Chapter 71

Discovers _Alonzo_ groping about in the Hall.

Alon. Now am I in a worse Condition than before, can neither advance nor retreat: I do not like this groping alone in the Dark thus. Whereabouts am I? I dare not call: were this fair thing she spoke of but now half so impatient as I, she would bring a Light, and conduct me.

Enter _Marcel_.

Mar. ’Tis wondrous dark.

Alon. Hah, a Man’s Voice that way; that’s not so well: it may be some Lover, Husband, or Brother; none of which are to be trusted in this Case, therefore I’ll stand upon my Guard. [Draws: _Marcel_ coming towards him jostles him.

Mar. Who’s there?

Alon. A Man.

Mar. A Man! none such inhabit here. [Draws. Thy Business?

Alon. This shall answer you, since there’s no other way.

[They fight, _Alonzo_ wounds _Marcel_, who fights him to the Door; _Alonzo_ goes out, _Marcel_ gropes to follow.

Mar. This is not just, ye Gods, to punish me, and let the Traytor ’scape unknown too: Methought ’twas _Silvio’s_ Voice, or else a sudden thought of Jealousy come into my Head would make me think so.

Enter _Clarinda_ and _Dormida_ with Light.

Clar. I tell you I did hear the noise of fighting.

253 Dorm. Why, between whom should it be? I’ll be sworn _Marcel_ came in alone.

Clar. _Marcel!_ and wounded too! oh I’m lost. [Sees him, weeps.

Mar. Keep your false Tears to bathe your Lover’s Wounds. For I perhaps have given him some—Thou old Assistant to her Lust, whose greatest Sin is wishing, tell me who ’twas thou didst procure for her. [In rage to _Dormida_.

Dorm. Alas! I cannot imagine who it should be, unless Don _Silvio_, who has sometimes made Addresses to her: But oh the House is up, Madam, we are undone; let’s fly for Heavens sake.

Clar. Oh _Marcel_, can you believe— [A Noise.

Dorm. Come, come, I’ll not be undone for your Fiddle-faddles; I’ll lay it all on you, if I be taken. [Pulls out _Clarinda_.

Mar. Sot that I was, I could not guess at this to day, by his Anger at the Letter I foolishly shew’d him; he is my Rival, and ’tis with him she’s fled; and I’ll endeavour to pursue them. [Offers to go. But oh my Strength complies with their Design, [Leaning on his Sword.] and shamefully retires to give them leave to play their amorous Game out. [Goes faintly out.