Sirrah, where's Porcia?
Diego. She's fled away i' th' dark with a young man
Of your acquaintance.
Don O. Rascal, leave your fooling.
Diego. There's none i' th' case, sir: 'tis the wisest thing
She ever did; had she stay'd your return,
She would have fallen into those very clutches
In which you will immediately be gripp'd,
Unless you make more haste. Flora is come
With all the speed she could, to let you know
Th' are coming with the justice, to lay hold
Of all within this house; pray be quick, sir,
And save yourself. She's safe in a nunnery,
Conducted thither by Antonio.
Don O. Peace, screech-owl! fire consume that tongue of thine!
What say'st thou, villain! in a nunnery?
Porcia in a nunnery? O heavens! nothing
But this was wanting to make me desperate.
What hope's there left ever to get her thence,
After such accidents as these made public?
Ah, Flora, is it true that my dear Porcia
Is gone into a nunnery?
Flo. Once, sir, 'twas so resolv'd, and Diego sent
To give you notice on't; but afterwards,
He being gone, they chang'd their resolutions.
There's one can tell you more. [Pointing to Sancho.
San. My master bad me stay, to let you know
He has convey'd her to his own apartment
In his brother-in-law's house, a person
So eminent in quality and credit,
That the imagining him in her and your
Protection, sir, may much avail ye both:
Besides, she'll have the satisfaction there
Of being treated by my master's bride.
There he'll expect you, and advises you
To come in a chair, to avoid questioning,
In case of any encounter.
Don O. I'll take his counsel: he's a generous friend.
Come, chairmen, away; pray, friend, do you guide us. [To Sancho.
Diego. Up with your burden, beasts, and fall forthwith
To your half-trot.
[Exeunt. The chair is carried over the stage; Diego, Sancho, and Flora follow.