The Duenna | Page 6

Endless faith he swore; But soon I chid him thence, For had his fond pretence Obtain'd one favour then, And he had press'd again, I fear'd my treacherous heart might grant him more.
_Don. Louisa_. Well, for all this, I would have sent him to plead his pardon, but that I would not yet awhile have him know of my flight. And where do you hope to find protection?
_Don. Clara_. The Lady Abbess of the convent of St. Catherine is a relation and kind friend of mine--I shall be secure with her, and you had best go thither with me.
_Don. Louisa_. No; I am determined to find Antonio first; and, as I live, here comes the very man I will employ to seek him for me.
_Don. Clara_. Who is he? he's a strange figure.
_Don. Louisa_. Yes; that sweet creature is the man whom my father has fixed on for my husband.
_Don. Clara_. And will you speak to him? are you mad?
_Don. Louisa_. He is the fittest man in the world for my purpose; for, though I was to have married him to-morrow, he is the only man in Seville who, I am sure, never saw me in his life.
_Don. Clara_. And how do you know him?
_Don. Louisa_. He arrived but yesterday, and he was shown to me from the window, as he visited my father.
_Don. Clara_. Well, I'll begone.
_Don. Louisa_. Hold, my dear Clara--a thought has struck me: will you give me leave to borrow your name, as I see occasion?
_Don. Clara_. It will but disgrace you; but use it as you please: I dare not stay.--[Going.]--But, Louisa, if you should see your brother, be sure you don't inform him that I have taken refuge with the Dame Prior of the convent of St. Catherine, on the left hand side of the piazza which leads to the church of St. Anthony.
_Don. Louisa_. Ha! ha! ha! I'll be very particular in my directions where he may not find you.--[Exeunt DONNA CLARA and MAID.]--So! My swain, yonder, has, done admiring himself, and draws nearer. [Retires.]
Enter ISAAC and DON CARLOS.
Isaac. [_Looking in a pocket-glass_.] I tell you, friend Carlos, I will please myself in the habit of my chin.
Don Car. But, my dear friend, how can you think to please a lady with such a face?
Isaac. Why, what's the matter with the face? I think it is a very engaging face; and, I am sure, a lady must have very little taste who could dislike my beard.--[Sees DONNA LOUISA.]--See now! I'll die if here is not a little damsel struck with it already.
_Don. Louisa_. Signor, are you disposed to oblige a lady who greatly wants your assistance? [Unveils.]
Isaac. Egad, a very pretty black-eyed girl! she has certainly taken a fancy to me, Carlos. First, ma'am, I must beg the favour of your name.
_Don. Louisa_. [Aside.] So! it's well I am provided.--[Aloud.]--My name, sir, is Donna Clara d'Almanza.
Isaac. What? Don Guzman's daughter? I'faith, I just now heard she was missing.
_Don. Louisa_. But sure, sir, you have too much gallantry and honour to betray me, whose fault is love?
Isaac. So! a passion for me! poor girl! Why, ma'am, as for betraying you, I don't see how I could get anything by it; so, you may rely on my honour; but as for your love, I am sorry your case is so desperate.
_Don. Louisa_. Why so, signor?
Isaac. Because I am positively engaged to another--an't I, Carlos?
_Don. Louisa_. Nay, but hear me.
Isaac. No, no; what should I hear for? It is impossible for me to court you in an honourable way; and for anything else, if I were to comply now, I suppose you have some ungrateful brother, or cousin, who would want to cut my throat for my civility--so, truly, you had best go home again.
_Don. Louisa_. [Aside.] Odious wretch!--[Aloud.]--But, good signor, it is Antonio d'Ercilla, on whose account I have eloped.
Isaac. How! what! it is not with me, then, that you are in love?
_Don. Louisa_. No, indeed, it is not.
Isaac. Then you are a forward, impertinent simpleton! and I shall certainly acquaint your father.
_Don. Louisa_. Is this your gallantry?
Isaac. Yet hold--Antonio d'Ercilla, did you say? egad, I may make something of this--Antonio d'Ercilla?
_Don. Louisa_. Yes; and if ever you wish to prosper in love, you will bring me to him.
Isaac. By St. Iago and I will too!--Carlos, this Antonio is one who rivals me (as I have heard) with Louisa--now, if I could hamper him with this girl, I should have the field to myself; hey, Carlos! A lucky thought, isn't it?
Don Car. Yes, very good--very good!
Isaac. Ah! this little brain is never at a loss--cunning Isaac! cunning rogue! Donna Clara, will you trust yourself awhile to my friend's direction?
_Don. Louisa_. May I rely on you, good signor?
_Don. Car_. Lady, it is impossible I should deceive