Car. Then thus; before I knew she was your Mistress, I had resolv’d upon Addresses to her, in order to’t, have treated with her Father about a Marriage.
Ant. How! and wou’d the false, forsworn, receive your Vows?
Car. No; but with Tears implores her Father daily, whene’er he speaks to her about my Passion; nor can I undeceive her, for indeed I have but feign’d a Love, (she living in the same house with Julia whilst here at Cadiz) to get an opportunity with that dear, charming Creature; for, coming as a Brother, sure they’ll admit me kindly; nor will Francisco, who has heard of what has past ‘twixt me and Julia, suspect me any more.
Ant. I knew I had a Rival, Sir, whom Clara lov’d not; but ne’er cou’d get it from her who he was, for fear of mischief: I have often the Liberty to see her, under the name and pretence of Isabella’s Lover.
Car. And I visit her only to get a sight of Julia, which hitherto has been impossible, though I have oft endeavour’d it. I beg you’ll not be jealous; for this, by Heav’n, is only my Design.
Ant. I’ll trust my Life, my Honour and my Mistress in so good hands at any time.
Car. You oblige me; but though I find your Clara cold and cruel, Isabella would invite me to her Love, and makes so many kind advances to me—
Ant. So would she for your Title, were you deform’d, and had no shape of Man about you; but me, because a little Citizen and Merchant, she so reviles, calling me base Mechanick, saucy Fellow; and wonders where I got the Impudence to speak of Love to her—in fine, I am resolved to be reveng’d on all her Pride and Scorn; by Heav’n, I will invent some dire Revenge:—I’m bent upon’t, and will about it instantly.
Car. And would you do it home and handsomly, and have a good occasion of being disengaged from her, and make her self the instrument?
Ant. Ay, such a Plot were worth the Prosecution.