Part 14 (2/2)

_Felix._ 'Tis false. He hath slain my friend, whose body now lies in my house.

_Ant._ Indeed, sir! may I credit this?

_Felix._ I tell you it is true. Where can a message find your master?

_Ant._ Wherever he may be, sir.

_Felix._ And where is that? Trifle not with me, knave, or you'll repent it sorely.

_Ant._ I do not trifle, sir. Don Gaspar's motions are unknown to me.

Give me your message; when he re-appears I will deliver it.

_Felix._ Then tell him he's a villain of no parentage; a vile impostor whom I mean to punish;--that if there's manhood in him he will appoint a time and place where we may meet.

_Ant._ You seek his life then?

_Felix._ You may so construe by the message.

_Ant._ Pardon me, sir; but will you risk your n.o.ble person against one but too well practised in the sword? Excuse me, sir, you're hasty: there are other means more fitting for your purpose. I have his secret; one that will administer to your revenge, and win a triumph far greater than your sword.

_Felix._ Tell me this secret.

_Ant._ Why should I sacrifice a liberal master, whom, just now, you saw me weep for? and that to one to whom I have no obligation?

_Felix._ I understand thee, knave! Thou'lt sell it me? (_Takes out a purse._)

_Ant._ Softly, Don Felix! it bears no common price, nor can I tell it here. I've paid most dearly for it, and from distress alone am now obliged to sell it.

_Felix._ And I will buy it dearly. In half an hour come to my house; there will I exchange a heavy purse for what you may confide to me, if, as you say, it leads to his perdition. [_Exit Felix._

_Ant._ So, this works well; and yet my conscience smites me! Why does it smite me? Because 'tis heavily laden. With what? This secret. Then must I unburthen myself of it; and as, till lately, I have confessed to one Don Gaspar, I will now confess to one Don Felix. The former refused me absolution--the latter offers me a purse. I was right when I gave warning to my old confessor; the new one is more suited to me. Here come my ten plagues of Egypt in one.

_Enter Beppa._

_Bep._ Well, Antonio, you have lost no time, I hope. What have you collected? You often quote the proverb, ”Service is no inheritance.”

_Ant._ Service _is_ no inheritance; yet you would that I const.i.tuted myself my master's heir. I cannot do it, Beppa--I dare not! There's something tells me it is wrong to rob so good a master; I am more honest than you take me to be.

_Bep._ Then is the devil turned saint! Think not that you deceive me.

There's nought but cowardice that will prevent your knavery. Now tell me, how long have you been thus scrupulous?

_Ant._ Ever since I found out that my master was not dead.

_Bep._ Not dead?

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