Chapter 27

Enter _Clarina_, _Ismena_, and _Isabella_ weeping.

_Isab._ For Heaven sake, Madam, pardon me.

_Clar._ Be dumb for ever, false and treacherous Woman, Was there no way but this to mask your Cheat? A Lye which has undone us all.

_Isab._ Alas, ‘twas in the dark, how could I know him? Pray forgive it me, and try my future Service.

_Clar._ I never will forgive thee, naughty Girl; _Alberto_ now incens’d will tell _Antonio_ all.

_Isab._ What need you care, Madam? You are secure enough.

_Clar._ Thou salv’st an Error with a greater still; Dost thou not know _Antonio’s_ Jealousy, Which yet is moderate, rais’d to a higher pitch, May ruin me, _Ismena_, and thy self?

_Ism._ Sister, there cannot be much harm in this; ‘Tis an ill chance, ‘tis true, for by it we have lost The pleasure of an innocent Revenge Upon _Antonio_; but if understood, We have but miss’d that end.

_Clar._ Oh _Ismena!_ This Jealousy is an unapprehensive madness, A non-sense which does still abandon Reason.

_Isab._ Madam, early in the Morning I’ll to _Alberto’s_ Lodgings, and tell him the mistake.

_Clar._ ‘Twill be too late.

_Ism._ Sister, what think you if I go myself?

_Clar._ You should not be so daring; Besides, I blush to think what strange opinion He’ll entertain of me the while.

_Ism._ Do not let that afflict you. Fetch my Veil, and if _Antonio_ chance to ask for me, Tell him I’m gone to _Laura_. [Ex. _Isab._ Believe me, I will set all strait again.

Enter _Isabella_ with the Veil.

_Clar._ Thou hast more Courage, Girl, than I.

_Ism._ What need is there of much of that, To encounter a gay young Lover, Where I am sure there cannot be much danger?

_Clar._ Well, take your chance, I wish you luck, Sir, For I am e’en as much bent upon Revenge, As thou art upon Marriage.

_Ism._ Come, my Veil, this and the Night Will enough secure me. [Puts on the Veil and goes out.

[Ex. _Clar._ and _Isab._