ACT I. SCENE I.
The Curtains fly up, and discover a Mask in Pizalto's House. Pizalto, Lady Pizalta, Lucy; Ludovico talking to Lady Pizalta; Bassino and Aurelia talking together; Florella and other Maskers.
A Spanish Entry.
While the Dance is performing, enter Armando, and gives
Bassino two Letters, which he opens and reads.
Lady Pizalta and Lucy advance to the Front of the Stage.
L. Piz. Oh! Lucy, I'm undone——
That Stranger there has charm'd my Heart: I feel
The Pow'r of conquering Love; quick, quickly tell me,
What shall I do to ease this racking Passion?Lucy. Nay, Madam, I fancy your Passion has little Occasion for Lenitives; it blazes so violently at first, 'tis like to be soon extinguish'd.
L. Piz. Dear Lucy, don't trifle with me; but contrive, imagine, do any thing, to bless thy Love-sick Mistress with the Sight of that dear Man: And as an Earnest of further Rewards, here, take this——[Gives her a Ring.
Lucy. Madam, I receive your Commands with much Joy, but your Present with more——[Aside.] I'll try what this projecting Brain can do, and if you step into the next Room, I'll soon give you an Account of my Proceedings. [Exit L. Pizalta.
Bass. Ye Gods!
What have I done, that you pursue me thus?
Why did you e'er decree that I should wed
A Wife I now must hate? Why did I see
The bright Aurelia? Why am I thus torn
'Twixt Love and Duty? Oh! what Pangs, what Torments
My Soul endures! Oh! my Aurelia![Exeunt omnes, but Lucy & Ludov.
Lucy pulling Ludovico by the Sleeve.
Lucy. Sir, Sir, one Word with you.
Lud. Your Business——
Lucy. May one ask you a civil Question, and be resolv'd?
Lud. Hum—A civil Question, sayst thou? What's it, prithee, a Night's Lodging? If so, pull off thy Mask, and I'll resolve thee instantly——But I never strike Bargains in the Dark.
Lucy. I don't know, Sir, but it may tend to that, by way of Proxy, at the long-run: But at present my Commission reaches no further than to know your Lodgings; if any Thing comes on't, I fancy 'twill not displease you.
Lud. (Aside.) Hum——This is but a Pettifogger in Intrigues, I find——Egad, I'm like to be pretty well employ'd during the Carnival——Well, considering I am a Stranger here, this Hit may be a lucky one, and the Lady handsome——Egad, I'll fancy her so at least, wer't but for the Pleasure of Expectation.
Lucy. What are you studying, Sir? Are you so long resolving whether you shall accept a Lady's Favour, or no?
Lud. No, faith, Child: I am not over-scrupulous in those Matters——Let her be but Woman, and we shan't disagree——And so thou mayst tell her——There's a Direction for thee. [Tears the Superscription of a Letter and gives it her.
[Exit Ludovico.
Lucy. Frank and easy, a la mode de Paris——Well, these indifferent Sparks charm more than all your cringing Fops——Now for my Business—Let me see—I'll to my Lady, she'll write; I'll carry the Letter, and the Devil will turn Saint, if I don't bring 'em together, and merit a further Recompence.
By Coupling many have their Fortunes made; I only want Preferment, not my Trade. [Exit Lucy.
SCENE II.
The Scene changes to Bassino's Lodgings, and discovers the Count in his Night-gown, a Table with Lights, and Letters lying on the Table.
Bass. All Things lie hush'd in peaceful Silence here:
All but Bassino's Mind——Oh! happy he
Who lives secure and free from Love's Alarms.
But happier far, who, Master of himself,
Ranges abroad without that Clog, a Wife.
Oh! rigorous Laws impos'd on Free-born Man!
On Man, by bounteous Nature first design'd
The Sovereign Lord of all the Universe!
Why must his generous Passion thus be starv'd,
And be confined to one alone?
The Woman, whom Heaven sent as a Relief,
To ease the Burden of a tedious Life,
And be enjoy'd when summon'd by Desire,
Is now become the Tyrant of our Fates. [Takes up a Letter.
But hold, Bassino! whither does thy Passion
Hurry thy wandering Reason: Let this Letter
Re-call the Fugitive, and fix thy Senses
On duteous Love——A Wife, so young, so fair,
So excellent, whose Charms not three Months since
Did fire thy Soul; a Wife, who dotes on thee;
A Wife to whom thou sworest eternal Love——
By Heaven, I swear again I will be true.
This Thought again restores my Peace of Mind——
No, charming Wife; no dear Placentia, no,
Thou shalt not beg in vain: I will return [Kisses the Letter.
But who comes here—My Friend Armando?Enter Armando.
Arm. Dear Friend, I heard
The Conflict of your Passion, and my Joys
Are now compleat, since Virtue gains the Day.Bass. Yes, dear Armando, the Conflict is o'er,
And I'm resolv'd to fly to my Placentia.Arm. Cherish that Thought: By Heaven your Resolution
Transports my Soul with Joy!
A kind, a virtuous Wife waits your Embraces;
A Wife, who like a Turtle mourns the Absence
Of her dear Mate. Haste then, my Friend, to drive
That Cloud of Sorrow which o'ercasts her Mind,
And, like the Sun, dispel her gloomy Thoughts.Bass. Thanks for your Counsel——
You like a God support my feeble Virtue.
This very Morning I'll prepare for Turin,
Where Time and Absence will deface the Image
Of that bewitching Beauty, which now haunts
My tortur'd Mind—Yet, first I'll take my Leave
Of this fair Charmer——And Heaven grant
That I may see her unconcern'd——Arm. My Lord, what d'you mean?
Have you well weigh'd the Danger of this Visit?Bass. What danger can there be?
Arm. Danger! my Lord—Consider well how feeble
Our Reason is against the Pow'r of Beauty——Bass. My Resolution's firm; no Charm can shake it.
Arm. If not her Beauty, fear her Syren Tongue;
fear her endearing Prayers, her fond Reproaches,
Her tender Sighs, her Vows, her trickling Tears.
Nay—if all these prove vain, fear her Despair,
A Woman, an abandon'd Woman's Rage.Bass. Were there more Dangers, yet I'll stand 'em all;
My Honour bids me pay this parting Visit:
My Heart shall have no Share in what I'll speak.
Trust me this once, and be yourself a Witness,
Bassino can controul unlawful Love.——Arm. My Lord, 'tis with Regret I see you go,
May Heaven assist you in this dangerous Strife.
SCENE III.
Aurelia's Chamber; she in an Undress with Florella.Aur. No more of that—Cease thy ungrateful Suit,
Alonzo is a Man I cannot love;
I own he's witty, generous, and brave;
Has all the Charms that Nature can bestow
To fire a Woman's Heart——Yet I'm insensible,
His very Sight chills all my trembling Spirits;
Therefore, name him no more—I charge thee do not.Flor. Madam, I've done—Yet shall I be permitted
To ask a Question? Are you then resolved
Ne'er to admit a Passion in your Breast?Aur. Oh! Dear Florella, press not a Confession,
Which but too well my Eyes themselves disclose.
Alas! I love—I love to such Excess,
That tho' I know I'm lov'd again, my Mind
Is still perplex'd with Doubts and jealous Fears.Flor. You love and are belov'd! Then sure you reach
The Height of human Bliss, and bounteous Heaven
Can scarce give more——But who's the happy Man;
Is it not Count Bassino?Aur. Oh! charming Name; there's Musick in that Sound!
Yes, Count Bassino is the Man I love.
Canst thou now blame my Coldness to Alonzo?Flor. Forgive me, Madam, if I dare presume
To speak my Sentiments: I must confess
Bassino is a Man of excellent Virtue;
His Education at the Court of Savoy
Has still refin'd what he receiv'd from Nature;
His Person too is charming——
And, what most Women court, he has a Title——
But then consider, you are unacquainted
With his Estate, and tho' his Equipage
Denotes an ample Fortune, yet we see
Many a Stranger here during the Carnival,
Who makes a Figure here by industrious Gaming.
As for Alonzo, he was born at Venice,
Of noble Parents; his Estate, a large one——
Even from his Youth you had his amorous Wishes,
And as he grew in Years his Love increas'd:
You lov'd him too——Nay, which is more, your Father
Approv'd your mutual Loves, and at his Death
Bequeath'd you to Alonzo.Aur. Oh! my Florella, thou hast rouz'd a Thought,
Which will for ever break Aurelia's Rest.
I know my Father's Tenderness to me
Made him confirm Alonzo's Suit, for then
I lov'd Alonzo——
But were my gentle Father still alive,
I'm sure he would not cross my Inclinations,
But, Oh! name not my Father; I cannot bear
The sad Remembrance of so great a Loss. [Weeps.Flor. But fear you not t'offend his peaceful Ghost,
By breaking with the Man he destin'd yours?Aur. 'Tis not my Fault: and just Heaven must forgive
What Heaven decrees——Yes, 'tis my cruel Stars
That made my Heart inconstant to Alonzo,
'Tis with Regret I break my plighted Faith;
In vain I strive to check my new-born Love,
I cannot, cannot live without Bassino.Flor. Madam, I wish your Passion ne'er prove fatal,
But much I fear this inauspicious Match.Enter Bassino, Armando.
Aur. May Heaven avert th' unlucky Combination
Of our presaging Thoughts: For, know, I tremble too—
But here's the man that will dispel my Fears.Arm. to Bass. My Lord, remember
To keep your Resolution.Bass. to Arm. Yes—I will keep it—[To Aur.] Madam,
you will pardon
A Morning Visit, when you know what Reasons
Press'd me to fix it on this early Hour.——
By Letters from the Court I was last Night
Commanded to return with Speed to Turin,
And thence let out for France, to represent
My Sovereign Liege in solemn Embassy.
This Day I must prepare to take my Journey,
Tho' 'tis with killing Grief I leave my dear,
My fair Aurelia——[To Arm.] Now, my Armando.Arm. My Lord, 'tis well: But still be on your Guard,
The dreadful Shock comes on——Aur. This Day be gone! What means my Lord! Oh! Heaven,
My boding Fears are come to pass: I see
A Cloud of Woes just ready to o'erwhelm me.
Is't possible! how can that Form divine
Harbour such Treachery! Is then Bassino false?
Say, perjur'd Man, how often did you swear
This happy Day should make you mine for ever!
How can you now forget your solemn Vows?
Why have I met with this inhuman Usage?Bass. Madam, my Prince's Orders
Are absolute: My Honour is concern'd.Aur. Must a vain Title be preferr'd to Love?
But no—You never lov'd——'twas base Deceit.
Curs'd, curs'd dissembling Men! Their flattering Tongues
Can feign a Passion that will look like Love,
Till by Degrees they get us in their Power;
Then with bold Impudence they draw the Vizor,
And shew the Cheat that mock'd our credulous Hopes.
Faithless Bassino,
How oft you swore your Love could ne'er expire:
How oft you swore one Smile of mine had Charms,
Even above the Glories of a Crown.
Those were the Oaths I fondly did believe;
Those Words convey'd a Poison to my Heart,
And even now I feel its mighty Force:
My Head turns giddy, and my trembling Knees
Betray their sinking Burden——
Alas! I faint, I die——[She faints, Bassino runs and embraces her.
Bass. Oh! stay, my Love, my Life, my Soul, my all:
The Conflict's past, and I am thine again,
But she is breathless! Oh! ye rigorous Gods,
Give back her Soul, or let my own be plung'd
To dark Elysium——Oh! my dear Aurelia! [Hugs her.Arm. Is this your Resolution? By Heaven, I blush
To call you Friend. Your Wife, my Lord, remember
Your Wife——Bass. Curse on that Name——
Urge me no more to follow your Chimeras,
Lest you oblige me to break off that Friendship
You blush to own——Oh! my Aurelia!Arm. aside. How sweet is treacherous Vice! how eagerly
Fond Man pursues his Ruin!
All Arguments were vain——yet still one Way remains,
Which cannot fail, to stop the Progress of this impious Love.
His Wife, by my Direction, comes to Venice:
Her Sight will soon awake his slumbering Virtue,
At least it will retrieve Aurelia's Senses. [Exit Armando.Aur. recovering. Where am I? Where's my Lord, my false Bassino?
Bass. Here, here, my Soul, my charming Dear.
Aur. thrusts him off. Hold off—Approach me not—
urge not my Rage,
Or with this Dagger I'll revenge my Wrongs
On thy perfidious Heart——But, oh! his
Heart's too hard,
Even for temper'd Steel—Therefore I'll sheath it here.[Offers at her Breast: Bassino snatches the Dagger, and throws himself at her Feet in a distracted Manner.
Bass. Oh! hold——forbid it Gods!
I am the Cursed Cause, and I must die.
Oh! who could bear my Load of mortal Woe!
Ye heavenly Powers bestow the Stroke of Grace,
And rack Bassino: Let your vengeful Thunder
Now crush my guilty Head——Or thou, Oh! Parent Earth,
Open thy Bosom, and conceal my Crime. [Tears the Ground.Aur. Is he then mine again! [Falls down.
Look up, my Lord, my Love, my Life!
My dear Bassino! 'Tis Aurelia calls.
Let me for ever fold thee in my Arms,
And beg thoul't never speak of parting more.[Embraces him.
Both rise and embrace in an Extasy.
Bass. Oh! never, never——
The Poles shall meet, the Sun and Moon invert
Their wonted Motion e're I part from thee.
I fondly try'd how much I was belov'd,
And since you're true, my Bliss is now compleat.Aur. Was't but a Trial? then my Griefs are vanish'd,
And I am lost in Joy——Bassino's mine.[They embrace again.
Bass. Thine, thine for ever: And this happy Day,
Shall end Aurelia's Fears——Ha——
This Day, said I, but where's Placentia then?
My Wife Placentia! Little does she think
What Baseness I intend—Oh! racking Thought!
But 'tis resolv'd, I'll change nor think no more:
I'll try to plunge, and reach the blissful Shore;
And if I sink, yet still this Hope's my Friend,
I'll snatch my Treasure e're my Course I end. [Aside.Aur. My Lord, what makes you pause?
Bass. The ravishing Thoughts of mighty Joys to come
Kept me in Extasy and made me dumb;
When on thy snowy Breast dissolv'd I lie,
What Monarch can there be more blest than I?[Bassino leads her off with a languishing Air.
Enter Alonzo.
Alon. Sure, if my Eyes deceive me not, I saw
Aurelia with the Count just parting hence:
Dissolv'd in Love, and languishing they seem'd.
Damnation——
I cannot bear the Thought—I'll after 'em.Alonzo going. Enter Florella.
Flor. aside. Ha——Alonzo here! I must prevent a Discovery.
Alon. Florella here! she comes opportunely——she may inform me of what I yet but fear——Good-morrow, Florella: How fares my Love, my dear Aurelia?
Flor. Signior, Good-morrow; you are an early Visitant.
Alon. Not for a Man in Love; but answer me, How does Aurelia?
Flor. Well in Health——Only she's now and then in a little Fit of Melancholy, such as usually proceeds from timorous Doubts about that dreadful State of Matrimony. You know the Time draws nigh that gives her to your Arms.
Alon. By Heaven! 'Tis an Age, there's six Days yet to come.
Flor. An Age, indeed, if he knew all. [Aside.
Alon. But haste, Florella; lead me to my Dear,
She only can contract that tedious Age
Of lingring Pain, and sooth it with her Smiles.
Say, is she alone?Flor. Yes——No——
Oh! Heaven! What shall I say? [Aside.
She, she's a——Alon. Ha——What means this faultering Answer?
All's not right, and my Suspicion's true.Flor. Signior, my Lady is not drest, and I shall displease her, in admitting even you, without her Leave.
Alon. Ha——not drest——Take heed you mock me not;
Nor think to blind me with your feign'd Excuse:
For in your guilty Face I read the Truth.
Come, tell me who's with her? is't not Bassino?Flor. aside. Oh! Heaven! What shall I say?
Alon. Nay, nay, no Study: Lying will not do:
I saw 'em part from hence, just now I saw 'em.
Harkee, sweet Mistress, how long have you practis'd
This subtle Trade? I find you're much improv'd.
Hell and Damnation——quickly, tell me
What did Bassino give for his Admittance?
I'll double the Reward—but she's not drest for me——
Oh! damn'd, damn'd Sex!Flor. Signior, what do you mean?
Alon. To see Aurelia——see her instantly——
Nay by Heaven! I will: All Opposition's vain:
For by th' avenging Power of Love I swear,
Tho' in Bassino's Arms, I'll drag her thence,
Only to cast her from my Sight for ever:
Nor shall he live to triumph in my Shame.
What tho' the Marriage Rites be not perform'd,
Yet I may call her Wife. Her Father gave her to me:
And her own Vows have fix'd my Heart in her's.
Must then Alonzo be deny'd Admittance,
Under that poor Pretence that she's not drest?
Whilst base Bassino lies dissolv'd in Pleasures
On her perfidious Breast——Oh! killing Thought!
She makes my Name of Husband infamous,
Even before the Priest has join'd our Hands.
I'll in, and if th' Affront I tamely bear,
May Heaven deny me at my latest Prayer.[Exeunt.
SCENE IV. Ludovico's Lodgings.
Ludovico solus.Lud. Who waits?
Enter Mountaine.
Mount. Did you call, Sir?
Lud. Mountaine, run to Signiora Ronquilla, and tell her I have done with her for ever, if she does not send this Evening the hundred Ducats she promised to lend me——And harkee, as you come back, acquaint Signiora Cornara I shall be busy To-morrow, and desire she will put off her Visit till another Day.
[Knocking at the Door.
Mount. Sir, there's somebody at the Door.
Lud. See who 'tis.
Mount. Sir, a Gentlewoman desires to speak with you.
Lud. A Gentlewoman! admit her——Well,
'Tis a great Fatigue to oblige the whole Sex.Enter Lucy.
Oh! what News from your Lady?
Lucy. This will inform you, Sir. [Gives him a Letter.
Lud. reads. Hum, hum, a Letter——Tho' it may seem improper for one of my Sex to make the first Step in an Amour, yet you ought to consider, that the rigorous Confinement we are under all the Year round, may, in some Measure, excuse the Liberties we take during the Carnival. If you have the Courage to meet me, I shall be at four in the Afternoon in the Piazza d'Espagna, invisible to all but yourself.——Well, I believe all Women in Venice are wild for Gallants.
Lucy. Sir, what Answer shall I return to my Lady?
Lud. aside. Egad——I am in Doubt whether I shall throw my Time away on this Intrigue or no——Harkee Child, step into the next Chamber, and I'll answer your Message instantly——
[Exit Lucy.
Let me see——[Reads in his Table-Book] Monday, at Two in the Afternoon, I am to meet Signiora Belleza at her Nurse's——She's a pretty Rogue, and so I'll go—At Three of the Clock, Signiora Dorinda, the Senator's Wife, at the Indian House——Pshaw, she's an old Acquaintance,——I shan't go——At half an Hour past Three, the Countess Wrinkle, who presented me with a Gold-hilted Sword——Silly Fool! does she think I'll bestow one of my Visits on an old shrivelled Piece of Antiquity, for a trifling Present, not worth above three-score Pistoles——At a Quarter past Four, my Semstress Dorothy Steenkirk, who supplies me with Linen,—Oh! this Visit may be put off for a new Intrigue—And so I'll acquaint the Messenger.
[Exit Ludovico.
The End of the First Act.
| By Coupling many have their Fortunes made; |
| I only want Preferment, not my Trade. |
ACT II. SCENE I.
A Chamber in Signior Pizalto's House.
Enter Lady Pizalta, Lucy.Lady Piz. Did you deliver my Letter to Ludovico, Lucy?
Lucy. Madam, I did; I found him in his Study, reading the Lover's Watch, which he swears does not at all agree with his Constitution. He hates Injunctions of Love, like those of Penance: For the one, says he, is no more pleasurable to the Body, than the other beneficial to the Soul.
L. Piz. What a fine Gallant I'm like to have with these Principles! Well——what did he say to a Summons from a Woman of my Quality? Did it not make him wish the Time of Assignation were sooner than the Appointment in the Letter?
Lucy. He first hum'd over your Billet; and pausing a while, he desired me to stay for an Answer in a next Room; then coming to me, he ask'd me what Countrywoman you were? For, said he, if she should prove an old Acquaintance, I would use her damnably—But when I had assured him you never saw the Outside of these Walls, he began to have that Desire which all Men have to a new Face.
L. Piz. Very well; and what then?
Lucy. He strait enquir'd whether you were black, brown, fair, old, young, Maid, Wife, or Widow? I told him you was a wretched Wife to an old, impotent, rich, covetous, noble Venetian; beautiful, young, generous, and of a fair Complexion. He hugg'd me at these Words, seem'd transported with the News, and swore that in Intrigues a Wife was most suitable to his Temper; for, said he, there's neither Children to father, nor Honour to repair: And where his Pocket and Liberty are safe, he is contented to venture his Body and Soul.
L. Piz. Excellent Maxims!
Lucy. In short, Madam, he says he has had several Bills of this Nature drawn upon him of late, and how much his Stock may be exhausted, he knows not; but however he'll meet you, and if he cannot answer your Expectation, he'll give you Earnest.
L. Piz. You talk merrily, Girl; I hope you did not tell my Name. I should be loath to trust a Man of his Character with my Reputation at first Dash.
Luc. No, Madam, I only told your Quality.
L. Piz. That's well: Oh! Reputation, what several Sorts of Slavery do we undergo to preserve thee! for to be thought virtuous, we are forced to be constantly railing against Vice, tho' our Tongues and Maxims seldom agree.
Lucy. Alas! Madam, that Pretence is grown too common: For the Men now take it for granted, that a Lady is very near surrendering, when once she holds out that Flag of Defiance.
L. Piz. Well—Men use us very barbarously: They will neither suffer us to be honest, nor allow us to be thought so——Here, take this Key, and secure every thing that concerns my Reputation: And if my Husband wakes ere I come back, you may easily find some Excuse to prevent his Enquiries: for the Carnival allows us more Liberty, than at other times we dare pretend to——I know thy Honesty, and will rely upon't.
Lucy. Yes, indeed, Madam, I am honest at the Bottom.
L. Piz. Well, I'll be gone: 'Tis about the Hour.
[Ex. L. Piz.
Enter Pizalto.
Lucy. Good Luck attend you, Madam——Oh! Heavens! here's my Lord——Madam, Madam, Madam——Oh! Lord, what shall I say, now she's gone?
Piz. Hist, hist, Lucy: Don't, don't, don't call your Lady, for I have a Word or two to say to thee in private, and have waited for this lucky Opportunity a great while——
Lucy, aside. Now Venus be prais'd. I hope he has found some Business of his own, that may give my Lady an Opportunity to mind her's.
Piz. Well, Lucy, well,—canst thou guess my Business now?
Lucy. No, indeed, Sir—But I'm certain, an old Man's Business can't be great. [Aside.
Piz. [Gives her a Looking-glass.] Here, Child, this will tell thee—Look in't, look in't, I say——Ah! ah! thou hast a pretty pouting Lip, a delicate roguish Eye, such an Ogle, such a Cast——Ah! Rogue——Faith, thou'rt very pretty: And, in short, if any one rival thy Lady, it will be thee, Lucy——Egad, I have Fire in me, yet.
Lucy, aside. O' my Conscience, and little too. I believe: Yet I wish he has enough to serve my Ends. I'll make my Fortune——Lord, Sir, what do you mean? I rival my Lady! Heaven forbid; I would not injure so good a Woman for the World——
Piz. Pshaw, pshaw—Where's the Injury done to her, Child? Adod, I'll give thee a hundred Crowns.
Lucy. No Injury, say you, my Lord? Why, I wonder you should be so jealous of my Lady, and preach such religious Maxims to her, when your own Principles are quite opposite.
Piz. Look ye, Child, a Man may do that, which would look abominable in a Wife——A Woman's Reputation is a nice Thing——
Lucy. 'Tis so——and therefore 'tis but Reason I should take Care of mine.
Piz. Prithee, no more of that: Thy Reputation shall be safe; I'll marry thee to my Gentleman.
Lucy. Gentleman—Valet! Faugh—And what Good will a hundred Crowns do me, when my Virginity is gone? Indeed, if you lov'd me as much as you say, and would make my Fortune, (for I should love extreamly to be a Lady) I cannot tell how far you might persuade me——I know my Reputation would be safe in your Hands.
Piz. Make thy Fortune! Why, I've known some of our Nobles marry a Wife with less than a hundred Crowns——But adod, thou'rt a charming Girl, and therefore I'll make it a hundred Pistoles—What say'st thou now, Lucy? Ah! adod, I must buss thee; [Kisses her.] Ah! Rogue, methinks I'm a young, lusty, vigorous Fellow again——Thou shalt find I am, Girl.
Lucy, aside. I believe I shall fail you, old Gentleman. Well, my Lord, make it up a thousand Pistoles, and I am your's else I'll die a Maid, I'm resolv'd.
Piz. A thousand Pistoles, why thou art the most unconscionable Wench in Italy: Why, 'tis a Price for a Duchess in some Countries. Come, come, prithee be reasonable, Lucy?
Lucy. Reasonable! why you don't ask a reasonable Thing——Look you, you know my Mind, I'll not bate a Penny——I'll warrant my Lady will give me two hundred at least for my Discovery. [Going.
Piz. aside. Udslife! she won't tell my Wife, sure, I'm ruin'd if she does; I'd rather give her two thousand——Hold, hold, Lucy, sweet Lucy, prithee come back——Faith, thou'rt so charming, I can deny thee nothing——Come, it shall be what thou wilt——Come now, Rogue, let's retire to thy Chamber——
Lucy. Nay, nay, no ent'ring the Premises, till you have paid the Purchase——
Piz. Adod, thou'rt a Wag——Come in then, and I'll discharge the Debt: Thou'rt a cunning Gipsy.
[Exit Pizal.
Lucy. You shall have Reason to say so, e're I have done with you, old Gentleman——For I am resolv'd to shew you a Trick, and preserve my Virtue. [Aside.
For did base Men within my Power fall, T' avenge my injur'd Sex, I'd jilt 'em all. And would but Women follow my Advice, They should be glad at last to pay our Price. [Exit Lucy.
SCENE II.
The Piazza d'Espagna in Venice.
Enter Lady Pizalta sola.L. Piz. Not come yet! ungrateful Man! must a
Woman of my Quality wait?
How have we lost our Pow'r since the Creation?
When the whole World had but one single Lord,
Whom every Creature readily obey'd?
Yet he, that mighty he, caught with a Smile,
Flew to th'Embraces of the tempting Fair.
But now each puny Sinner dares to cross
A Woman's Inclinations——Enter Ludovico.
Oh! are you come, Signior? I suppose you have
Some other Assignation, that made you miss
My Hour——Pursue it pray——I'll not interrupt you—
Your Servant——[Going.
I hope he'll not take me at my Word. [Aside.Lud. Nay, nay, Signiora, why this Passion?
[Stops her.
You sent me a Challenge, and I, like a Man of Courage, am come to answer it——Pray don't let a Quarter of an Hour break Squares——I own it was a fault to make a Lady wait; but Friends, Madam, Friends and good Wine are the Devil——Come I'll make you amends.
L. Piz. Friends and good Wine! I suppose those Friends were Female ones——
Lud. No, Faith: You shall judge of that——But suppose they were——Why should you be angry that I did not fly with the desired Haste, as long as I am come time enough to give you Satisfaction——Besides, I han't seen your Face yet, and for aught I know, it mayn't reward my Complement in coming now——Prithee, Child, unmask, and then I'll tell thee more of my Mind.
L. Piz. The Devil take this Fellow——and yet methinks I love him for his Indifferency——[Aside.] You talk as if you were unskill'd in the Art of Love: Don't you know that Expectation feeds more than twenty tasted Pleasures?
Lud. Hum——some Sort of Fops it may: But I'm none of those——I never give my Opinion of a Dish till I've tasted; neither do I care to dine often on one Sort of Meat without changing the Sauce——But when that Cloud's withdrawn, how long I shall keep my Resolution I know not.
L. Piz. Say you so! Why then the only Way to preserve your Appetite is to feed you slenderly; or only let you see the food, but not to taste.
Lud. Faith, Madam, I'm no Camelion, but Flesh and Blood——Therefore these Prescriptions are of no Use——One Sight of that dear charming Face of your's, would be more obliging to your humble Servant.
L. Piz. unmasks. Well, Sir, what think you? Is there any thing in this Face worth your Regard?
Lud. Ah! by Heaven, an Angel——Oh! Madam, now blame yourself for my Neglect, for had you sent the Picture of her, in whom all those Beauties center, I had in this Place waited the Coming of my Goddess, or rather flown on the Wings of eager Love, to meet my Fair, tho' in the Arms of ten thousand Dangers——Say, my charming Angel, do you forgive me? But why do I ask? your Eyes assure me you do; at least I'll force a Pardon from these dear, soft, ruby Lips.
[Kisses her in Extasy.
L. Piz. Hold, hold! been't so lavish——a sparing Gamester is the likeliest to keep in Stock——whilst a profuse Hand at one Cast throws all he has away.
Lud. To fear that, were to doubt your Charms, in which a Lover is sure to find constant Supplies——But we lose Time——Let's retire to my Lodgings, where I'll give thee the best Proofs of my Love I can?
L. Piz. aside. Well! He's a charming Fellow——Oh! how happy are Wives in France and England, where such as he swarm!
Lud. Come, Madam, come——Why, what do you mean by this Delay? Consider I'm a Man, a mortal, wishing, amorous Man——
L. Piz. And consider I'm a Woman——
Lud. aside. Ay, ay: That I know: At least I hope to find you such——or I would not be in such Haste——
L. Piz. And have a Reputation to preserve.
Lud. Oh! Lord, what a damn'd Turn's here? Reputation, say you? Egad, I find all Women make Pretence to that mysterious Word. [Aside.] What! Are not you married, Madam?
L. Piz. Yes, what then?
Lud. Why then you have a Reputation to preserve—that's all.
L. Piz. All, Sir, yes, and all in all to me——Do you consider what Country you're in, Sir?
Lud. Yes, Faith, Madam; and what Constitution I am of too. I know Murder is as venial a Sin here, as Adultery is in some Countries; And I am too apprehensive of my mortal Part not to avoid Danger——Therefore, Madam, you have an infallible Security——if I should betray you, I bring myself into Jeopardy, and of all Pleasures, Self-Preservation is the dearest.
L. Piz. A very open Speaker, I vow.
Lud. Ay, Madam, that's best——Hang your creeping, cringing, whining, sighing, dying, lying Lovers——Pugh! Their Flames are not more durable than mine, tho' they make more Noise in the Blaze.
Sings:
Hang the whining Way of Wooing, Loving was design'd a sport. L. Piz. aside. The Duce take me if this Fellow has not charm'd me strangely——Well, the Carnival is almost over, and then must I be shut up like a Nun again——Hey! Hoa! This Time will be so short——
Lud. Let's make the better Use on't then, my Dear. We will consider when we have nothing else to do, but at present there's a Matter of the greatest Moment, which I must impart to you——Therefore, come dear Rogue, come——
L. Piz. [Looking on her Watch.] Hold——I have outstaid my Time, and must return Home instantly, to prevent Discoveries.
Lud. Faith, Madam, this is not fair——to raise a Man's Expectation, and then disappoint him! Would you be serv'd so yourself now?
L. Piz. I'll endeavour to disengage myself from my jealous Husband, and contrive another Meeting.
Lud. But will you be sure to meet me again?
L. Piz. I give you my Hand as a Pledge——
Lud. Kisses it. And I this Kiss in Return——Adieu, my Charmer.
L. Piz. Signior, farewel. [Exeunt severally.
Enter Bassino, Alonzo.
Bass. Well, Sir, your Business——
Alon. It is to tell you——
You are a Villain.Bass. Ha——
Alon. And that as such
I ought to have treated you before the Face
Of false Aurelia——But I scorn to follow
The barbarous Custom of my native Country.
I seek with Honour to revenge my Wrongs;
Therefore, Sir, draw——Bass. This Action speaks you noble—be likewise just,
And let me know the Cause that moves your Anger.
By Heaven I'd rather call you still my Friend,
Than be your Enemy——Yet, if I wrong'd you,
I'll give you Satisfaction——Alon. Trifler, away——Too well thou know'st the Cause;
And now would'st sooth my Wrongs with Flattery,
But my Resolve is fix'd as Heaven's Decrees:
And one of us must fall——Let the Survivor
Dispose of that base, false, perjur'd Aurelia,
As both his Love and Honour shall direct.
If my propitious Stars defend my Life,
You shall not die alone——Th' adulterous Fair
Shall bear you Company——Now draw.Bass. Oh! hold.
One Moment hold, I must unfold this Riddle:
Adulterous Fair, say you?Alon. Yes: She's my Wife.
Bass. Ha——your Wife!
Sure there's a Curse entail'd upon that Name. [Aside.
What! your real Wife?Alon. If the Command of an expiring Father,
And her own Vows can make her mine, she's so:
Indeed the Marriage Rites are yet to come,
Which slily she delay'd these two Months past,
On slight Pretence of finishing the Time
Of mourning for her Father——But 'tis plain,
I was a Property to your base Love,
And only design'd to fill up your Place,
When surfeited you should return to Turin.
Hell——Furies! Draw, or in my just Revenge,
I'll pin you to the Earth——Bass. Oh! Woman! Woman! [Aside.
Yes, I will draw——But ere the fatal Stroke
Is past Recal, I swear Aurelia's Virtue
Is clear and spotless, like Diana's self:
Nor was I prompted on this early Visit,
But with Design to take my last Farewel,
Having last Night receiv'd my Prince's Orders
To haste to Turin——Therefore if I fall,
I hope she'll meet with Mercy——Now come on.Alon. Hold, hold, my Lord; Oh! could I credit this,
I would ask Pardon, and entreat your Friendship.Bass. 'Tis true, upon my Honour——
But if you doubt my Words, I'm ready——
Tho' I have Reason to decline this Combat,
At least at present——Oh! Placentia! [Aside.
Oh! my Placentia! why should I abuse thee?Alon. My Lord, you seem disturb'd——
Bass. Oh! Alonzo! Alonzo!
Should I acquaint you with my wretched Fate,
You'd find that Life itself is grown a Burden,
I cannot bear, since I can ne'er be happy.
But 'tis a Story that must ne'er be told,
Let it suffice, to settle your Repose,
That Turin holds the Cause of my Misfortunes.Alon. Then I am happy: [Aside.
My Lord, I wish 'twere in my Power to serve you,
I'd do it as a Friend——Bass. Generous Sir, I thank you;
As far as I am capable, I am Alonzo's. [Exit Alonzo.
Oh! Force of treacherous Love! to gain my End,
I wrong a Wife, a Mistress, and a Friend.[Exit Bassino.
The End of the Second Act.
| For did base Men within my Power fall, |
| T' avenge my injur'd Sex, I'd jilt 'em all. |
| And would but Women follow my Advice, |
| They should be glad at last to pay our Price. |
| Hang the whining Way of Wooing, |
| Loving was design'd a sport. |