Chapter 5

_Sebast._ Nay, then I'le go my self, happen what will, For it is only dang'rous to do ill; My Company her Vertue may protect, And I should sin, if that I did neglect.

_Fran._ That shall not need, for I'm resolv'd to speak Nothing that may her Resolution break.

_Sebast._ Go boldly then, for in a cause so good He's more then Coward fears to shed his Blood; And though I think _Antonio_ would be glad That he our Lives at such advantage had; Yet I this Night durst boldly meet him there, Since in my Breast such Innocence I wear; By this security I plainly feel 'Tis guilt that wounds us deeper far then steel.

[Exeunt.

_Enter _Cælia_ and _Eugenia_._

_Cæl._ Blame not my Husband, Sister, 'twas my fault, I strove 'gainst Reason to oppose his Will. Had I forborn my importunity, 'Tis ten to one he had not been so wilful; Husband's prerogatives are absolute, Their wills we must obey, and not dispute.

_Eug._ I beg his Pardon, if I think amiss, But I believe there's some design in this; His Eyes shew'd more of Anger then could be A bare concern for's Friend's Infirmity.

_Cæl._ I will no censure on his Actions lay, My Duty is for their success to pray.

_Enter _Don Gerardo_._

_Ger._ Your Servant, Ladies, where is _Don Antonio_?

_Cæl._ Why, at _Don Johns_, my Lord, do not you know it?

_Ger._ Then he is not come back, as I had thought.

_Cæl._ My Lord, why thought you so?

_Ger._ Madam, I did not know but that he might, Since 'tis not five hours bus'ness to Ride thither, And to return again; but, Madam, pray How came the Lord _Francisco_ to be here? I think he does not use it.

_Eug._ _Francisco_! O my fears!

_Cæl._ No sure, my Lord, he ne're came within these doors Since my good Father dy'd.

_Ger._ Sure I'm mistaken, Madam, if I did not Meet him just now as he came forth this Room: And more, he shak'd his head in Anger at me.

_Cæl._ I'm sure, my Lord, you're mistaken much, For you're the first that enter'd here but us.

_Ger._ It may be I'm mistaken.

_Cæl._ Yes, sure, my Lord, you are.

_Ger._ Madam, if your Commands [To _Eugenia_. Extend to any thing within my pow'r, pray name it, I shall be proud to serve you; else I'm gone, For I have certain bus'ness does require it.

_Eug._ The greatest Service you can do to me, Is to be careful of your self, my Lord.

_Ger._ This kindness doth oblige me, pardon my haste, Good Night, and Rest unto your Ladyships. [Exit.

_Cæl._ Good Night, my Lord; _Flora_ is so possest her Dream is true, She dare not venture in that Room again.

_Eug._ She is not such a Fool, sure.

_Cæl._ Well, Sister, I am not well, and will to Bed; The Nurse will wait on you, I'le send her to you. Come, _Flora_, go with me.

[Ex. _Cæl._ and _Flora_.

_Eug._ Madam, good Rest unto you. This I can wish to her, whilst I must want it: _Gerardo_ sure has some Intelligence Of _Don Francisco_'s coming to me; Or else why Nam'd he him, for well he knows He never us'd to make a Visit here: Well, if he does, I cannot help it now. The time draws nigh, That I must meet _Francisco_! Oh, that word Gives heaviness a new unto my Soul, And makes my thoughts run backwards, The Accidents oth' day seems Ominous To all the House, but most of all to me, My guilty Breast feels most of misery. This time will quickly over, then I shall See what they tend to, or not see at all. "There's comfort yet, that miseries at height Lose their worst property, which is to fright." [Exit.

_The End of the Third Act._

Act the Fourth.

_Cælia_ on a Couch, _Flora_ by her.

_Cæl._ _Flora_, I cannot sleep, for all my thoughts Infected with my griefs, flye up and down, Collecting only things to keep me waking.

_Flo._ I'le not stir from you, Madam, all this Night.

_Cæl._ _Flora_, thy diligence deserves Reward, And I'le not long be backward for to thank thee. But prethee sing that Song I love so well, That harmony, perhaps, will Charm my cares, And give my senses Rest.

The Song.

1.

Flor. sings. Ah, _Choridon_, in vain you boast, You still do _Cloris_ Love; For better 'tis your heart were lost, Then thus suspitious prove: You then would kill me by disdain, But dying thus you blot my Name._ _For all will say _Cloris_ was false, and went astray; _Cloris_ was false, and did deserve her shame.

2.

For happy shepherd, well you know, Your Fame does mine excell; All Gen'rous _Choridons_ do know, But none my Tale can tell: _Cloris_, though true, must lose that Name, But _Choridon_ will keep his Fame; For all will say_ _Cloris_ was false, and went astray, _Cloris_ was false, and did deserve her shame.

3.

But Cruel Shepherd, when you hear That I am dead indeed, I do believe you'l shed a tear, Though new you have decreed, That _Cloris_ true must lose that Name, For _Choridon_ to keep his Fame; And then you'l say _Cloris _was true, and ne're did stray; _Cloris_ was true, and I deserve her shame.

_Flora._ She's faln asleep, may none but happy Dreams Possess her Fancy.

[The Scene shuts.

_Enter _Antonio_ and _Jasper_ in the Garden._

_Anto._ Your confidence in this doth much amaze me.

_Jasp._ Sir, still I'le pawn my Life, that what I said, Appears e're long a truth Infallible, And your own Eyes will bear me witness of it.

_Anto._ Well, pitch upon a private stand for us, That you know most convenient.

[Ex. _Jasp_. Strange it is, If this should prove a falshood after this; I've threaten'd him with Death upon the failer, Yet still he has persisted to affirm it, Besides, I climb'd the Garden Wall before him, And that way gave him time for his escape, If he'd design to make it: These Circumstances Do half perswade 'tis true. Oh, apprehension! So terrible the consequence appears, It makes my brain turn round, and Night seem darker. The Moon begins to drown her self in Clouds, Leaving a duskish horror every where, My sickly fancy makes the Garden seem Like those benighted Groves in _Plato's_ Kingdoms, Which Poets fancy that the damn'd inhabit.

_Jasp._ My Lord, my Lord.

[Enter _Jasper_.

_Anto._ What now?

_Jasp._ The Garden Door just opens, step this way, lest You be seen.

[They stand close.

_Enter _Francisco_ and _Sebastian_._

_Fran._ 'Tis hardly late enough, we'l stay a little, For I perceive no light i' th' usual Window.

_Sebast._ But are you confident _Antonio's_ absent?

_Fran._ I'm told for certain that he went from home To see _Don John Valasco_, who is sick.

_Sebast._ Nay, then with safety we may walk a turn, Though I confess, do what I can, my fears Surmount my Reason and perswades there's danger.

_Fran._ A hundred times I've past it in as much, Yet then with confidence you slighted all; Prethee forbear to urge them any more; I'm half turn'd Coward with your fears already.

_Sebast._ Let's take a turn then further from the House, And by some other talk divert our thoughts.

[Exeunt.

_Anto._ _Jasper_, I find thy Informations true, Thus far at least; these are my Wife's kind Couzens. Hell rid e'm from the World.

_Jasp._ A hundred times they had been here before In as much danger: Mark you that, my Lord?

_Anto._ I, and in Soul retorted back the Lye, For they in all their Lives ne're knew a danger Equal to that they're near: Heark! how the Owl Summons their Souls to take a flight with her, Where they shall be Eternally benighted: Now I again believe it was a Witch; For here me-thinks I see a thousand Devils Waiting in the Air with fire-forks in their hands, Just as our City Serjeants wait with Maces, To toss their Souls to their Eternal Prison; Look there, that flash of Lightning does confirm it. Nay, do but stay a little, you shall have all. All, all; not a Soul of e'm shall escape this Night. No, no, 'twill spoil good Company to part them, But hold, a Light appears, draw back to cover.

[Exeunt.

_Enter _Francisco_ and _Sebastian_._

_Sebast._ The Light is there, make haste and give the sign.

[_Francisco_ strikes a Key upon his Sword; _Eugenia_ appears above in _Cælia's_ Gown.

_Eug._ Who's there, _Francisco_?

_Fran._ The same, and would desire your Company below.

_Eug._ This distance fits us better! Oh, _Francisco_, Had we but alwayes kept it, I had been A spotless Off'ring to my Bridal Bed, But now must cloud my Marriage Joys with shame, And fear of what will follow.

_Fran._ Pray descend, this distance is not safe, The Family may chance o're hear our words.

_Eug._ I've more cause, should I come down, You would attempt my strength, and Argument To violate my Vows, as first you did My Virgin-Honour.

_Fran._ No, upon my Life, do but descend, And may the Heav'ns pour all their Vengeance on me If I do attempt you with a sillable To break your Resolution.

_Eug._ Is any with you?

_Fran._ Yes, my Friend, _Sebastian_.

_Eug._ Let him speak, then.

_Sebast._ Madam, upon my Life, I will secure you, And glory I have so much cause to do it.

_Eug._ Your Virtue I rely on for my safety. [She takes the Light from above.

_Enter _Antonio_ and _Jasper_._

_Anto._ I cannot hear their words, yet I'm sure It's _Cælia's_ there, her Habit tells me that. Let's draw a little nearer.

_Sebast._ Look there, _Francisco_, are not those two Men Are creeping there?

_Fran._ 'Tis so, let's slip aside.

[Ex. _Fran._ and _Sebastian_.

_Enter _Eugenia_ below._

_Eug._ Where are you, Couzen _Francisco_? Are you there?

_Anto._ I, here, here, perfidious Woman. [Stabs her, she falls.

_Eug._ Oh, _Francisco_, 'tis an inhuman deed, [Ex. _Ant._, _Jasp_. To kill me thus, 'cause I would sin no longer, But thou hast kept thy word, and took thy leave. As I must now, of all the World, and thee--oh, oh--

_Enter _Gerardo_ and Servant._

_Ger._ Pray Heav'n I be'n't too late, the Garden door So open makes me wonder: Heard you no groans?

_Serv._ I think I did, my Lord; heark, Sir again.

_Eug._ Oh, oh; I fain would live a little longer, If but to ask forgiveness of _Gerardo_, My Soul will scarce reach Heav'n without his Pardon.

_Ger._ Who's that wou'd go to Heav'n, and wants my Pardon? Take it, what e're thou art, and mayst thou be Happy in Death, what e're thou didst design.

_Eug._ Is that _Gerardo's_ Voyce? Sure loss of Blood Doth make my fancy Idle: Is't _Gerardo_?

_Ger._ Thou greatest Blessing of my Soul, it is.

_Eug._ No, no, my Lord, you will abhor my Name, When I shall tell the story made me thus.

_Ger._ Heav'n knows I sooner should abhor my Life: But tell me the Author of this horrid mischief, That I may flye as quick to my Revenge, As these sad thoughts do seize upon thy Soul.

_Eug._ When you shall hear my story, your Revenge Will, as I fear, vent against me in Curses.

_Ger._ Were thy Crimes great as theirs that left thee thus By all thy Virgin hopes I would not Curse thee.

_Eug._ My Lord, that's it you are deceiv'd in.

_Ger._ Nay, now thou rav'st--help me to bend her body Her loss of Blood will keep her story from me; And I shall Live i'th' dark, and ne're Revenge her.

_Eug._ Alas, my Lord, my Couzen, base _Francisco_, Being let in by my accursed Nurse, Came to my bed, and there by force and strength obtain'd His hated ends.

_Ger._ Oh, damn'd Villain, he shall not long survive To boast of it.

_Eug._ Had I staid there, and not consented further, I should have needed pity, and not pardon.

_Ger._ Tell all the rest, for this is so surprizing, I'd fain perswade my self it was a Dream.

_Eug._ After this Fatal loss, a shame succeeded, Shame that produc'd fear; infus'd by threats Urg'd both by him and her, wherein they said, If I refus'd to grant that willingly, Which he at first did force, they would declare The Action to the World, so to disgrace me.

_Ger._ O that old wrinkl'd Hag! that she should plot this.

_Eug._ What will not wicked Age effect for Gold? But they at last made fear or'e-come my Vertue, And I by that made all their guilt my own, Meeting him here still when he did appoint.

_Ger._ Well, this confest, how came you by these Wounds?

_Eug._ My Lord, _Francisco_ did entreat my Company This Night; when as I enter'd, Without a word, but here, perfidious Woman, He stab'd me in the Breast, and left me thus.

_Ger._ Hadst thou been dead, and Angels told the story, I should have thought, in Envy of thy worth, They had invented it, and ne're believ'd it.

_Eug._ I have no breath to tell you; oh, my Lord, I do forget, they still are in the Garden-- Have a care of-- [Dyes.

_Ger._ Have a care of what? Oh, speak, _Eugenia_, speak. She's gone, she's gone; and could not tell her mind: What is't I must have a care on! O some Angel That waits to shew her Soul the way to Heav'n, Come back and tell me, what it was she meant: Was it her Reputation she took care of? No, no, that cannot be, had it been that, She might have kept the story to her self: And then been Canoniz'd: Was it of me She did express her care? If so, 'twas needless; For he that lets me Live to kill _Francisco_, Though he does so by me, when that is done, Shall have my thanks and Prayers i'th' other World; But stay, they're in the Garden, I'le go look e'm, "For if Revenge so just I do delay, I shall deserve Heav'ns Vengeance for the stay."

[Exeunt.

_Enter _Francisco_ and _Sebastian_._

_Fran._ Who should they be I wonder talk'd so long?

_Sebast._ Sure, when she found us not, she would retire.

_Fran._ No doubt on't; yet I am not satisfy'd what two Those were, and why they staid so long. Could your Ear reach to understand their words?

_Sebast._ No, not a syllable more then a humming noise.

_Fran._ Nor mine; but now they're gone, let's walk that way, 'Twill be the best to miss them.

_Sebast._ Content.

[Exeunt.

_Enter _Don Gerardo_ and Servant._

_Ger._ It is in vain to look e'm if they hide, The Garden's large; besides perhaps they're gone; We'l to the Body.

_Serv._ You're by it now, my Lord.

_Ger._ This Accident amazes me so much, I go I know not where.

_Enter _Francisco_ and _ Sebastian_._

_Serv._ See there, my Lord, two Men.

_Fran._ W'are pretty near the Window, there's no Light.

_Ger._ Have at thy heart, _Francisco_, This Token from _Eugenia_.

[_Ger._ and servant draw.

_Fran._ Nay, then, at thine: Be whom thou wilt, that Name Tells me thou'rt no Friend.

_Sebast._ Courage, _Sebastian's_ by thee.

_They Fight, the Servant shoots _Sebastian_ just as _Francisco_ runs _Gerardo_ through, which pursuing, Servant kills him too._

My fears are come about, for I am kill'd; _Francisco_, fare thee well. [Dyes.]

_Fran._ 'Tis double Death to see my Friend dye thus. Was't not enough, you Fates, to take my Life, But I must guilty be of murd'ring him.

_Serv._ My Lord, how do you?

_Ger._ Making what haste I can to meet _Eugenia_.

_Serv._ O me! Unfortunate!

_Ger._ Bewail me not; Death is a pleasure to me, Since I can see _Francisco_ lye there by me; But ask him e're I dye, What made him kill _Eugenia_?

_Fran._ What, is _Eugenia_ Dead?

_Ger._ Why seems it strange to thee, who basely hast First Rob'd her of her Honour, then of Life.

_Fran._ _Gerardo_, it was cruelty to kill her, being as Yet she had not done thee wrong, and dying, I rejoyce I have Reveng'd her.

_Ger._ _Francisco_, sure thy Crimes have made thee Devil, Or thou would'st ne're transfer thy Treachery By murd'ring her, and place it thus on me.

_Fran._ May I reach Heav'n as I'm Innocent Of any Death but yours: Which if a guilt Forgive me Heav'n and you as-- [Dyes.

_Serv._ He's dead, my Lord.

_Ger._ With such a Lye in's mouth; O Heavenly Angels lead me not his way, For he must alwayes walk i'th' paths of falshood; Remove me nearer to _Eugenia's_ Body; My Spirits faint apace, and I must follow: One word, and then farewell; I have no time for to Reward thy care: Here, take this Ring, and give it to my Brother, He left it with me when he went to Travel; Tell him I still preserv'd it for his sake, A faithful pledge of our United Friendship. Bid him, that by this Token he believes Three words I left within my Cabinet Concerning thee this Evening: He will do it, And use thee as a Friend, as I have done.

_Serv._ I'le bear the Ring, but not the Message, Sir; I ne're will seek for Friends when you are gone.

_Ger._ I do conjure thee do it: Tell our story too As true as is thy self: But have a care, Wound not _Eugenia_'s Fame more then must needs. _Francisco_'s and _Eugenia's_ dying words Will make it strangely dark, as 'tis to me, But I must leave it so! Give me thy hand, commend me to _Antonio_; Alas! I had forgot him, pray Heav'n his story Produce no further mischief; tell _Cælia_ nothing Befor't be day: Bus'ness comes thronging on me, But I faint--make but one Grave, and lay us In it thus--Farewell. [Dyes.

_Serv._ Now dyes the justest Man the Earth contains, And I would do so too, but that I know Self-murderers ne're must keep him Company; I'le set the Bodies up against the Wall, And call the Watch; what if they say I'm guilty, And make my Life to answer all these Deaths: Why, let e'm do't, for Death would now be well Since to survive his loss to me's a Hell. [Exit.

_Enter _Antonio_ and _Jasper_._

_Jasp._ Come, come, my Lord, the coast is quiet now.

_Anto._ I hope that Pistol sav'd our swords a labour.

_Jasp._ I'm sure they could not leave the Garden yet, But we must needs have seen e'm.

_Anto._ Nay, I'm sure they did not pass the Garden door, For if they had, we should have stopt their Journey.

_Jasp._ I think I heard a talking up this way, After the Pistol made us leave our Post.

_Anto._ Though I did leave the Door, yet still my Eye Was bent that way, and I saw none to pass. But stay, where's _Cælia's_ Body?

_Jasp._ See, my Lord, There is a Man doth hold her in his Arms.

_Anto._ It is _Francisco_ sure! Have at his heart. [Runs at _Gerardo_. How's this, not stir! Nay, then he's dead Already--the Moon deceives me, or it is _Gerardo_. Oh Heav'n's! It is my Friend, dead, dead, and stiff, And my accursed hand hath Wounded him. This is not _Cælia_ neither, but _Eugenia_ in her Gown! What strange mistakes are these?

_Jasp._ But who are here?

_Anto._ What, more! By Heav'ns _Francisco_ and his Friend _Sebastian_! Both dead too! Death has had a Feast to Night. Do not we Dream? As for this Womans Death, Surely her Fathers Soul did guide my hand To strike the blow, since needs she must betray Her Honour to _Francisco_, in these meetings! But oh, my Sword hath pierc'd my Friend _Gerardo_. What Fatal Accident mixt his Blood with theirs. But stay, there's Light appears, slip into the Grotto.

[Exeunt.

_Enter Servant, Captain, and Watch, with two Torches._

_Serv._ Here is the dismal place I told you of, And here the Bodies.

_Capt._ A fight most terrible in time of Peace! But did _Francisco_ still deny her Death?

_Serv._ To his last moment; He did confess he had abus'd her, But would have plac'd her Death upon my Lord. And seem'd as much to wonder we deny'd it As we that he did so.

_Capt._ What said _Sebastian_?

_Serv._ He scarce did speak a word after I shot him.

_Capt._ Had we not best to knock, and call _Antonio_?

_Serv._ He's not at Home.

_Capt._ Yes, but I'm sure he is.

_Serv._ He was not late at Night, for I was there.

_Capt._ That's strange, for just at shutting in o'th' Evening I met him at a House that stands i'th' Suburbs, Saying, he would go Home. I think however we had best to knock.

_Serv._ My dying Lord made it his last desire, That _Cælia_ might not be disturb'd this Night.

_Capt._ Well, take the Bodies up, and keep e'm safe, You shall to the Vice-Roy's presently with me, I scarce perform my trust, if I detain The knowledge of so strange an Accident A moment from his Ears, whose Wisdom will Direct in this, which far exceeds my skill.

[Exeunt.

_Enter _Antonio_ and _Jasper_._

_Jasp._ You see, my Lord, that I was in the right, I only said, it was my Ladies Gown, But never did affirm it was her Person.

_Anto._ And I am glad it is not: Now, if Nurse Fails too in her discovery, I am safe, For if we keep our Councel, all these Deaths Lye pat amongst themselves, and there's not one, Except _Gerardo_, that I'd wish alive; He was my friend, and it looks Ominous, That I should Wound him so, though after Death: _Jasper_, thy diligence shan't want Reward, But that must follow: Come, let's away. [Exit.

_Jasp._ My Reward follows! I believe it does; 'Faith, my good Lord, be sure it be a good one, Or be content to hang for Company; Now hap what will, I'le rid him with this murther; Till I do make him spend's Estate to Bribe me: "I was his Slave before for fear; but now I'le make him mine, since I this secret know." [Exit.

_The End of the Fourth Act._

Act the Fifth.

_Cælia_ Discover'd in Bed, _Flora_ by her.

_Cæl._ Sure 'twas a real Pistol-shot that wak'd me, Yet from a Dream so terrible, it did it, That I had rather never sleep again, Then hazzard such another. I thought I saw Lye dead by me, My Lord _Antonio_, _Don Gerardo_, _Jasper_, The Nurse, _Francisco_, and the Young _Sebastian_, With _Pedro_, and thy self; this dreadful sight, Or else the Pistols noise, I spoke of, wak'd me, And made me cry help, help, which frighted thee.

_Flor._ Why truly, Madam, it was a dreadful Dream, And I as much was frighted at your call, Yet, for my own part, I did hear no Pistol.

_Cæl._ It may be then, it only was my fancy, For truly all my Dream seems still to me So like a truth, that I can scarce distinguish Whether I then did wake, or now am sleeping; And but I see these things, and thee so plain, I should conclude my Dream did still continue.

_Flor._ Pray Heav'n divert all mischief from the house, For I have heard it said by Learned Men, Nay, and Religious too, that Dreams like these. That stick so fast upon our fancies waking, Are guided by a power that's more then Chance, And alwayes are portents of something like them: I'm sure, for my own part, do what I can, That Dream I had will not yet leave my head, Which makes me think _Jasper_ designs me mischief.

_Cæl._ _Flora_, you go too far, Dreams are but shadows Reflected from some Acts the day preceeding, As ours are now; for from those Accidents Of my Lords taking _Jasper_, the Dream you told, And _Don Gerardo's_ naming of _Francisco_, Mine now is formed: Thus they but succeed Things past, and not prognostick things to come.

_Flor._ Pray Heav'ns these do not do't, but I'm afraid.

_Enter Nurse, frighted with _Eugenia's_ Ghost._

_Nurse._ Stand off, stand off, what makes you follow me? I'm sure I did not kill you, if you're dead, Or if you be not, why are you so pale?-- So, so--she's gone--but what made me come hither.

_Cæl._ What, do you study wayes to fright me, Nurse? It is no proper time to play your tricks. What makes you up at such a time of Night? Look, how she stands amaz'd, and doth not answer; Think you I take a pleasure to be frighted? That you persist in't still?

_Flor._ What, is the Woman mad, or would be thought so? What makes you stand and stare thus?

_Nurse._ Did you see no Body?

_Cæl._ Who should we see but an Old doting fool, That turn'd a Child again, would Act like one, And can't find a proper time for't neither.

_Flor._ What make you up so late, Nurse?

_Nurse._ What's that to you? It may be I sat up To make my Lady merry with this Jest, But now, forsooth, I'm grown too Old to please her. You are her favourite--what, come again? O, do not stare so at me! [Shreeks.] [Exit.

_Cæl._ There's something more in this then barely play! How the Old Woman star'd? sure she's run mad! For shame, or sorrow _Jasper_ goes away. Prethee follow her.

_Flor._ Since you will have me, Madam, I will do't, Though I dare scarcely venture. [Exit.