The Fatal Jealousie (1673) | Page 5

plain; Yoor Life had been a forfeit to the Law. And were I but the wanton Wife you think me, What wou'd more welcome be then that Revenge-- Here on my knees I beg again, my Lord, You would perswade your self, that what I told you Was cause of that close meeting, was so truly, And no invention; and as this Day Began our Nuptial Joys, so let it end Our Marriage Discords; then shall I have cause To keep it Annually a Festival; In thanks to Heav'n for two such mighty Blessings.
_Anto._ _C?lia_, stand up, I will perswade my self. By this ---- I will as much, as e're I can, [Kisses her. That thou art Innocent, for if thou bee'st not, What Woman in the World ought to be thought so? But prethee be discreet, mannage thy Actions With strictest Rules of Prudence, for if not, Like to a Bow or'e-bent, I shall start back, And break with passion on thee: wilt thou be careful?
_C?l._ Oh! I am paid for all my sufferings, This kindness does or'e-joy me, which, my Lord, Let me for ever lose when any Act Of mine, shall justly make a forfeit of it.
_Enter Flora._
_Flor._ My Lord, here's Don Gerardo come to see you.
_Anto._ Admit him in.
[Exit Flora.
_C?l._ I will retire, my Lord.
_Anto._ You need not, _C?lia_. [Enter Gerardo. Welcome, Gerardo, this is like a Friend, That name should know no Ceremonious Laws, Let them make formal Visits that maintain, As formal Friendships; ours is try'd and true.
_Gerar._ This, as I take it, was your Wedding-day, At which (your pardon, Madam, for a truth.) I was a Jealous waiter; your great worth Made me to fear I then had lost a Friend, And in that room should an acquaintance find.
_C?l._ But now, my Lord, you see how you mistook, I was a Rival to his Mistresses, But to his Friends, one to increase their number.
_Ger._ I find the truth so great, I wish you may Live long and happy to possess that place; Yet I'le confess I did not lose my fears, Till my dear Friend was pleas'd to use my Sword, As Second, in the Quarrel with your Kinsman, The Unfortunate _Don Lewis_; and I protest Such Joy I met to be employ'd by him, That I ne're sought to know what caus'd the quarrel.
_C?l._ My Lord, I beg your pardon, I have some little bus'ness in my Closet Which forces me retire.
_Ger._ Your Lady looks as if she were displeas'd.
_Anto._ That Kinsman whom I slew is never nam'd, But if she hears it she avoids the place.
_Ger._ I'm troubled much to be th' occasion now.
_Anto._ No matter, Friend, she only knows the cause, Why from such Friendship we grew Enemies, And there is reason why she should be griev'd.
_Ger._ That sudden and so secret Quarrel Did much amaze all _Naples_; And I (as Actor in it) often have been prest To tell the cause, which yet I never could.
_Anto._ No, Friend, nor never must: The Gen'rous _Lewis_; so I'le call him now, Since he so bravely dy'd, was alwayes just During that little time he breath'd this Air; After his mortal Wound, for he Related A Story of it fitted us for pardon: Yet never told that Secret, only known On Earth, to him, to _C?lia_ and my self.
_Ger._ I'me not inquisitive, nor never was, There may be secrets fit for no Mans hearing. And 'tis an Act of Friendship full as great To tell a Friend I hide a secret from him, As to Relate it, since they both shew Candor--
_Anto._ Happy Antonio, in a Friend so just!
_Ger._ Happy Gerardo, rather, that can say He's sure he has a Friend, that dares employ him; For confidence in Friends makes Friendship sure.
_Anto._ And dearest Friend, I'le not doubt yours so much, To think you would not use this Life of mine, As 'twere your own in any thing concerns you.
_Ger._ Ne're doubt it, Friend, I soon shall find occasion Boldly to use the power, and to speak truth; My coming now was chiefly to that purpose; Though I intended to spend this day too In Recreation with you, and to see you Bedded, Like a new Bride and Bride-groom, Then wishing you long: long and lasting Joys, Retire, and wish to Copy out your Life.
_Anto._ Has Don Gerardo Service for Antonio, His own Antonio and yet defers to name it? Speak your Commands, that I as swift may flye To put 'em into Action as I did At first to meet those pleasures Lovers long for.
_Ger._ My fears perswade me I shall speak too soon, Yet dress your self, and come into the Garden, I with impatience there will wait to tell you.
_Anto._ Go then, you shall not long be silent.