Volume I Part 6 (2/2)

_h.e.l.l._ What then? the Vice-Roy's Son is better than that Old Sir Fisty.

Don _Vincentio_! Don _Indian_! he thinks he's trading to _Gambo_ still, and wou'd barter himself (that Bell and Bawble) for your Youth and Fortune.

_Pedro._ _Callis_, take her hence, and lock her up all this Carnival, and at Lent she shall begin her everlasting Penance in a Monastery.

_h.e.l.l._ I care not, I had rather be a Nun, than be oblig'd to marry as you wou'd have me, if I were design'd for't.

_Pedro._ Do not fear the Blessing of that Choice-- you shall be a Nun.

_h.e.l.l._ Shall I so? you may chance to be mistaken in my way of Devotion-- A Nun! yes I am like to make a fine Nun! I have an excellent Humour for a Grate: No, I'll have a Saint of my own to pray to shortly, if I like any that dares venture on me.

[Aside.

_Pedro._ _Callis_, make it your Business to watch this wild Cat. As for you, _Florinda_, I've only try'd you all this while, and urg'd my Father's Will; but mine is, that you would love _Antonio_, he is brave and young, and all that can compleat the Happiness of a gallant Maid-- This Absence of my Father will give us opportunity to free you from _Vincentio_, by marrying here, which you must do to morrow.

_Flor._ To morrow!

_Pedro._ To morrow, or 'twill be too late-- 'tis not my Friends.h.i.+p to _Antonio_, which makes me urge this, but Love to thee, and Hatred to _Vincentio_-- therefore resolve upon't to morrow.

_Flor._ Sir, I shall strive to do, as shall become your Sister.

_Pedro._ I'll both believe and trust you-- Adieu.

[Ex. _Ped._ and _Steph._

_h.e.l.l._ As become his Sister!-- That is, to be as resolved your way, as he is his-- [_h.e.l.l._ goes to _Callis_.

_Flor._ I ne'er till now perceiv'd my Ruin near, I've no Defence against _Antonio's_ Love, For he has all the Advantages of Nature, The moving Arguments of Youth and Fortune.

_h.e.l.l._ But hark you, _Callis_, you will not be so cruel to lock me up indeed: will you?

_Call._ I must obey the Commands I hate-- besides, do you consider what a Life you are going to lead?

_h.e.l.l._ Yes, _Callis_, that of a Nun: and till then I'll be indebted a World of Prayers to you, if you let me now see, what I never did, the Divertis.e.m.e.nts of a Carnival.

_Call._ What, go in Masquerade? 'twill be a fine farewell to the World I take it-- pray what wou'd you do there?

_h.e.l.l._ That which all the World does, as I am told, be as mad as the rest, and take all innocent Freedom-- Sister, you'll go too, will you not? come prithee be not sad-- We'll out-wit twenty Brothers, if you'll be ruled by me-- Come put off this dull Humour with your Clothes, and a.s.sume one as gay, and as fantastick as the Dress my Cousin _Valeria_ and I have provided, and let's ramble.

_Flor._ _Callis_, will you give us leave to go?

_Call._ I have a youthful Itch of going my self. [Aside.] --Madam, if I thought your Brother might not know it, and I might wait on you, for by my troth I'll not trust young Girls alone.

_Flor._ Thou see'st my Brother's gone already, and thou shalt attend and watch us.

Enter _Stephano_.

_Steph._ Madam, the Habits are come, and your Cousin Valeria is drest, and stays for you.

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