Volume I Part 20 (2/2)

Come, Sir, the Day appears that calls you forth.

Within, Sir, is the Habit. [Exit _Antonio_.

_Belv._ Fantastick Fortune, thou deceitful Light, That cheats the wearied Traveller by Night, Tho on a Precipice each step you tread, I am resolv'd to follow where you lead. [Exit.

SCENE II. _The Molo._

Enter _Florinda_ and _Callis_ in Masques, with _Stephano_.

_Flor._ I'm dying with my fears; _Belvile's_ not coming, As I expected, underneath my Window, Makes me believe that all those Fears are true. [Aside.

--Canst thou not tell with whom my Brother fights?

_Steph._ No, Madam, they were both in Masquerade, I was by when they challeng'd one another, and they had decided the Quarrel then, but were prevented by some Cavaliers; which made 'em put it off till now-- but I am sure 'tis about you they fight.

_Flor._ Nay then 'tis with _Belvile_, for what other Lover have I that dares fight for me, except _Antonio_? and he is too much in favour with my Brother-- If it be he, for whom shall I direct my Prayers to Heaven?

[Aside.

_Steph._ Madam, I must leave you; for if my Master see me, I shall be hang'd for being your Conductor.-- I escap'd narrowly for the Excuse I made for you last night i'th' Garden.

_Flor._ And I'll reward thee for't-- prithee no more. [Exit. Steph.

Enter Don _Pedro_ in his Masquing Habit.

_Pedro._ _Antonio's_ late to day, the place will fill, and we may be prevented.

[Walk about.

_Flor._ _Antonio_! sure I heard amiss. [Aside.

_Pedro._ But who would not excuse a happy Lover.

When soft fair Arms confine the yielding Neck; And the kind Whisper languis.h.i.+ngly breathes, Must you be gone so soon?

Sure I had dwelt for ever on her Bosom.

--But stay, he's here.

Enter _Belvile_ drest in _Antonio's_ Clothes.

_Flor._ 'Tis not _Belvile_, half my Fears are vanisht.

_Pedro._ _Antonio!_--

_Belv._ This must be he. [Aside.] You're early, Sir,-- I do not use to be out-done this way.

_Pedro._ The wretched, Sir, are watchful, and 'tis enough You have the advantage of me in _Angelica_.

_Belv._ _Angelica!_ Or I've mistook my Man! Or else _Antonio_, Can he forget his Interest in _Florinda_, And fight for common Prize? [Aside.

_Pedro._ Come, Sir, you know our terms--

_Belv._ By Heaven, not I. [Aside.] --No talking, I am ready, Sir.

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