ACT II.

_Scene changes to the room in the inn. Enter +Don Julio+ and +Don Fernando+._

+Don J.+ Albricias,[11] friend, for the good news I bring you: All has fallen out as well as we could wish. As to Elvira's settling with my sister, So lucky a success in our first aims Concerning her, I trust, does bode good fortune Beyond our hopes; yet, in the farther progress Of this affair----

+Don F.+ There's no such thing in nature left as _better_, Julio; the worst proves always true with me. Yet prythee, tell, how does that noble beauty (Wherein high quality is so richly stamp'd) Comport her servile metamorphosis?

+Don J.+ As one whose body, as divine as 'tis, Seems bound to obey exactly such a mind, And gently take whate'er shape that imposes.

+Don F.+ Ah, let us mention her no more, my Julio! Ideas flow upon me too abstracted From her unfaithfulness, and may corrupt The firmest reason. Above all, be sure I do not see her so transform'd, lest that Transform me too: I'll rather pass with Blanca Both for unkind and rude, and leave Valencia Without seeing her.

+Don J.+ Leave that to me, Fernando; But if you intend the honour to my sister, It will be time: the night draws on apace.

+Don F.+ Come, let's begone then. [_As they are going out, enter +Fabio+ hastily._

+Fab.+ Stay, sir, for heaven's sake, stay----

+Don F.+ Why, what's the matter?

+Fab.+ That will surprise you both, as much as me. Don Pedro de Mendoça is below, Newly alighted.

+Don F.+ Ha! What say'st thou, sirrah? Elvira's father?

+Fab.+ Sir, the very same; And he had scarcely set one foot to ground When he inquired, Where lives Don Julio Rocca?

+Don J.+ For my house, Fabio? It cannot be; I never knew the man.

+Don F.+ The thing does speak itself and my hard fate. What else can bring him hither but pursuit Of me and of his daughter, having learn'd The way we took? and what's so easy, Julio, Here at Valencia, as to know our friendship; And then of consequence, your house to be My likeliest retreat?

+Don J.+ 'Tis surely so; Let us apply our thoughts to best preventives.

+Don F.+ Whilst we retire into the inner room T' advise together, Fabio, be you sure (Since unknown to him) to observe his motions. [_Exeunt omnes._

_Scene changes to the prospect of Valencia. Enter +Don Zancho+ and +Chichon+, as in the street near +Don Julio's+ house._

+Don Z.+ Newly gone out, say you? That is as lucky as we could have wish'd: And see but how invitingly the door Stands open still!

+Chi.+ An open door may lead to a face of wood; [_Aside to +Don Zancho+._ But mean you, sir, to go abruptly in Without more ceremony?

+Don Z.+ Surprise redoubles (fool) the joys of lovers. But stay, Chichon, let's walk aside awhile, Till yonder coach be past. [_Exeunt._

_Scene changes to the room in the inn. Enter +Don Julio+ and +Don Fernando+._

+Don J.+ There's no safety in any other way. You must not stir from hence, until w' have got Some farther light what course he means to steer. Let Fabio be vigilant: I'll get home Down that back-stairs, and take such order there Not to be found, in case he come to inquire, As for this night at least shall break his measures; And in the morning we'll resolve together, Whether you ought to quit Valencia or no.

+Don F.+ Farewell, then, for to-night: I'll be alert. But see y' excuse me fairly to my cousin. [_Exeunt._

_Scene changes to +Blanca's+ antechamber. Enter +Donna Blanca+ and +Francisca+._

+Blan.+ As well as Silvia pleases me, Francisca, I'm glad at present that she is not well, She would constrain me else: she has wit enough To descant on my humour, and from thence To make perhaps discoveries, not fit For such new-comers.

+Fran.+ If she has wit, she keep it to herself, At least from me: of pride and melancholy I see good store.

+Blan.+ Still envious and detracting?

_Enter +Don Zancho+ and +Chichon+._

+Fran.+ See who comes there, madam, to stop your mouth!

[_+Donna Blanca+ casting an eye that way, and +Chichon+ clinging up close behind his master, and making a mouth._

+Chi.+ Sh' has spied us, and it thickens in the clear. I fear a storm: goes not your heart pit-a-pat? [_To his master, aside._

+Blan.+ Ah, the bold traitor!--but I must dissemble, And give his impudence a little line, The better to confound him.

[_Advancing to him, and as it were embracing him with an affected cheerfulness._

Welcome as unexpected, my Don Zancho.

+Don Z.+ Nay, then we are safe, Chichon. [_Aside to +Chichon+._ Incomparable maid! Heaven bless those eyes, From which I find a new life springing in me; Having so long been banish'd from their rays, How dark the court appear'd to me without them; Could it have kept me from their influence, As from their light, I had expir'd long since.

+Blan.+ Y' express your love now in so courtly a style, I fear you have acted it in earnest there, And but rehearse to me your country mistress.

+Don Z.+ Ah, let Chichon but tell you how he hath seen me During my absence from you.

+Chi.+ I vow I have seen him even dead for love. You might have found it in his very looks, Before you brought the blood into his cheeks.

+Blan.+ E'en dead (you say) for love! but say of whom?

+Don Z.+ Can Blanca ask a question so injurious, As well to her own perfections as my faith?

+Blan.+ I can hold no longer. [_Aside to +Francisca+._ My faithful lover, then it is not you---- [_To him scornfully._

+Chi.+ She changes tone: I like not, faith, the key, The music will be jarring. [_Aside to his master._

+Blan.+ 'Tis not then you, Don Zancho, who, having chang'd His suit at court into a love pretension, And his concurrents into a gallant rival, Fell by his hand, a bloody sacrifice At his fair mistress' feet: who was it, then?

[_+Don Zancho+ stands awhile as amazed, with folded arms. +Chichon+ behind his master, holding up his hands, and making a pitiful face; +Francisca+ steals to him, and holding up her hand threateningly_--

+Fran.+ A blab, Chichon, a pick-thank, peaching varlet! Ne'er think to look me in the face again. [_Aside to +Chichon+._

+Chi.+ In what part shall I look thee, hast thou a worse? It is the devil has discover'd it-- Some witch dwells here: I've long suspected thee. [_Aside to +Francisca+._

+Fran.+ I never more shall think thee worth my charms.

+Blan.+ What, struck dumb with guilt? perfidious man! That happens most to the most impudent, When once detected. Well, get thee hence, And see thou ne'er presum'st to come again Within these walls, or I shall let thee see 'Tis not at court alone, where hands are found To let such madmen blood.

[_She turns as going away, and +Don Zancho+ holds her gently by the gown._

+Don Z.+ Give me but hearing, madam, and then if----

+Don J.+ What, ho! no lights below-stairs? [_Aloud, as below._

+Fran.+ O heavens! madam, hear you not your brother? Into the chamber quickly, and let them Retire behind that hanging; there's a place, Where usually we throw neglected things. I'll take the lights and meet him: certainly His stay will not be long from Violante At this time of the night; besides, you know, He never was suspicious.

[_+Don Zancho+ and +Chichon+ go behind the hanging, and +Donna Blanca+, retiring to her chamber, says--_

Capricious fate! must I who, whilst I lov'd him, Ne'er met with checking accident, fall now Into extremest hazards for a man, Whom I begin to hate? [_Exit, and +Francisca+ at another door with the lights._

_+Francisca+ re-enters with +Don Julio+._

+Don J.+ Where's my sister?

+Fran.+ In her chamber, sir, Not very well; she's taken with a megrim.

+Don J.+ Light me in to her.

[_Exit +Don Julio+, +Francisca+ lighting him with one of the lights. +Chichon+ peeping out from behind the hangings._

+Chi.+ If this be Cupid's prison, 'tis no sweet one. Here are no chains of roses; yet I think Y' had rather b' in 't than in Elvira's chamber, As gay and as perfum'd as 'twas.

+Don Z.+ Hold your peace, puppy; is this a time for fooling?

_Enter +Francisca+, and +Chichon+ starts back._

+Fran.+ [_Coming to the hanging._] Chichon, look out; you may, the coast is clear. [_+Chichon+ looks out._ Could I my lady's near concerns but sever From yours in this occasion, both of you Should dearly pay your falsehood.

+Chi.+ You are jealous too, I see; but help us out This once, and if you catch me here again, Let Chichon pay for all, faithful Chichon.

+Fran.+ Y' are both too lucky in the likelihood Of getting off so soon. Stay but a moment, Whilst I go down to see the wicket open, And see that there be nobody in the way. [_Exit +Francisca+._

+Chi.+ It is a cunning drab, and knows her trade.

_Re-enter +Francisca,+ and comes to the hanging._

+Fran.+ There's now some witch o' th' wing indeed, Chichon, Julio, that never till this night forbore To go to Violante's, ere he slept, And pass some hours there--Julio, who never Inquired after the shutting of a door, Hath lock'd the gate himself at 's coming in, And bid a servant wait below till midnight, With charge to say to any that should knock And ask for him, that he's gone sick to bed! What it can mean, I know not.

+Chi.+ I would I did not; but I have too true An almanac in my bones foretells a beating Far surer than foul weather. He has us, faith, Fast in Lob's-pound.[12] Heaven send him a light hand, To whom my fustigation shall belong: As for my master, he may have the honour To be rebuk'd at sharp.

+Fran.+ May terror rack this varlet; but for you, sir, Be not dismay'd, the hazard's not so great. Yonder balcony, at farther end o' th' room, Opens into the street, and the descent is Little beyond your height, hung by the arms: When Julio is asleep, I shall not fail To come and let you out; I keep the key. In the meanwhile, you must have patience.

+Chi.+ It were a nasty hole to stay in long. Did not my fear correct its evil savour. [_Aside._ Dame, you say well for him, with whom I think Y' have measur'd length, you speak so punctually Of his dimensions; but I see no care For me, your pretty, not your proper man, Who does abhor feats of activity. [_To her._

+Fran.+ I'll help you--with a halter! [_Exit +Francisca+, and +Chichon+ retires._

_Scene changes to +Blanca's+ Bed-chamber. Enter +Blanca+ and +Elvira+; and soon after +Francisca+, as in +Blanca's+ chamber, she sitting at her toilet undressing._

+Blan.+ My brother told me I should see him again, Before he went to rest.

+Fran.+ I think I hear him coming.

+Blan.+ He'll not stay long, I hope; for I am on thorns Till I know they are out. I' th' meanwhile, We must persuade Silvia to go to bed, Lest some odd chance should raise suspicion in her, Before I know her fitness for such trusts.

_Enter +Don Julio+. +Elvira+ offers to unpin her gorget._

+Blan.+ I prythee, Silvia, leave, and get thee gone To bed: you ha'n't been well, nor are not yet; Your heavy eyes betray indisposition.

+Elv.+ Good madam, suffer me; 'twill make me well To do you service.

+Blan.+ Brother, I ask your help; [_To Julio._ Take Silvia hence, and see her in her chamber. This night she must be treated as a stranger, And you must do the honour of your house.

[_+Julio+ goes to +Elvira+, and taking her by the hand, leads her away._

+Elv.+ Since you will not let me begin to serve, I will begin to obey. [_Making a low curtsey._

+Fran.+ Quaint, in good faith! [_Bridling._

+Don J.+ My sister's kinder than she thinks, to give me [_To +Elvira+, as he leads her._ This opportunity of telling Silvia How absolutely mistress in this place Elvira is. [_+Francisca+ whispers all this while with +Blanca+._

+Elv.+ Good sir, forget that name. [_Exeunt +Julio+ and +Elvira+._

+Blan.+ If that be so, what shall we do, Francisca? What way to get them out?

+Fran.+ It is a thing so unusual with him, It raises ominous thoughts, else I make sure To get them off as well as you can wish; But, if already awaken'd by suspicion, Nothing can then be sure.

+Blan.+ O, fear not that: what you have seen him do Of unaccustom'd, I dare say relates To quite another business.

+Fran.+ Then set your heart at rest from all disturbance Arising from this accident.

+Blan.+ If you are certain To get them off so clear from observation, 'Twill out of doubt be best: I'll tell my brother Don Zancho is return'd, and had call'd here This evening to have seen him; for my fears Sprang only from the hour and the surprise, Warm'd as he then had found me; since you know How little apt he is to jealousy.

+Fran.+ Madam, y' have reason; that will make all sure, In case he should be told of's being here; The time of's stay can hardly have been noted.

_Enter +Don Julio+._

+Don J.+ As an obedient brother, I have perform'd What you commanded me.

+Blan.+ A hard injunction from a cruel sister, To wait upon a handsome maid to her chamber!

+Don J.+ You see I've not abused your indulgence By staying long; nor can I stay indeed With you, I must be abroad so early To-morrow morning; therefore, dear, good night.

+Blan.+ Stay, brother, stay; I had forgot to tell you [_As he is going._ Don Zancho de Moneçes is return'd, And call'd this evening here t' have kiss'd your hands. Francisca spake with him.

+Don J.+ I hope he's come successful in his suit: To-morrow I'll go see him. [_Exit +Don Julio+._

+Blan.+ You see he's free from umbrage on that subject.

+Fran.+ I see all's well, and may he sleep profoundly-- The sooner, madam, you are abed the better.

+Blan.+ Would once my fears were over, that my rage Might have its course.

+Fran.+ I shall not stop it, But after it has had its full career 'Twill pause, I hope, and reason find an ear. [_Exeunt._

_Scene changes to the room in the inn. Enter +Don Fernando+ and +Fabio+._

+Don F.+ Is he gone out?

+Fab.+ No, sir, not as yet; But seeing the servant he had sent abroad Newly return'd, I listen'd at his door, And heard him plainly give him this account-- That he had found Don Julio Rocca's house, And having knock'd a good while at the door, Answer was made him without opening it, Don Julio's not at home; whereat Don Pedro Impatient rose, and, calling for his cloak And sword, he swore he'd rather wait himself Till midnight at his door, than lose a night In such a pressing business.--This I thought Fit to acquaint you with, and that he spake Doubtfully of his returning to lodge here.

+Don F.+ You have done well, but must do better yet, In following him, and being sure to lose No circumstance of what he does.

+Fab.+ To dog him possibly might be observ'd, This moonlight, by his servant; but since, sir, We're certain whither he goes, my best course (I think) will be to go out the back-way, And place myself beforehand in some porch Near Julio's house, where I may see and hear What passes, and then do as I shall see cause.

+Don F.+ 'Tis not ill thought on; but how late soever Your return be, I shall expect to see you, Before we go to bed.

+Fab.+ I shall not fail. [_Exeunt._

_Scene changes to +Donna Blanca's+ antechamber. Enter +Francisca+, and goes to the hanging where +Don Zancho+ and +Chichon+ are hid._

+Fran.+ Ho! trusty servant with his faithful master! Come out; the balcony's open, lose no time, Julio's abed, and fast asleep ere this-- There's nobody in the street, it is so light One may discover a mile; therefore be quick.

[_+Don Zancho+ and +Chichon+ come out from behind the hanging, and follow her, as leading to the balcony._ [_Exeunt._

[_And soon after +Don Zancho+ and +Chichon+ appear as in the balcony, and +Francisca's+ head as peeping out of the door into it._

_Scene changes to the prospect of Valencia. Enter +Fabio+ as in the street, and settling himself in a porch._

+Fab.+ Here is a porch, as if 'twere built on purpose. [+Fabio+, _looking up, perceives them in the balcony._

Ha! here's a vision that I little dreamt of. Stand close, Fabio, and mum!

[_+Don Zancho+ gets over the balcony, and letting himself down at arm's length, leaps gently into the street. +Chichon+ offers at the like, but takes a fall as he lights, and (rising) counterfeits lameness. +Francisca+ retires, and locks the balcony._

+Chi.+ Curse on the drab, I think I've broke my leg.

+Fab.+ The moon has turn'd my brains, or I have seen That person somewhere, and that very lately-- [_He pauses, scratching his head._ But, sure, I'm mad to think it can be he.

[_Exeunt +Don Zancho+ and +Chichon+, as turning down the next street._

_Enter +Don Pedro+ and +Fulvio+._

+Fab.+ O, now I see my men. [_Retiring into the porch._

+Don P.+ This is the street, you say; which is the house?

+Fulv.+ That fair one, over against the monastery. Shall I go knock?

+Don P.+ What else? [_+Fulvio+ knocks at +Don Julio's+ door, and nobody answers._

+Don P.+ Knock harder. [_He knocks again, and one asks as from within_, Who's there?

+Don P.+ A stranger, who must needs speak with Don Julio, Although unknown to him: my business presses.

+From within.+ Whoe'er you be, and whatsoe'er your business, You must have patience till to-morrow, sir. Don Julio went sick to bed, and I dare not Wake him.

+Don P.+ Fortune takes pleasure, sure, in disappointing, When men are press'd with most impatience; But, since there is no remedy, guide, Fulvio, Unto the lodging y' have provided for me; I hope 'tis near at hand.

+Fulv.+ Not above three doors from Don Julio's, There, where it makes the corner of the street. [_Pointing._

+Fab.+ Here I must follow, till I've harbour'd them. [_Exeunt; +Fabio+ stealing after them._

_Scene changes to a room in the inn. Enter +Don Fernando+ alone, as in his chamber._

+Don F.+ It cannot now be long, ere Fabio come, And 'twere in vain to go to bed before, For rest, I'm sure, I should not-- [_He walks about the room pensively._ Ah, my Elvira!--Mine? thou dost infect My very words with falsehood, when I name thee. Did ever mistress make a lover pay So dear as I for the short bliss she gave? What now I suffer in exchange of that, May make mankind afraid of joys excessive. But here he comes--

_Enter +Fabio+._

Have you learn'd anything That's worth the knowing? [_To +Fabio+._

+Fab.+ Two things I think considerable, sir: The one, that Julio hath found means to gain This night to cast your business in, without Admitting of Don Pedro, whose pressures Might have been troublesome, and urged you To hasty resolutions; whereas now You've time to take your measures. The other, sir, Is that Don Pedro lodges here no more, And consequently hath eas'd you of constraint, Whilst you rest here, and left the way more free For intercourse betwixt Don Julio and you. This more I must observe t' ye, that Don Pedro Took special care to have his lodging near Don Julio's house, whereby 'tis evident, That there he makes account his business lies.

+Don F.+ The news you bring me hath been worth your pains, And thanks t' ye for 't. I suppose that is all?

+Fab.+ Perhaps there's something else.

+Don F.+ Say, Fabio, what is't?

+Fab.+ Pray, sir, allow me This night to think, whether it be fit or no To tell it you; since 'tis a thing relates not, As I conceive, to you nor to your business; And yet, in the concernments of another, May trouble you.

+Don F.+ Be not o'erwise, I prythee. I will know What 'tis, since you have raised curiosity By such grimaces.

+Fab.+ You must be obey'd; but pray remember, sir, If afterwards I am call'd fool for my pains, Who made me so: but since I do not only Expect the fool, but ready to be thought A madman too, ere I have done my story, In this I will be wilful, not to tell it Till y' are abed, that I may run away-- So if you long to hear it, hasten thither. [_Exit +Fabio+, as to the chamber within._

+Don F.+ Content, i'faith; you ask no great compliance. [_Exit._

_Scene changes to the room in +Zancho's+ house. Enter +Don Zancho+; and +Chichon+, as at home, halting._

+Don Z.+ We're well come off from danger; would we were But half as well from Blanca's jealousy.

+Chi.+ Speak for yourself; I never came off worse. A pox upon your venery, it has made me Another Vulcan. [_He halts about, grumbling._

+Don Z.+ Go, rest to-night, or grumble, as you please; But do not think limping will serve your turn To-morrow: faith, I'll make you stir your stumps. Think you a lover of my temper likely To sit down by it so?

+Chi.+ I'm sure I am only fit to sit down by it, Since I can hardly stand.

[_He makes as if he would sit down, and +Don Zancho+ giving him a kick on the breech._

+Don Z.+ Coxcomb, come away.

+Chi.+ To-night's to-night: to-morrow's a new day.[13] [_Exeunt._

FOOTNOTES:

[11] See an early note to "The Adventures of Five Hours" in the present volume.

[12] [_i.e._, In a snare. See Hazlitt's "Proverbs," 1869, p. 200, where it is shown that the earlier phrase is _Cob's pound_.]

[13] [A common proverbial expression.]