Don A. Madam, I might have gone to bed, but not
[Addresses himself to Porcia.
To rest, without returning to inquire
Of yours and of my noble friend's condition,
And once more to offer you my service.
Por. I take the boldness, in Octavio's absence,
To return his with my most humble thanks,
For your late generous assistance of us,
And for this new addition to our debt.
Don A. Though I have not th' honour to be known t' you,
The service of your sex in their distresses
Is the first vow of those of our profession;
And my constant friendship for Octavio
Is of so old a date, that all occasions,
By which I may express the fervour of it,
Are most welcome to me.
Enter Flora in great haste.
Flo. O madam, I am cut of breath with running.
Por. What accident, Flora, brings you hither?
Flo. A sad one, madam, and requiring haste,
To give you timely notice on't. Don Carlos,
Assisted by the light o' th' rising moon,
And by a mistake of some of your train,
Has trac'd you to this house, and in my hearing
Inform'd your brother of the place and manner
Of your retreat: who is now coming hither
Accompanied with the corregidor,
To seize on whomsoever shall be found
Within these walls, upon pretence of murder.
Por. O cruel accident!