Don Ped. Dispatch the rest—Is't possible after all he should be innocent!
Don John. I must confess the Resolution taken, made me tremble for you: How to prevent it now and for ever, was my next Care. I immediately order'd Lopez to go lie at Don Felix's, and to open me the Door when all the Family were in Bed. He did as I directed him. I enter'd, and in the dark found my way to Leonora's Apartment. I found the Door open, at which I was surpriz'd. I thought I heard some stirring in her Chamber, and in an Instant heard her cry for Aid. At this I drew, and rush'd into the Room, which Guzman, alarm'd at, cry'd out to her Assistance. His ready Impudence, I must confess, at first quite struck me speechless; but in a Moment I regain'd my Tongue, and loud proclaim'd the Traitor.
Don Ped. Is't possible?
Don John. Yet more: your Arrival hindring me at that Time from taking Vengeance for your Wrong, I at this Instant expect him here, to punish him (with Heaven's righteous Aid) for daring to attempt my Ruin with the Man, whose Friendship I prefer to all the Blessings Heaven and Earth dispense. And now, Don Pedro, I have told you this, if still you have a Mind to take my Life, I shall defend it with the self-same Warmth I intended to expose it in your Service.
[Draws.
Don Ped. [Aside.] If I did not know he was in love with Leonora, I could be easily surpriz'd with what he has told me. But—But yet 'tis certain he has destroyed the Proofs against him; and if I only hold him guilty as a Lover; why must Don Guzman pass for innocent? Good Gods, I am again returning to my Doubts!
Don John. [Aside.] I have at last reduc'd him to a Balance, but one Lye more tost in, will turn the Scale.
To Don Ped.] One Obligation more, my Friend, you owe me; I thought to have let it pass, but it shall out. Know then, I lov'd, like you, the beauteous Leonora; but from the Moment I observ'd how deep her Dart had pierc'd you, tore my Passion from my bleeding Heart, and sacrific'd my Happiness to yours. Now, I have no more to plead; if still you think your Vengeance is my due, come pay it me.
Don Ped. Rather ten thousand Poignards strike me dead! O Alvarada! can you forgive a wild distracted Friend? Gods! Whither was my jealous Frenzy leading me? Can you forget this barbarous Injury?
Don John. I can: No more. But for the future, think me what I am, a faithful and a zealous Friend.—Retire, and leave me here. In a few Moments I hope to bring you further Proofs on't. Guzman I instantly expect, leave me to do you Justice on him.