Chapter 2

_Anto._ Go then, you shall not long be silent. [Ex. _Gerardo_. Who waits there? [Enter _Pedro_, and Exit. _Pedro_, call my Wife-- My Wife, said I! _Gerardo_, didst thou know The secret fears contain'd within this Bosome, Thou'dst sooner pitty me, than wish my Life: How can I think her story of the Jewels, And other matters 'bout her Fathers Will, Could have produc'd so scandalous a Meeting? And yet she still avows it! Oh, Jealousie! Where will these panting fears still hurry me? I hourly seek to find what I wou'd give, A thousand Worlds my heart would ne're believe; And yet for what do I thus vex my self? For that, which if 'twas gone, I cou'd not miss; No, would I could, for then I'de never fear, But when I found her Honour gone astray, I'd send her Life to fetch mine back again.

_Enter _Cælia_._

_Cæl._ What's your Command, my Lord?

_Anto._ Prethee, my Dear, do not retire too much, But shew a merry freedom to our Friends, That they may think us happy, themselves welcome.

_Cæl._ My Lord, I shall, and reason have to do it; But I desire you would dispence my absence, Only a little time, I being preparing A general Confession I shall make to Morrow.

_Anto._ You'l be too long about it.

_Cæl._ No, my Lord, I take the shortest way In writing what my thoughts can re-collect.

_Ant._ You would not let me read it, when y'have done?

_Cæl._ I do confess I should be loath, my Lord. But yet from any Sin concerns your self, I am as free as are the purer Angels, Or may I find no profit by my Prayers.

_Anto._ I will believe thee; go, make haste and do it. [Ex. _Cælia_. Yet, if't be possible, I'm resolv'd to see it; 'Twill Cure my fears, perhaps, or change their Natures, And make 'em certainties the lesser evil cause sooner Cur'd: For Jealousies with fear doth plague the mind, But that is Cur'd when certainties we find. [Ex. _Anto_.

_The Scene changes, Discovers _Jasper_, as from Bed, Buttoning himself._

_Jasp._ Oh, plague o'this Old Bitch, she has kept me So awake with her Coughing all Night, that I Have quite out-slept my self. [Looks on's Watch. By Heav'n near Ten a Clock, and she not gone Yet--plague on her--she'l be catch'd, and I shall Be turn'd away--why Nurse--make haste, 'tis Ten a Clock and past, you will be wanting.

_Nurse within._ That cannot be, alas, the times but short That I've been with thee, my Dear.

_Jasp._ No, perhaps you think so; But let me ever want money to drink, If I have not thought the time longer Then her Life has been, and that began beyond the mem'ry Of man. What drudgery am I forc'd to undergo to Get a little money to support me--that I may Live to Watch all apted times for my Revenge on this whole Family, who Rise upon the Ruines of our House. This Nurse of Ninety never stayes with me but I'de as live have been Rid by a Night-Mare.

_Enter Nurse._

_Nurse._ What's that, Night-Mare? Am I a Night-Mare?

_Jasp._ No, Nurse, I said, I was troubl'd with a Night-Mare, And should be worse, were it not for thy Company.

_Nurse._ Nay, I am good Friend of thine every way.

_Jasp._ That's true; but Nurse make haste, for I am Damnably afraid _Flora_ suspects us e're since She took me in your Chamber, and if she shou'd Take you here, and tell my Lady, I should be turn'd Away, for you know she loves me not e're since I Gave my Lord notice of her meeting _Don Lewis_, To give him the money and Jewels, her Father Left privately in her hands for him when he dy'd.

_Nurse._ I Chuck, but why didst thou do so?

_Jasp._ In hopes to have got some of the money for my Discovery, what made her tempt me with the Trust of money, and give me none to keep Counsel. But prethee Nurse be gone.

_Nurse._ I, give me but one buss, and I will. [Kisses him, and is going.

_Jasp._ What a belch was there to perfume it?

[She comes back.

_Nurse._ Sweet Rogue, I cannot go without the other kiss.

_Jasp._ Oh, Nurse! you will undo me; prethee no more.

_Nurse._ What, Rascal, slight my favours? you shall repent it.

_Jasp._ No, Nurse, think not so, but--

_Flora within._ Why, Nurse, Nurse, my Lady wants you; come away there, I know where you have been all Night.

_Jasp._ Why, there 'tis--this is what I fear'd, I am undone, A plague of Cubbard Love--step into the Closet.

_Nurse._ What's that you say, Cubbard Love?

_Jasp._ No, no, prethee no Arguments, but step into the Closet.

_Flora within._ Why, Nurse, I say! why don't you come away? My Lady wants you.

[_Jasper_ goes to the Door.

_Jasp._ _Flora_, what's the matter with you? Nurse is not here; Do but come in and see.

[Enter _Flora_.

_Flor._ Come, come, she must be here; for she was not in her own Bed to Night, and where should She be, but with you?

_Jasp._ With me! what the Devil should she do with me? Can't her Old Chopps mumble her Beads o're, but I Must keep count of her _Pater Nosters_: No, no, she's Gon on Pilgrimage to some Shrine, to beg Children For my Lady; 'tis a devout Old Woman.

_Flor._ Devout! I, her Devotion and yours are much alike, The Fit ne're took you but once in your Lives, and Then, 'tis true you wept at Prayers, that was, at your Own Christnings.

_Jasp._ Prethee more Charity, sweet dear _Flora_; come, let Me kiss thee.

_Flor._ Pray forbear, I'de sooner kiss a Horse.

_Jasp._ Why so scornful, dear _Flora_?

_Flor._ That's not my bus'ness; come, tell me, where's the Nurse?

_Jasp._ Prethee, why dost ask me for the Nurse? Dost think I am so hot to make Love to a Monument? Why, she's Old enough to be Mother of all Mankind; her skin's Turn'd to parchment, he that should enjoy her, had as Good lye with a bundle of Old Records. In truth, she's Fit for nothing now, but to be hang'd up amongst the Monsters in a 'Pothecaries Shop, where, with abuse to The Beast, she would be taken for a large Apes skin stufft With Hay. Ah, _Flora_, if she were as Young as thou art, then't might be likely, I might find her when she was lost.

_Flor._ Well, if she be not here now, I'm sure it was not for Nothing you once lost your way into her Chamber, And staid all Night.

_Jasp._ Meer Drunkenness, by this Light, _Flora_! Why, if it had Been a Vault full of Dead Carkasses, I should have slipt Into it in the pickle I was in--Nay, for ought I know, With more pleasure too.

[Enter Nurse.

_Nurse._ Now out upon you for a Rogue, There's no enduring this.

_Jasp._ Do but hear me, Nurse.

_Flor._ Ay, hear him, Nurse, he'l be sure to recant and Swear you're as sweet as--a--fogh--so sweet--

_Nurse._ What, Hussy, dare you abuse me--I that gave suck To my Lady before thou wast born--you Young Whore.

_Flor._ Young Whore! why not Old Whore, Nurse, as well as Young Whore?

_Nurse._ You damn'd Young Slut, I'le tear out your Eyes.

_Flor._ My Feet shall save my Eyes, except you can out-run Me to my Lady.

[Exit _Flora_.

_Jasp._ Have not you made fine work now? I but dissembled To take off suspition--and you must shew your self, I'm sure I shall be turn'd away for your folly.

_Nurse._ But dissembled, said you? Marry, there's dissembling indeed.

_Jasp._ Nay, Nurse, consider, dost think I would have spoke so In thy hearing, had it been for any other thing? But Prethee kiss me--I protest thou'rt as sweet as _Arsifettito_.

_Nurse._ _Arsifettito!_ What's that?

_Jasp._ A Rich perfume the Chymists make, and good against Fits o' th' Mother. But what shall I do now? I shall Be turn'd away.

_Nurse._ I'le warrant thee, I'le place thee with _Eugenia_, she Shall take care of thee for mine and a Friends sake Of hers.

_Jasp._ Ay, ay, that's _Francisco_; but you have promis'd me Often to tell me a secret concerns them; prethee Do't now, Nurse.

_Nurse._ But will you ne're speak on't? If you do, I shall Get no more money for thee, _Jasper_; that's the way, I get all, Chuck; no, no, no matter what's between them, Trust thou to me.

_Jasp._ Well, Nurse, I thought you had Lov'd me, but I see You do not; you know I can keep secrets.

_Nurse._ Ay, but this is such a one I dare not tell it; besides, It was not _Eugenia_s fault at first--alas, poor Fool, she was in a sad taking, when she found Her Couzen _Francisco_ in Bed with her.

_Jasp._ In Bed, sayst thou?

_Nurse._ Lord bless me! what have I done? If you should Tell now.

_Jasp._ Ne're fear it, tell me all: I would not for the World have mist this Story, it makes a full amends For all my Crosses; come, Nurse, prethee quickly Tell me all passages.

_Nurse._ I tell no more, my mind misgives me I've said Too much already.

_Jasp._ Not tell me more, Old Beldame? Speak it quickly, Or what I know shall soon unto my Lord.

_Nurse._ How now! Is this dissembling too?

_Jasp._ No, 'tis as great a truth as what you told me of, _Don Francisco_'s Bedding with _Eugenia_; tell me the Rest, and by it save your Life.

_Nurse._ Dear _Jasper_, be not angry, and I will.

_Jasp._ Come, Nurse, do it, and then we'l kiss and be Friends. I shall have use of her. [Aside.

_Nurse._ Now thou shalt have my heart; and thus it is: _Don Francisco_ doth often meet _Eugenia_ i'th' Garden, who, to avoid suspition, after her Sisters In Bed, by my means gets her Night-Gown, and Puts it on so to avoid being known, shou'd any see her.

_Jasp._ Oh, Excellent! when do they meet again?

_Nurse._ I've promis'd him this Night, though she was loath, Till I told her he would but take his leave, for she's Grown a little backward, now she's to marry _Don Gerardo_.

_Jasp._ Is she to marry him, sayst thou?

_Nurse._ I, sure, for he makes Love to her, and she's so hot Upon't, that she vows after this Night never to meet _Francisco_ any more; but I'le go Live with her, And so shalt thou.

_Jasp._ Ay, so I will--i'th' Garden, sayst thou, and in her Sisters Gown, no body with them!

_Nurse_ Yes, the Lord _Sebastian_, he knows all, and alwayes Waits upon 'em.

_Jasp._ That's well, keep thou the secret close, and ne're fear me; But if my Lord should ask suspitiously questions About his Wife--name _Pedro_ to him, say, when he's From Home, that Fellow stayes too long within her Chamber, and say, that _Flora_ waits; leave me to prove It true.

_Nurse._ Why, 'tis not so, I dare not tell my Lord so damn'd a Lye.

_Jasp._ Why? Y'are a Fool, there shall no hurt come of it, Only we'l be Reveng'd of _Pedro_, and that Slut, for They're our Enemies; besides, if you won't, I'le swear You told me so, and moreover, let him know all the Rest y'have told me.

_Nurse._ Nay, don't be angry, and I'le do any thing.

_Enter _Cælia_, _Pedro_, and _Flora_._

_Cæl._ Oh, thou Old doting Fool! what, still remain here! What punishment is proper for thy Age? As for you, Sirrah, I believe my Lord will find a way quickly to Send you packing.

_Jasp._ It may be so, but 'tis without a cause.

_Cæl._ Impudent Villain! how I do hate thy sight. Follow you me. [To Nurse.]

[Ex. _Cæl._ _Nurse_, & _Flora_.

_Ped._ What, i'th' dumps, Seignior! all a mort for your Mistress, faith man, take it not so to heart, there are others I'th' World as Young, though few may be as handsome.

_Jasp._ Ay, Sir, 'tis to be suppos'd; you can boast it by Experience, There are Young Ladies for spruce _Pedro's_--_Jasper_-- Must be content with their Nurses.

_Ped._ Content, say you? I, Marry, if she content you not, the Devil can't; why, she's a Dish of variety, like a huge _Olio_; there's all Ages of Women in her. Thou art The happiest man in a Mistress, _Jasper_--faith, I envy thee.

_Jasp._ 'Tis very well.

_Ped._ Not too well neither.

_Jasp._ You may laugh; you stand on the top of Favour, Have a care of falling down, I may catch you One day.

_Ped._ No, never with an Old Woman; it's worse then Committing Incest; to Cuckold, for ought I know, a dozen Generations.

_Jasp._ Rest you merry, I can leave you.

_Ped._ But I'le not quit you so.

[Exeunt.

_Enter _Antonio_ and _Gerardo_ Discoursing._

_Ger._ In this dear Friend, consists my happiness; Therefore deny me not--Why pause you, Sir? My fears are come about--

_Anto._ What, hath _Eugenia_ given her consent?

_Ger._ I say not so, my Lord, but her denyals Were spoke so faintly, I Interpret well.

_Anto._ Dear Friend, I am afraid you do mistake The Object of your Joyes, let me perswade You to believe, there's not that happiness In Marriage-Beds, as single People guess, No, no, so far from that, that thousands be Flatter'd by hopes to endless misery. And where there's two obtain their hearts desire, Ten thousand miss it, and in grief expire.

_Ger._ Were these Positions true, there's no man, sure, If Widdowed once, could other Wives endure. And yet we see the first depriv'd of Life, There's few that seek not for a second Wife.

_Anto._ 'Tis true, though strange, but yet our minds are such, As alwayes find too little, or too much; Desire's a Monster, whose extended Maw Is never fill'd, tho' it doth all things draw: For we with envious Eyes do others see, Who want our ills, and think they happy be, Till we possessing what we wish'd before, Find our ills doubl'd, and so wish for more.

_Ger._ Suppose all true which you wou'd have me fear, Ills in possession still the greatest are: And my desires to such a height do rise, T' attain their ends, I shou'd all else despise.

_Anto._ Since y'are resolv'd, I'le not your ends deny, But pray my words prove false when e're you try; Though well they speak, who say the damned State, Chiefly consists in wishing things too late: _Eugenia's_ Father left her to my care, Which trust to end so well I did despair: Then name the day of Marriage--

_Ger._ No delay My thoughts admit; I wish it were to day.

_Anto._ That cannot be, to Morrow I approve.

_Ger._ Time will flye slow, though Impt with wings of Love.

_Enter _Cælia_ and _Eugenia_._

_Cæl._ My Lord, I beg your pardon for a short interruption.

_Ger._ Madam, 'tis I have cause to beg your pardon, Thus to detain your Lord, on's Wedding-day, A Day in Justice should be wholly yours.

_Cæl._ My Lord is happy so to be detain'd And I am alwayes happy when he's so. But good, my Lord, your Ear--

_Whispers _Anto._ he takes a paper privately out of her pocket._

_Ger._ Madam, if you repent not what y'have said, In answer to those Vows of my Affection, I then dare hope I may in time be happy.

_Eugen._ Tho' I ne're thought your words were further means, Then to pass time away in Raillery; Yet were my Answers such, as if you had Told me a real Story of your Love: And the same Answers I'le again renew; My Will's confin'd; my Fathers last Commands Left me no Choice but anothers will; If I were free, I then durst speak my thoughts: But I, in all, my Brother must obey.

_Ger._ He checks your Actions only, thoughts are free, Suppose him willing, would you favour me?

_Eugen._ But to suppose without his Will's a Crime, If I that supposition should declare.

_Ger._ I do confess I should be loath to own That Blessing which I rate above my Life, If 'twere bestow'd by any hands but yours; Therefore by all your hopes I do conjure you, If you dislike my Love, Command my silence.

_Eugen._ Interpret well my blushes, when I say I cannot find a thought for such Commands.

_Ger._ Then I am happy 'bove the reach of Envy; For I have his consent already granted, He nam'd the day of Marriage as you enter'd.

_Eugen._ You see, my Lord, that I had cause for fear, Since I'm bestow'd, and my consent ne're askt. Sure my dead Father ne're design'd it so?

_Ger._ Madam, I beg your pardon, for a truth Might well excuse your Brother in this matter; I urg'd to him I doubted not your favour, On which Condition he did grant me his.

_Eugen._ I shall hear further of it from himself, Till when, I beg your pardon. [Offers to go out.

_Anto._ Sister, pray stay, for I have bus'ness with you. I know, my Dear, you never Lov'd that Fellow, Which since you do not, though he serves me well, Yet I'm resolv'd for this to part with him, Tho' I could think a Pension for your Nurse, To keep her at a distance, were as well.

_Cæl._ Though now her dotage makes her want discretion, Her Love to us was great.

_Anto._ Come, trouble not your self about it, he shall go.

_Cæl._ My Lord, I'le trouble you no further.

_Ger._ I'le wait upon you, Madam.

[Ex. _Gerar._ and _Cæl._

_Anto._ Sister, you know your Father was my Friend, And was so confident that I was his, He trusted all your Fortunes in my hands, Though he had Brothers Living when he Dy'd, He told you too, and left it in his Will, That what you had was mine, if you did Marry Without my Approbation: Is't not true?

_Eugen._ Sir, 'tis a truth I'm glad of.

_Anto._ These things your Kindred though, did call contrivance, Which made their hatred rise so much against me, It makes a few'd betwixt our Families, Which soon would come to Blood, but for Respect They bear my Wife, their Cozen.

_Eugen._ Brother, I cannot answer for their Actions, My own Respects to you were never wanting.

_Anto._ I do not deny it, Sister; and to prove I never did, nor will deserve worse from you, If you are willing now to change your State, And know a man preferr'd in your Election, Let him have Blood and worth, you and your Fortune I freely will resign into his hands. Then truly speak your thoughts.

_Eugen._ Surely, my Lord, You'd scarcely think I should be worth your care, If I should choose before you nam'd one to me.

_Anto._ Sister, I see your Kindreds Jealousies Partly infects you too; but to remove them, What think you of _Gerardo_, for a Husband? My wishes meet with yours, if he's their Object; You know I'm no Dissembler.

_Eugen._ Nor shall you find me so; for I confess In this you prove your Kindness, Care, and Justice; And I must meet it with my greatest thanks.

_Anto._ I'm joyful for it; to morrow is the day, A private Wedding will prevent all Rumour, You'd best withdraw then to provide your self. [Ex. _Eugen_. What Paper's this I got out of her Pocket? Pray Heaven it be the right; it is the same, The very same ---- what makes me tremble! Is't horror or desire, or both assault me? Be it what it will, 'tis Hell to live in doubt; But stay, my Conscience sayes 'tis Sacriledge-- What's that? A word by cunning Priests invented To keep the Cheats they live by from our knowledge; As the _Ægyptian_ did with _Hieroglyfficks_; But be it what it will, a Name, or thing, I'le read it, for't may Cure my Jealousie, And surely that exceeds Hells misery. But to my Closet, where no Eye can see, All are call'd Pious, who live scandal free. [Exit.

_Enter _Eugenia_ and Nurse._

_Eugen._ Since he has promis'd but to take his leave, And neither then, nor never urge more Sin, I am content to give him this last meeting.

_Nurse._ He'l be a glad man, I'm sure--but what shall poor _Jasper_ do?

_Eugen._ If he will marry you, I'le keep you both.

_Nurse._ Thank you, Madam, I'le tell him your good will. [Exit.

_Eugen._ What by this cursed Sin am I reduc'd to? To be a Slave to Slaves; nay, worse, a Bawd, A Name so base, profest ones do detest it, And yet I'm one, this cursed Hellish Hagg has made me so. The first did sell, and then betray'd my Honour, Yet thinks she has oblig'd me by the Action. Nay, I am forc't to say so now to please her; Some heavenly Angel make me Chaste again, Or make me nothing, I am resolv'd to try, Before I'de still live Whore, I'de choose to dye.

_Enter _Jasper_._

_Jasp._ I'm come to thank your Lady-ship for the great care, Nurse sayes, you have of me; but faith, Madam, I Was ne're made to be Steel to a Tinder-Box; she's Meer Touch-wood; no, I'm not for Marrying great Grannums: But if your Lady-ship knows any Young Dame, that wants a strong back to do her drudgery, Though it be in her Lord's absence, I'm content.

_Eugen._ What, is the Fellow mad?

_Jasp._ No, Madam, not mad at all, but can as soberly keep Councel as the best Young Gallant of 'em all; and am As able to do the feat: Please your Lady-ship to try me, And praise me as you find; if you dislike my work, I'le lose my labour, and have nothing for my pains.

_Eugen._ Oh, strange, unheard-of Impudence! Out, Villain. [Ex.

_Jasp._ So scornful! Villain! Nay, if you call me so, 'tis time To be so; what a Devil ayls my face, that she contemns Me thus? May be my Nose is not long enough she thinks, Pox on her Pride, 'tis that or'e-comes her Leachery--I must Alter my Trade, for I was ne're born I see to thrive by Love; then I'le set up a shop of hatred, and the Wares I Vent shall be Revenge, that may hit; but hold, my Lord.

_Enter _Antonio_._

_Anto._ What have I got? Am I more satisfy'd By this same Paper then I was before? No, not at all; and yet why should I not? There's not a thought set down concerneth me-- Yet that's her policy-- She either fear'd that I should get the Paper, Or else on purpose did contrive I might; But how can I know that? This Jealousie, If it continue long, will make me mad.

_Jasp._ Well, the Devil has put him on this pin meerly To do me a kindness.

_Anto._ And yet it must continue, who can Cure it? Ay, there's it, who can Cure it? Then I must be mad! Nay, I'm mad already, stark mad!--

_Jasp._ My good Lord.

_Anto._ What's the matter? I fear he heard me. [Aside.

_Jasp._ I come to take leave of your Lordship, I have Enemies I hear have turn'd me going.

_Anto._ Is't not deservedly, thou Goat?

_Jasp._ Yes, yes, it may be so, since they will have it so; But if I had never seen, I had ne're been turn'd Away for doing: If I were as ready to make Mischief, as I am fear'd to be; Nurse and I had not Been only the Sufferers.

_Anto._ Explain your Riddle, Sirrah.

_Jasp._ Nay, let my Tongue come out e're I say any thing to Disquiet your Lordship, I love you better.

_Anto._ Disquiet me! What lyes within thy power to say that Can disquiet me?

_Jasp._ Nay, nothing it may be, my Lady is my Lady, and You are a kind Lord, that's all I know; so begging Your Lordships Discharge, I'm gone, and then their Fears are over.

_Anto._ Villain, thou'st given me poyson; my veins swell With it, produce the Antidote, or I'le dissect thy Soul To find it out; what is't you know that can disquiet me?

_Jasp._ I know little, my Lord, to' th' purpose, besides, it will But vex you, since there may be no harm in it.

_Anto._ Come, come, no going back, tell quickly what you know.

_Jasp._ I know, why, I know that my Lady hates me, Because I told your Lordship the time she was to Deliver the Jewels and Money to _Don Lewis_, and Still she calls me false in being true to you--but--

_Anto._ But what?

_Jasp._ But if I should say all I know--well, but let That alone, good, my Lord, your Discharge.

_Anto._ Vile Dog, dost raise my Anger for to play with it? I'le vent it upon thee then. [Draws, and cuts at him.

_Jasp._ Hold, hold, my Lord, and I'le tell all I know.

_Anto._ Let's hear it.

_Jasp._ When you lay hid about _Don Lewis_'s death, I've Often seen a Lady in the Night to meet two Men I'th' Garden, but am not sure it was your Lady.

_Anto._ What makes you name her then?

_Jasp._ Her Gown, I think it was her Gown.

_Anto._ Wa'st often, say you?

_Jasp._ Yes, every Night, except you lay at home, for I Took pains to watch, they never fail'd coming, But there was but one of them went into the House, Sir, and he neither would not stay above an hour At most: this is all.

_Anto._ All, quoth a! What Devil would have more, If 'twas my Lady.

_Jasp._ I can't say that, but yet I dare be sworn it was Her Gown, I do believe, I mean, I think it was.

_Anto._ Could you not guess the men?

_Jasp._ I think they were _Francisco_ and _Sebastian_.