's sure to gain the Field,_ + _For Women always conquer, when they yield._ + + + + + +[Decoration] + +Dramatis Personæ. + + + MEN. + + _Count_ Bassino, _a_ Savoyard, _married to_ } _Mr._ Mills. + Placentia, _and in Love with_ Aurelia, } + Armando, Bassino's _Friend_, _Mr._ Simpson. + Alonzo, _a_ Venetian _Gentleman_, _betrothed } + to_ Aurelia, } _Mr._ Thomas. + Pizalto, _a Noble_ Venetian, _Mr._ Norris. + Ludovico, _a_ Frenchman, _Mr._ Fairbank. + + + WOMEN. + + Placentia, Bassino's _Wife_, _Mrs._ Kent. + Aurelia, _a young_ Venetian _Lady, betrothed_ } + _to_ Alonzo, _but in Love with_ } _Mrs._ Oldfield. + Bassino, } + Forella, _her Woman_, _Mrs._ Baker. + _Lady_ Pizalta, Pizalto's _Wife_, _Mrs._ Moore. + Lucy, _her Woman_, _Mrs._ Lucas. + + _Maskers, Dancers, Singers, and Attendants._ + + SCENE, VENICE, in Carnival-Time. + + + + +THE PERJUR'D HUSBAND. + + + + +ACT I. SCENE I. + +_The Curtains fly up, and discover a Mask in_ Pizalto's _House_. +Pizalto, _Lady_ Pizalta, Lucy; Ludovico _talking to Lady_ Pizalta; +Bassino _and_ Aurelia _talking together_; Florella _and other +Maskers_. + +_A_ Spanish _Entry_. + +_While the Dance is performing_, _enter_ Armando, _and gives_ Bassino +_two Letters, which he opens and reads_. + +_Lady_ Pizalta _and_ Lucy _advance to the Front of the Stage_. + + + L. Piz. Oh! _Lucy_, I'm undone---- + That Stranger there has charm'd my Heart: I feel + The Pow'r of conquering Love; quick, quickly tell me, + What shall I do to ease this racking Passion? + +_Lucy._ Nay, Madam, I fancy your Passion has little Occasion for +Lenitives; it blazes so violently at first, 'tis like to be soon +extinguish'd. + +L. _Piz._ Dear _Lucy_, don't trifle with me; but contrive, imagine, +do any thing, to bless thy Love-sick Mistress with the Sight of that +dear Man: And as an Earnest of further Rewards, here, take this---- +[_Gives her a Ring._ + +_Lucy._ Madam, I receive your Commands with much Joy, but your Present +with more----[_Aside._] I'll try what this projecting Brain can do, +and if you step into the next Room, I'll soon give you an Account of +my Proceedings. [_Exit L._ Pizalta. + + _Bass._ Ye Gods! + What have I done, that you pursue me thus? + Why did you e'er decree that I should wed + A Wife I now must hate? Why did I see + The bright _Aurelia_? Why am I thus torn + 'Twixt Love and Duty? Oh! what Pangs, what Torments + My Soul endures! Oh! my _Aurelia_! + [_Exeunt omnes, but_ Lucy & Ludov. + + Lucy _pulling_ Ludovico _by the Sleeve_. + +_Lucy._ Sir, Sir, one Word with you. + +_Lud._ Your Business---- + +_Lucy._ May one ask you a civil Question, and be resolv'd? + +_Lud._ Hum--A civil Question, sayst thou? What's it, prithee, a +Night's Lodging? If so, pull off thy Mask, and I'll resolve thee +instantly----But I never strike Bargains in the Dark. + +_Lucy._ I don't know, Sir, but it may tend to that, by way of Proxy, +at the long-run: But at present my Commission reaches no further than +to know your Lodgings; if any Thing comes on't, I fancy 'twill not +displease you. + +_Lud._ (_Aside._) Hum----This is but a Pettifogger in Intrigues, I +find----Egad, I'm like to be pretty well employ'd during the +Carnival----Well, considering I am a Stranger here, this Hit may be a +lucky one, and the Lady handsome----Egad, I'll fancy her so at least, +wer't but for the Pleasure of Expectation. + +_Lucy._ What are you studying, Sir? Are you so long resolving whether +you shall accept a Lady's Favour, or no? + +_Lud._ No, faith, Child: I am not over-scrupulous in those +Matters----Let her be but Woman, and we shan't disagree----And so thou +mayst tell her----There's a Direction for thee. [_Tears the +Superscription of a Letter and gives it her._ [_Exit_ Ludovico. + +_Lucy._ Frank and easy, _a la mode de Paris_----Well, these +indifferent Sparks charm more than all your cringing Fops----Now for +my Business--Let me see--I'll to my Lady, she'll write; I'll carry the +Letter, and the Devil will turn Saint, if I don't bring 'em together, +and merit a further Recompence. + + _By Coupling many have their Fortunes made;_ + _I only want Preferment, not my Trade._ + [_Exit_ Lucy. + + +SCENE II. + +_The Scene changes to_ Bassino's _Lodgings, and discovers the Count in +his Night-gown, a Table with Lights, and Letters lying on the Table_. + + + _Bass._ All Things lie hush'd in peaceful Silence here: + All but _Bassino_'s Mind----Oh! happy he + Who lives secure and free from Love's Alarms. + But happier far, who, Master of himself, + Ranges abroad without that Clog, a Wife. + Oh! rigorous Laws impos'd on Free-born Man! + On Man, by bounteous Nature first design'd + The Sovereign Lord of all the Universe! + Why must his generous Passion thus be starv'd, + And be confined to one alone? + The Woman, whom Heaven sent as a Relief, + To ease the Burden of a tedious Life, + And be enjoy'd when summon'd by Desire, + Is now become the Tyrant of our Fates. [_Takes up a Letter._ + But hold, _Bassino_! whither does thy Passion + Hurry thy wandering Reason: Let this Letter + Re-call the Fugitive, and fix thy Senses + On duteous Love----A Wife, so young, so fair, + So excellent, whose Charms not three Months since + Did fire thy Soul; a Wife, who dotes on thee; + A Wife to whom thou sworest eternal Love---- + By Heaven, I swear again I will be true. + This Thought again restores my Peace of Mind---- + No, charming Wife; no dear _Placentia_, no, + Thou shalt not beg in vain: I will return [_Kisses the Letter._ + But who comes here--My Friend _Armando_? + + _Enter_ Armando. + + _Arm._ Dear Friend, I heard + The Conflict of your Passion, and my Joys + Are now compleat, since Virtue gains the Day. + + _Bass._ Yes, dear _Armando_, the Conflict is o'er, + And I'm resolv'd to fly to my _Placentia_. + + _Arm._ Cherish that Thought: By Heaven your Resolution + Transports my Soul with Joy! + A kind, a virtuous Wife waits your Embraces; + A Wife, who like a Turtle mourns the Absence + Of her dear Mate. Haste then, my Friend, to drive + That Cloud of Sorrow which o'ercasts her Mind, + And, like the Sun, dispel her gloomy Thoughts. + + _Bass._ Thanks for your Counsel---- + You like a God support my feeble Virtue. + This very Morning I'll prepare for _Turin_, + Where Time and Absence will deface the Image + Of that bewitching Beauty, which now haunts + My tortur'd Mind--Yet, first I'll take my Leave + Of this fair Charmer----And Heaven grant + That I may see her unconcern'd---- + + _Arm._ My Lord, what d'you mean? + Have you well weigh'd the Danger of this Visit? + + _Bass._ What danger can there be? + + _Arm._ Danger! my Lord--Consider well how feeble + Our Reason is against the Pow'r of Beauty---- + + _Bass._ My Resolution's firm; no Charm can shake it. + + _Arm._ If not her Beauty, fear her Syren Tongue; + fear her endearing Prayers, her fond Reproaches, + Her tender Sighs, her Vows, her trickling Tears. + Nay--if all these prove vain, fear her Despair, + A Woman, an abandon'd Woman's Rage. + + _Bass._ Were there more Dangers, yet I'll stand 'em all; + My Honour bids me pay this parting Visit: + My Heart shall have no Share in what I'll speak. + Trust me this once, and be yourself a Witness, + _Bassino_ can controul unlawful Love.---- + + _Arm._ My Lord, 'tis with Regret I see you go, + May Heaven assist you in this dangerous Strife. + + +SCENE III. + +Aurelia's _Chamber_; _she in an Undress with_ Florella. + + + _Aur._ No more of that--Cease thy ungrateful Suit, + _Alonzo_ is a Man I cannot love; + I own he's witty, generous, and brave; + Has all the Charms that Nature can bestow + To fire a Woman's Heart----Yet I'm insensible, + His very Sight chills all my trembling Spirits; + Therefore, name him no more--I charge thee do not. + + _Flor._ Madam, I've done--Yet shall I be permitted + To ask a Question? Are you then resolved + Ne'er to admit a Passion in your Breast? + + _Aur._ Oh! Dear _Florella_, press not a Confession, + Which but too well my Eyes themselves disclose. + Alas! I love--I love to such Excess, + That tho' I know I'm lov'd again, my Mind + Is still perplex'd with Doubts and jealous Fears. + + _Flor._ You love and are belov'd! Then sure you reach + The Height of human Bliss, and bounteous Heaven + Can scarce give more----But who's the happy Man; + Is it not Count _Bassino_? + + _Aur._ Oh! charming Name; there's Musick in that Sound! + Yes, Count _Bassino_ is the Man I love. + Canst thou now blame my Coldness to _Alonzo_? + + _Flor._ Forgive me, Madam, if I dare presume + To speak my Sentiments: I must confess + _Bassino_ is a Man of excellent Virtue; + His Education at the Court of _Savoy_ + Has still refin'd what he receiv'd from Nature; + His Person too is charming---- + And, what most Women court, he has a Title---- + But then consider, you are unacquainted + With his Estate, and tho' his Equipage + Denotes an ample Fortune, yet we see + Many a Stranger here during the Carnival, + Who makes a Figure here by industrious Gaming. + As for _Alonzo_, he was born at _Venice_, + Of noble Parents; his Estate, a large one---- + Even from his Youth you had his amorous Wishes, + And as he grew in Years his Love increas'd: + You lov'd him too----Nay, which is more, your Father + Approv'd your mutual Loves, and at his Death + Bequeath'd you to _Alonzo_. + + _Aur._ Oh! my _Florella_, thou hast rouz'd a Thought, + Which will for ever break _Aurelia_'s Rest. + I know my Father's Tenderness to me + Made him confirm _Alonzo_'s Suit, for then + I lov'd _Alonzo_---- + But were my gentle Father still alive, + I'm sure he would not cross my Inclinations, + But, Oh! name not my Father; I cannot bear + The sad Remembrance of so great a Loss. [_Weeps._ + + _Flor._ But fear you not t'offend his peaceful Ghost, + By breaking with the Man he destin'd yours? + + _Aur._ 'Tis not my Fault: and just Heaven must forgive + What Heaven decrees----Yes, 'tis my cruel Stars + That made my Heart inconstant to _Alonzo_, + 'Tis with Regret I break my plighted Faith; + In vain I strive to check my new-born Love, + I cannot, cannot live without _Bassino_. + + _Flor._ Madam, I wish your Passion ne'er prove fatal, + But much I fear this inauspicious Match. + + _Enter_ Bassino, Armando. + + _Aur._ May Heaven avert th' unlucky Combination + Of our presaging Thoughts: For, know, I tremble too-- + But here's the man that will dispel my Fears. + + _Arm._ to _Bass._ My Lord, remember + To keep your Resolution. + + _Bass._ to _Arm._ Yes--I will keep it--[To _Aur._] Madam, + you will pardon + A Morning Visit, when you know what Reasons + Press'd me to fix it on this early Hour.---- + By Letters from the Court I was last Night + Commanded to return with Speed to _Turin_, + And thence let out for _France_, to represent + My Sovereign Liege in solemn Embassy. + This Day I must prepare to take my Journey, + Tho' 'tis with killing Grief I leave my dear, + My fair _Aurelia_----[To _Arm._] Now, my _Armando_. + + _Arm._ My Lord, 'tis well: But still be on your Guard, + The dreadful Shock comes on---- + + _Aur._ This Day be gone! What means my Lord! Oh! Heaven, + My boding Fears are come to pass: I see + A Cloud of Woes just ready to o'erwhelm me. + Is't possible! how can that Form divine + Harbour such Treachery! Is then _Bassino_ false? + Say, perjur'd Man, how often did you swear + This happy Day should make you mine for ever! + How can you now forget your solemn Vows? + Why have I met with this inhuman Usage? + + _Bass._ Madam, my Prince's Orders + Are absolute: My Honour is concern'd. + + _Aur._ Must a vain Title be preferr'd to Love? + But no--You never lov'd----'twas base Deceit. + Curs'd, curs'd dissembling Men! Their flattering Tongues + Can feign a Passion that will look like Love, + Till by Degrees they get us in their Power; + Then with bold Impudence they draw the Vizor, + And shew the Cheat that mock'd our credulous Hopes. + Faithless _Bassino_, + How oft you swore your Love could ne'er expire: + How oft you swore one Smile of mine had Charms, + Even above the Glories of a Crown. + Those were the Oaths I fondly did believe; + Those Words convey'd a Poison to my Heart, + And even now I feel its mighty Force: + My Head turns giddy, and my trembling Knees + Betray their sinking Burden---- + Alas! I faint, I die---- + [_She faints_, Bassino _runs and embraces her_. + _Bass._ Oh! stay, my Love, my Life, my Soul, my all: + The Conflict's past, and I am thine again, + But she is breathless! Oh! ye rigorous Gods, + Give back her Soul, or let my own be plung'd + To dark _Elysium_----Oh! my dear _Aurelia_! [_Hugs her._ + + _Arm._ Is this your Resolution? By Heaven, I blush + To call you Friend. Your Wife, my Lord, remember + Your Wife---- + + _Bass._ Curse on that Name---- + Urge me no more to follow your Chimeras, + Lest you oblige me to break off that Friendship + You blush to own----Oh! my _Aurelia_! + + _Arm. aside._ How sweet is treacherous Vice! how eagerly + Fond Man pursues his Ruin! + All Arguments were vain----yet still one Way remains, + Which cannot fail, to stop the Progress of this impious Love. + His Wife, by my Direction, comes to _Venice_: + Her Sight will soon awake his slumbering Virtue, + At least it will retrieve _Aurelia_'s Senses. [_Exit_ Armando. + +_Aur. recovering._ Where am I? Where's my Lord, my false _Bassino_? + + _Bass._ Here, here, my Soul, my charming Dear. + + _Aur. thrusts him off._ Hold off--Approach me not--urge not my Rage, + Or with this Dagger I'll revenge my Wrongs + On thy perfidious Heart----But, oh! his + Heart's too hard, + Even for temper'd Steel--Therefore I'll sheath it here. + + [_Offers at her Breast_: Bassino _snatches the Dagger, and + throws himself at her Feet in a distracted Manner_. + + _Bass._ Oh! hold----forbid it Gods! + I am the Cursed Cause, and I must die. + Oh! who could bear my Load of mortal Woe! + Ye heavenly Powers bestow the Stroke of Grace, + And rack _Bassino_: Let your vengeful Thunder + Now crush my guilty Head----Or thou, Oh! Parent Earth, + Open thy Bosom, and conceal my Crime. [_Tears the Ground._ + + _Aur._ Is he then mine again! [_Falls down._ + Look up, my Lord, my Love, my Life! + My dear _Bassino_! 'Tis _Aurelia_ calls. + Let me for ever fold thee in my Arms, + And beg thoul't never speak of parting more. [_Embraces him._ + + _Both rise and embrace in an Extasy._ + + _Bass._ Oh! never, never---- + The Poles shall meet, the Sun and Moon invert + Their wonted Motion e're I part from thee. + I fondly try'd how much I was belov'd, + And since you're true, my Bliss is now compleat. + + _Aur._ Was't but a Trial? then my Griefs are vanish'd, + And I am lost in Joy----_Bassino's_ mine. + [_They embrace again._ + + _Bass._ Thine, thine for ever: And this happy Day, + Shall end _Aurelia_'s Fears----Ha---- + This Day, said I, but where's _Placentia_ then? + My Wife _Placentia_! Little does she think + What Baseness I intend--Oh! racking Thought! + But 'tis resolv'd, I'll change nor think no more: + I'll try to plunge, and reach the blissful Shore; + And if I sink, yet still this Hope's my Friend, + I'll snatch my Treasure e're my Course I end. [_Aside._ + + _Aur._ My Lord, what makes you pause? + + _Bass._ The ravishing Thoughts of mighty Joys to come + Kept me in Extasy and made me dumb; + When on thy snowy Breast dissolv'd I lie, + What Monarch can there be more blest than I? + [Bassino _leads her off with a languishing Air_. + + _Enter_ Alonzo. + + _Alon._ Sure, if my Eyes deceive me not, I saw + _Aurelia_ with the Count just parting hence: + Dissolv'd in Love, and languishing they seem'd. + Damnation---- + I cannot bear the Thought--I'll after 'em. + + Alonzo _going_. _Enter_ Florella. + +_Flor. aside._ Ha----_Alonzo_ here! I must prevent a Discovery. + +_Alon._ _Florella_ here! she comes opportunely----she may inform me of +what I yet but fear----Good-morrow, _Florella_: How fares my Love, my +dear _Aurelia_? + +_Flor._ Signior, Good-morrow; you are an early Visitant. + +_Alon._ Not for a Man in Love; but answer me, How does _Aurelia_? + +_Flor._ Well in Health----Only she's now and then in a little Fit of +Melancholy, such as usually proceeds from timorous Doubts about that +dreadful State of Matrimony. You know the Time draws nigh that gives +her to your Arms. + +_Alon._ By Heaven! 'Tis an Age, there's six Days yet to come. + + _Flor._ An Age, indeed, if he knew all. [_Aside._ + + _Alon._ But haste, _Florella_; lead me to my Dear, + She only can contract that tedious Age + Of lingring Pain, and sooth it with her Smiles. + Say, is she alone? + + _Flor._ Yes----No---- + Oh! Heaven! What shall I say? [_Aside._ + She, she's a---- + + _Alon._ Ha----What means this faultering Answer? + All's not right, and my Suspicion's true. + +_Flor._ Signior, my Lady is not drest, and I shall displease her, in +admitting even you, without her Leave. + + _Alon._ Ha----not drest----Take heed you mock me not; + Nor think to blind me with your feign'd Excuse: + For in your guilty Face I read the Truth. + Come, tell me who's with her? is't not _Bassino_? + + _Flor. aside._ Oh! Heaven! What shall I say? + + _Alon._ Nay, nay, no Study: Lying will not do: + I saw 'em part from hence, just now I saw 'em. + Harkee, sweet Mistress, how long have you practis'd + This subtle Trade? I find you're much improv'd. + Hell and Damnation----quickly, tell me + What did _Bassino_ give for his Admittance? + I'll double the Reward--but she's not drest for me---- + Oh! damn'd, damn'd Sex! + + _Flor._ Signior, what do you mean? + + _Alon._ To see _Aurelia_----see her instantly---- + Nay by Heaven! I will: All Opposition's vain: + For by th' avenging Power of Love I swear, + Tho' in _Bassino_'s Arms, I'll drag her thence, + Only to cast her from my Sight for ever: + Nor shall he live to triumph in my Shame. + What tho' the Marriage Rites be not perform'd, + Yet I may call her Wife. Her Father gave her to me: + And her own Vows have fix'd my Heart in her's. + Must then _Alonzo_ be deny'd Admittance, + Under that poor Pretence that she's not drest? + Whilst base _Bassino_ lies dissolv'd in Pleasures + On her perfidious Breast----Oh! killing Thought! + She makes my Name of Husband infamous, + Even before the Priest has join'd our Hands. + I'll in, and if th' Affront I tamely bear, + May Heaven deny me at my latest Prayer. [_Exeunt._ + + +SCENE IV. Ludovico's _Lodgings_. + +Ludovico _solus_. + + +_Lud._ Who waits? + + _Enter_ Mountaine. + +_Mount._ Did you call, Sir? + +_Lud._ _Mountaine_, run to Signiora _Ronquilla_, and tell her I have +done with her for ever, if she does not send this Evening the hundred +Ducats she promised to lend me----And harkee, as you come back, +acquaint Signiora _Cornara_ I shall be busy To-morrow, and desire she +will put off her Visit till another Day. + + [_Knocking at the Door._ + +_Mount._ Sir, there's somebody at the Door. + +_Lud._ See who 'tis. + +_Mount._ Sir, a Gentlewoman desires to speak with you. + + _Lud._ A Gentlewoman! admit her----Well, + 'Tis a great Fatigue to oblige the whole Sex. + + _Enter_ Lucy. + + Oh! what News from your Lady? + +_Lucy._ This will inform you, Sir. [_Gives him a Letter._ + +_Lud. reads._ Hum, hum, a Letter----_Tho' it may seem improper for +one of my Sex to make the first Step in an Amour, yet you ought to +consider, that the rigorous Confinement we are under all the Year +round, may, in some Measure, excuse the Liberties we take during the +Carnival. If you have the Courage to meet me, I shall be at four +in the Afternoon in the_ Piazza d'Espagna, _invisible to all but +yourself_.----Well, I believe all Women in _Venice_ are wild for +Gallants. + +_Lucy._ Sir, what Answer shall I return to my Lady? + +_Lud. aside._ Egad----I am in Doubt whether I shall throw my Time away +on this Intrigue or no----Harkee Child, step into the next Chamber, +and I'll answer your Message instantly---- [_Exit_ Lucy. + +Let me see----[_Reads in his Table-Book_] _Monday_, at Two in the +Afternoon, I am to meet Signiora _Belleza_ at her Nurse's----She's +a pretty Rogue, and so I'll go--At Three of the Clock, Signiora +_Dorinda_, the Senator's Wife, at the _Indian_ House----Pshaw, she's +an old Acquaintance,----I shan't go----At half an Hour past Three, the +Countess _Wrinkle_, who presented me with a Gold-hilted Sword----Silly +Fool! does she think I'll bestow one of my Visits on an old shrivelled +Piece of Antiquity, for a trifling Present, not worth above three-score +Pistoles----At a Quarter past Four, my Semstress _Dorothy Steenkirk_, +who supplies me with Linen,--Oh! this Visit may be put off for a new +Intrigue--And so I'll acquaint the Messenger. [_Exit_ Ludovico. + +_The End of the First Act._ + + + + +ACT II. SCENE I. + +_A Chamber in Signior_ Pizalto's _House_. + +_Enter Lady_ Pizalta, Lucy. + + +Lady _Piz._ Did you deliver my Letter to _Ludovico_, _Lucy_? + +_Lucy._ Madam, I did; I found him in his Study, reading the Lover's +Watch, which he swears does not at all agree with his Constitution. +He hates Injunctions of Love, like those of Penance: For the one, says +he, is no more pleasurable to the Body, than the other beneficial to +the Soul. + +L. _Piz._ What a fine Gallant I'm like to have with these Principles! +Well----what did he say to a Summons from a Woman of my Quality? Did +it not make him wish the Time of Assignation were sooner than the +Appointment in the Letter? + +_Lucy._ He first hum'd over your Billet; and pausing a while, he +desired me to stay for an Answer in a next Room; then coming to me, he +ask'd me what Countrywoman you were? For, said he, if she should prove +an old Acquaintance, I would use her damnably--But when I had assured +him you never saw the Outside of these Walls, he began to have that +Desire which all Men have to a new Face. + +L. _Piz._ Very well; and what then? + +_Lucy._ He strait enquir'd whether you were black, brown, fair, old, +young, Maid, Wife, or Widow? I told him you was a wretched Wife to an +old, impotent, rich, covetous, noble _Venetian_; beautiful, young, +generous, and of a fair Complexion. He hugg'd me at these Words, +seem'd transported with the News, and swore that in Intrigues a Wife +was most suitable to his Temper; for, said he, there's neither +Children to father, nor Honour to repair: And where his Pocket and +Liberty are safe, he is contented to venture his Body and Soul. + +L. _Piz._ Excellent Maxims! + +_Lucy._ In short, Madam, he says he has had several Bills of this +Nature drawn upon him of late, and how much his Stock may be exhausted, +he knows not; but however he'll meet you, and if he cannot answer +your Expectation, he'll give you Earnest. + +L. _Piz._ You talk merrily, Girl; I hope you did not tell my Name. I +should be loath to trust a Man of his Character with my Reputation at +first Dash. + +_Luc._ No, Madam, I only told your Quality. + +L. _Piz._ That's well: Oh! Reputation, what several Sorts of Slavery +do we undergo to preserve thee! for to be thought virtuous, we are +forced to be constantly railing against Vice, tho' our Tongues and +Maxims seldom agree. + +_Lucy._ Alas! Madam, that Pretence is grown too common: For the Men +now take it for granted, that a Lady is very near surrendering, when +once she holds out that Flag of Defiance. + +L. _Piz._ Well--Men use us very barbarously: They will neither suffer +us to be honest, nor allow us to be thought so----Here, take this Key, +and secure every thing that concerns my Reputation: And if my Husband +wakes ere I come back, you may easily find some Excuse to prevent his +Enquiries: for the Carnival allows us more Liberty, than at other +times we dare pretend to----I know thy Honesty, and will rely upon't. + +_Lucy._ Yes, indeed, Madam, I am honest at the Bottom. + +L. _Piz._ Well, I'll be gone: 'Tis about the Hour. [_Ex._ L. _Piz._ + + _Enter_ Pizalto. + +_Lucy._ Good Luck attend you, Madam----Oh! Heavens! here's my +Lord----Madam, Madam, Madam----Oh! Lord, what shall I say, now she's +gone? + +_Piz._ Hist, hist, _Lucy_: Don't, don't, don't call your Lady, for I +have a Word or two to say to thee in private, and have waited for this +lucky Opportunity a great while---- + +_Lucy, aside._ Now _Venus_ be prais'd. I hope he has found some +Business of his own, that may give my Lady an Opportunity to mind +her's. + +_Piz._ Well, _Lucy_, well,--canst thou guess my Business now? + +_Lucy._ No, indeed, Sir--But I'm certain, an old Man's Business can't +be great. [_Aside._ + +_Piz._ [_Gives her a Looking-glass._] Here, Child, this will tell +thee--Look in't, look in't, I say----Ah! ah! thou hast a pretty +pouting Lip, a delicate roguish Eye, such an Ogle, such a Cast----Ah! +Rogue----Faith, thou'rt very pretty: And, in short, if any one rival +thy Lady, it will be thee, _Lucy_----Egad, I have Fire in me, yet. + +_Lucy, aside._ O' my Conscience, and little too. I believe: Yet I wish +he has enough to serve my Ends. I'll make my Fortune----Lord, Sir, +what do you mean? I rival my Lady! Heaven forbid; I would not injure +so good a Woman for the World---- + +_Piz._ Pshaw, pshaw--Where's the Injury done to her, Child? Adod, I'll +give thee a hundred Crowns. + +_Lucy._ No Injury, say you, my Lord? Why, I wonder you should be so +jealous of my Lady, and preach such religious Maxims to her, when your +own Principles are quite opposite. + +_Piz._ Look ye, Child, a Man may do that, which would look abominable +in a Wife----A Woman's Reputation is a nice Thing---- + +_Lucy._ 'Tis so----and therefore 'tis but Reason I should take Care of +mine. + +_Piz._ Prithee, no more of that: Thy Reputation shall be safe; I'll +marry thee to my Gentleman. + +_Lucy._ Gentleman--Valet! Faugh--And what Good will a hundred Crowns +do me, when my Virginity is gone? Indeed, if you lov'd me as much as +you say, and would make my Fortune, (for I should love extreamly to be +a Lady) I cannot tell how far you might persuade me----I know my +Reputation would be safe in your Hands. + +_Piz._ Make thy Fortune! Why, I've known some of our Nobles marry a +Wife with less than a hundred Crowns----But adod, thou'rt a charming +Girl, and therefore I'll make it a hundred Pistoles--What say'st thou +now, _Lucy_? Ah! adod, I must buss thee; [_Kisses her._] Ah! Rogue, +methinks I'm a young, lusty, vigorous Fellow again----Thou shalt find +I am, Girl. + +_Lucy, aside._ I believe I shall fail you, old Gentleman. Well, my +Lord, make it up a thousand Pistoles, and I am your's else I'll die a +Maid, I'm resolv'd. + +_Piz._ A thousand Pistoles, why thou art the most unconscionable Wench +in _Italy_: Why, 'tis a Price for a Duchess in some Countries. Come, +come, prithee be reasonable, _Lucy_? + +_Lucy._ Reasonable! why you don't ask a reasonable Thing----Look you, +you know my Mind, I'll not bate a Penny----I'll warrant my Lady will +give me two hundred at least for my Discovery. [_Going._ + +_Piz. aside._ Udslife! she won't tell my Wife, sure, I'm ruin'd if she +does; I'd rather give her two thousand----Hold, hold, _Lucy_, sweet +_Lucy_, prithee come back----Faith, thou'rt so charming, I can deny +thee nothing----Come, it shall be what thou wilt----Come now, Rogue, +let's retire to thy Chamber---- + +_Lucy._ Nay, nay, no ent'ring the Premises, till you have paid the +Purchase---- + +_Piz._ Adod, thou'rt a Wag----Come in then, and I'll discharge the +Debt: Thou'rt a cunning Gipsy. [_Exit_ Pizal. + +_Lucy._ You shall have Reason to say so, e're I have done with you, +old Gentleman----For I am resolv'd to shew you a Trick, and preserve +my Virtue. [_Aside._ + + _For did base Men within my Power fall,_ + _T' avenge my injur'd Sex, I'd jilt 'em all._ + _And would but Women follow my Advice,_ + _They should be glad at last to pay our Price._ + [_Exit_ Lucy. + + +SCENE II. + +_The_ Piazza d'Espagna _in_ Venice. + +_Enter Lady_ Pizalta _sola_. + + + L. _Piz._ Not come yet! ungrateful Man! must a + Woman of my Quality wait? + How have we lost our Pow'r since the Creation? + When the whole World had but one single Lord, + Whom every Creature readily obey'd? + Yet he, that mighty he, caught with a Smile, + Flew to th'Embraces of the tempting Fair. + But now each puny Sinner dares to cross + A Woman's Inclinations---- + + _Enter_ Ludovico. + + Oh! are you come, Signior? I suppose you have + Some other Assignation, that made you miss + My Hour----Pursue it pray----I'll not interrupt you-- + Your Servant---- [_Going._ + I hope he'll not take me at my Word. [_Aside._ + +_Lud._ Nay, nay, Signiora, why this Passion? [_Stops her._ +You sent me a Challenge, and I, like a Man of Courage, am come to +answer it----Pray don't let a Quarter of an Hour break Squares----I +own it was a fault to make a Lady wait; but Friends, Madam, Friends +and good Wine are the Devil----Come I'll make you amends. + +L. _Piz._ Friends and good Wine! I suppose those Friends were Female +ones---- + +_Lud._ No, Faith: You shall judge of that----But suppose they were----Why +should you be angry that I did not fly with the desired Haste, as long +as I am come time enough to give you Satisfaction----Besides, I han't +seen your Face yet, and for aught I know, it mayn't reward my Complement +in coming now----Prithee, Child, unmask, and then I'll tell thee more +of my Mind. + +L. _Piz._ The Devil take this Fellow----and yet methinks I love him +for his Indifferency----[_Aside._] You talk as if you were unskill'd +in the Art of Love: Don't you know that Expectation feeds more than +twenty tasted Pleasures? + +_Lud._ Hum----some Sort of Fops it may: But I'm none of those----I +never give my Opinion of a Dish till I've tasted; neither do I care to +dine often on one Sort of Meat without changing the Sauce----But when +that Cloud's withdrawn, how long I shall keep my Resolution I know +not. + +L. _Piz._ Say you so! Why then the only Way to preserve your Appetite +is to feed you slenderly; or only let you see the food, but not to +taste. + +_Lud._ Faith, Madam, I'm no Camelion, but Flesh and Blood----Therefore +these Prescriptions are of no Use----One Sight of that dear charming +Face of your's, would be more obliging to your humble Servant. + +L. _Piz. unmasks._ Well, Sir, what think you? Is there any thing in +this Face worth your Regard? + +_Lud._ Ah! by Heaven, an Angel----Oh! Madam, now blame yourself for +my Neglect, for had you sent the Picture of her, in whom all those +Beauties center, I had in this Place waited the Coming of my Goddess, +or rather flown on the Wings of eager Love, to meet my Fair, tho' in +the Arms of ten thousand Dangers----Say, my charming Angel, do you +forgive me? But why do I ask? your Eyes assure me you do; at least I'll +force a Pardon from these dear, soft, ruby Lips. [_Kisses her in Extasy._ + +L. _Piz._ Hold, hold! been't so lavish----a sparing Gamester is the +likeliest to keep in Stock----whilst a profuse Hand at one Cast throws +all he has away. + +_Lud._ To fear that, were to doubt your Charms, in which a Lover is +sure to find constant Supplies----But we lose Time----Let's retire to +my Lodgings, where I'll give thee the best Proofs of my Love I can? + +L. _Piz. aside._ Well! He's a charming Fellow----Oh! how happy are +Wives in _France_ and _England_, where such as he swarm! + +_Lud._ Come, Madam, come----Why, what do you mean by this Delay? +Consider I'm a Man, a mortal, wishing, amorous Man---- + +L. _Piz._ And consider I'm a Woman---- + +_Lud. aside._ Ay, ay: That I know: At least I hope to find you +such----or I would not be in such Haste---- + +L. _Piz._ And have a Reputation to preserve. + +_Lud._ Oh! Lord, what a damn'd Turn's here? Reputation, say you? Egad, +I find all Women make Pretence to that mysterious Word. [_Aside._] +What! Are not you married, Madam? + +L. _Piz._ Yes, what then? + +_Lud._ Why then you have a Reputation to preserve--that's all. + +L. _Piz._ All, Sir, yes, and all in all to me----Do you consider what +Country you're in, Sir? + +_Lud._ Yes, Faith, Madam; and what Constitution I am of too. +I know Murder is as venial a Sin here, as Adultery is in some +Countries; And I am too apprehensive of my mortal Part not to avoid +Danger----Therefore, Madam, you have an infallible Security----if I +should betray you, I bring myself into Jeopardy, and of all Pleasures, +Self-Preservation is the dearest. + +L. _Piz._ A very open Speaker, I vow. + +_Lud._ Ay, Madam, that's best----Hang your creeping, cringing, +whining, sighing, dying, lying Lovers----Pugh! Their Flames are not +more durable than mine, tho' they make more Noise in the Blaze. +Sings: + + _Hang the whining Way of Wooing,_ + _Loving was design'd a sport._ + +L. _Piz. aside._ The Duce take me if this Fellow has not charm'd me +strangely----Well, the Carnival is almost over, and then must I be +shut up like a Nun again----Hey! Hoa! This Time will be so short---- + +_Lud._ Let's make the better Use on't then, my Dear. We will consider +when we have nothing else to do, but at present there's a Matter of +the greatest Moment, which I must impart to you----Therefore, come +dear Rogue, come---- + +L. _Piz._ [_Looking on her Watch._] Hold----I have outstaid my Time, +and must return Home instantly, to prevent Discoveries. + +_Lud._ Faith, Madam, this is not fair----to raise a Man's Expectation, +and then disappoint him! Would you be serv'd so yourself now? + +L. _Piz._ I'll endeavour to disengage myself from my jealous Husband, +and contrive another Meeting. + +_Lud._ But will you be sure to meet me again? + +L. _Piz._ I give you my Hand as a Pledge---- + +_Lud. Kisses it._ And I this Kiss in Return----Adieu, my Charmer. + +L. _Piz._ Signior, farewel. [_Exeunt severally._ + + _Enter_ Bassino, Alonzo. + + _Bass._ Well, Sir, your Business---- + + _Alon._ It is to tell you---- + You are a Villain. + + _Bass._ Ha---- + + _Alon._ And that as such + I ought to have treated you before the Face + Of false _Aurelia_----But I scorn to follow + The barbarous Custom of my native Country. + I seek with Honour to revenge my Wrongs; + Therefore, Sir, draw---- + + _Bass._ This Action speaks you noble--be likewise just, + And let me know the Cause that moves your Anger. + By Heaven I'd rather call you still my Friend, + Than be your Enemy----Yet, if I wrong'd you, + I'll give you Satisfaction---- + + _Alon._ Trifler, away----Too well thou know'st the Cause; + And now would'st sooth my Wrongs with Flattery, + But my Resolve is fix'd as Heaven's Decrees: + And one of us must fall----Let the Survivor + Dispose of that base, false, perjur'd _Aurelia_, + As both his Love and Honour shall direct. + If my propitious Stars defend my Life, + You shall not die alone----Th' adulterous Fair + Shall bear you Company----Now draw. + + _Bass._ Oh! hold. + One Moment hold, I must unfold this Riddle: + Adulterous Fair, say you? + + _Alon._ Yes: She's my Wife. + + _Bass._ Ha----your Wife! + Sure there's a Curse entail'd upon that Name. [_Aside._ + What! your real Wife? + + _Alon._ If the Command of an expiring Father, + And her own Vows can make her mine, she's so: + Indeed the Marriage Rites are yet to come, + Which slily she delay'd these two Months past, + On slight Pretence of finishing the Time + Of mourning for her Father----But 'tis plain, + I was a Property to your base Love, + And only design'd to fill up your Place, + When surfeited you should return to _Turin_. + Hell----Furies! Draw, or in my just Revenge, + I'll pin you to the Earth---- + + _Bass._ Oh! Woman! Woman! [_Aside._ + Yes, I will draw----But ere the fatal Stroke + Is past Recal, I swear _Aurelia_'s Virtue + Is clear and spotless, like _Diana_'s self: + Nor was I prompted on this early Visit, + But with Design to take my last Farewel, + Having last Night receiv'd my Prince's Orders + To haste to _Turin_----Therefore if I fall, + I hope she'll meet with Mercy----Now come on. + + _Alon._ Hold, hold, my Lord; Oh! could I credit this, + I would ask Pardon, and entreat your Friendship. + + _Bass._ 'Tis true, upon my Honour---- + But if you doubt my Words, I'm ready---- + Tho' I have Reason to decline this Combat, + At least at present----Oh! _Placentia_! [_Aside._ + Oh! my _Placentia_! why should I abuse thee? + + _Alon._ My Lord, you seem disturb'd---- + + _Bass._ Oh! _Alonzo_! _Alonzo_! + Should I acquaint you with my wretched Fate, + You'd find that Life itself is grown a Burden, + I cannot bear, since I can ne'er be happy. + But 'tis a Story that must ne'er be told, + Let it suffice, to settle your Repose, + That _Turin_ holds the Cause of my Misfortunes. + + _Alon._ Then I am happy: [_Aside._ + My Lord, I wish 'twere in my Power to serve you, + I'd do it as a Friend---- + + _Bass._ Generous Sir, I thank you; + As far as I am capable, I am _Alonzo_'s. [_Exit_ Alonzo. + Oh! Force of treacherous Love! to gain my End, + I wrong a Wife, a Mistress, and a Friend. [_Exit_ Bassino. + +_The End of the_ SECOND ACT. + + + + +ACT III. SCENE I. + +Aurelia's _Lodgings_. + +_Enter_ Aurelia, Florella. + + + _Aur._ Oh! how I tremble for my dear _Bassino_! + Haste, fly, _Florella_, bring me News he lives, + Or else expect to see thy Mistress die. + + _Flor._ Madam, be patient---- + Consult your Reputation, and consider + That the least Noise you make on this Occasion, + Reflects upon your Virtue---- + + _Aur._ Away, away----Talk not of Reputation, + When Love's in t'other Scale--But what can shock my Reputation; + Heaven's my Witness, I ne'er lodg'd a Thought, + For Count _Bassino_ that could wrong my Virtue. + Perhaps the Gods pursue me with their Hatred, + Because I break my Promise to _Alonzo_. + But then, why did they not secure me his? + Why must weak Mortals be expos'd to Passions, + Which are not in our Power to subdue, + And yet account for what they prompt us to? + But I will think no more----Almighty Love, + Now hear my last Resolve----if angry Heaven + Refused to guard my dear _Bassino_'s Life, + _Aurelia_ too shall fall, and leave his Murderer + Accurst for ever---- + + _Enter_ Alonzo. + + _Flor._ Oh! Heaven! where will this end? + + _Aur._ Ha---- [_Aside._ + The Gods have sent him to decide my Fate, + How now! how dare you meet my angry View? + Or think I'll e'er forgive the base Affront + This very Day you offer'd to my Fame? + + _Alon._ Just Heaven refuses not a Penitent, + Therefore I cannot think that fair _Aurelia_, + Whose Charms are all divine, should fail in Goodness. + Oh! let my Love atone for my rash Deed: + The Count and I are Friends, why should _Aurelia_ be more severe? + + _Aur._ He lives, blest News! + Do then rash Actions speak your Love to me? + Must I in publick bear with your Insults + Before I'm yours? what must I then expect + When the strict Ties of Marriage shall confirm + Your jealous Passions? + No, you have taught me to avoid the Shelf + I was just running on----know, base _Alonzo_, + That from this Moment I resume my Freedom, + I disengage you from your former Vows, + And will henceforth be Mistress of myself. + + _Alon._ Ha---- [_Aside._ + This sudden Coldness has another Spring + Than my rash Carriage----Oh! my jealous Fears; + But I'm resolv'd to trace her winding Thoughts, + And fetch the Secret forth---- + Madam, I hope you do but try my Love: + I cannot think _Aurelia_ would be false. + Besides, you can't recal what's register'd in Heaven. + + _Aur._ Then stay till we come there----There you'll have Witness. + + _Alon._ Witness! + Oh! faithless, perjur'd Woman, can'st thou think + Upon thyself, and bid me call my Witness? + Yes, you are mine----By all the Gods you are. + And shall there be a Power on this Side Heaven, + To stop my Bliss? No----by my Love I swear. + I now can guess at your perfidious Meaning, + And tho' that cowardly Villain slily thought + To blind me with a Tale his Guilt had fram'd, + 'Tis plain he is your Minion----yet wants Courage + To own his Treachery. + + _Aur._ Detracting, slanderous Villain! + How dare you treat me thus? + Oh! for the Look of a fierce Basilisk, + To punish this audacious Insolence! + + _Alon._ Marry thee! No----by Heavens, I'd rather + Be rack'd to Death----And for thy vile Injustice, + None shall enjoy thee, while this Sword is mine. + [_Lays hold on his Sword._ + Nor shall your Lover 'scape, to serve your Lust, + Till he has forc'd a Passage thro' this Breast. + [_Points to his Breast._ + + _Aur._ Oh! my _Bassino_. [_Aside._ + Oh! cruel Man! Are not you then contented + To wreak your Spite on poor _Aurelia_? + Why must your Rage involve the Innocent? + Oh! let me fall your Passion's Sacrifice; + Let my Blood wash the Stain you fix on me, + But do not blast your Name with base Revenge.---- + + _Alon._ By Heaven! she doats on him! Oh! cunning Woman! + But this Pretence won't serve to save his Life; + I'll not be caught again----No, _Syren_, no. + _Bassino_ dies----Nor will I leave to Fortune + The vengeful Stroke, but take a safer Way. + + _Aur._ Oh! Heaven! [_Kneels._ + What Words shall I invent to soothe his Rage, [_Aside._ + And save my dear _Bassino_? Oh! _Alonzo_. + My once-lov'd Dear, will you not hear me speak? + Oh! I conjure you by our plighted Loves, + Whose Purity outshone the Stars above, + Hear me this Time, then use me as you please. + + _Alon._ Oh! Woman, Woman! + + _Aur._ If e'er _Aurelia_ + So much as in her Thoughts did wrong _Alonzo_, + May sudden Death pursue her perjur'd Steps: + Heaven forgive [_Aside._ + The Perjury, since I've no other way + To save _Bassino's_ Life.---- + + _Alon._ _Aurelia_, rise---- [_Raising her._ + Oh! could I credit this, how happy were _Alonzo_! + But something tells me that thou art forsworn; + And yet thou seem'st as fair as Truth itself; + How is it possible that Guilt can look + With so divine a Face? + + + _Aur._ Oh! kill me instantly: kill me, I beg you, kill me; + Let me not linger out an Age in Pain, + For such is every Moment of your Anger; + I cannot bear to live in your Displeasure. + + _Alon._ By Heaven she's true---- + Hence frivolous Fears be gone----she's only mine. + Come to my Breast, my bright _Aurelia_, come. [_Embraces her._ + To that soft Shrine that holds that Sacred Image, + Which triumphs o'er my Soul, and grasps it all, + I knew my boundless Treasure, and the Thought + Of losing thee had rais'd my Love to Madness. + But now I'm calm--No more shall that fierce Passion, + Rude Jealousy, disturb my peaceful Mind. + Do but forgive the Faults my Rage committed, + And you will find our Loves will grow the purer; + Just as the Sky looks brighter when the Storm + Is chas'd away, and _Phoebus_ smiles again. + + _Aur._ Since both have been to blame, let it suffice, + We both repent, and will offend no more. + + _Alon._ Oh! never, never, + I'll ne'er suspect you more--Only resolve me this-- + + _Aur._ What is it? + + _Alon._ Why was _Bassino_ + Admitted to your View, and I denied? + + _Aur._ He came to take his Leave, and 't had been rude + Not to admit a Man of his high Birth + On this Occasion; nor was you denied, + But thro' Woman's Fears of your Suspicions. + She thought you would misconstrue the Count's Visit, + As you have really done----I blam'd her for it, + Indeed, this is the Truth--I hope _Alonzo_ + Believes me now---- + + _Alon._ Believe Thee! Yes----As willingly as Martyrs + A State of endless Joy. + I will so love, my Dear, that all Mankind + Shall look with Envy on our mutual Bliss. + I'm like a Merchant tost at Sea by Storms, + Who his last Course with Pray'rs and Toil performs; + And the rich Cargo safely brought on Shore, + He hugs it thus, and vows to part no more. [_Embraces her._ + + _Aur._ So in a flow'ry Mead a Serpent lurks, + And the unwary Traveller surprizes, + Where he suspects least Danger! Cursed Cheat. [_Aside._ + Oh! that I could disclose the fatal Story! + But it must never out----I beg, _Alonzo_, + You'd leave me for a while, and rest secure, + You have my Love---- + + _Alon._ Then the bright Sun in all his circling Turn, + Cannot behold a Man more truly happy, + What you command, I readily obey. + Farewel, my Dear. [_Exit_ Alonzo. + + _Aur._ Where art thou now, _Aurelia_? + How wilt thou 'scape that dreadful Precipice, + On which thou art hurried on by thy fatal Passion? + With conscious Horror I deceiv'd _Alonzo_; + I hate this base Treachery, but 'twas unavoidable: + The Truth had been more fatal---- + More fatal!----No----For I must never wed + My dear _Bassino_, whilst _Alonzo_ lives. + Oh! the distracting Thought! what shall I do? + Why! die _Aurelia_: That's the only Way, + To keep thy Vows to both--Ha----die, said I? + But whether then? who knows what Punishment, + Just Heav'n prepares for guilty Souls like mine. + But I must think no more, lest I grow mad with Thought, + If there's a Power that guards us here below, + Oh! look with pitying Eyes on poor _Aurelia_: + Appease the Tumults of my anxious Fear, + And load me with no more than I can bear. + [_Exeunt_ Aurelia, Florella. + + +SCENE II. _Lady_ Pizalta's _Lodgings_. + +_Enter Lady_ Pizalta, Lucy. + + +L. _Piz._ Well, thou'rt an admirable Girl! What would half the Ladies +in _Venice_ give for such a Servant? + +_Lucy._ (_Aside._) Truly you have Reason to say so, for 'tis not the +first Intrigue I have manag'd for you----Oh! dear Madam, your Ladyship +does me too much Honour----But how do you like your new Servant, +Madam? + +L. _Piz._ Oh! above all Men living, _Lucy_: He has the most bewitching +Conversation I ever met with----Say, is there no way to contrive a +second Meeting? For I'm impatient till I see the dear Man again----The +End of the Carnival draws near, which is indeed the End of Life to me: +For then must I be coop'd up with Age: Condemned to an eternal Coughing, +Spitting, Snoring and Ill-nature----Then let me make the best of +Life----since Hell cannot have a worse Plague in Store than I have +felt already. + +_Luc._ Indeed, Madam, I pity you: And wish 'twere in my Power to +free you from this old wither'd Log, but tho' that's impossible, +yet I may do you some little Services to make Life's tedious Journey +pleasant----Let me see, I have it----What would you say now, Madam, +if I should contrive a Way to have your Lover in your own Chamber? + +L. _Piz._ That were worth a King's Revenue----Speak, quickly, how, +how, good _Lucy_? + +_Luc._ Why, thus: He shall put on my Cloaths, and in my Place attend +you. + +L. _Piz._ Rare Contrivance! but my Husband, _Lucy_? + +_Luc._ Oh! let me alone, Madam, to manage him: He is defective in +Sight, you know; and not mistrusting any thing, will not be over +curious: But if he should, I have a way to bring you off----My Life +on't----This Plot may be of Use to my design, I'll manage it with +care. [_Aside._ + +L. _Piz._ Oh! the Pleasure of hearing my Husband lie coughing and +calling me to Bed: And my answering him, I'm coming, Dear; and while +he imagines me in the next Room undressing, I'm happy in the Arms of +my _Ludovico_. Certainly there's as much Satisfaction in deceiving a +dull jealous Husband, as in getting a new Gallant; were it not grown +so common--each Tradesman's Wife must have her Gallant too----and +sometimes makes a Journeyman of the Apprentice e'er his Indentures +be half out----'Tis an insufferable Fault, that Quality can have no +Pleasure above the Vulgar, except it be in not paying their Debts. +Well, dear _Lucy_, I admire thy Contrivance----About it instantly---- + +_Lucy._ (_Aside._) About it instantly! is that all? I must have my +t'other Fee first.----I will, Madam; and you may expect your Lover +instantly. But, Madam, what's to be done with your brocade Night-Gown +you tore last Night? it can ne'er be mended handsomely. + +L. _Piz._ Nothing to be done without a Bribe I find, in Love as well +as Law----Well, _Lucy_, if you manage this Intrigue with Care and +Secrecy, the Gown is yours. + + _Enter_ Page. + +_Page._ Madam, my Lord desires to speak with you. + +_Lucy._ Madam, I'll go about your Business: Your Ladyship's very +humble Servant. [_Exit_ Lucy. + +L. _Piz._ Tell him I'm coming----[_Exit_ Page.] Now by way +of Mortification, must I go entertain my old jealous Husband. +[_Exit Lady_ Pizalta. + + +SCENE III. _The Piazza._ + +_Enter_ Ludovico _singing_. + + + _Give me but Wine, that Liquor of Life,_ + _And a Girl that is wholesome and clean,_ + _Two or three Friends, but the Devil a Wife,_ + _And I'd not change State with a King._ + + _Enter_ Lucy. + +_Lucy._ What singing, Signior! Well you're a pleasant Gentleman---- + +_Lud._ Ah! my little female _Mercury_, what Message bring'st thou? +Ha----will thy Lady bless me with another Sight----Ha----How----When? +where? I am all in a Flame. + +_Lucy._ Come along with me, Sir, I'll help you to an Extinguisher +presently. + +_Lud._ If thou meanest thy Lady, with all my Heart--But I can tell +thee, she'll rather prove Oil, than what you speak of----But, say, +where am I to see my lovely Charmer? + +_Lucy._ In her Chamber---- + +_Lud._ Good! But how the Devil can that be done? + +_Lucy._ Nay, without the Help of a Conjuror, I assure you; if +you dare take me for your Pilot, I'll warrant you Success in your +Voyage----I'll set you safe in the Island of Love; 'tis your Business +to improve the Soil. + +_Lud._ I warrant thee, Girl; do you but bring me there once, and if I +play not my Part, may I never more know the Pleasure of an Intrigue. + +_Lucy._ Which, if I mistake not, is the streatest Curse can fall on +you----Well, you must suffer a small Metamorphosis: What think you of +personating me a little? That is, dressing in my Cloaths, and waiting +on your Mistress in her Bed-chamber--Ha---- + +_Lud._ Egad, I'm afraid I shall make but an aukward Chamber-maid, I'm +undisciplin'd in dressing a Lady's Head---- + +_Lucy._ Oh! Sir, your Commission won't reach so high as the Head: +I believe my Lady will excuse little Matters: You can undress, I +suppose. + +_Lud._ Oh! the best and the quickest of any Man in _Venice_. But a +Pox on't--Can'st find no other way?----I, I, I,----I like Petticoats +in their proper Places, but I don't care to have my Legs in 'em. + +_Lucy._ And so you resolve against it? Ha---- + +_Lud._ No, not absolutely resolve, Child: But--a---- + +_Lucy._ But what, Sir! + +_Lud._ Nothing--I will follow thy Directions, whatever comes on't. Now +lead the way, for nothing suits better with my Humour than a Friend, a +Bottle, a new Mistress and a convenient Place. [_Exit_ Lucy, Ludovico. + + +SCENE IV. Pizalto's _Lodgings_. + +_Enter_ Pizalto _with a Bond in his Hand_. + + +_Piz._ Well--My Wife's a fine Woman! a very fine Woman! But a Pox +she's a Wife still, and this young Jade runs in my Head plaguily: +Well----here 'tis under my Hand; a Thousand Pistoles----A great Sum +for a Maidenhead, as Maidenheads go now-a-days----Ah, had I been young +now. + + _A Fiddle and a Treat had bore the Prize away,_ + _But when we old Fools doat, they make us pay._ + + _Enter_ Lucy. + +Oh! are you come! Here, here, _Lucy_: Here's a Fortune for thee, worth +twenty Maidenheads, adod! I have not so much Money by me at present, +but there's Security. [_Gives her the Bond._ + +_Lucy._ Your Lordship's Bond's sufficient----Well, but that I am +satisfied my Reputation is safe with your Lordship, or twice the Sum +should not have prevail'd--Go to my Chamber, my Lord, I'll but step +and see if my Lady wants any thing, and I'll be with you instantly. + +_Piz._ You won't stay, _Lucy_? Ah, Girl, buss thy Lady's Chucky; now, +do now---- + +_Lucy._ Oh! Lord! not here, we shall be discovered. + +_Piz._ Well, thou art a cunning Sinner: make haste, _Lucy_, dost hear? +[_Exit_ Pizalto. + +_Lucy._ You're in mighty Haste, old Gentleman! but I shall deceive +you, + + _My End is gain'd; I have my Fortune made,_ + _Man has not me, but I have Man betray'd._ + +_The End of the_ THIRD ACT. + + + + +ACT IV. SCENE I. + +Armando's _Lodgings_. + +_Enter_ Armando, Placentia. + + + _Pla._ Oh! _Armando_! + Thou more than Friend to the distress'd _Placentia_! + Say, how shall I regain my lost _Bassino_, + My false, perfidious Husband? [_Weeps._ + + _Arm._ Dear Madam, moderate your Sorrow: + Reserve those Tears to move _Bassino_'s Heart, + Mine is all Pity: You may rest secure + Of all the Arguments a Friend can use + To bring him back to your endearing Arms. + Virtue's not quite extinguish'd in his Breast, + Therefore I hope the sight of bright _Placentia_ + Will rouze his slumb'ring Reason---- + + _Pla._ Oh! _Bassino! Bassino!_ + Oh! wretched Woman! Oh! that I had dy'd + E'er I had known him false: Then I were happy: + And tho' contented with his second Choice, + He with a pitying Sigh, perhaps, had grac'd + My Memory---- + Oh! all ye Powers that virtuous Love inspire, + Assist me now: Inform my vocal Organs + With angel Eloquence, such as can melt + His Heart of Flint, and move his former Kindness. + (_Aside._) But if that fail, I will remove the Cause + Of both our Woes----Yes, that happy Charmer, + That Rival of my Love shall surely die. + + _Arm._ Doubt not of the Success; What Heart of Steel + Could e'er resist such Beauty dress'd in Tears? + + _Enter a Servant._ + + _Serv._ Sir, Count _Bassino_ enquires if you are within. + + _Pla._ Oh! Heavens! how I tremble! + + _Arm._ Lucky Opportunity----shew him up. + Madam, be pleas'd to step into that Closet. + Till I can sound the utmost of his Thoughts, + And shew him naked to your secret View, + Then when he's in the height of impious Passion, + You like a Bolt from Heav'n shall rush on him, + And strike his Folly dumb. + + _Pla._ Almighty Powers, whose providential Care + Is ever kind to virtuous Innocence, + Oh! help me now in this Extremity. [_Exit_ Placentia. + + _Enter_ Bassino. + + _Bass._ How does my Friend _Armando_? + + _Arm._ My Lord, _Armando_'s well, + And wishes you were so. + + _Bass._ Dost thou discover aught that gives thee Cause + To doubt I am not well? Indeed I think + I am in perfect Health---- + + _Arm._ My Lord, I should be glad + To find that Fever of your Mind abated + In which I left you last---- + + _Bass._ (_Aside._) I must dissemble now, + Else I'll ne'er gain my Ends--my dear _Armando_, + That Fever thou speak'st of, is now succeeded + By a cold Ague-Fit: The bare Remembrance + Of my unlawful Passion shakes my Soul. + + _Arm._ Such sudden Cures have often prov'd pernicious, + And we have Reason to suspect a Wound + Too quickly heal'd---- + + _Bass._ Not when thou know'st what Balsam I applied. + + _Arm._ There's scarce a Balm for the deep Wounds of Love, + Besides Possession, and I cannot think + You have enjoy'd _Aurelia_. + + _Bass._ I swear I have not---- + But I enjoy my Reason, my free Reason: + And who possesses that, can never cherish + A Thought against himself: For such I call + Whatsoever keeps me from my lawful Wife, + My dear _Placentia_, to whose Arms I'll fly + With all the eager Haste of a fond Bridegroom. + There I shall revel in the virtuous Pleasures + Of a chaste Bed--Oh! my Friend _Armando_! + My dear _Placentia_'s Friend! can'st thou forgive? + Indeed I'm penitent, and will offend no more. + + _Arm._ My Lord, these are the Words you spoke before: + What greater Reason have I now to think + You'll keep your Promise? + + _Bass._ Pride, Honour, Justice are come to my Aid, + And Love too feeble to withstand 'em all, + Has left the Field to my victorious Reason. + Pride, with the Prospect of my future Greatness, + Allures me to return with Speed to _Turin_, + T'obey my Prince's Orders. + Honour and Justice tell me I'm _Placentia_'s, + And that _Aurelia_ is _Alonzo_'s Bride. + To him she gave her Virgin Vows: Nay, more, + To him her dying Father did bequeath her; + He loves her too, and shall not be depriv'd: + My Passion is subdu'd, and I'm resolv'd + Myself to give _Aurelia_ to _Alonzo_. + + _Arm._ If this be true, then you are my Friend again: + But how came you to learn _Aurelia_'s + Engagement to _Alonzo_? + + _Bass._ I have it from himself, who an Hour since, + With eager Fury sought to 'venge on me + His injur'd Love, and challeng'd me to fight: + I chose with Justice to defend my Life, + And quit _Aurelia_, rather than to vanquish + In such a Cause--_Alonzo_ strait embrac'd me, + Call'd me his Friend, and vow'd I should not go, + Till I had seen him join'd in solemn Marriage + With bright _Aurelia_----This I readily granted. + Canst thou believe me true? + + _Arm._ My Lord, I do believe you---- + And am o'erjoy'd to hear your Resolution: + By Heaven! there's more Glory in subduing + Our wild Desires, than an embattl'd Foe. + Now do I wish his Wife had never come. [_Aside._ + + _Bass._ _Armando_, thou'rt my Friend, and on that Score + I must desire you to repair to _Turin_, + With all the Speed you can, to bear these Letters + To our great Prince, and beg he will excuse + My stay for three Days more----And here this Letter + Bear to _Placentia_----speak to her the kindest + The softest Things thy Fancy can suggest. + I shall make good thy Promise---- + My dear _Placentia_! Oh! that she were here, + Panting and warm within these longing Arms! + 'Tis a long Age since I did see her last! + But come, my Friend, you must this Hour set forward. + + _Arm._ With all my Heart: But 'twill not be amiss, + Before I go, to fix the Victory, + Which conquering Virtue in your Breast has gain'd; + And if what you pretend be real Truth, + I have a welcome Present for _Bassino_. + Madam, come forth---- + + _Enter_ Placentia. + + _Bass._ What do I see! my Wife! This was a lucky Plot: [_Aside._ + Hypocrisy did ne'er befriend me more. + This was not like a Friend--why should _Armando_ + Disturb her soft Tranquility of Mind, + And give her ocular Proofs of my Disloyalty? + Oh! my _Placentia_! my beloved Wife! [_Embraces her._ + Oh! that I should e'er think to wrong my Dear! + + _Pla._ My Lord, waste not a Sigh on my Account: + My Joys are infinite, since you are mine, + And what is past I easily forget. + Nay, let me beg for Pardon: For I know + I have offended you in coming hither. + I should have waited this Return of Virtue: + Or, if abandon'd, silently have mourn'd + My Loss, without upbraiding my lov'd Lord, + All this I should have done, but mighty Love, + Too powerful for Duty to withstand, + Guided my Steps to _Venice_---- + In hopes my Presence would retrieve your Heart. + + _Bass._ Gods! that this Woman were _Aurelia_! [_Aside._ + Thou Wonder of thy Sex! thou best of Women! + I blush to think that thou hast heard my Folly: + Yet since your Love cancels your just Complaints, + You make me doubly blest: And I'll reward + This excellent Goodness with eternal Fondness. + Oh! that thou hadst been here! Not all the Beauties + That _Venice_ holds could have diverted me; + No, not one Moment from my dear _Placentia_. + Long Absence is the Bane of new-born Love, + But Fate shall ne'er have Power to part us more. + + _Pla._ Oh! my dear Lord, your Goodness is too great: + And I'm o'er paid for all my Sorrows past. + _Armando_, say, is not he wondrous kind? + + _Arm._ Madam, I told you Virtue + Was struggling in his Breast; and that it might + O'ercome his vicious Love, I thought your Presence + Was requisite----And now, my Lord, I hope + You will forgive me, since all the Endeavours + I us'd before had been in vain. I once + Design'd to let _Aurelia_ know your Marriage; + But then perhaps she would not have believ'd me: + Let this plead my Excuse in sending for _Placentia_ + Without your Knowledge. + + _Bass._ I must not let him see I am concern'd. [_Aside._ + I know 'twas Friendship all, well-meaning Friendship: + I only am to blame: But I'll retrieve + My Credit in your Heart, and still deserve + The Name of Friend--And thou, the best of Wives, + Shalt ne'er have Cause to doubt my constant Love. + + _Pla._ Oh! my _Bassino_! this Excess of Kindness + Exalts me o'er all Mortals, if you're true, + There's not a Blast within the Power of Fortune + Can shock my Happiness. + + _Bass._ Thou shalt ne'er find me false, I swear thou shalt not. + Oh! that I could engage + She would return to _Turin_ with _Armando_; [_Aside._ + For if she stays, I never can enjoy + My bright _Aurelia_, and by Heaven I will, + Altho' ten thousand Lives should pay the Purchase. + + _Pla._ My Lord, you seem disturb'd. + + _Bass._ It troubles me + You can't appear in _Venice_ with a Train + That may bespeak the Rank you hold in _Savoy_. + + _Pla._ to _Arm._ Oh! _Armando_! + He is so kind, I with I ne'er had come! + What if I offer to return with you? + + _Arm._ Madam, you will do well; + For I myself cannot suspect him now. + + _Pla._ My Lord, let not my Presence here disturb you, + I doubt your Love no more, and to convince you, + I will go back before 'tis known I'm here. + Besides, 'tis fit I should prepare all things + To welcome you at home. + + _Bass._ (_aside._) Blest Opportunity! + Fortune I thank thee: Would my Dear then leave me + So very soon? Alas! 'twill be an Age + E'er I return to _Turin_: Three long Days! + No, my Dear, no; I will not part from thee, + At least this Night, my Love---- + + _Pla._ Will then _Armando_ stay? + + _Bass._ No, my best Hopes, he instantly departs + With Letters to my Prince. + + _Pla._ Then suffer me to go this very Moment. + Three Days will soon be o'er, and your Return, + Shall make me fully blest----If I should stay + 'Twould look like base Distrust, and I can't think + _Bassino_ would be false---- + + _Bass._ (_aside._) Oh! Heaven that I were not! + + _Arm._ Indeed, my Lord, I think you're truly happy. + Scarce does any Age produce so good a Wife. + + _Bass._ Oh! that I could reward this wondrous Goodness! + + _Pla._ My Lord, what makes you sigh? + + _Bass._ To part from thee: But since 'tis your Desire, + It shall be so. _Armando_, to thy Charge + I here commit the Treasure of my Soul, + Take Care of her, and think that on her Safety + My Life depends. + + _Arm._ My Lord, I hope you do not doubt my Care. + + _Bass._ Dear Friend, I do not---- + May Heaven's Blessings still attend my Love, + My dear _Placentia_. [_Embraces, and goes to lead her off._ + + _Pla._ As many more guard my _Bassino_. + + _Bass._ (_aside._) A sudden Horror seizes all my Limbs: + I tremble at the Thought of this base Deed---- + + [_Pulls out his Handkerchief and drops a Letter, which_ + Armando _takes up_. + + Ha----Tears uncall'd for bathe my guilty Eyes---- + Gods! either give me Virtue to withstand + This impious Love, or Courage to pursue it + Without Remorse; for I'm but half a Villain. + [_Exeunt_ Bassino, Placent. + +_Arm. opens the Letter._ A Letter! and to _Aurelia_! now Curiosity +prompts me to know the Subject----What's here? + + Reads. _I have dispatch'd_ Armando _to the Court of_ Savoy, + _and found Pretence to stay behind_---- + + False treacherous Man! + + _This Night I give a Mask at my Lodgings, which, I hope, + will divert_ Alonzo, _till the Priest has joined our Hands; + and while all the Company are engaged in Mirth, I'll steal + to the dear Arms of my divine_ Aurelia. + + Oh! Villain, Villain! Monstrous Villain! + Oh! poor _Placentia_! But I will prevent + His Policy, and break his wicked Measures. + [_Exit_ Armando. + + +SCENE II. Pizalto's _Lodgings_. + +_Enter_ Pizalto _solus_. + + +_Piz._ Why, what makes this young Jade stay so long? Adod, this is to +pay before hand----Ha----methinks I hear a Laughing and Giggling in my +Wife's Apartment; I must know whence their Mirth proceeds. Ho! here's +_Lucy_ coming----Harkee you, pray, why did you make me wait so long? +Nay, I'm resolved you shan't escape me now----[_Goes to the Door, and +pulls in_ Ludovico _in_ Lucy'_s Cloaths, whose Commode falls off in +the Struggle, and discovers his bald Head_.] Oh! Benedicite! What have +we here? A Man disguis'd in my Wife's Chamber! and I unarm'd! Oh! +Curst Minute!----Speak, thou wicked Prophet, thou Son of Iniquity, +what camest thou here for? Ha----Thou Priest of _Baal_, to offer +Sacrifices on the Altar of my Wife? Oh! my Head! my Horns weigh it +down to the Ground already----Within there, bring me my Sword and +Pistols. + +_Lud._ A Pox on all Petticoats----What a Devil shall I say now? Oh! +for a Sword! that would be of more Use to me now than my Tongue. + + _Enter Lady_ Pizalto. + +_Piz._ Oh! thou wicked fallacious Woman! + +L. _Piz._ What ails my dear Chucky? Why dost thou call for Arms, +Deary? + +_Piz._ To cut down that vile Creeper which over-runs thy Garden of +Virtue---- + +L. _Piz._ [_aside._] Now Impudence assist me. + +Ah! Heavens! What's here? A Man in Disguise? A Thief it must +be----Raise the Servants----Oh! Heaven! we might have had all our +Throats cut in our Beds----Now for _Lucy_, for I am at a Loss to +come off. [_Aside._ + +_Piz._ No, no, I warrant, you know he is more gentle in Bed. + +_Lud._ [_aside._] Oh! the Devil, what does she mean? Death, Hell and +Furies! if I come off now, catch me at this Sport again, and hang +me---- + + _Enter_ Lucy. + +L. _Piz._ Oh! are you there. Mistress? How came this Man here in your +Cloaths? Ha! Gentlewoman-- + +_Lucy._ [_aside._] How confidently she asks the Question, poor Lady? +as if she knew nothing of it! Now must I bring her off--For Reasons +you must not know, Madam. + +_Piz._ Ah! Thou wicked Pair of Bellows to blow the Fire of Iniquity! +Why, thou art the very Casement thro' which thy Mistress sucks the Air +of Abomination--Tell me, I say, how he came here, and for what----and +be sure it be a substantial Lie, or 'twill not pass. + +_Lucy._ [_aside_] All my Hopes are in her Impudence. + +_Lucy_ to _Pizal_. Harkee, Sir, one Word with you----Do you remember +our Agreement To-night? + +_Piz._ Why, what of that? ha---- + +_Lucy._ Then imagine what I design'd that Gentleman for; I'm honest, +Sir, that's all---- + +_Piz._ I'm honest, Sir, that's all--[_Mimicking her Tone._] Honest! +with a Pox----What! and so you honestly provided a Companion for my +Wife in my Absence--ha---- + +_Lucy._ No, Sir, I design'd him for your Companion in my Absence----This +is the Business he was drest for: Therefore no more Words, but believe +my Lady honest, or all shall out. + +_Piz._ Oh! the Devil! this shan't pass, Hussy----Do you think I'll be +cuckolded, jilted, bubbled, and let it pass for a _Christmas_ Gambol. +Adod, give me my Bond again, or----or---- [_Holds up his Cane._ + +_Lucy._ No----hold there, Sir: Women and Lawyers ne'er refund a fee: +But 'tis your best Way to be patient now, I'll not take Blows. + +L. _Piz._ Why all this Whispering? Why mayn't I know the Business? + +_Piz._ I am mistaken if you have not known too much Business already: +But I am right enough serv'd----I had more Ground before than I could +manage; I had no Need of my Neighbour's. + +_Lucy._ Right, my Lord; Ground that lies fallow will breed Weeds in +Time; but you'rs is clear yet. + +_Piz._ Damn your Jests; I shall expect a better Account, do you hear? +I'll find a Servant to see you out of Doors. [_To_ Ludovico. +[_Exeunt_ Pizalto _and Lady_. + +_Lud._ Well, this was an admirable Lift at a Pinch--She has brought me +off now----And if e'er they catch me at this Music again, I'll give +'em Leave to make an _Italian_ Singer of me----No more Intrigues in +Disguise----if it had not been for the Waiting-Woman now, I might have +been hang'd for a Thief. + +_Lucy._ What all amort, Signior, no Courage left? + +_Lud._ Faith, not much----I think I have lost my Manhood with my +Breeches----This Transformation may suit with Gods, but not with +Mortals of my Humour----Come, prithee, good Mistress _Lucy_, help me +to my proper Shape again; for tho' I have a natural Inclination to +Petticoats, I hate 'em upon my own back. [_A Flourish of Music +Within._ + +_Lucy._ Hark! I hear Count _Bassino_'s Music: He gives a Mask +To-night; you are already drest for Masquerade, won't you stay and +take a Dance? + +_Lud._ Egad, I'd rather dance a Jig with thee elsewhere: Faith thou'rt +a pretty Girl--and hast a good deal of Wit too----But then, Pox on't, +thour't honest, thou sayeth, thou cannot swallow a Pill, except 'tis +gilded over with Matrimony. + +_Lucy._ And that turns your Stomach, I warrant. + +_Lud._ Why, Ay: Faith my Stomach is damn'd squeemish in these matters: +Yet, egad, if I could find one with half as much Money as thou hast +Wit and Beauty, I'd marry, and live honest. + +_Lucy._ That is, you'd marry her Money---- + +_Lud._ One with the other, Child: There's no living upon Love thou +knowest----Tho' Faith I could live well enough too. + +_Lucy._ Well, suppose I help you to a Lady with a round Sum; you'd +keep your Word, and marry her? + +_Lud._ I am a Gentleman, I scorn to break my Word. + +_Lucy._ Well, Sir, come to the Mask, and I'll engage you a Mistress, +if you are not over-curious. + + _Lud._ With all my Heart: + I'm now resolv'd to leave this Wenching-Trade; + For no man's safe upon a Hackney Jade; + Th' Allay of Danger makes the Pleasure Pain, + A Virtuous Wife will always be same. + + +_The End of the Fourth Act._ + + + + +ACT V. SCENE I. + +_A Mask in_ Bassino_'s Lodgings_. + +Bassino, Alonzo, Armando, _in a Disguise_; Placentia _in Man's +Cloaths, Signior_ Pizalto, _Lady_ Pizalta, Lucy, &c. + +_An Entry of three Men and three Women of several Nations._ + + _Bass._ I can't imagine where I dropt my Letter: + Pray Heaven it be where none can ever find it. + Gods! Let me once enjoy her, then call on me + Your Store of Plagues, and I will meet 'em all. + + _Enter_ Ludovico, _singing_. + +_Lud._ Ah! Mistress _Lucy_! I'm come thou see'st----I expect thou +shalt be as good as thy Word, Child----is the Lady here? + +_Lucy._ The Lady is forth-coming, if you are still in the same Mind? + +L. _Piz._ My Lover here! Harkee, _Lucy_. + +_Lucy._ By and by, Madam, I am catering for myself now----Well, Sir, +will two thousand Pistoles do? + +_Lud._ I must humour her----[_Aside._] Ay Child. + +_Lucy._ Why then I take you at your Word, Sir, and can produce the +aforesaid Sum----[_To_ Piz.] With a little of your Assistance, My +Lord. + +_Lud._ (_aside._) Hum----A pretty Wife I am like to have----Catch me +there if you can---- + +_Piz._ Ha----How's that? + +_Lud._ How! Mistress _Lucy_, worth two thousand Pistoles? + +_Lucy._ Ay: And I have a very good Pay-master for one Half of it +too--Do you know this Hand, my Lord? [_To_ Pizalto.] (_Shews the +Bond._) + +_Piz._ (_aside._) Confound your jilting Sneer. + +_Lud._ Ha, ha, ha----What, a thousand Pistoles a Dish, my Lord? I hope +you don't change often, ha----ha---- + +_Piz._ Hussy, I'll be reveng'd----'Tis all false, 'tis counterfeit. + +_Lucy._ Ha--ha--But it had been current Coin, if I had suffer'd you to +put your Stamp upon't----in my Bed-chamber, my Lord---- + +L. _Piz._ How, Mistress, have you trick'd my Husband out of a thousand +Pistoles, and never told me of it? + +_Lucy._ Nay, Madam, don't frown----Remember you have trick'd him out +of something too, which I never told him of--Don't urge me to more +Discoveries. + +_Lud._ (_aside._) So----Here's Trick upon Trick: But, Faith, you shall +never trick me out of my Liberty. I'm not so fond of a Wife to marry a +Chamber-maid, tho' with ten Times as much Money: And so, sweet +Mistress _Abigail_, your humble Servant. [_Exit_ Ludovico. + +L. _Piz._ (_aside.]_) The Jade has me upon the Hip--I must be silent. + + _She who has her Husband's Bed abus'd,_ + _Can ne'er expect she should be better us'd._ [Exit. + +_Lucy._ Ha----What! my Lover gone! With all my Heart: Better now +than after; for whilst I have my Fortune in my own Hands, I must have +no Need to sue for a separate Maintenance, and get nothing for it +neither. + + _Arm._ to _Pla._ Now, Madam, go: May Heaven be propitious + To your Designs: I'll stay and watch _Bassino_: + And when he goes, will follow with _Alonzo_. + + _Pla._ Oh! my sick Fancy frames a thousand Forms, + Which tell me that our Meeting will prove fatal. + And warn me not to go, what shall I do? + Must I bear calmly my _Bassino_'s Loss? + Why do I tremble thus? + Sure it can't be the Fear of Death----No, for if + I go not I must lose him, and that's more + Than Death to me----and if I go, I can but fall, + And Life without him is the greater Woe, + Therefore I'll on, I'll use the softest Words + That Tongue can frame to sooth her into Pity, + And dissuade her from this impious Marriage. + If I succeed I am compleatly happy, + If not, I'd rather die than live with Hate, + But first, curst Rival, thou shalt share my Fate. + [_Exit_ Placentia. + + _A Flourish of Musick._ + + _Bass._ 'Tis now the Time----but whither do I go? + Shall I a Maid, a Wife, a Friend betray? + No matter---- + All Arguments are vain, where Love bears Sway. + [_Exit_ Bassino. + + +A SONG. + + _When the Winds rage, and the Seas grow high,_ + _They bid Mankind beware,_ + _But when they smooth and calm the Sky,_ + _'Tis then they would ensnare._ + + _So the bright_ Thais _Kindness shows,_ + _By frowning on her Lovers,_ + _For Ruin only from her flows,_ + _When she her Charms discovers._ + +_Piz._ Come now, Gentlemen and Ladies, be pleas'd to walk into the +next Room, and take a small Collation--But where's my Lord _Bassino_? +Come, Gentlemen, he's gone before us. + +_Arm._ Where we will quickly follow. (_Aside._) _Alonzo_, a Word with +you-- [_Exit Omnes_. + + +SCENE II. + +_A Chamber in_ Aurelia's _House_. + +_Two Arm-Chairs._ Aurelia _sola_. + + + _Aur._ I wonder much at my _Bassino_'s Stay: + Oh! Love! how swiftly fly thy Hours away + When we are blest! How tedious are thy Minutes + When cruel Absence parts two longing Lovers! + + _Enter_ Florella. + + Is my _Bassino_ come? speak---- + +_Flor._ No, Madam, a young Stranger desires to speak with you: He +says, you are not acquainted with his Name, but will soon with his +Business, which is something of great Import, that can be told to none +but yourself. + + _Aur._ A Stranger Business with me! I know of none + I have with Strangers--Heaven! what's this? + I feel a sudden Throbbing in my Heart, + As if 'twas conscious of some fatal News-- [_Aside._ + Womanish Fears----Admit him--(_Exit_ Florella) it must be + One of _Bassino_'s Friends, whom he intrusts + To be a Witness of our Marriage Vows. + + _Enter_ Placentia, _in Man's Cloaths_. + + _Pla._ Madam, I was inform'd that Count _Bassino_ + Was to be here--and having Things t'impart + That much concern him, I made bold to come---- + + _Aur._ Sir, I expect him straight--if you're his Friend + I will account you mine--Be pleas'd to sit. [_Both sit._ + + _Pla._ My Brother, Madam, is extremely happy + In being favour'd by so fair a Lady---- + + _Aur._ Your Brother, Sir! is then my Lord your brother? + + _Pla._ Madam, he is. + + _Aur._ Then I may call you Brother too; + For all the solemn Vows of Love have pass'd + 'Twixt him and me--And blissful _Hymen_ waits + With lighted Torch to tie the sacred Knot, + Which shall be done this Hour---- + + _Pla._ This Hour! say you? Oh! Madam, have a Care: + You tread inchanted Ground, and e'er you know + What Path you take, you're hurried to Destruction. + + _Aur._ Where lies the Danger? + + _Pla._ Oh! 'Tis a fatal Tale, yet you must hear it; + Therefore summon your Courage to your Aid, + For you will need it all, whilst I relate + The fatal Story---- + + _Aur._ Ah! how I tremble! + Say, is he dead? has any murderous Villain + Kill'd my _Bassino_? + + _Pla._ No--he is well in Health: but his distemper'd Mind + Is of a wild and feverish Disposition, + Longing to taste, what tasted will undo him. + + _Aur._ Your Speech is all a Riddle: Pray speak plainer: + But yet, e'er you proceed, if Count _Bassino_ lives, + I care not what must follow, since he's mine. + + _Pla._ No, he's not yours--Nor ever must. + + _Aur._ 'Tis false----There's not a Pow'r on Earth can part us: + Perhaps, + You think my Blood too base to mix with yours---- + But, Sir, your Brother loves me, and in Love + All Ranks are equal---- + + _Pla._ No----I wish that were all: + But there's a greater Obstacle----He--is--married-- + Oh! Gods! unfortunately married! + + _Aur._ Married! + + _Pla._ Yes,----Married----to my Sister, + To my unfortunate, abandon'd Sister. + Oh! do not you conspire t'undo her quite; + It is enough, she's false _Bassino_'s Wife. + + _Aur._ Gods! Married! + And is it possible! Oh! faithless Men! + Oh! Truth! Oh! Justice! Whither are you fled? + Now all my Fears and Horrors are explain'd. + + _Pla._ I'm glad I reach'd this Place in Time, to hinder + Those Ills that must have waited on your Marriage, + Now it is in your Power, both to be happy, + And, in some Measure, make my Sister so. [_Both rise._ + + _Aur._ A Paradox in Nature----Bid _Aurelia_ + Be happy, when you rob her of her Heaven! + Her dear _Bassino_! + Indeed your Sister may be counted happy, + If she's his Wife--Ha--Wife--by Heaven! 'tis false-- + No, no--He has no other Wife but me---- + He is not married, you bely him basely---- + He cannot be so treacherous---- + + _Pla._ Madam, I swear, whate'er I said is Truth-- + Do but defer this Marriage for a Day, + And if I don't produce convincing Proofs, + May all the Plagues a Woman can invent + Fall on my perjur'd Head---- + + _Aur._ Defer our Marriage--No, by Heaven I will not. + I can't suspect him--Neither do I think + You durst maintain this Story to his Face. + + _Pla._ Madam, I dare; nay, which is more, I'll die, + Or vindicate my injur'd Sister's Honour---- + + _Aur._ Bold Arrogance! + Oh! That he were but here to answer the Affront! + Perhaps he may have wrong'd your Family: + Debauch'd your Sister; for which you would force him + To marry her?----But, I must tell thee, Boy, + He's mine already: nor would he forsake me + To hold Command o'er all the Universe. + + _Pla._ Oh! Heaven! must I bear this! + + _Aur._ Nay, expect more, if he should find you here, + 'Tis not your being Brother to his Mistress, + That will secure you from his just Revenge. + + _Pla._ Revenge! Nay, then away with all Disguise, + Pity be gone----And in its Room fell Rage + Take place, that I may dash that haughty Insolence + That dares to treat me thus--Know, Madam, + I am his Wife--his lawful wedded Wife. + With borrow'd Shape I came to try your Virtue, + Which I have found so light that the least Puff + Of wanton Love will blast it----Else my Visit + Had met a better Welcome--Here with Sword in Hand + I'll wait his coming, [_Draws._ + And as he enters, pierce thy haughty Breast. + I know he loves thee, and therefore 'tis brave + Revenge to let him see thy dying Pangs: + Thy parting Sighs will rack him worse than Hell. + + _Aur._ His Wife! Oh! Insolence! + In vain you waste your Breath, it moves not me: + So much I love him, so much I'm belov'd, + That should an Angel from yon Heaven descend, + To tell me he's marry'd, I'd not credit him, + Kill me if you dare--He will revenge my Death: + That pleasing Thought gives Courage to my Soul: + To live without him would be Death indeed! + No--he'll ne'er leave me for a common Thing, + For such I'm sure thou art---- + + _Pla._ Common! Proud Wretch----by Heaven that Word gives Wings + To my Revenge--Vile Creature, die-- [_Stabs her._ + + _Aur._ Help,--Murder, murder---- + + _Enter_ Bassino. + + _Bass._ Ha--That to thy Heart----[_Kills_ Plac.] Wer't + thou a Demi-god + And durst attempt this Shrine, thus should'st thou fall-- + + _Pla._ (_Falling._) Oh! _Bassino_! Oh! + + _Aur._ Oh! hold, my Lord, what has your Rashness done? + I only should have dy'd----I'll not upbraid + Your Treachery--No, 'tis the Hand of Heaven + That guides the Stroke that takes my guilty Life, + For being faithless to _Alonzo_. + + _Bass._ Talk not of Death, my fair, my dear _Aurelia_; + That very Sound does harrow up my Soul. + But who art thou, whose sacrilegious Hand + Durst to profane the Temple of my Love? + + _Pla._ I am your Wife--Your loving Wife _Placentia_. + Oh! pardon this rash Deed; blame jealous Love-- + And grace me with a Sigh, that I may die contented. + + _Bass._ My Wife! and kill'd by me! + Under what Load of Miseries I stand! + Oh! Horror! Horror! Infinity of Guilt! + Hurl now your vengeful Bolts, Almighty Powers, + On my devoted Head! + Oh! I have wrong'd you both: Deceiv'd you basely: + Thus prostrate on the Ground, let me beg Pardon: + [_Throws himself on the Ground._ + I do not ask it with Design to live. + + _Aur._ Oh! dear _Bassino_ live: + And try to save her, for she's innocent: + We only are in Fault---- + I urg'd my wretched Fate with impious Language, + For which I beg Forgiveness: Generous Lady, + Let not my Soul depart with Guilt opprest. + + _Pla._ As I forgive you, so may Heaven me. + + _Bass._ Oh! _Placentia_! Oh! my Wife! + + _Aur._ One thing more, and I'm happy---- + Were but _Alonzo_ here, that I might ask + Forgiveness for my Falshood! But, alas! + My Spirits faint within my frozen Veins, + And every Thing seems double to my Sight: + Oh! How I dread the uncertain future State! + + _Bass._ Unhappy Maid! Oh! my once dear _Aurelia_! + Curst, Curst _Bassino_! Oh! my Wife! How dare + I stand the View of both these injured Women! + Oh! Heaven! Why name I Heaven! Heaven will not hear + A Wretch like me----No, even Hell wants Torment + Proportion'd to my Guilt--Oh! my _Placentia_! Oh! + + _Pla._ Oh! my dear Lord, I cannot see you thus: + Live, live, my Lord; be happy when I'm dead. + Nay, for your Sake, I with _Aurelia_ too + May live to make you happy---- + + _Bass._ Oh! Hold! + Heap not more Curses on me by your Kindness; + I wish that she might live, but not for me. + Only to clear me from her guilty Blood---- + Oh! _Placentia_! + + _Pla._ Rise, my Lord, rise: Do not indulge your Woe, + Your Sighs atone for all, and make e'en Death a pleasure---- + I see him coming, he will soon be here---- + + _Bass._ No, I will never rise: ne'er see the Day. + The Sun would blush to shine on such an impious Wretch. + Here let me lie, and tear with these curst Hands + [_Tears the Ground in a distracted Manner._ + A Passage thro' the Earth, and hide my Face for ever. + + _Alon._ (_Within._) Where where's this Villain? Where's _Bassino_? + + _Aur._ 'Tis _Alonzo_'s Voice. + Oh! fly, my Lord, fly from his just Revenge. + + _Enter_ Alonzo _hastily_. + + _Bass._ Fly---- + Where shall I fly from Justice? No, Heaven is kind + In sending him to help my Journey forward. + + _Alon._ Where's _Bassino_? + + _Bass._ (_Rising._) Here Sir, I stand. + + _Alon._ Then there stands a Villain----Ha--what + Do I see!----_Aurelia_ murder'd! + Oh! treacherous Maid, thy Love has cost thee dear, + Think on thy broken Vows, and call to Heaven for Mercy. + Thy Death I will revenge, because I lov'd thee once. + + _Aur._ Oh! _Alonzo_, pardon me. + + _Alon._ to _Bass._ Now Villain, now what Story, what Pretence + Canst thou invent to avoid my just Revenge? + Oh! that I ne'er had list'ned to thy Tongue! + Thy base perfidious Tongue! Then all these Murders + Had been prevented, and thou curst in Hell---- + Thou monstrous Fiend---- + + _Bass._ You talk too much--Let's see what you can do: + Thus I return your Villain---- + + _Alon._ Take thy Reward. [_They fight_, Bassino _falls_. + + _Enter_ Armando. + + _Arm._ Hold! hold: Oh Gods! I'm come too late, + What has my fatal Friendship done! + Ha----_Placentia_ too--curst Letter! + + _Bass._ My Friend _Armando_! Oh! I blush to see thee: + But let me have your Pardon----now I need it. + + _Arm._ Oh! first pardon me---- + For I have been the Cause of all this Mischief. + Whilst my officious Friendship strives to save you, + I bring you all to this unhappy End. + Say, can you pardon me? + + _Bass._ I do---- + And Oh! my Friend! had Virtue been my Guide, + As it was thine, I still were truly happy. + + _Aur._ Where am I? + Why do I hover thus 'twixt Rest and Misery? + Oh! good _Alonzo_, say you pardon me, + And let me die in Peace, else full of Horror + My guilty Soul must wander in the Shades + Of gloomy Night, and never, never rest. + + _Alon._ Thou hast my Pardon, and with it this Promise + Never to love again---- + + _Aur._ Oh! you're----too----kind--and I want-- + Breath to thank----you----Farewel, [_Dies._ + + _Bass._ Oh! _Placentia_! [_Embraces her._ + Thus in thy Arms my Thread of Life shall break. + + _Pla._ My Lord, my Husband, Oh! come nearer yet, + That I may take a parting Kiss, to smooth + My Passage to the Realms of endless Night. [_Kissing him._ + So--Now--I die----much happier than I lived. + Farewel---- [_Dies._ + + _Bass._ Farewel, fair Excellence! Thou best of Wives! + But I shall quickly follow--Yet before I go, + I beg, _Alonzo_, let my Death atone + For all the Injuries my Life has done you. + Oh! spare my Memory, when I'm no more. + + _Alon._ By Heaven! + I see such Virtue struggling in thy Breast, + As makes me wish I could prevent the Flight + Of thy departing Soul---- + + _Bass._ No, No----I would not live: + Hadst thou not come, my Hand had set me free, + But now I fell more nobly, and less guilty. + My Friend, my dear _Armando_, + Haste to inform my Prince, _Bassino_ rests; + But hide, if possible, my Shame: And let + One Grave hold both this wretched Corps and mine, + Oh! my _Placentia_---- [_Dies._ + + _Alon._ Unhappy Pair! But far more wretched me! + For I must live, and live without _Aurelia_! + Tho' I'm convinc'd she lov'd me not, I can't + Banish her Image from my Love-sick Mind. + Oh! that I ne'er had seen the charming Fair! + + _Arm._ The Gods are just in all their Punishments: + And by this single Act, we plainly see + That Vengeance always treads on Perjury; + And tho' sometimes no Bolts be at us hurl'd, + Whilst we enjoy the Pleasures of this World; + Yet a Day awaits, a Day of general Doom, + When guilty Souls must to an Audit come; + Then that we may not tremble, blush, or fear, + Let our Desires be just; our Lives unsullied here. + [_Exeunt omnes._ + +[Decoration] + + + +TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE + + +Contemporary spellings and hyphenation have been retained, even where +inconsistent; so the text contains both, e.g. thou'rt and thour't, +you'rs and your's. + +At the very beginning of Act 5, Scene 1, a speech wrongly given to +Ludovic has been assigned to Lucy in keeping with the logic of the +dialogue. + +Two obvious typographical errors were corrected: "Reputatron" became +"Reputation" in Act 2, Scene 2 (Ludovic); "connot" was changed to +"cannot" in Act 4, Scene 1 (Placentia). + +Two further changes to the text are listed below: + +In Act 1, scene 3, the word "I" was added before the first occurrence of +the word "cannot" in the following passage spoken by Aurelia: + + In vain I strive to check my new-born Love, I cannot, cannot + live without _Bassino_ + +In Act 3, scene 2, one instance of the word "own" was deleted in the +following sentence spoken by Lucy: + + What would you say now, Madam, if I should contrive a Way to + have your Lover in your own Chamber? + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Perjur'd Husband, by Susanna Centlivre + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PERJUR'D HUSBAND *** + +***** This file should be named 38931-8.txt or 38931-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/9/3/38931/ + +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 +material from the Google Book Search project.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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