Volume I Part 20 (1/2)

_Belv._ I own I fought to day in the defence of a Friend of mine, with whom you (if you're the same) and your Party were first engag'd.

Perhaps you think this Crime enough to kill me, But if you do, I cannot fear you'll do it basely.

_Ant._ No, Sir, I'll make you fit for a Defence with this.

[Gives him the Sword.

_Belv._ This Gallantry surprizes me-- nor know I how to use this Present, Sir, against a Man so brave.

_Ant._ You shall not need; For know, I come to s.n.a.t.c.h you from a Danger That is decreed against you; Perhaps your Life, or long Imprisonment: And 'twas with so much Courage you offended, I cannot see you punisht.

_Belv._ How shall I pay this Generosity?

_Ant._ It had been safer to have kill'd another, Than have attempted me: To shew your Danger, Sir, I'll let you know my Quality; And 'tis the Vice-Roy's Son whom you have wounded.

_Belv._ The Vice-Roy's Son!

Death and Confusion! was this Plague reserved To compleat all the rest?-- oblig'd by him!

The Man of all the World I would destroy. [Aside.

_Ant._ You seem disorder'd, Sir.

_Belv._ Yes, trust me, Sir, I am, and 'tis with pain That Man receives such Bounties, Who wants the pow'r to pay 'em back again.

_Ant._ To gallant Spirits 'tis indeed uneasy; --But you may quickly over-pay me, Sir.

_Belv._ Then I am well-- kind Heaven! but set us even, That I may fight with him, and keep my Honour safe. [Aside.

--Oh, I'm impatient, Sir, to be discounting The mighty Debt I owe you; command me quickly--

_Ant._ I have a Quarrel with a Rival, Sir, About the Maid we love.

_Belv._ Death,'tis _Florinda_ he means-- That Thought destroys my Reason, and I shall kill him-- [Aside.

_Ant._ My Rival, Sir.

Is one has all the Virtues Man can boast of.

_Belv._ Death! who shou'd this be? [Aside.

_Ant._ He challeng'd me to meet him on the _Molo_, As soon as Day appear'd; but last Night's quarrel Has made my Arm unfit to guide a Sword.

_Belv._ I apprehend you, Sir, you'd have me kill the Man That lays a claim to the Maid you speak of.

--I'll do't-- I'll fly to do it.

_Ant._ Sir, do you know her?

_Belv._ --No, Sir, but 'tis enough she is admired by you.

_Ant._ Sir, I shall rob you of the Glory on't, For you must fight under my Name and Dress.

_Belv._ That Opinion must be strangely obliging that makes You think I can personate the brave _Antonio_, Whom I can but strive to imitate.

_Ant._ You say too much to my Advantage.