Volume I Part 76 (2/2)

[Throws him down a Key in a Handkerchief.

_Alon._ What's this? But I'll ask no Questions, so fair a Creature, said she? Now if 'twere to save my Life cannot I forbear, I must go in: Shou'd _Euphemia_ know this, she would call it Levity and Inconstancy; but I plead Necessity, and will be judg'd by the amorous Men, and not the jealous Women: For certain this Lady, whoe'er she be, designs me a more speedy Favour than I can hope from _Euphemia_, and on easier Terms too. This is the Door that must conduct to the languis.h.i.+ng _Venus_.

[Opens the Door and goes in, leaving it unshut.

Enter _Marcel_ with his Sword drawn.

_Mar._ Thus far I have pursu'd the Fugitives, Who by the help of hasty Fear and Night, Are got beyond my Power; unlucky Accident!

Had I but kill'd _Antonio_, or _Hippolyta_, Either had made my Shame supportable.

But tho I have mist the Pleasure of Revenge, I will not that of Love.

One Look from fair _Clarinda_ will appease The Madness which this Disappointment rais'd.

[Walks looking towards the Window.

None appears yet: _Dormida_ was to throw me down the Key. The Door is open, left so to give me entrance.

[Goes to the Door.

SCENE IV. _Changes to a dark Hall._

Discovers _Alonzo_ groping about in the Hall.

_Alon._ Now am I in a worse Condition than before, can neither advance nor retreat: I do not like this groping alone in the Dark thus.

Whereabouts am I? I dare not call: were this fair thing she spoke of but now half so impatient as I, she would bring a Light, and conduct me.

Enter _Marcel_.

_Mar._ 'Tis wondrous dark.

_Alon._ Hah, a Man's Voice that way; that's not so well: it may be some Lover, Husband, or Brother; none of which are to be trusted in this Case, therefore I'll stand upon my Guard.

[Draws: _Marcel_ coming towards him jostles him.

_Mar._ Who's there?

_Alon._ A Man.

_Mar._ A Man! none such inhabit here. [Draws.

Thy Business?

_Alon._ This shall answer you, since there's no other way.

[They fight, _Alonzo_ wounds _Marcel_, who fights him to the Door; _Alonzo_ goes out, _Marcel_ gropes to follow.

_Mar._ This is not just, ye G.o.ds, to punish me, and let the Traytor 'scape unknown too: Methought 'twas _Silvio's_ Voice, or else a sudden thought of Jealousy come into my Head would make me think so.

Enter _Clarinda_ and _Dormida_ with Light.

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