Blan. What, struck dumb with guilt? perfidious man!
That happens most to the most impudent,
When once detected. Well, get thee hence,
And see thou ne'er presum'st to come again
Within these walls, or I shall let thee see
'Tis not at court alone, where hands are found
To let such madmen blood.
[She turns as going away, and Don Zancho holds her gently by the gown.
Don Z. Give me but hearing, madam, and then if——
Don J. What, ho! no lights below-stairs? [Aloud, as below.
Fran. O heavens! madam, hear you not your brother?
Into the chamber quickly, and let them
Retire behind that hanging; there's a place,
Where usually we throw neglected things.
I'll take the lights and meet him: certainly
His stay will not be long from Violante
At this time of the night; besides, you know,
He never was suspicious.
[Don Zancho and Chichon go behind the hanging, and Donna Blanca, retiring to her chamber, says—
Capricious fate! must I who, whilst I lov'd him,
Ne'er met with checking accident, fall now
Into extremest hazards for a man,
Whom I begin to hate?
[Exit, and Francisca at another door with the lights.
Francisca re-enters with Don Julio.
Don J. Where's my sister?