Volume I Part 77 (1/2)

_Clar._ I tell you I did hear the noise of fighting.

_Dorm._ Why, between whom should it be? I'll be sworn _Marcel_ came in alone.

_Clar._ _Marcel_! and wounded too! oh I'm lost.

[Sees him, weeps.

_Mar._ Keep your false Tears to bathe your Lover's Wounds.

For I perhaps have given him some-- Thou old a.s.sistant to her l.u.s.t, whose greatest Sin is wis.h.i.+ng, tell me who 'twas thou didst procure for her.

[In rage to _Dormida_.

_Dorm._ Alas! I cannot imagine who it should be, unless Don _Silvio_, who has sometimes made Addresses to her: But oh the House is up, Madam, we are undone; let's fly for Heavens sake.

_Clar._ Oh _Marcel_, can you believe-- [A Noise.

_Dorm._ Come, come, I'll not be undone for your Fiddle-faddles; I'll lay it all on you, if I be taken.

[Pulls out _Clarinda_.

_Mar._ Sot that I was, I could not guess at this to day, by his Anger at the Letter I foolishly shew'd him; he is my Rival, and 'tis with him she's fled; and I'll endeavour to pursue them.

[Offers to go.

But oh my Strength complies with their Design, [Leaning on his Sword.] and shamefully retires to give them leave to play their amorous Game out.

[Goes faintly out.

SCENE V. _Changes to the Street. Discovers _Alonzo_ alone._

_Alon._ This Act of mine was rash and ill-natur'd, And I cannot leave the Street with a good Conscience, Till I know what mischief I have done.

Enter _Dormida_ and _Clarinda_.

Hah, Ladies from the same House! these are Birds that I have frighted from their Nests I am sure: I'll proffer my Service to them.

_Dorm._ Why do not you make more haste?

_Clar._ How can she go, whose Life is left behind?

Besides, I know not whither we should go.

Ye Powers that guard the Innocent, protect us.

_Alon._ These must be some whom I have injur'd.

Ladies-- you seem as in distress.

_Dorm._ Oh, Sir, as you are a Gentleman, a.s.sist a pair of Virgins.

_Alon._ What's this, a mumping Matron? I hope the other's young, or I have offer'd my Service to little purpose.

_Clar._ Sir, if you will have the Charity to a.s.sist us, Do it speedily, we shall be very grateful to you.

_Alon._ Madam, I will, but know not where to carry ye; my Lodging is in an Inn, and is neither safe nor honourable: but Fortune dares no less than protect the Fair, and I'll venture my Life in your Protection and Service.

[Exeunt.