Flo. Why, d' you think 'twould fright him, Diego?
Diego. O no, 'twould charm him, Flora.
Flo. Well, such as 'tis, I'll venture it without
Engaging your known valour: [so,] good night. [Exit Flora.
Enter Don Octavio and Don Antonio.
Don O. What may this be? I swear I cannot guess;
The warning's short; but she must be obeyed.
The hour draws near. I must go seek a friend,
Her words seem to imply need of a second:
'Twere barbarous to engage Antonio,
Newly arriv'd, and come on such an errand. [Aside.
Noble Antonio, my confusion's great, [Addressing Antonio.
To tell you thus abruptly I must leave you;
Th' occasion's indispensable.
Don A. I must not quit you, sir, I know too well
The laws of honour to desert you now:
When I perceive my friend in such disorder,
And[62] all the marks that he is call'd to danger,
To leave him then——
Don O. It is a summons from a lady, sir,
Whom I have lov'd with passion and success,
To meet her in her garden presently.
All is propitious on her part and mine;
But she's so guarded by a tyrant brother,
So naturally jealous, and so incens'd
By a late accident which I shall tell you,
That to assure you there would be no danger
In this adventure, were (sir) to abuse you:
But for that very reason I am bound
Not to consent you should embark yourself
In a business so directly opposite
To the occasion which has brought you hither.
Don A. I like the omen: at my first arrival
To have the honour to serve so brave a friend.
Don O. You from a life of perils hither come
To find a nuptial-bed, not seek a tomb.
Don A. My friend engag'd, it never must be said
Antonio left him so to go to bed.