Trap. Well, sir, since I must speak, then Trap. O lud! O lud! sir, as I hope to die in the first place, I desire your honour will in my bed, these are the very words, he be pleased to command the officer to secure threaten'd to stab me if I wouldn't swear against that gentleman.

Don M. How, friend?

Don P. Secure me, rascal?

Trap. Sir, if I can't be protected, I shall

never be able to speak.

Don M. I warrant thee - What is it you say, friend?

Trap. Sir, as I was just now crossing the street, this gentleman, with a sneer in his face, takes me.by the hand, claps five pistoles in my palm (here they are), shuts my fist close

my master-I told him at first, sir, I was not
fit for his business; I was never good at a
lie in my life.

Alg. Nay, sir, I saw this gentleman's sword
at his breast out of my window.
Trap. Look ye there, sir!
Dón P. Damnation!
Omnes. Ha, ha, ha!

Don M. Really, my friend, thou'rt almost turn'd fool in this business. If thou hadst prevail'd upon this wretch to perjure himself,

upon 'em; "My dear friend," says he, "you couldst thou think I should not have detected must do me a piece of service:" upon which, him? You may go, friend. [Exit Alguazil. sir, I bows me him to the ground, and desired

him to open his case.

Don P. What means the rascal?

Don M. Sir, I am as much amazed as you; but pray let's hear him, that his meaning.

a

we may know

Trap. So, sir, upon this he runs me over long story of a sham and a flam1) he had just contrived, he said, to defer my master's marriage only for two days.

Don P. Confusion!

Don M. Very well!
Don P. Villain!

Flora. Hyp. Ha, ha, ha!

Trap. Upon this, sir, he catches me fast bold by the collar, whips out his poker, claps it within half an inch of my guts: "Now, dog," says he, "you shall do it, or within two hours rot upon the dunghill you came from." Don P. Sir, if there be any faith in mortal

man

Flora. Ha, ha!

Don P. Sir, you're imposed on: defer the marriage but an hour.

Don M. Ay, and in half that time, I suppose, you are in hopes to defer it altogether.

Don P. Perdition seize me, if I have any hope or thought but that of serving you.

Don M. Nay, now thou art a downright distracted man. - Dost thou expect I should take thy bare word, when here were two honest fellows that have just proved thee in lie to thy face?

Enter Servant.

Sero. Sir, the priest is come.

a

Don M. Is he so? Then, sir, if you please, since you see you can do me no further service, I believe it may be time for you to go. - Come, son, now let's wait upon the bride, and put an end to this gentleman's trouble altogether.

[Exit.

Hyp. Sir, I'll wait on ye. Don P. Confusion! I've undone my friend. [Walks about. Flora. Trappanti! rogue, this was a masterpiece. [Apart.

Trap. Sir, I believe it won't be mended in haste. [Apart. Exeunt Flora and Trappanti. Hyp. Sir!

Don P. Ha! alone! if we're not prevented now-[Aside] Well, sir

Hyp. I suppose you don't think the favours you have design'd me are to be put without Don M. Nay, nay, one at a time; you shall satisfaction; therefore I shall expect to see you be heard presently. - Go on friend. early to-morrow, near the Prado, with your [To Trappanti. sword in your hand: in the mean time, sir, Trap. Having me at this advantage, sir, I I'm a little more in haste to be the lady's began to think my wit would do me more humble servant than yours. [Going. service than my courage; so prudently pretended out of fear to comply with his threats, and swallow the perjury: but now, sir, being under protection and at liberty of conscience, I have honesty enough, you see, to tell you the whole truth of the matter.

Don M. Ay, this is evidence indeed!
Omnes. Ha, ha, ha!

Don P. Dog! Villain! Did not you confess to me that this gentleman picked you up, not three hours ago, at the same inn where I alighted? that he had own'd his stealing my portmanteau at Toledo? that if he succeeded to marry the lady, you were to have a considerable sum for your pains, and these two were to share the rest of her fortune between them?

Don P. Hold, sir! - you and I can't part upon such easy terms. Hyp. Sir!

Don P. You're not so near the lady, sir, [Locks the Door.

perhaps, as you imagine.

Hyp. What d'ye mean?
Don P. Speak softly.
Hyp. Ha!

Don P. Come, sir-draw!

Hyp. My ruin now has caught me; this was

the very spite of fortune.

[Aside.

Don P. Come, sir, my time's but short. Hyp. And mine's too precious to be lost on any thing but love; besides, this is no proper place. To-morrow, sir, I shall find a better.

Don P. No, now, sir, if you please-Draw, villain, or expect such usage as I am sure don Philip would not bear.

Hyp. A lover, sir, may bear any thing to make sure of his mistress-You know it is not lose my little husband.

Ros. Truly, I began to be afraid I should [Apart. Hyp. Husband, quotha! Get me but once Don P. No evasion, sir; either this moment safe out of these breeches, if ever I wear 'em confess your villainy, your name, and fortune, againor expect no mercy.

fear that

Hyp. Nay then-Within there! Don P. Move but a step, or dare to raise thy voice beyond a whisper, and this minute is thy last. [Seizes her, and holds a Sword

ACT V.

[Apart. Exeunt.

SCENE L-The same.
Enter TRAPPANTI.

to her Breast, Trap. What, in the name of roguery, can Hyp. Sir! [Trembling. this new master of mine be? He's either a Don P. Villain! be quick, confess, or- fool or bewitch'd, that's positive. First, he Hyp. Hold, sir-I own I dare not fight with gives me fifty pieces for helping him to marry you. the lady; and soon as the wedding is over, Don P. No, I see thou art too poor a vil- claps me twenty more into the other hand, to lain-therefore be speedy, as thou hopest I'll help him to get rid of her. - Nay, not only spare thy life. that, but gives me a strict charge to observe Hyp. Nay then, sir-Mercy! mercy! [Throws his directions, in being evidence against him herself at his Feet] And, since I must con- as an impostor, to refund all the lies I have fess, have pity on my youth, have pity on my told in his service, to sweep him clear out of love! my conscience, and now to swear the robbery Don P. Thy love! What art thou? Speak. against him! What the bottom of this can be, Hyp. Unless your generous compassion I must confess, does a little puzzle my wit.spares me, sure the most wretched youth that There's but one way in the world I can solve ever felt the pangs and torments of a success-it.-He must certainly have some secret reason less passion.

to hang himself, that he's ashamed to own,

Don P. Nay, then I must forgive thee. [Raises and so was resolved first to be married, that her] For I have known too well the misery his friends might not wonder at the occasion. not to pity-any thing in love. Yet hold- But here he comes, with his noose in his hand. nor flatter thy fond hopes too far: you must

defer your marriage with this lady.

Hyp. Sir, on my knees.

Don P. Expect no more from me; either comply this moment, or my sword shall force thee.

Hyp. Consider, sir

Enter HYPOLITA and ROSARA.

Don P. Nay then, discover quick! Tell me no other name. Where's your father, madam?

thy name and family..

Hyp. Hold, sir

Don P. Speak, or thou diest.

Hyp. Sir, I will-[A Noise at the Door] Ha! they are entering - O! for a moment's courage! Come on, sir.

[Breaks from him and draws, retiring

Trap. Yes, sir.

[Exit.

Ros. Who's don Pedro pray?

Hyp. Flora, madam; he knows her yet by

till Don Manuel, Flora, Trappanti, possess'd with the very spirit of disobedience and Servants rush in and part them. -Now could I, in the humour I am in, conDon M. Knock him down! Force him out sent to any mischief that would but heartily of the room there; call an officer; in the mean plague my old gentleman.

time, secure him in the cellar.

Don P. Hear me but one word, sir!

Enter DON MANUEL,

Don M. Stop his mouth-out with him. [They Don M. Ah, my little conqueror! let me hurry him off] Come, dear son, be pacified. embrace thee - That ever I should live to see Hyp. A villain! [Walks in a Heat this day! this most triumphant day, this day Flora. Why should he be concern'd, now of all days in my life!

he's secure? Such a rascal would but conta

minate the sword of a man of honour.

Hyp. I am sorry, sir, such a fellow should have it in his power to disturb me-but

Enter ROSARA.

Hyp. Ay, and of my life too, sir.

[Embraces him. Don M. Ay, my cares are over-Now I've nothing to do but to think of the other world; for I've done all my business in this: got as many children as I could; and now I'm grown

Don M. Look! here's my daughter in a fright old, have set a young couple to work. Look to seek for you. Hyp. Then I'm composed again.

you here, children, I have brought you some baubles that will make you merry as long as you live; twelve thousand pistoles are the least value of 'em; and the rest of your fortune shall be paid in the best Barbary gold to-morrow morning.

Hyp. Ay, sir, this is speaking like a father! this is encouragement indeed!

Don M. Much good may do thy heart and [Apart to Rosara. soul with 'em-and heaven bless you together -I've had a great deal of care and trouble this day! If I were sure to beg for it all my to bring it about, children; but, thank my life after-Here, sirrah, cook! look into the stars, 'tis over - 'tis over now - Now I may Roman history, see what Mark Anthony had sleep with my doors open, and never have for supper, when Cleopatra first treated him my slumbers broken with the fear of rogues with chere entiere: rogue, let me have a re

and rivals.

past that will be six times as expensive and Ros. Don't interrupt him, and see how far provoking-Go. And, d'ye hear? One of you his humour will carry him?

[Apart to Hypolita.

step to monsieur Vendevin, the king's butler, for the same wine that his majesty reserves for his own drinking; tell him he shall have his price for't.

1 Serv. How much will you please to have, sir? Don M. Too much, sir! I'll have every thing upon the outside of enough to-day. Go you, sirrah, run to my nephew, don Lewis, give

Don M. But there is no joy lasting in this world; we must all die when we have done our best; sooner or later, old or young, prince or peasant, high or low, kings, lords, andcommon whores, must die! Nothing certain; we are forced to buy one comfort with the loss of another. Now I've married my child, my service and tell him to bring all his family I've lost my companion-I've parted with my along with him. girl!-Her heart's gone another way now

she'll forget her old father!-I shall never have it begins to look like a wedding.

her wake me more, like a cheerful lark, with

Hyp. Ay, sir! this is as it should be! now

Don M. Ah! we'll make all the hair in the world stand an end at our joy.

Hyp. Here comes Flora - Now, madam, ob

Enter FLORA.

her pretty songs in a morning - I shall have
nobody to chat at dinner with me now, or
take up a godly book and read me to sleep serve your cue.
in ar afternoon. Ah! these comforts are all

gone now!

[Weeps.

Hyp. How very near the extreme of one Flora. Your servant, gentlemen-I need not passion is to another! Now he is tired with wish you joy - You have it, I see-Don Phijoy, till he is downright melancholy. [Aside. lip, I must needs speak with you.

Ros. What's the matter, sir?

Don M. Ah! my child! now it comes to the test, methinks I don't know how to part with thee.

Ros. O, sir, we shall be better friends than

ever.

Don M. Uh! uh! shall we? Wilt thou come and see the old man now and then? Well, heaven bless thee, give me a kiss-I must kiss thee at parting! Be a good girl, use thy husband well, make an obedient wife, and I shall die contented.

Hyp. Die, sir! Come, come, you have a great while to live-Hang these melancholy thoughts, they are the worst company in the world at a wedding. -Consider, sir, we are young; if you would oblige us, let us have a little life and mirth, a jubilee to day at least; stir your servants, call in your neighbours, let me see your whole family mad for joy, sir. Don M. Ha! shall we be merry then?

Hyp. Merry, sir! ah! as beggars at a feast. What, shall a dull Spanish custom tell me, when I am the happiest man in the kingdom, I shan't be as mad as I have a mind to? Let me see the face of nothing to-day but revels, friends, feasts, and music, sir.

Don M. Ah! thou shalt have thy humourthou shalt have thy humour! Hey, within there! rogues! dogs! slaves! where are my rascals? Ah! my joy flows again-I can't bear it.

Enter several Servants.

Sere. Did you call, sir?

Don M. Call, sir! ay, sir: what's the reason you are not all out of your wits, sir? Don't you know that your young mistress is married, scoundrels?

1 Serv. Yes, sir, and we are all ready to be mad, as soon as your honour will please to give any distracted orders.

Hyp. You see, sir, they only want a little

encouragement.

Don M. Ah! there shall be nothing wanting

Hyp. Pshaw! prythee
business at such a time as this.
Flora. My business won't be deferred, sir.
Hyp. Sir!

pr'ythee don't plague me with

Flora. I suppose you guess it, sir; and I must tell you, I take it ill it was not done before.

Hyp. What d'ye mean?
Flora. Your ear, sir.

[They whisper.
Don M. What's the matter now, 'tro?
Ros. The gentleman seems very free, methinks.
Don M. Troth, I don't like it.

Ros. Don't disturb 'em, sir-We shall know

all presently.

Philip?

Hyp. But what have you done with don [Apart to Flora. Flora. I drew the servants out of the way, while he made his escape; what we do we must do quickly: come, come, put on your fighting face, and I'll be with 'em presently. [Aside.

Hyp. [Aloud] Sir, I have offer'd you very fair; if you don't think so, I have married the lady, and take your course.

Flora. Sir, our contract was a full third; a third part's my right, and I'll have it, sir. Don M. Hey!

Hyp. Then I must tell you, sir, since you are pleased to call it your right, you shall not have it.

Flora. Not, sir?

Hyp. No, sir-Look ye, don't put on your pert airs to me-'Gad, I shall use you very scurvily.

Flora. Use me! - You little son of a whore, draw.

Hyp. Oh! sir, I am for you.

[They fight, and Don Manuel interposes.
Ros. Ah! help! murder!
[Runs out
Don M. Within there! help! murder! Why,
gentlemen, are ye mad? Pray put up.
Hyp. A rascal!

Don M. Friends, and quarrel! for shame.
Flora. Friends I scorn his friendship; and

since he does not know how to use a gentleman, I'll do a public piece of justice, and use him like a villain.

Don M. Better words, sir. [To Flora. Flora. Why, sir, d'ye take this fellow for don Philip?

Don M. What d'ye mean, sir?

Flora. That he has cheated me as well as you -But I'll have my revenge immediately. [Exit. [Hyp. walks about, and Don M. stares. Don M. Hey! what's all this? What is it -My heart misgives me.

Hyp. Hey! who waits there? Here, you! 1! [To a Servant] Bid my servant run, and hire me a coach and four horses immediately.

Sero. Yes, sir.

Don M. A coach!

Enter VILETTA.

[Exit Servant.

Vil. Sir, sir!-bless me! What's the matter, sir? Are not you well?

Don M. Yes, yes-I am-that is-ha!
Vil. I have brought you a letter, sir.
Don M. What business can he have for a
coach?

Vil. I have brought you a letter, sir, from
Octavio.

Don M. To me?

Vil. No, sir, to my mistress-he charged me to deliver it immediately; for he said it concerned her life and fortune.

now?

Don L. Uncle, I am your humble servant. Don M. I am glad to see you, nephew. Don L. I received your invitation, and am come to pay my duty: but here I met with the most surprising news.

Don M. How! let's see it - There's what I promised thee-be gone. What can this be [Reads. The person whom your father ignorantly designs you to marry, is a known cheat, Don M. Pray what is it? and an impostor; the true don Philip, who Don L. Why, first your servant told me, is my intimate friend, will immediately ap-my young cousin was to be married to-day pear with the corregidore, and fresh evi- to don Philip de las Torres; and just as I dence against him. I thought this advice, was entering your doors, who should I meet though from one you hate, would be well but don Philip with the corregidore, and sereceived if it came time enough to prevent veral witnesses to prove, it seems, that the your ruin. OCTAVIO. person whom you were just going to marry O, my heart! this letter was not designed to my cousin to, has usurp'd his name, betray'd fall into my hands-I am frightened-I dare you, robb'd him, and is in short a rank imnot think on't.

Re-enter the Servant.

Sero. Sir, your man is not within.

Hyp. Careless rascal! to be out of the way when my life's at stake-Pr'ythee do thou go and see if thou canst get me any post horses. Don M. Post horses!

Re-enter ROSARA.

Ros. O, dear sir, what was the matter?
Don M. Hey!

Ros. What made 'em quarrel, sir?
Don M. Child!

Ros. What was it about, sir? You look concern'd.

Don M. Concern'd!

Ros. I hope you are not hurt, sir. [To Hypolita, who minds her not] - What's the matter with him, sir? he won't speak to me. [To Don Manuel.

postor.

Don M. Dear nephew, don't torture me: are ye sure you know don Philip when you see him?

Don L. Know him, sir? were not we schoolfellows, fellow collegians, and fellow travellers? Don M. But are you sure you mayn't have forgot him neither?

Don L. You might as well ask me if I had not forgot you, sir.

Don M. But one question more and I am dumb for ever-Is that he?

Don L. That, sir? No, nor in the least like him. But pray why this concern? I hope we are not come too late to prevent the marriage? Don M. Oh! oh! oh! oh! my poor child! [Seems to faint.

Ros. Oh!

Don M. Ah! look to my child.

Don L. Is this the villain then that has imposed on you?

Hyp. Sir, I'm this lady's husband; and while
I'm sure that name can't be taken from me,

other you or your party dare give me.
Don M. Oh!

Don M. A-speak! -a-go to him again- I shall be contented with laughing at any try what fair words will do, and see if you can pick out the meaning of all this. Ros. Dear sir, what's the matter?

Don M. Ay, sir, pray what's the matter?

Don L. Nay then, within there!-such a

villain ought to be made an example.

Flora. And mine.

Trap. Ay, and mine too, sir.

[head? Don M. Where shall I hide this shameful Flora. And for the robbery, that I can prove upon him: he confess'd to me at Toledo, he stole this gentleman's portmanteau there, to carry on his design upon this lady, and agreed to give me a third part of her fortune for my assistance; which he refusing to pay as soon as the marriage was over, I thought myself obliged in honour to discover him.

Don M. Oh! oh!

Oct Can she repent her falsehood then at last? Is't possible? then I'm wounded too! 0 my poor undone Rosara! [Goes to her] Ungrateful! cruel! perjured man!

Don M. Oh! don't insult me! I deserve the worst you can say. I'm a miserable wretch, and I repert me.

Vil. So! here's the lady in tears, the lover in rage, the old gentleman out of his senses, most of the company distracted, and the bridegroom in a fair way to be hanged. - The merriest wedding that ever I saw in my life. [Apart to Hypolita.

Cor. Well, sir, have you any thing to say before I make your warrant? Hyp. A word or two, and I obey ye, sir. Gentlemen, I have reflected on the folly of my action, and foresee the disquiets I am like to undergo in being this lady's husband; therefore, as I own myself the author of all this seeming ruin and confusion, so I am willing (desiring first the officers may withdraw) to offer something to the general quiet.

Oct. What can this mean?

Don P. Pshaw! some new contrivance

Let's be gone.
Don L. Stay a moment, it can be no harm
to hear him-Sir, will you oblige us?

Cor. Wait without. [Exeunt Officers. Vil. What's to be done now, 'trow? Trap. Some smart thing, I warrant ye; the Hyp. Well, gentlemen, you may insult me little gentleman hath a notable head, faith. if you please; but I presume you'll hardly be Flora. Nay, gentlemen, thus much I know able to prove that I'm not married to the lady, of him: that if you can but persuade him to or hav'n't the best part of her fortune in my be honest, 'tis still in his power to make you pocket; so do your worst: I own my ingenuity, and am proud on't.

Don M. Ingenuity, abandon'd villain!-But, sir, before you send him to gaol, I desire he may return the jewels I gave him as part of my daughter's portion.

Cor. That can't be, sir-since he has married the lady, her fortune's lawfully his: all we can do, is to prosecute him for robbing this gentleman.

Don M. O that ever I was born.

Hyp. Return the jewels, sir! if you don't pay me the rest of her fortune to-morrow morning, you may chance to go to gaol before me.

Don M. O that I were buried! Will my

cares never be over?

Hyp. They are pretty near it, sir; you can't have much more to trouble you.

Cor. Come, sir, if you please; I must desire to take your deposition in writing.

all amends; and, in my opinion, 'tis high time he should propose it.

Don M. Ay, 'tis time he were hang'd indeed: for 1 know no other amends he can make us. Hyp. Then I must tell you, sir, I owe you no reparation; the injuries which you complain of, your sordid avarice, and breach of promise here have justly brought upon you: therefore, sir, if you are injured, you may thank yourself for it.

Don M. Nay, dear sir, I do confess my blindness, and could heartily wish your eyes or mine had dropp'd out of our heads before ever we saw one another.

Hyp. Well, sir (however little you have deserved it), yet for your daughter's sake, if you'll oblige yourself, by signing this paper, to keep your first promise, and give her, with her full fortune, to this gentleman, I'm still content, on that condition, to disannul my own pretences, and resign her.

Don M. Sir, I don't know how to answer you: for I can never believe you'll have good nature enough to hang yourself out of the way to make room for him?

[Goes to the Table with Flora. Don P. Now, sir, you see what your own rashness has brought ye to. Don M. Pray forbear, sir. Hyp. Keepitup, madam. [Aside to Rosara. Hyp. Then, sir, to let you see I have not Ros. Oh, sir! how wretched have you made only an honest meaning, but an immediate me! is this the care you have taken of me for power too, to make good my word, I first my blind obedience to your commands? this renounce all title to her fortune: these jewels, my reward for filial duty? [To Don Manuel. which I received from you, I give him free possession of; and now, sir, the rest of her Ros. But I deserve it all, for ever listening fortune you owe him with her person. to your barbarous proposal, when my con- Don M. This is unaccountable, I must conscience might have told me, my vows and fess-But still, sir, if you disannul your preperson in justice and honour were the wronged tences, how you'll persuade that gentleman, to whom I am obliged in contract to part with his

Don M. Ah! my poor child!

Octavio's.