OROONOKO, THE ROVER AND OTHER WORKS

ACT IV

SCENE I. A fine room.

Discovers Belvile as by dark alone.

BELVILE When shall I be weary of railing on Fortune, who is resolved never to turn with smiles upon me? – Two such defeats in one night – none but the devil and that mad rogue could have contrived to have plagued me with – I am here a prisoner – but where – Heaven knows – and if there be murder done, I can soon decide the fate of a stranger in a nation without mercy – yet this is nothing to the torture my soul bows with, when I think of losing my fair, my dear Florinda – hark – my door opens – a light – a man – and seems of quality – armed too! – now shall I die like a dog without defence.

Enter Antonio in a nightgown, with a light; his arm in a scarf, and a sword under his arm; he sets the candle on the table.

ANTONIO Sir, I come to know what injuries I have done you, that could provoke you to so mean an action, as to attack me basely, without allowing time for my defence?

BELVILE Sir, for a man in my circumstances to plead innocence, would look like fear – but view me well, and you will find no marks of coward on me; nor anything that betrays that brutality you accuse me with.

ANTONIO In vain, sir, you impose upon my sense.

You are not only he who drew on me last night,

But yesterday before the same house, that of Angellica.

Yet there is something in your face and mien

That makes me wish I were mistaken.

BELVILE I own I fought today in the defence of a friend of mine, with whom you (if you’re the same) and your party were first engaged.

Perhaps you think this crime enough to kill me,

But if you do, I cannot fear you’ll do it basely.

ANTONIO No, sir, I’ll make you fit for a defence with this.

[Gives him the sword.

BELVILE This gallantry surprises me – nor know I how to use this present, sir, against a man so brave.

ANTONIO You shall not need;

For know, I come to snatch you from a danger
That is decreed against you:
Perhaps your life, or long imprisonment;
And ’twas with so much courage you offended,
I cannot see you punished.

BELVILE How shall I pay this generosity?

ANTONIO It had been safer to have killed another.

Than have attempted me:
To show your danger, sir, I’ll let you know my quality;
And ’tis the viceroy’s son, whom you have wounded.

BELVILE The viceroy’s son!

Death and confusion! was this plague reserved

[Aside.

To complete all the rest – obliged by him!

The man of all the world I would destroy.

ANTONIO You seem disordered, sir.

BELVILE Yes, trust me, sir, I am, and ’tis with pain

That man receives such bounties,

Who wants the power to pay them back again.

ANTONIO To gallant spirits ’tis indeed uneasy;

– But you may quickly overpay me, sir.

BELVILE Then I am well – kind Heaven! but set us even,

That I may fight with him and keep my honour safe.

[Aside.

– Oh, I’m impatient, sir, to be discounting⁹⁸

The mighty debt I owe you, command me quickly –

ANTONIO I have a quarrel with a rival, sir,

About the maid we love.

BELVILE Death, ’tis Florinda he means –

That thought destroys my reason,

And I shall kill him –

[Aside.

ANTONIO My rival, sir,

Is one has all the virtues man can boast of –

BELVILE Death! who should this be?

[Aside.

[ANTONIO] He challenged me to meet him on the Molo,
As soon as day appeared, but last night’s quarrel,
Has made my arm unfit to guide a sword.

BELVILE I apprehend you, sir, you’d have me kill the man

That lays a claim to the maid you speak of.

– I’ll do’t – I’ll fly to do’t!

ANTONIO Sir, do you know her?

BELVILE – No, sir, but ’tis enough she is admired by you.

ANTONIO Sir, I shall rob you of the glory on’t,

For you must fight under my name and dress.

BELVILE That opinion must be strangely obliging that makes,

You think I can personate the brave Antonio,

Whom I can but strive to imitate.

ANTONIO You say too much to my advantage;

– Come, sir, the day appears that calls you forth.

– Within, sir, is the habit.

[Exit Antonio.

BELVILE Fantastic Fortune, thou deceitful light,

That cheats the wearied traveller by night,

Though on a precipice each step you tread,

I am resolved to follow where you lead.

[Exit.

SCENE [II.] The Molo.

Enter Florinda and Callis in masques, with Stephano.

FLORINDA I’m dying with my fears, Belvile’s not coming as I expected under my window,

Makes me believe that all those fears are true.

[Aside.

– Canst thou not tell with whom my brother fights?

STEPHANO No, madam, they were both in masquerade, I was by when they challenged one another, and they had decided the quarrel then, but were prevented by some cavaliers; which made ’em put it off till now – but I am sure ’tis about you they fight.

FLORINDA Nay, then ’tis with Belvile, for what other lover have I that dares fight for me, except Antonio? and he is too much in favour with my brother – if it be he, for whom shall I direct my prayers to Heaven?

[Aside.

STEPHANO Madam, I must leave you, for if my master see me, I shall be hanged for being your conductor – I escaped narrowly for the excuse I made for you last night i’th’ garden.

FLORINDA And I’ll reward thee for’t – prithee, no more.

[Exit Stephano.

Enter Don Pedro in his masquing habit.

PEDRO Antonio’s late today, the place will fill, and we may be prevented.

[Walks about.

FLORINDA Antonio? Sure I heard amiss.

[Aside.

PEDRO But who will not excuse a happy lover

When soft fair arms confine the yielding neck;
And the kind whisper languishingly breathes,
‘Must you begone so soon?’
Sure I had dwelt for ever on her bosom.
– But stay, he’s here.

Enter Belvile dressed in Antonio’s clothes.

FLORINDA ’Tis not Belvile; half my fears are vanished.

[Aside.

PEDRO Antonio!

BELVILE This must be he.

[Aside.

You’re early, sir, – I do not use to be outdone this way.

PEDRO The wretched, sir, are watchful, and ’tis enough

You’ve the advantage of me in Angellica.

BELVILE Angellica! or I’ve mistook my man! or else Antonio

– Can he forget his interest in Florinda,

And fight for common prize?

[Aside.

PEDRO Come, sir, you know our terms –

BELVILE By Heaven, not I.

[Aside.

– No talking, I am ready, sir.

[Offers to fight; Florinda runs in.

FLORINDA Oh, hold! who e’er you be, I do conjure you hold!

If you strike here – I die –

[To Belvile.

PEDRO Florinda!

BELVILE Florinda imploring for my rival!

PEDRO Away, this kindness is unseasonable.

[Puts her by; they fight; she runs in just as Belvile disarms Pedro.

FLORINDA Who are you, sir, that dares deny my prayers?

BELVILE Thy prayers destroy him, if thou wouldst preserve him,

Do that thou’rt unacquainted with and curse him.

[She holds him.

FLORINDA By all you hold most dear, by her you love,

I do conjure you, touch him not.

BELVILE By her I love!

See – I obey – and at your feet resign

The useless trophy of my victory.

[Lays his sword at her feet.

PEDRO Antonio, you’ve done enough to prove you love Florinda.

BELVILE Love Florinda! Does Heaven love adoration! prayer! or penitence! Love her! here, sir, – your sword again.

[Snatches up the sword and gives it him.

Upon this truth I’ll fight my life away.

PEDRO No, you’ve redeemed my sister, and my friendship!

[He gives him Florinda and pulls off his vizard to show his face and puts it on again.

BELVILE Don Pedro!

PEDRO Can you resign your claims to other women,

And give your heart entirely to Florinda?

BELVILE Entire! as dying saints’ confessions are!

I can delay my happiness no longer.

This minute let me make Florinda mine.

PEDRO This minute let it be – no time so proper,

This night my father will arrive from Rome,

And possibly may hinder what we purpose!

FLORINDA Oh Heavens! this minute!

[Enter masqueraders and pass over.

BELVILE Oh, do not ruin me!

PEDRO The place begins to fill, and that we may not be observed, do you walk off to St Peter’s Church, where I will meet you, and conclude your happiness.

BELVILE I’ll meet you there. – If there be no more saints’ churches in Naples.

[Aside.

FLORINDA Oh stay, sir, and recall your hasty doom!

Alas I have not yet prepared my heart

To entertain so strange a guest.

PEDRO Away, this silly modesty is assumed too late.

BELVILE Heaven, madam! what do you do?

FLORINDA Do! despise the man that lays a tyrant’s claim

To what he ought to conquer by submission.

BELVILE You do not know me – move a little this way.

[Draws her aside.

FLORINDA Yes, you may force me even to the altar,

But not the holy man that offers there

Shall force me to be thine.

[Pedro talks to Callis this while.

BELVILE Oh do not lose so blest an opportunity!

– See – ’tis your Belvile – not Antonio,

Whom your mistaken scorn and anger ruins.

[Pulls off his vizard.

FLORINDA Belvile.

Where was my soul it could not meet thy voice!

And take this knowledge in.

As they are talking, enter Willmore finely dressed, and Frederick.

WILLMORE No intelligence! no news of Belvile yet – well, I am the most unlucky rascal in Nature – ha – am I deceived – or is it he – look Fred – ’tis he – my dear Belvile.

[Runs and embraces him. Belvile’s vizard falls out of his hand.

BELVILE Hell and confusion seize thee!

PEDRO Ha! Belvile! I beg your pardon, sir.

[Takes Florinda from him.

BELVILE Nay, touch her not, she’s mine by conquest, sir,

I won her by my sword.

WILLMORE Didst thou so – and egad, child, we’ll keep her by the sword.

[Draws on Pedro. Belvile goes between.

BELVILE Stand off.

Thou’rt so profanely lewd, so cursed by Heaven,

All quarrels thou espousest must be fatal.

WILLMORE Nay, an you be so hot, my valour’s coy, and shall be courted when you want it next.

[Puts up his sword.

BELVILE You know I ought to claim a victor’s right.

[To Pedro.

But you’re the brother to divine Florinda,
To whom I’m such a slave – to purchase her,
I durst not hurt the man she holds so dear.

PEDRO ’Twas by Antonio’s, not by Belvile’s sword

This question should have been decided, sir;
I must confess much to your bravery’s due,
Both now, and when I met you last in arms.
But I am nicely punctual99 in my word,
As men of honour ought, and beg your pardon.
– For this mistake another time shall clear.
– This was some plot between you and Belvile.
But I’ll prevent you.
[Aside to Florinda as they are going out.
Belvile looks after her and begins to walk up and down in rage.

WILLMORE Do not be modest now and lose the woman, but if we shall fetch her back so –

BELVILE Do not speak to me –

WILLMORE Not speak to you – egad, I’ll speak to you, and will be answered too.

BELVILE Will you sir –

WILLMORE I know I’ve done some mischief, but I’m so dull a puppy that I’m the son of a whore, if I know how, or where – prithee inform my understanding –

BELVILE Leave me I say, and leave me instantly.

WILLMORE I will not leave you in this humour, nor till I know my crime.

BELVILE Death, I’ll tell you sir –

[Draws and runs at Willmore; he runs out, Belvile after him; Frederick interposes.

Enter Angellica, Moretta and Sebastian.

ANGELLICA Ha – Sebastian –

Is not that Willmore? – haste – haste and bring him back.

[Exit Sebastian.

FREDERICK The colonel’s mad – I never saw him thus before, I’ll after ’em lest he do some mischief, for I am sure Willmore will not draw on him.

[Exit.

ANGELLICA I am all rage! my first desires defeated!

For one for ought he knows that has no
Other merit than her quality
– Her being Don Pedro’s sister – he loves her!
I know ’tis so – dull, dull, insensible –
He will not see me now though oft invited;
And broke his word last night – false perjured man!
– He that but yesterday fought for my favours,
And would have made his life a sacrifice
To’ve gained one night with me,
Must now be hired and courted to my arms.

MORETTA I told you what would come on’t, but Moretta’s an old doting fool – why did you give him five hundred crowns, but to set himself out for other lovers! you should have kept him poor, if you had meant to have had any good from him.

ANGELLICA Oh, name not such mean trifles; – had I given him all

My youth has earned from sin,
I had not lost a thought nor sigh upon’t.
But I have given him my eternal rest,
My whole repose, my future joys, my heart!
My virgin heart, Moretta! Oh ’tis gone!

MORETTA Curse on him, here he comes;

How fine she has made him too.

Enter Willmore and Sebastian; Angellica turns and walks away.

WILLMORE How now, turned shadow!

Fly when I pursue! and follow when I fly!

Stay gentle shadow of my dove

[Sings.

And tell me ’ere I go,

Whether the substance may not prove

A fleeting thing like you.

There’s a soft kind look remaining yet.

[As she turns she looks on him.

ANGELLICA Well sir, you may be gay, all happiness, all joys pursue you still, Fortune’s your slave, and gives you every hour choice of new hearts and beauties, till you are cloyed with the repeated bliss, which others vainly languish for. –

But know false man, that I shall be revenged.

[Turns away in rage.

WILLMORE So, gad, there are of those faint-hearted lovers, whom such a sharp lesson next their hearts would make as impotent as fourscore – pox o’ this whining. – My business is to laugh and love – a pox on’t, I hate your sullen lover, a man shall lose as much time to put you in humour now, as would serve to gain a new woman.

ANGELLICA I scorn to cool that fire I cannot raise,

Or do the drudgery of your virtuous mistress.

WILLMORE A virtuous mistress! death, what a thing thou hast found out for me! Why, what the devil should I do with a virtuous woman? – a sort of ill-natured creatures, that take a pride to torment a lover, virtue is but an infirmity in woman; a disease that renders even the handsome ungrateful; whilst the ill-favoured, for want of solicitations and address, only fancy themselves so. – I have lain with a woman of quality, who has all the while been railing at whores.

ANGELLICA I will not answer for your mistress’s virtue,

Though she be young enough to know no guilt;
And I could wish you would persuade my heart
’Twas the two hundred thousand crowns you courted.

WILLMORE Two hundred thousand crowns! What story’s this? – what trick? – what woman? – ha!

ANGELLICA How strange you make it, have you forgot the creature you entertained on the piazza last night?

WILLMORE Ha! my gipsy worth two hundred thousand crowns! – oh, how I long to be with her – pox, I knew she was of quality.

[Aside.

ANGELLICA False man! I see my ruin in thy face.

How many vows you breathed upon my bosom,

Never to be unjust – have you forgot so soon?

WILLMORE Faith no, I was just coming to repeat ’em – but here’s a humour indeed – would make a man a saint – would she would be angry enough to leave me, and command me not to wait on her.

[Aside.

Enter Hellena dressed in man’s clothes.

HELLENA This must be Angellica! I know it by her mumping ¹⁰⁰ matron here – Aye, aye, ’tis she! my mad captain’s with her too, for all his swearing – how this unconstant humour makes me love him! – Pray, good grave gentlewoman, is not this Angellica?

MORETTA My too young sir, it is – I hope ’tis one from Don Antonio.

[Goes to Angellica.

HELLENA Well, something I’ll do to vex him for this.

[Aside.

ANGELLICA I will not speak with him; am I in humour to receive a lover?

WILLMORE Not speak with him! why, I’ll be gone – and wait your idler minutes – can I show less obedience to the thing I love so fondly?

[Offers to go.

ANGELLICA A fine excuse, this! – stay –

WILLMORE And hinder your advantage! Should I repay your bounties so ungratefully?

ANGELLICA Come hither, boy – that I may let you see

How much above the advantages you name

I prize one minute’s joy with you.

WILLMORE Oh, you destroy me with this endearment.

[Impatient to be gone.

– Death! how shall I get away [Aside.] – Madam, ’twill not be fit I should be seen with you – besides, it will not be convenient – and I’ve a friend – that’s dangerously sick.

ANGELLICA I see you’re impatient – yet you shall stay.

WILLMORE And miss my assignation with my gipsy.

[Aside, and walks about impatiently.

Moretta brings Hellena, who addresses herself to Angellica.

HELLENA Madam,

You’ll hardly pardon my intrusion,
When you shall know my business!
And I’m too young to tell my tale with art;
But there must be a wondrous store of goodness,
Where so much beauty dwells.

ANGELLICA A pretty advocate, whoever sent thee.

– Prithee proceed – Nay, sir, you shall not go.

[To Willmore, who is stealing off.

WILLMORE Then I shall lose my dear gipsy for ever.

– Pox on’t, she stays me out of spite.

[Aside.

HELLENA I am related to a lady, madam,

Young, rich, and nobly born, but has the fate
To be in love with a young English gentleman.
Strangely she loves him, at first sight she loved him,
But did adore him when she heard him speak;
For he, she said, had charms in every word,
That failed not to surprise, to wound and conquer.

WILLMORE Ha! Egad, I hope this concerns me.

[Aside.

ANGELLICA ’Tis my false man, he means – would he were gone.

This praise will raise his pride, and ruin me – well

Since you are so impatient to be gone

I will release you, sir.

[To Willmore.

WILLMORE Nay, then I’m sure ’twas me he spoke of,

this cannot be the effects of kindness in her.

[Aside.

– No, madam, I’ve considered better on’t,

And will not give you cause of jealousy.

ANGELLICA But, sir, I’ve – business, that –

WILLMORE This shall not do, I know ’tis but to try me.

ANGELLICA Well, to your story, boy, – though ’twill undo me.

[Aside.

HELLENA With this addition to his other beauties,

He won her unresisting tender heart,
He vowed, and sighed, and swore he loved her dearly;
And she believed the cunning flatterer;
And thought herself the happiest maid alive,
Today was the appointed time by both
To consummate their bliss,
The virgin, altar, and the priest were dressed,101
And whilst she languished for th’ expected bridegroom,
She heard he paid his broken vows to you.

WILLMORE So, this is some dear rogue that’s in love with me, And this way lets me know it; or if it be not me, she means someone whose place I may supply.

ANGELLICA Now I perceive

The cause of thy impatience to be gone,

And all the business of this glorious dress.

WILLMORE Damn the young prater,¹⁰² I know not what he means.

HELLENA Madam,

In your fair eyes I read too much concern,

To tell my farther business.

ANGELLICA Prithee, sweet youth, talk on, thou mayest perhaps

Raise here a storm that may undo my passion,

And then I’ll grant thee anything.

HELLENA Madam, ’tis to entreat you (oh unreasonable),

You would not see this stranger;
For if you do, she vows you are undone,
Though Nature never made a man so excellent,
And sure he’ad been a god, but for inconstancy.

WILLMORE Ah, rogue, how finely he’s instructed!

[Aside.

– ’Tis plain, some woman that has seen me en passant.¹⁰³

ANGELLICA Oh, I shall burst with jealousy! do you know the man you speak of? –

HELLENA Yes, madam, he used to be in buff and scarlet.

ANGELLICA Thou, false as hell, what canst thou say to this?

[To Willmore.

WILLMORE By Heaven –

ANGELLICA Hold, do not damn thyself –

HELLENA Nor hope to be believed. –

[He walks about, they follow.

ANGELLICA Oh perjured man!

Is’t thus you pay my generous passion back?

HELLENA Why would you, Sir, abuse my lady’s faith? –

ANGELLICA And use me so inhumanely.

HELLENA A maid so young, so innocent –

WILLMORE Ah, young devil.

ANGELLICA Dost thou not know thy life is [in] my power?

HELLENA Or think my lady cannot be revenged.

WILLMORE So, so, the storm comes finely on.

[Aside.

ANGELLICA Now thou art silent, guilt has struck thee dumb.

Oh, hadst thou still been so, I’d lived in safety.

[She turns away and weeps.

WILLMORE Sweetheart, the lady’s name and house, – quickly: I’m impatient to be with her. –

[Aside to Hellena, looks towards Angellica to watch her turning, and as she comes towards them he meets her.

HELLENA So, now is he for another woman.

[Aside.

WILLMORE The impudentest young thing in nature;

I cannot persuade him out of his error, madam.

ANGELLICA I know he’s in the right, – yet thou’st a tongue

That would persuade him to deny his faith.

[In rage walks away.

WILLMORE Her name, her name, dear boy. –

[Said softly to Hellena.

HELLENA Have you forgot it, sir?

WILLMORE Oh, I perceive he’s not to know I am a stranger to his lady.

[Aside.

– Yes, yes I do know – but – I have forgot the –

[Angellica turns.

– By Heaven, such early confidence I never saw.

ANGELLICA Did I not charge you with this mistress, Sir?

Which you denied, though I beheld your perjury.

This little generosity of thine has rendered back my heart.

[Walks away.

WILLMORE So, you have made sweet work here, my little mischief;

Look your lady be kind and good-natured now, or

I shall have but a cursed bargain on’t.

[Angellica turns towards them.

– The rogue’s bred up to mischief,

Art thou so great a fool to credit him?

ANGELLICA Yes, I do, and you in vain impose upon me.

– Come hither, boy, – is not this he you spoke of?

HELLENA I think – it is, I cannot swear, but I vow he has just such another lying lover’s look.

[Hellena looks in his face, he gazes on her.

WILLMORE Hah! do not I know that face –

By Heaven my little gipsy, what a dull dog was I,

Had I but looked that way I’d known her.

Are all my hopes of a new woman banished?

[Aside.

– Egad, if I do not fit thee for this, hang me.

– Madam, I have found out the plot.

[To Angellica.

HELLENA Oh Lord, what does he say? am I discovered now?

WILLMORE Do you see this young spark here? –

HELLENA He’ll tell her who I am.

WILLMORE – Who do you think this is?

HELLENA Ay, ay, he does know me – Nay, dear captain! I am undone if you discover me.

WILLMORE Nay, nay, no cogging,¹⁰⁴ she shall know what a precious mistress I have.

HELLENA Will you be such a devil?

WILLMORE Nay, nay, I’ll teach you to spoil sport you will not make. – this small ambassador comes not from a person of quality as you imagine, and he says: but from a very errant gipsy, the talkingest, pratingest, cantingest little animal thou ever sawest.

ANGELLICA What news you tell me, that’s the thing I mean.

HELLENA Would I were well off the place, if ever I go a captain-hunting again –

[Aside.

WILLMORE Mean that thing? that gipsy thing? Thou mayest as well be jealous of thy monkey or parrot, as of her, a German motion ¹⁰⁵ were worth a dozen of her, and a dream were a better enjoyment, a creature of a constitution fitter for Heaven than man.

HELLENA Though I’m sure he lies, yet this vexes me.

[Aside.

ANGELLICA You are mistaken, she’s a Spanish woman

Made up of no such dull materials.

WILLMORE Materials, egad an she be made of any that will either dispense or admit of love, I’ll be bound to continence.

HELLENA Unreasonable man, do you think so?

[Aside to him.

WILLMORE You may return my little brazen head, and tell your lady that till she be handsome enough to be beloved, or I dull enough to be religious, there will be small hopes of me.¹⁰⁶

ANGELLICA Did you not promise then to marry her?

WILLMORE Not I, by Heaven.

ANGELLICA You cannot undeceive my fears and torments, till you have vowed you will not marry her.

HELLENA If he swears that, he’ll be revenged on me indeed for all my rogueries.

[Aside.

ANGELLICA I know what arguments you’ll bring against me; fortune, and honour. –

WILLMORE Honour, I tell you, I hate it in your sex; and those that fancy themselves possessed of that foppery are the most impertinently troublesome of all womankind, and will transgress nine Commandments to keep one; and to satisfy your jealousy I swear –

HELLENA Oh, no swearing, dear captain. –

[Aside to him.

WILLMORE If it were possible I should ever be inclined to marry, it should be some kind young sinner, one that has generosity enough to give a favour handsomely to one that can ask it discreetly, one that has wit enough to manage an intrigue of love – oh, how civil such a wench is, to a man that does her the honour to marry her.

ANGELLICA By Heaven, there’s no faith in anything he says.

Enter Sebastian.

SEBASTIAN Madam, Don Antonio –

ANGELLICA Come hither.

HELLENA Ha! Antonio, he may be coming hither and he’ll certainly discover me, I’ll therefore retire without a ceremony.

[[Aside;] Exit Hellena.

ANGELLICA I’ll see him, get my coach ready.

SEBASTIAN It waits you, madam.

WILLMORE This is lucky. [[Aside.]] What, Madam, now I may be gone and leave you to the enjoyment of my rival?

ANGELLICA Dull man, that canst not see how ill, how poor,

That false dissimulation looks – begone
And never let me see thy cozening face again,
Lest I relapse and kill thee.

WILLMORE Yes, you can spare me now, – farewell, till you’re in better humour – I’m glad of this release –

Now for my gipsy:

For though to worse we change, yet still we find

New joys, new charms, in a new miss that’s kind.

[Exit Willmore.

ANGELLICA He’s gone, and in this ague of my soul

The shivering fit returns;
Oh with what willing haste, he took his leave,
As if the longed-for minute were arrived
Of some blessed assignation.
In vain I have consulted all my charms,
In vain this beauty prized, in vain believed
My eyes could kindle any lasting fires;
I had forgot my name, my infamy,
And the reproach that honour lays on those
That dare pretend a sober passion here.
Nice reputation, though it leave behind
More virtues than inhabit where that dwells;
Yet that once gone, those virtues shine no more.
– Then since I am not fit to be beloved,
I am resolved to think on a revenge
On him that soothed me thus to my undoing.
[Exeunt.

SCENE III. A street.

Enter Florinda and Valeria in habits different from what they have been seen in.

FLORINDA We’re happily escaped, and yet I tremble still.

VALERIA A lover and fear! why, I am but half an one, and yet I have courage for any attempt; would Hellena were here, I would fain have had her as deep in this mischief as we, she’ll fare but ill else I doubt.

FLORINDA She pretended a visit to the Augustine nuns, but I believe some other design carried her out; pray Heaven we light on her. – Prithee, what didst do with Callis?

VALERIA When I saw no reason would do good on her, I followed her into the wardrobe, and as she was looking for something in a great chest, I toppled her in by the heels, snatched the key of the apartment where you were confined, locked her in, and left her bawling for help.

FLORINDA ’Tis well you resolve to follow my fortunes, for thou darest never appear at home again after such an action.

VALERIA That’s according as the young stranger and I shall agree. – But to our business – I delivered your note to Belvile, when I got out under pretence of going to mass, I found him at his lodging, and believe me it came seasonably; for never was man in so desperate a condition: I told him of your resolution of making your scape today, if your brother would be absent long enough to permit you; if not, to die rather than be Antonio’s.

FLORINDA Thou shouldst have told him I was confined to my chamber upon my brother’s suspicion that the business on the Molo was a plot laid between him and I.

VALERIA I said all this, and told him your brother was now gone to his devotion, and he resolves to visit every church till he find him; and not only undeceive him in that, but caress him so as shall delay his return home.

FLORINDA Oh Heavens! he’s here, and Belvile with him too.

[They put on their vizards.

Enter Don Pedro, Belvile, Willmore. Belvile and Don Pedro seeming in serious discourse.

VALERIA Walk boldly by them, and I’ll come at a distance, lest he suspect us.

[She walks by them, and looks back on them.

WILLMORE Hah! a woman, and of an excellent mien.

PEDRO She throws a kind look back on you.

WILLMORE Death, ’tis a likely wench, and that kind look shall not be cast away – I’ll follow her.

BELVILE Prithee do not.

WILLMORE Do not! By Heavens to the Antipodes, with such an invitation.

[She goes out, and Willmore follows her.

BELVILE ’Tis a mad fellow for a wench.

Enter Frederick.

FREDERICK Oh colonel, such news!

BELVILE Prithee what?

FREDERICK News that will make you laugh in spite of Fortune.

BELVILE What, Blunt has had some damned trick put upon him, cheated, banged or clapped.

FREDERICK Cheated sir, rarely cheated of all but his shirt and drawers, the unconscionable whore too turned him out before consummation, so that traversing the streets at midnight, the Watch found him in this fresco,¹⁰⁷ and conducted him home. By Heaven ’tis such a sight, and yet I durst as well been hanged as laugh at him, or pity him; he beats all that do but ask him a question, and is in such a humour.

PEDRO Who is’t has met with this ill usage, sir?

BELVILE A friend of ours whom you must see for mirth’s sake. I’ll employ him to give Florinda time for an escape.

[Aside.

PEDRO What is he?

BELVILE A young countryman of ours, one that has been educated at so plentiful a rate, he yet ne’er knew the want of money, and ’twill be a great jest to see how simply he’ll look without it; for my part I’ll lend him none, and the rogue know[s] not how to put on a borrowing face, and ask first; I’ll let him see how good ’tis to play our parts whilst I play his – prithee Fred, do you go home and keep him in that posture till we come.

[Exeunt.

Enter Florinda from the farther end of the scene, looking behind her.

FLORINDA I am followed still – hah – my brother too advancing this way, good Heavens defend me from being seen by him.

[She goes off.

Enter Willmore, and after him Valeria at a little distance.

WILLMORE Ah! There she sails, she looks back as she were willing to be boarded, I’ll warrant her prize.¹⁰⁸

[He goes out, Valeria following.

Enter Hellena, just as he goes out, with a page.

HELLENA Hah, is not that my captain that has a woman in chase? – ’tis not Angellica; boy, follow those people at a distance, and bring me an account where they go in, – I’ll find his haunts, and plague him everywhere, – ha – my brother –

[Exit Page; Belvile, Willmore and Pedro cross the stage; Hellena runs off.

Scene changes to another street. Enter Florinda.

FLORINDA What shall I do, my brother now pursues me. Will no kind Power protect me from his tyranny? – hah, here’s a door open, I’ll venture in, since nothing can be worse than to fall into his hands, my life and honour are at stake, and my necessity has no choice.

[She goes in.

Enter Valeria and Hellena’s Page, peeping after Florinda.

PAGE Here she went in, I shall remember this house.

[Exit Boy.

VALERIA This is Belvile’s lodging; she’s gone in as readily as if she knew it, – hah – here’s that mad fellow again, I dare not venture in, – I’ll watch my opportunity.

[Goes aside.

Enter Willmore, gazing about him.

WILLMORE I have lost her hereabouts – pox on’t, she must not ’scape me so.

[Goes out.

[SCENE IV.] Scene changes to Blunt’s chamber, discovers him sitting on a couch in his shirt and drawers, reading.

BLUNT So, now my mind’s a little at peace, since I have resolved revenge – a pox on this tailor though, for not bringing home the clothes I bespoke; and a pox of all poor cavaliers, a man can never keep a spare suit for ’em; and I shall have these rogues come in and find me naked, and then I’m undone; but I’m resolved to arm myself – the rascals shall not insult over me too much.

[Puts on an old rusty sword, and buff belt.

– Now, how like a morris dancer¹⁰⁹ I am equipped – a fine ladylike whore to cheat me thus, without affording me a kindness for my money, a pox light on her, I shall never be reconciled to the sex more,¹¹⁰ she has made me as faithless as a physician, as uncharitable as a churchman, and as ill-natured as a poet. Oh how I’ll use all womankind hereafter! What would I give to have one of ’em within my reach now! any mortal thing in petticoats, kind Fortune, send me! and I’ll forgive thy last night’s malice – here’s a cursed book too (a warning to all young travellers) that can instruct me how to prevent such mischiefs now ’tis too late; well, ’tis a rare convenient thing to read a little now and then, as well as hawk and hunt.

[Sits down again and reads.

Enter to him Florinda.

FLORINDA This house is haunted sure, ’tis well furnished and no living thing inhabits it – hah – a man, Heavens how he’s attired! sure ’tis some rope dancer, or fencing master; I tremble now for fear, and yet I must venture now to speak to him – Sir, if I may not interrupt your meditations –

[He ¹¹¹ starts up and gazes.

BLUNT Hah – what’s here! are my wishes granted? and is not that a she creature? adsheartlikins ’tis! What wretched thing art thou – hah!

FLORINDA Charitable sir, you’ve told yourself already what I am; a very wretched maid, forced by a strange unlucky accident to seek a safety here, and must be ruined, if you do not grant it.

BLUNT Ruined! Is there any ruin so inevitable as that which now threatens thee? Dost thou know, miserable woman! into what den of mischiefs thou art fallen? what abyss of confusion – hah! – dost not see something in my looks that frights thy guilty soul, and makes thee wish to change that shape of woman for any humble animal, or devil? for those were safer for thee, and less mischievous.

FLORINDA Alas, what mean you, Sir? I must confess, your looks have something in ’em makes me fear, but I beseech you, as you seem a gentleman, pity a harmless virgin, that takes your house for sanctuary.

BLUNT Talk on, talk on, and weep too, till my faith return. Do, flatter me out of my senses again – a harmless virgin with a pox, as much one as t’other, adsheartlikins. Why, what the devil can I not be safe in my house for you, not in my chamber, nay, even being naked too cannot secure me: this is an impudence greater than has invaded me yet – come, no resistance.

[Pulls her rudely.

FLORINDA Dare you be so cruel?

BLUNT Cruel, adsheartlikins as a galley slave, or a Spanish whore: cruel, yes, I will kiss and beat thee all over; kiss, and see thee all over; thou shalt lie with me too, not that I care for the enjoyment, but to let thee see I have ta’en deliberated malice to thee, and will be revenged on one whore for the sins of another; I will smile and deceive thee, flatter thee, and beat thee, kiss and swear, and lie to thee, embrace thee and rob thee, as she did me, fawn on thee, and strip thee stark naked, then hang thee out at my window by the heels, with a paper of scurvy verses fastened to thy breast, in praise of damnable women ¹¹² – come, come along.

FLORINDA Alas, Sir, must I be sacrificed for the crimes of the most infamous of my sex, I never understood the sins you name.

BLUNT Do, persuade the fool you love him, or that one of you can be just or honest, tell me I was not an easy coxcomb, or any strange impossible tale: it will be believed sooner than thy false showers or protestations. A generation of damned hypocrites! to flatter my very clothes from my back! dissembling witches! are these the returns you make an honest gentleman, that trusts, believes, and loves you – but if I be not even with you – come along – or I shall –

[Pulls her again.

Enter Frederick.

FREDERICK Hah! what’s here to do?

BLUNT Adsheartlikins, Fred, I am glad thou art come, to be a witness of my dire revenge.

FREDERICK What’s this, a person of quality too, who is upon the ramble to supply the defects of some grave impotent husband?

BLUNT No, this has another pretence, some very unfortunate accident brought her hither, to save a life pursued by I know not who, or why, and forced to take sanctuary here at Fools’ Haven. Adsheartlikins, to me of all mankind for protection? is the ass to be cajoled again, think ye? No, young one, no prayers or tears shall mitigate my rage; therefore prepare for both my pleasures of enjoyment and revenge, for I am resolved to make up my loss here on thy body, I’ll take it out in kindness and in beating.

FREDERICK Now mistress of mine, what do you think of this?

FLORINDA I think he will not – dares not be so barbarous.

FREDERICK Have a care, Blunt, she fetched a deep sigh, she is enamoured with thy shirt and drawers, she’ll strip thee even of that; there are of her calling such unconscionable baggages, and such dexterous thieves, they’ll flay a man and he shall ne’er miss his skin, till he feels the cold. There was a countryman of ours robbed of a row of teeth whilst he was a sleeping, which the jilt made him buy again when he waked – you see, lady, how little reason we have to trust you.

BLUNT ’Dsheartlikins, why this is most abominable.

FLORINDA Some such devils there may be, but by all that’s holy, I am none such, I entered here to save a life in danger.

BLUNT For no goodness, I’ll warrant her.

FREDERICK Faith, damsel, you had e’en confessed the plain truth, for we are fellows not to be caught twice in the same trap: look on that wreck, a tight vessel when he set out of haven, well trimmed and laden, and see how a female picaroon of this island of rogues has shattered him, and canst thou hope for any mercy?

BLUNT No, no, gentlewoman, come along, adsheartlikins, we must be better acquainted – we’ll both lie with her, and then let me alone to bang her.

FREDERICK I’m ready to serve you in matters of revenge, that has a double pleasure in’t.

BLUNT Well said. You hear, little one, how you are condemned by public vote to the bed within, there’s no resisting your destiny, sweetheart.

[Pulls her.

FLORINDA Stay, sir, I have seen you with Belvile, an English cavalier, for his sake use me kindly; you know him, sir.

BLUNT Belvile, why yes, sweeting, we do know Belvile, and wish he were with us now, he’s a cormorant¹¹³ at whore and bacon, he’d have a limb or two of thee my virgin pullet, but ’tis no matter, we’ll leave him the bones to pick.

FLORINDA Sir, if you have any esteem for that Belvile, I conjure you to treat me with more gentleness; he’ll thank you for the justice.

FREDERICK Hark ye, Blunt, I doubt we are mistaken in this matter.

FLORINDA Sir, if you find me not worth Belvile’s care, use me as you please, and that you may think I merit better treatment than you threaten – pray take this present –

[Gives him a ring; he looks on it.

BLUNT Hum – a diamond! why, ’tis a wonderful virtue now that lies in this ring, a mollifying virtue; adsheartlikins, there’s more persuasive rhetoric in’t than all her sex can utter.

FREDERICK I begin to suspect something; and ’twould anger us vilely to be trussed up for a rape upon a maid of quality, when we only believe we ruffle a harlot.

BLUNT Thou art a credulous fellow, but adsheartlikins I have no faith yet, why my saint prattled as parlously as this does, she gave me a bracelet too, a devil on her, but I sent my man to sell it today for necessaries, and it proved as counterfeit as her vows of love.

FREDERICK However, let it reprieve her till we see Belvile.

BLUNT That’s hard, yet I will grant it.

Enter a servant.

SERVANT Oh, sir, the colonel is just come in with his new friend and a Spaniard of quality, and talks of having you to dinner with ’em.

BLUNT ’Dsheartlikins, I’m undone – I would not see ’em for the world. Hark ye, Fred, lock up the wench in your chamber.

FREDERICK Fear nothing, madam, what e’er he threatens, you are safe whilst in my hands.

[Exit Frederick and Florinda.

BLUNT And, sirrah – upon your life, say – I am not at home, – or that I am asleep – or – or anything – away – I’ll prevent their coming this way.

[Locks the door, and exeunt.

ACT V

SCENE I. Blunt’s chamber.

After a great knocking as at his chamber door, enter Blunt softly crossing the stage, in his shirt and drawers as before.

[VOICES] Ned, Ned Blunt, Ned Blunt.

[Call within.

BLUNT The rogues are up in arms, ’sheartlikins, this villainous Frederick has betrayed me, they have heard of my blessed fortune.

[VOICES] Ned Blunt, Ned, Ned –

[and knocking within.

BELVILE Why he’s dead sir, without dispute dead, he has not been seen today, let’s break open the door – here – boy –

BLUNT Ha, break open the door. ’Dsheartlikins, that mad fellow will be as good as his word.

BELVILE Boy, bring something to force the door,

[A great noise within, at the door again.

BLUNT So, now must I speak, in my own defence, I’ll try what rhetoric will do – hold – hold, what do you mean gentlemen, what do you mean?

BELVILE Oh, rogue, art alive? Prithee open the door and convince us.

[Within.

BLUNT Yes, I am alive gentlemen, – but at present a little busy.

BELVILE How, Blunt grown a man of business! Come, come, open and let’s see this miracle.

[Within.

BLUNT No, no, no, no, gentlemen, ’tis no great business – but – I am – at – my devotion – ’dsheartlikins, will you not allow a man time to pray?

BELVILE Turned religious! a greater wonder than the first, therefore open quickly, or we shall unhinge, we shall.

[Within.

BLUNT This won’t do – why, hark ye, colonel, to tell you the plain truth, I am about a necessary affair of life – I have a wench with me – you apprehend me? The devil’s in’t if they be so uncivil as to disturb me now.

WILLMORE How a wench! Nay then we must enter and partake no resistance – unless it be your lady of quality, and then we’ll keep our distance.

BLUNT So, the business is out.

WILLMORE Come, come lend’s more hands to the door – now heave altogether – so well done, my boys –

[Breaks open the door.

Enter Belvile [and his Page], Willmore, Frederick and Pedro. Blunt looks simply, they all laugh at him, he lays his hand on his sword, and comes up to Willmore.

BLUNT Hark ye, sir, laugh out your laugh quickly, d’ye hear, and begone. I shall spoil your sport else, adsheartlikins sir, I shall – the jest has been carried on too long – a plague upon my tailor –

[Aside.

WILLMORE ’Sdeath, how the whore has dressed him, faith sir I’m sorry.

BLUNT Are you so sir, keep’t to yourself then sir, I advise you, d’ye hear, for I can as little endure your pity as his mirth.

[Lays his hand on his sword.

BELVILE Indeed Willmore, thou wert a little too rough with Ned Blunt’s mistress, call a person of quality whore? and one so young, so handsome, and so eloquent – ha, ha, he. –

BLUNT Hark ye, sir, you know me, and know I can be angry, have a care – for adsheartlikins I can fight too – I can sir, – do you mark me – no more –

BELVILE Why so peevish, good Ned, some disappointments I’ll warrant – what? did the jealous count her husband return just in the nick?

BLUNT Or the devil, sir – [They laugh.] d’ye laugh –

Look ye settle me a good sober countenance, and that quickly too, or you shall know Ned Blunt is not –

BELVILE Not everybody, we know that.

BLUNT Not an ass to be laughed at, sir.

WILLMORE Unconscionable sinner, to bring a lover so near his happiness, a vigorous passionate lover, and then not only cheat him of his movables, but his very desires too.

BELVILE Ah! sir, a mistress is a trifle with Blunt. He’ll have a dozen the next time he looks abroad, his eyes have charms not to be resisted, there needs no more than to expose that taking person to the view of the fair, and he leads ’em all in triumph.

PEDRO Sir, though I’m a stranger to you, I am ashamed at the rudeness of my nation; and could you learn who did it, would assist you to make an example of ’em.

BLUNT Why aye, there’s one speaks sense now, and handsomely; and let me tell you gentlemen, I should not have showed myself like a jack pudding,¹¹⁴ thus to have made you mirth, but that I have revenge within my power, for know, I have got into my possession a female who had better have fallen under any curse than the ruin I design her: adsheartlikins, she assaulted me here in my own lodgings, and had doubtless committed a rape upon me, had not this sword defended me.

FREDERICK I know not that, but o’ my conscience thou had ravished her, had she not redeemed herself with a ring – let’s see’t, Blunt.

[Blunt shows the ring.

BELVILE Hah! – the ring I gave Florinda, when we exchanged our vows – hark ye Blunt, –

[Goes to whisper to him.

WILLMORE No whispering, good colonel, there’s a woman in the case, no whispering.

BELVILE Hark ye fool, be advised, and conceal both the ring and the story for your reputation’s sake, do not let people know what despised cullies we English are; to be cheated and abused by one whore, and another rather bribe thee than be kind to thee, is an infamy to our nation.

WILLMORE Come, come, where’s the wench, we’ll see her, let her be what she will, we’ll see her.

PEDRO Aye, aye, let us see her, I can soon discover whether she be of quality, or for your diversion.

BLUNT She’s in Fred’s custody.

WILLMORE Come, come, the key.

[To Frederick, who gives him the key; they are going.

BELVILE Death, what shall I do – stay, gentlemen – yet if I hinder ’em I shall discover all, – hold – let’s go one at once ¹¹⁵ – give me the key.

WILLMORE Nay, hold there colonel. I’ll go first.

FREDERICK Nay, no dispute, Ned and I have the propriety of her.

WILLMORE Damn propriety – then we’ll draw cuts,

[Belvile goes to whisper Willmore.

– nay no corruption, good colonel. Come, the longest sword carries her –

[They all draw forgetting Don Pedro being as a Spaniard had the longest.

BLUNT I yield up my interest to you, gentlemen, and that will be revenge sufficient.

WILLMORE The wench is yours – [to Pedro.] Pox of his toledo,¹¹⁶ I had forgot that.

FREDERICK Come sir, I’ll conduct you to the lady.

[Exeunt Frederick and Pedro.

BELVILE To hinder him will certainly discover her –

[Aside.

Dost know, dull beast, what mischief thou hast done.

[Willmore walking up and down out of humour.

WILLMORE Aye, aye, to trust our fortune to lots, a devil on’t, ’twas madness, that’s the truth on’t.

BELVILE Oh intolerable sot –

Enter Florinda running masked, Pedro after her; Willmore gazing round her.

FLORINDA Good Heaven defend me from discovery.

[Aside.

PEDRO ’Tis but in vain to fly me, you’re fallen to my lot.

BELVILE Sure she’s undiscovered yet, but now I fear there is no way to bring her off.

WILLMORE Why, what a pox, is not this my woman, the same I followed but now?

[Pedro, talking to Florinda, who walks up and down.

PEDRO As if I did not know ye, and your business here.

FLORINDA Good Heaven, I fear he does indeed –

[Aside.

PEDRO Come, pray be kind, I know you meant to be so when you entered here, for these are proper gentlemen.

WILLMORE But sir – perhaps the lady will not be imposed upon, she’ll choose her man.

PEDRO I am better bred than not to leave her choice free.

Enter Valeria, and is surprised at sight of Don Pedro.

VALERIA Don Pedro here! there’s no avoiding him.

[Aside.

FLORINDA Valeria! then I’m undone,

[Aside.

VALERIA Oh! have I found you, sir –

[To Pedro running to him.

– the strangest accident – if I had breath – to tell it.

PEDRO Speak – is Florinda safe? Hellena well?

VALERIA Aye, aye, sir – Florinda – is safe – from any fears of you.

PEDRO Why where’s Florinda? – speak –

VALERIA Aye, where indeed sir, I wish I could inform you, – but to hold you no longer in doubt –

FLORINDA Oh what will she say –

[Aside.

VALERIA – She’s fled away in the habit – of one of her pages, sir – but Callis thinks you may retrieve her yet, if you make haste away; she’ll tell you, sir, the rest – if you can find her out.

[Aside.

PEDRO Dishonourable girl, she has undone my aim – sir – you see my necessity of leaving you, and hope you’ll pardon it; my sister I know will make her flight to you; and if she do, I shall expect she should be rendered back.

BELVILE I shall consult my love and honour, sir.

[Exit Pedro.

FLORINDA My dear preserver, let me embrace thee.

[To Valeria.

WILLMORE What the devil’s all this?

BLUNT Mystery, by this light.

VALERIA Come, come, make haste and get yourselves married quickly, for your brother will return again.

BELVILE I’m so surprised with fears and joys, so amazed to find you here in safety, I can scarce persuade my heart into a faith of what I see –

WILLMORE Hark ye colonel, is this that mistress who has cost you so many sighs, and me so many quarrels with you?

BELVILE It is – pray give him the honour of your hand.

[To Florinda.

WILLMORE Thus it must be received then.

[Kneels and kisses her hand.

And with it give your pardon too.

FLORINDA The friend to Belvile may command me anything.

WILLMORE Death, would I might, ’tis a surprising beauty.

[Aside.

BELVILE Boy, run and fetch a father instantly.

[Exit Boy.

FREDERICK So, now do I stand like a dog, and have not a syllable to plead my own cause with; by this hand, madam, I was never thoroughly confounded before, nor shall I ever more dare look up with confidence, till you are pleased to pardon me.

FLORINDA Sir, I’ll be reconciled to you on one condition, that you’ll follow the example of your friend, in marrying a maid that does not hate you, and whose fortune (I believe) will not be unwelcome to you.

FREDERICK Madam, had I no inclinations that way, I should obey your kind commands.

BELVILE Who, Fred marry; he has so few inclinations for womankind, that had he been possessed of Paradise, he might have continued there to this day, if no crime but love could have disinherited him.

FREDERICK Oh, I do not use to boast of my intrigues.

BELVILE Boast, why thou dost nothing but boast; and I dare swear, wert thou as innocent from the sin of the grape, as thou art from the apple, thou mightst yet claim that right in Eden which our first parents lost by too much loving.

FREDERICK I wish this lady would think me so modest a man.

VALERIA She would be sorry then, and not like you half so well, and I should be loth to break my word with you, which was that if your friend and mine agreed, it should be a match between you and I.

[She gives him her hand.

FREDERICK Bear witness, colonel, ’tis a bargain.

[Kisses her hand.

BLUNT I have a pardon to beg too, but adsheartlikins, I am so out of countenance that I’m a dog if I can say anything to purpose.

[To Florinda.

FLORINDA Sir, I heartily forgive you all.

BLUNT That’s nobly said, sweet lady, – Belvile, prithee present her her ring again; for I find I have not courage to approach her myself.

[Gives him the ring; he gives it to Florinda.

Enter Boy.

BOY Sir, I have brought the father that you sent for.

BELVILE ’Tis well, [Exit Boy.] and now my dear Florinda, let’s fly to complete that mighty joy we have so long wished and sighed for:

– Come Fred – you’ll follow?

FREDERICK Your example, sir, ’twas ever my ambition in war, and must be so in love.

WILLMORE And must not I see this juggling knot tied?

BELVILE No, thou shalt do us better service, and be our guard, lest Don Pedro’s sudden return interrupt the ceremony.

WILLMORE Content – I’ll secure this pass.

[Exeunt Belvile, Florinda, Frederick and Valeria.

Enter Boy.

BOY Sir, there’s a lady without would speak to you.

[To Willmore.

WILLMORE Conduct her in, I dare not quit my post.

BOY And sir, your tailor waits you in your chamber.

BLUNT Some comfort yet, I shall not dance naked at the wedding.

[Exeunt Blunt and Boy.

Enter again the Boy, conducting in Angellica in a masquing habit and a vizard. Willmore runs to her.

WILLMORE This can be none but my pretty gipsy – Oh, I see you can follow as well as fly – Come, confess thyself the most malicious devil in Nature, you think you have done my business with Angellica. –

ANGELLICA Stand off, base villain –

[She draws a pistol, and holds it to his breast.

WILLMORE Hah, ’tis not she, who art thou? and what’s thy business?

ANGELLICA One thou hast injured, and who comes to kill thee for’t.

WILLMORE What the devil canst thou mean?

ANGELLICA By all my hopes to kill thee –

[Holds still the pistol to his breast, he going back, she following still.

WILLMORE Prithee, on what acquaintance? for I know thee not.

ANGELLICA Behold this face! – so lost to thy remembrance,

And then call thy sins about thy soul,

[Pulls off her vizard.

And let ’em die with thee.

WILLMORE Angellica!

ANGELLICA Yes, traitor,¹¹⁷

Does not thy guilty blood run shivering through thy veins?
Hast thou no horror at this sight, that tells thee,
Thou hast not long to boast thy shameful conquest?

WILLMORE Faith, no child, my blood keeps its old ebbs and flows still, and that usual heat too, that could oblige thee with a kindness, had I but opportunity.

ANGELLICA Devil! dost wanton with my pain – have at thy heart.

WILLMORE Hold, dear virago! hold thy hand a little,

I am not now at leisure to be killed – hold and hear me –

– death, I think she’s in earnest.

[Aside.

ANGELLICA Oh, if I take not heed,

My coward heart will leave me to his mercy.

[Aside, turning from him.

– What have you, sir, to say? – but should I hear thee,

Thoud’st talk away all that is brave about me.

[Follows him with the pistol to his breast.

And I have vowed thy death, by all that’s sacred.

WILLMORE Why, then there’s an end of a proper handsome fellow,

That might have lived to have done good service yet;

– That’s all I can say to’t.

ANGELLICA Yet – I would give thee – time for – penitence.

[Pausingly.

WILLMORE Faith, child, I thank God, I have ever took

Care to lead a good, sober, hopeful life, and am of a religion

That teaches me to believe I shall depart in peace.

ANGELLICA So will the devil! tell me

How many poor believing fools thou hast undone?
How many hearts thou hast betrayed to ruin?
– Yet these are little mischiefs to the ills
Thou’st taught mine to commit: thou’st taught it love.

WILLMORE Egad, ’twas shrewdly hurt the while.

ANGELLICA – Love, that has robbed it of its unconcern,

Of all that pride that taught me how to value it.
And in its room
A mean submissive passion was conveyed,
That made me humbly bow, which I ne’er did
To any thing but Heaven.
– Thou, perjured man, didst this, and with thy oaths,
Which on thy knees thou didst devoutly make,
Softened my yielding heart – And then, I was a slave –
– Yet still had been content to’ve worn my chains:
Worn ’em with vanity and joy for ever,
Hadst thou not broke those vows that put them on.
– ’Twas then I was undone.
[All this while follows him with the pistol to his breast.

WILLMORE Broke my vows! why, where hast thou lived?

Amongst the gods? for I never heard of mortal man

That has not broke a thousand vows.

ANGELLICA Oh impudence!

WILLMORE Angellica! that beauty has been too long tempting,

Not to have made a thousand lovers languish,
Who in the amorous favour, no doubt have sworn
Like me; did they all die in that faith? still adoring?
I do not think they did.

ANGELLICA No, faithless man: had I repaid their vows, as I did thine, I would have killed the ingrateful that had abandoned me.

WILLMORE This old general has quite spoiled thee, nothing makes a woman so vain, as being flattered; your old lover ever supplies the defects of age with intolerable dotage, vast charge, and that which you call constancy; and attributing all this to your own merits, you domineer, and throw your favours in’s teeth, upbraiding him still with the defects of age, and cuckold him as often as he deceives your expectations. But the gay, young, brisk lover, that brings his equal fires, and can give you dart for dart, he’ll¹¹⁸ be as nice as you sometimes.

ANGELLICA All this thou’st made me know, for which I hate thee.

Had I remained in innocent security,
I should have thought all men were born my slaves,
And worn my power like lightning in my eyes,
To have destroyed at pleasure when offended:
– But when Love held the mirror, the undeceiving glass
Reflected all the weakness of my soul, and made me know
My richest treasure being lost, my honour,
All the remaining spoil could not be worth
The conqueror’s care or value.119
– Oh, how I fell like a long worshipped idol
Discovering all the cheat.
Would not the incense and rich sacrifice,
Which blind devotion offered at my altars,
Have fallen to thee?
Why wouldst thou then destroy my fancied power.

WILLMORE By Heaven thou’rt brave, and I admire thee strangely.

I wish I were that dull, that constant thing
Which thou wouldst have, and Nature never meant me;
I must, like cheerful birds, sing in all groves,
And perch on every bough,
Billing the next kind she that flies to meet me;
Yet after all could build my nest with thee,
Thither repairing when I’d loved my round,
And still reserve a tributary flame.
– To gain your credit, I’ll pay you back your charity,
And be obliged for nothing but for love. 
[Offers her a purse of gold.120

ANGELLICA Oh that thou wert in earnest!

So mean a thought of me
Would turn my rage to scorn, and I should pity thee,
And give thee leave to live;
Which for the public safety of our sex,
And my own private injuries, I dare not do.
Prepare –
[Follows still, as before.
– I will no more be tempted with replies.

WILLMORE Sure –

ANGELLICA Another word will damn thee! I’ve heard thee talk too long.

She follows him with the pistol ready to shoot; he retires still amazed. Enter Don Antonio, his arm in a scarf, and lays hold on the pistol.

ANTONIO Hah! Angellica!

ANGELLICA Antonio! what devil brought thee hither?

ANTONIO Love and curiosity, seeing your coach at door.

Let me disarm you of this unbecoming instrument of death [Takes away the pistol.] – amongst the number of your slaves, was there not one worthy the honour to have fought your quarrel?

– Who are you, sir, that are so very wretched

To merit death from her?

WILLMORE One, sir, that could have made a better end of an amorous quarrel without you, than with you.

ANTONIO Sure ’tis some rival, – hah – the very man took down her picture yesterday – the very same that set on me last night – blessed opportunity –

[Offers to shoot him.

ANGELLICA Hold, you’re mistaken, sir.

ANTONIO By Heaven, the very same!

– Sir, what pretensions have you to this lady?

WILLMORE Sir, I do not use to be examined, and am ill at all disputes but this –

[Draws: Antonio offers to shoot.

ANGELLICA Oh hold! you see he’s armed with certain death;

[To Willmore.

– And you Antonio, I command you hold,

By all the passion you’ve so lately vowed me.

Enter Don Pedro, sees Antonio, and stays.

PEDRO Hah, Antonio! and Angellica!

[Aside.

ANTONIO When I refuse obedience to your will,

May you destroy me with your mortal hate.
By all that’s holy I adore you so,
That even my rival, who has charms enough
To make him fall a victim to my jealousy
Shall live, nay, and have leave to love on still.

PEDRO What’s this I hear?

[Aside.

ANGELLICA Ah thus! ’twas thus! he talked, and I believed.

[Pointing to Willmore.

– Antonio, yesterday,
I’d not have not sold my interest in his heart,
For all the sword has won and lost in battle.
– But now to show my utmost of contempt,
I give thee life – which if thou wouldst preserve,
Live where my eyes may never see thee more,
Live to undo someone, whose soul may prove,
So bravely constant to revenge my love.
[Goes out, Antonio follows, but Pedro pulls him back.

PEDRO Antonio – stay.

ANTONIO Don Pedro –

PEDRO What coward fear was that prevented thee From meeting me this morning on the Molo?

ANTONIO Meet thee?

PEDRO Yes me; I was the man that dared thee to’t.

ANTONIO Hast thou so often seen me fight in war,

To find no better cause to excuse my absence?
– I sent my sword and one to do thee right,
Finding myself uncapable to use a sword.

PEDRO But ’twas Florinda’s quarrel that we fought,

And you to show how little you esteemed her,
Sent me your rival, giving him your interest.
– But I have found the cause of this affront,
And when I meet you fit for the dispute,
– I’ll tell you my resentment.

ANTONIO I shall be ready, sir, ’ere long to do you reason.

[Exit Antonio.

PEDRO If I could find Florinda, now whilst my anger’s high, I think I should be kind, and give her to Belvile in revenge.

WILLMORE Faith, sir, I know not what you would do, but I believe the priest within has been so kind.

PEDRO How! my sister married?

WILLMORE I hope by this time she is, and bedded too, or he has not my longings about him.

PEDRO Dares he do this! Does he not fear my power?

WILLMORE Faith, not at all, if you will go in, and thank him for the favour he has done your sister, so; if not, sir, my power’s greater in this house than yours; I have a damned surly crew here, that will keep you till the next tide, and then clap you on board for prize; my ship lies but a league off the Molo, and we shall show your donship a damned tramontana¹²¹ rover’s trick.

Enter Belvile.

BELVILE This rogue’s in some new mischief – hah, Pedro returned!

PEDRO Colonel Belvile, I hear you have married my sister?

BELVILE You have heard truth then, sir.

PEDRO Have I so; then, sir, I wish you joy.

BELVILE How!

PEDRO By this embrace I do, and I am glad on’t.

BELVILE Are you in earnest?

PEDRO By our long friendship and my obligations to thee, I am.

The sudden change, I’ll give you reasons for anon,

Come lead me to my sister,

That she may know I now approve her choice.

[Exit Belvile with Pedro.

Willmore goes to follow them. Enter Hellena as before in boy’s clothes, and pulls him back.

WILLMORE Ha! my gipsy: – now a thousand blessings on thee for this kindness. Egad, child, I was e’en in despair of ever seeing thee again; my friends are all provided for within, each man his kind woman.

HELLENA Hah! I thought they had served me some such trick!

WILLMORE And I was e’en resolved to go abroad, and condemn myself to my lone cabin, and the thoughts of thee.

HELLENA And could you have left me behind, would you have been so ill-natured?

WILLMORE Why, ’twould have broke my heart, child: – but since we are met again, I defy foul weather to part us.

HELLENA And would you be a faithful friend now, if a maid should trust you?

WILLMORE For a friend I cannot promise; thou art of a form so excellent, a face and humour too good for cold dull friendship; I am parlously afraid of being in love, child, and you have not forgot how severely you have used me?

HELLENA That’s all one, such usage you must still look for, to find out all your haunts, to rail at you to all that love you, till I have made you love only me in your own defence, because nobody else will love.

WILLMORE But hast thou no better quality to recommend thyself by?

HELLENA Faith none, captain: – why, ’twill be the greater charity to take me for thy mistress. I am a lone child, a kind of orphan lover, and why I should die a maid, and in a captain’s hands too, I do not understand.

WILLMORE Egad, I was never clawed away with broadsides from any female before, thou hast one virtue I adore, good nature; I hate a coy, demure mistress, she’s as troublesome as a colt, I’ll break none; no, give me a mad mistress when mewed, and in flying, one I dare trust upon the wing, that whilst she’s kind will come to the lure.¹²²

HELLENA Nay, as kind as you will, good captain, whilst it lasts, but let’s lose no time.

WILLMORE My time’s as precious to me as thine can be, therefore dear creature, since we are so well agreed, let’s retire to my chamber, and if ever thou wert treated with such savoury love! – come – my bed’s prepared for such a guest, all clean and sweet as thy fair self; I love to steal a dish and a bottle with a friend, and hate long graces – come, let’s retire and fall to.

HELLENA ’Tis but getting my consent, and the business is soon done; let but old Gaffer Hymen¹²³ and his priest say amen to’t, and I dare lay my mother’s daughter by as proper a fellow as your father’s son, without fear or blushing.

WILLMORE Hold, hold, no bug¹²⁴ words, child, priest and Hymen, prithee add a hangman to ’em to make up the consort,¹²⁵ – no, no, we’ll have no vows but love, child, nor witness but the lover; the kind deity enjoin naught but love! and enjoy! Hymen and priest wait still upon portion, and jointure; love and beauty have their own ceremonies; marriage is as certain a bane to love as lending money is to friendship: I’ll neither ask nor give a vow, – though I could be content to turn gipsy, and become a left-handed bridegroom, to have the pleasure of working that great miracle of making a maid a mother, if you durst venture; ’tis upse¹²⁶ gipsy that, and if I miss, I’ll lose my labour.

HELLENA And if you do not lose, what shall I get? a cradle full of noise and mischief, with a pack of repentance at my back? can you teach me to weave inkle¹²⁷ to pass my time with? ’Tis upse gipsy that too.

WILLMORE I can teach thee to weave a true love’s knot better.

HELLENA So can my dog.

WILLMORE Well, I see we are both upon our guards, and I see there’s no way to conquer good nature, but by yielding, – here – give me thy hand – one kiss and I am thine; –

HELLENA One kiss! how like my page he speaks; I am resolved you shall have none, for asking such a sneaking sum, – he that will be satisfied with one kiss, will never die of that longing; good friend single-kiss, is all your talking come to this? – a kiss, a caudle!¹²⁸ farewell captain, single-kiss!

[Going out he stays her.

WILLMORE Nay, if we part so, let me die like a bird upon a bough, at the sheriff’s charge, by Heaven both the Indies shall not buy thee from me. I adore thy humour and will marry thee, and we are so of one humour, it must be a bargain – give me thy hand. –

[Kisses her hand.

And now let the blind ones (Love and Fortune) do their worst.

HELLENA Why, God-a-mercy captain!

WILLMORE But hark ye – the bargain is now made, but is it not fit we should know each other’s names? that when we have reason to curse one another hereafter (and people ask me who ’tis I give to the devil) I may at least be able to tell what family you came of.

HELLENA Good reason, captain; and where I have cause (as I doubt not but I shall have plentiful) that I may know at whom to throw my – blessings – I beseech ye your name.

WILLMORE I am called Robert the Constant.

HELLENA A very fine name; pray was it your falconer or butler that christened you? Do they not use to whistle when they call you?

WILLMORE I hope you have a better, that a man may name without crossing himself, you are so merry with mine.

HELLENA I am called Hellena the Inconstant.

Enter Pedro, Belvile, Florinda, Frederick, Valeria.

PEDRO Hah! Hellena!

FLORINDA Hellena!

HELLENA The very same – hah, my brother! now captain, show your love and courage; stand to your arms, and defend me bravely, or I am lost for ever.

PEDRO What’s this I hear! False girl, how came you hither, and what’s your business? Speak.

[Goes roughly to her.

WILLMORE Hold off sir, you have leave to parley only.

[Puts himself between.

HELLENA I had e’en as good tell it, as you guess it; faith, brother, my business is the same with all living creatures of my age, to love, and be beloved, and here’s the man.

PEDRO Perfidious maid, hast thou deceived me too, deceived thyself and Heaven?

HELLENA ’Tis time enough to make my peace with that;

Be you but kind, let me alone with Heaven.

PEDRO Belvile, I did not expect this false play from you; was’t not enough you’d gain Florinda (which I pardoned) but your lewd friends too must be enriched with the spoils of a noble family?

BELVILE Faith sir, I am as much surprised at this as you can be. Yet sir, my friends are gentlemen, and ought to be esteemed for their misfortunes, since they have the glory to suffer with the best of men and kings; ’tis true, he’s a Rover of Fortune, yet a prince, aboard his little wooden world.

PEDRO What’s this to the maintenance of a woman of her birth and quality?

WILLMORE Faith sir, I can boast of nothing but a sword which does me right where e’er I come, and has defended a worse cause than a woman’s; and since I loved her before I either knew her birth or name, I must pursue my resolution, and marry her.

PEDRO And is all your holy intent of becoming a nun debauched into a desire of man?

HELLENA Why – I have considered the matter, brother, and find the three hundred thousand crowns my uncle left me (and you cannot keep from me) will be better laid out in love than in religion, and turn to as good an account, – let most voices carry it, for Heaven or the captain?

All cry, A captain! a captain!

HELLENA Look ye, sir, ’tis a clear case.

PEDRO Oh I am mad – if I refuse, my life’s in danger –

[Aside.

– Come – there’s one motive induces me – take her – I shall now be free from fears of her honour, guard it you now, if you can, I have been a slave to’t long enough.

[Gives her to him.

WILLMORE Faith sir, I am of a nation that are of opinion a woman’s honour is not worth guarding when she has a mind to part with it.

HELLENA Well said, captain.

PEDRO This was your plot, mistress, but I hope you have married one that will revenge my quarrel to you –

[To Valeria.

VALERIA There’s no altering destiny, sir.

PEDRO Sooner than a woman’s will, therefore I forgive you all – and wish you may get my father’s pardon as easily; which I fear.

Enter Blunt dressed in a Spanish habit, looking very ridiculously; his man adjusting his band.¹²⁹

MAN ’Tis very well, sir –

BLUNT Well, sir, ’dsheartlikins, I tell you ’tis damnable ill, sir, – a Spanish habit, good Lord! Could the devil and my tailor devise no other punishment for me, but the mode of a nation I abominate?

BELVILE What’s the matter, Ned?

BLUNT Pray view me round, and judge –

[Turns round.

BELVILE I must confess thou art a kind of an odd figure.

BLUNT In a Spanish habit with a vengeance! I had rather be in the Inquisition for Judaism than in this doublet and breeches, a pillory were an easy collar to this, three handfuls high; and these shoes too, are worse than the stocks, with the sole an inch shorter than my foot. In fine, gentlemen, methinks I look altogether like a bag of bays¹³⁰ stuffed full of fool’s flesh.

BELVILE Methinks ‘tis well, and makes thee look en cavalier.¹³¹ Come sir, settle your face, and salute our friends, lady –

BLUNT Hah! – say’st thou so, my little rover –

[To Hellena.

Lady – (if you be one) give me leave to kiss your hand, and tell you adsheartlikins for all I look so, I am your humble servant, – a pox of my Spanish habit.

WILLMORE Hark – what’s this?

[Music is heard to play.

Enter Boy.

BOY Sir, as the custom is, the gay people in masquerade who make every man’s house their own, are coming up:

Enter several men and women in masquing habits with music, they put themselves in order and dance.

BLUNT Adsheartlikins, would ’twere lawful to pull off their false faces, that I might see if my doxy¹³² were not amongst ’em.

BELVILE Ladies and gentlemen, since you are come so à propos you must take a small collation with us.

[To the masquers.

WILLMORE Whilst we’ll to the good man within, who stays to give us a cast of his office.¹³³

[To Hellena.

– Have you no trembling at the near approach?

HELLENA No more than you have in an engagement or a tempest.

WILLMORE Egad, thou’rt a brave girl, and I admire thy love and courage.

Lead on, no other dangers they can dread,

Who venture in the storms o’th’ marriage bed.

[Exeunt.

[SCENE IV.] Scene changes to the street.

ACT IV

SCENE [II.] The Molo.

SCENE III. A street.

[SCENE IV.] Scene changes to Blunt’s chamber, discovers him sitting on a couch in his shirt and drawers, reading.

ACT V

EPILOGUE

POSTSCRIPT