[Don Antonio turns and looks sternly upon Don Henrique.
The parent of your black designs, the devil,
Did ne'er invent a more malicious falsehood;
'Tis true that I have serv'd the virtuous Porcia
With such devotion and such spotless love,
That, though unworthy, yet she has been pleas'd
To recompense my passion with esteem;
[Don Antonio turns and looks sternly upon Don Octavio.
By which she has so chain'd me to her service,
That here I vow either to live her prize,
Or else in death to fall love's sacrifice.
Don A. O heavens! what's that I hear? Thou blessed angel,
Guardian of my honour, I now implore
Thy powerful assistance, to preserve
That reputation which I hitherto
By virtuous actions have maintain'd unblemish'd.
In vain, Don Henrique, you design to change
[He pauses a little, and rubs his forehead.
My resolutions: it must ne'er be said
That passion could return Antonio
From the strict rules of honour. Sir, I tell you,
Nothing can make me violate my first
Engagement.
Don H. Nay, then, thou shalt die too, perfidious man.
Ho! Geraldo, Pedro, Leonido!
Enter Geraldo, Pedro, and Leonido, with their swords drawn; they join with Don Henrique; Don Carlos interposes.
Don C. For heaven's sake, cousin, draw not on yourself
The horrid infamy of assassinating
Persons of noble blood by servile hands!