[Don Henrique addresses himself to Don Antonio.
Don A. I'll attend your leisure.
I find my coming has disorder'd 'em, [Aside.
There's something they would fain conceal from me:
All here is discompos'd, whate'er's the matter.
Don H. I am a rogue, if I know what to do.
Don C. Since the event's so dangerous and doubtful,
'Tis best, in my opinion, sir, to temporise.
Don H. How easily men get the name of wise!
To fear t' engage, is call'd to temporise:
Sure, fear and courage cannot be the same,
Yet th' are confounded by a specious name;
And I must tamely suffer, because fools
Are rul'd by nice distinctions of the schools.
How I hate such cold complexions! [He stamps.
Don C. Why so transported? as if vehemence
Were for your passion an approv'd defence.
Don H. Who condemns passions, Nature he arraigns.
Don C. Th' are useful succours, when they serve in chains:
But he who throws the bridle on their necks,
From a good cause will produce ill effects.
Don H. Be th' effects what they will, I am resolv'd.
I doubt not of your kind concurrence, sir,
[Addressing to Don Antonio.