Blan. I do for once allow you to remember
All that has pass'd between us:
The folly of my love, the falsehood of yours;
That done, and never to be thought on more—
Don Z. For Heaven's sake, madam—
Blan. Break not the rule was set:
Know I instructed am in all your story,
And am so far grown mistress of myself,
That I, who th' other day could scarce o'ercome
The sense of a slight failure at Madrid,
Can here at home suffer indignities,
And tell you calmly and with unconcern'dness,
Be you Elvira's and Elvira yours.
I come to do a part you little look'd for
From Blanca's spirit: I must make the marriage.
All things are ready, and her father here.
Now you may speak, Don Zancho; but the thing
Admits of no delay.
Don Z. But can this be in earnest? sure, it cannot.
What needs these trials of so firm a faith? [Pausing awhile.
Blan. Leave trifling; 'tis no longer time for tricks.
It is not in the pow'r of fate to alter
The resolution taken. [Don Zancho pauses.
Don. F. She has put it home. [Aside.
Don Z. Madam, you use me hardly; this demeanour
Passes my skill, to judge from whence it springs.
You say it is not in the pow'r of fate
To change your resolutions; but I'm sure,
If they be such, 'twill less be in its pow'r
To alter mine: but yet, before I die,
You must be left without excuse by knowing
The truth of all.
Don F. Here it imports indeed to be attentive. [Aside.
Don Z. Madam, 'tis true that, absent at Madrid,
The custom of the court and vanity
Embark'd me lightly in a gallantry
With the most fam'd of beauties there, Elvira:
Those and no other the true motives were
To all my first addresses, till her scorns,
Which should have stopp'd them, had engag'd me more,
And made a love in jest a point of honour.
I bore all her disdains without transportment,
Till, having gain'd her waiting-woman's kindness,
I learn'd from her that all Elvira's slightings
She would have thought had sprung from severe maxims
And preciousness of humour, were th' effects
Of deep engagement in another love
With a young gallant, Don Fernando Solis,
With whom the cruel dame was so far gone,
As to admit him almost[23] every night
Into her chamber.
Don F. Bless'd gods, what do I hear? [Aside.