Qu. I am of thy Opinion.—
But now, Elvira, for a well-laid Plot,
To ruin this Florella;—though she be innocent,
Yet she must die; so hard a Destiny
My Passion for her Husband does decree:
But ‘tis the way I stop at.—
His Jealousy already I have rais’d;
That’s not enough, his Honour must be touch’d.
This Meeting twixt the King and fair Florella,
Must then be render’d publick;
’.is the Disgrace, not Action, must incense him—
Go you to Don Alonzo’s Lodging strait,
Whilst I prepare my Story for his Ear.—
[Exit Elvira.
Assist me all that’s ill in Woman-kind,
And furnish me with Sighs, and feigned Tears,
That may express a Grief for this Discovery.—
My Son, be like thy Mother, hot and bold;
And like the noble Ravisher of Rome,
Court her with Daggers, when thy Tongue grows faint,
Till thou hast made a Conquest o’er her Virtue.
Enter Alonzo, Elvira.
—Oh, Alonzo, I have strange News to tell thee!
Alon. It must be strange indeed, that makes my Queen Dress her fair Eyes in Sorrow.
Qu. It is a Dress that thou wilt be in love with, When thou shalt hear my Story.— You had a Sister once.
Alon. Had!
Qu. Yes, had,—whilst she was like thy self, all Virtue; Till her bewitching Eyes kindled such Flames, As will undo us all.
Alon. My Sister, Madam! sure it cannot be:— What Eyes? what Flames?—inform me strait.
Qu. Alonzo, thou art honest, just and brave:
And should I tell thee more,—
(Knowing thy Loyalty’s above all Nature)
It would oblige thee to commit an Outrage,
Which baser Spirits will call Cruelty.
Alon. Gods, Madam! do not praise my Virtue thus,
Which is so poor, it scarce affords me patience
To attend the end of what you wou’d deliver—
Come, Madam, say my Sister—is a Whore.
I know ‘tis so you mean; and being so,
Where shall I kneel for Justice?
Since he that shou’d afford it me,
Has made her Criminal.—
Pardon me, Madam, ‘tis the King I mean.
Qu. I grieve to own, all thy prophetick Fears Are true, Alonzo, ‘tis indeed the King.
Alon. Then I’m disarm’d, For Heaven can only punish him.