Volume I Part 30 (1/2)

So mean a Thought of me, Wou'd turn my Rage to Scorn, and I shou'd pity thee, And give thee leave to live; Which for the publick Safety of our s.e.x, And my own private Injuries, I dare not do.

Prepare-- [Follows still, as before.

--I will no more be tempted with Replies.

_Will._ Sure--

_Ang._ Another Word will d.a.m.n thee! I've heard thee talk too long.

[She follows him with a Pistol ready to shoot: he retires still amaz'd.

Enter Don _Antonio_, his Arm in a Scarf, and lays hold on the Pistol.

_Ant._ Hah! _Angelica!_

_Ang._ _Antonio!_ What Devil brought thee hither?

_Ant._ Love and Curiosity, seeing your Coach at Door. Let me disarm you of this unbecoming Instrument of Death.-- [Takes away the Pistol.]

Amongst the Number of your Slaves, was there not one worthy the Honour to have fought your Quarrel?

--Who are you, Sir, that are so very wretched To merit Death from her?

_Will._ One, Sir, that cou'd have made a better End of an amorous Quarrel without you, than with you.

_Ant._ Sure 'tis some Rival-- hah-- the very Man took down her Picture yesterday-- the very same that set on me last night-- Blest opportunity-- [Offers to shoot him.

_Ang._ Hold, you're mistaken, Sir.

_Ant._ By Heaven the very same!

--Sir, what pretensions have you to this Lady?

_Will._ Sir, I don't use to be examin'd, and am ill at all Disputes but this-- [Draws, _Anton._ offers to shoot.

_Ang._ Oh, hold! you see he's arm'd with certain Death: [To _Will._ --And you, _Antonio_, I command you hold, By all the Pa.s.sion you've so lately vow'd me.

Enter Don _Pedro_, sees Antonio, and stays.

_Ped._ Hah, _Antonio_! and _Angelica_! [Aside.

_Ant._ When I refuse Obedience to your Will, May you destroy me with your mortal Hate.

By all that's Holy I adore you so, That even my Rival, who has Charms enough To make him fall a Victim to my Jealousy, Shall live, nay, and have leave to love on still.

_Ped._ What's this I hear? [Aside.

_Ang._ Ah thus, 'twas thus he talk'd, and I believ'd.

[Pointing to _Will._ --_Antonio_, yesterday, I'd not have sold my Interest in his Heart, For all the Sword has won and lost in Battle.

--But now to show my utmost of Contempt, I give thee Life-- which if thou would'st preserve, Live where my Eyes may never see thee more, Live to undo some one, whose Soul may prove So bravely constant to revenge my Love.

[Goes out, _Ant._ follows, but _Ped._ pulls him back.

_Ped._ _Antonio_-- stay.