Don John. You have then quitted the Service in Flanders, I suppose.
Don Ped. I have so, Friend! I have left the Ensigns of Mars, and am listing myself in a softer Militia.
Don John. Explain, pray.
Don Ped. Why, when your Father's Death oblig'd you to leave Brussels, and return hither to the plentiful Fortune he left you; I stay'd in Flanders, very trist for your Lost, and past three Years in the Trade of War. About two Months since, my Father writ to me from Toledo, that he was going to marry me very advantageously at Valencia: He sent me the Picture of the Lady, and I was so well pleased with it, that I immediately got my Congé and embark'd at Dunkirk; I had a quick Passage to the Groyne, from whence, by the way of Madrid, I am come hither with all the Speed I cou'd. I have, you must know, been two Days in Town, but I have lain Incognito, that I might inform myself of the Lady's Conduct I'm to marry; and I have discover'd, that she's serv'd by two Cavaliers of Birth and Merit. But tho' they have both given many Proofs of a most violent Passion, I have found, for the Quiet of my Honour, that this virtuous Lady, out of Modesty or Prudence, has shewn a perfect Indifference to them and their Gallantries; her Fortune is considerable, her Birth is high, her Manners irreproachable, and her Beauty so great, that nothing but my Love can equal it.
Don John. I have hearken'd to you, Don Pedro, with a great deal of Attention, and Heaven's my Witness, I have a mighty Joy in seeing you; but the Devil fetch me, it makes my Heart bleed, to hear you are going to be married.
Don Ped. Say no more of that, I desire you; we have always been Friends, and I earnestly beg we ever may be so; but I am not come to ask Counsel about my Marriage; my Party is taken, and my Inquiries have so much heightened my Desire, that nothing can henceforth abate it. I must, therefore, expect from you, dear Friend, that you won't oppose it, but that you'll aid me in hast'ning the Moment of my Happiness.
Don John. Since 'tis so impossible for you to resolve for your own Good, I must submit to what you'll have me: But are not we to know the Name of this Piece of Rarity, that is to do you this good Turn?
Don Ped. You'll know it presently; for I'm going to carry you to her House.
Don John. You shall tell me, at least, who are her two Gallants.
Don Ped. One, they cou'd not tell me his Name; t' other is——But before we talk any more of these Affairs, can you let me dispose of Lopez, till the Return of a Servant, I sent three Days ago to——