The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Ii Part 108

_Fil_. I doubt it not, since in that lovely Face I see the charming Image of _Marcella_.

_Jul_. Hah!

_Mar_. You might, e'er Travel ruffled me to Man. [_Aside_.

--I shou'd return thy Praise whilst I survey thee, But that I came not here to compliment;--draw-- [_Draws_.

_Fil_. Why, cause thou'rt like _Marcella?_

_Mar_. That were sufficient reason for thy Hate, But mine's because thou hast betray'd her basely.

--She told me all the story of her Love, How well you meant, how honestly you swore, And with a thousand Tears imploy'd my Aid To break the Contract she was forc'd to make T' _Octavio_, and give her to your Arms: I did, and brought you word of our Design, --I need not tell ye what returns you made; Let it suffice, my Sister was neglected, Neglected for a Curtezan,--a Wh.o.r.e; I watcht, and saw each Circ.u.mstance of Falshood.

_Jul_. d.a.m.nation! what means this?

_Fil_. I scorn to save my Life by Lyes or Flatteries; But credit me, the Visit that I made I durst have sworn had been to my _Marcella_; Her Face, her Eyes, her Beauty was the same, Only the business of her Language differ'd, And undeceiv'd my hope.

_Mar_. In vain thou think'st to flatter me to Faith,-- When thou'dst my Sister's Letter in thy hand, which ended that dispute, Even then I saw with what regret you read it; What care you took to disobey it too-- The shivering Maid, half dead with fears and terrors of the Night, In vain expected a Relief from Love or thee.

Draw, that I may return her the glad news I have reveng'd her.

_Jul_. Hold, much mistaken Youth; 'tis I am _Julio_, Thou, _Fillamour_, know'st my name, know'st I arriv'd But yesterday at _Rome_, and heard the killing News Of both my Sisters Flights, _Marcella_ and _Cornelia_,-- And thou art some Imposture. [_To_ Marcella.

_Mar_. If this now shou'd be true, I were in a fine condition.-- [_Aside_.

_Fil_. Fled! _Marcella_ fled!

_Jul_. 'Twas she I told thee yesterday was lost; But why art thou concern'd?--explain the Mystery.

_Fil_. I lov'd her more than Life; nay, even than Heaven; And dost thou question my concern for her?

Say how, and why, and whither is she fled?

_Jul_. Oh, wou'd I knew, that I might kill her in her Lover's Arms; Or if I found her innocent, restore her to _Octavio_.

_Fil_. To _Octavio_! and is my Friendship of so little worth, You cannot think I merit her?

_Jul_. This is some trick between 'em; but I have sworn

Most solemnly, have sworn by Heaven and my Honour To resign her, and I will do't or die-- Therefore declare quickly, declare where she is, Or I will leave thee dead upon the place. [_To_ Marcella.

_Mar_. So, Death or _Octavio_, a pretty hopeful Choice this!

_Fil_. Hold! by Heaven, you shall not touch a single hair, thus--will I guard the Secret in his bosom.

[_Puts himself between 'em, draws_.

_Jul_. 'Tis plain thou'st injur'd me,--and to my Honour I'll sacrifice my Friendship, follow me.

[_Ex_. Jul. Fil.

_Enter_ Petro _and_ Cornelia.

_Mar_. Ah, _Petro_, fly, fly, swift and rescue him.-- [_Ex_. Pet. _with his Sword in his hand_.

_Cor_. Oh, have I found thee, fit for my purpose too? Come, haste along with me,--thou must present my Brother _Julio_ instantly, or I am lost, and my Project's lost, and my Man's lost, and all's lost.

_Enter_ Petro.

_Pet_. _Victoria, Victoria_, your Cavalier's the Conqueror; the other wounded in his Sword-hand, was easily disarmed.

_Mar_. Then let's retire, if I am seen I'm lost;--_Petro_, stay here for the Cavalier, and conduct him to me to this house;--I must be speedy now.--

_Cor_. Remember this is _Julio_.

[_Pointing to_ Marcella.

_Pet_. I know your design, and warrant ye my part:--hah, _Octavio_ [_Exeunt_.

_Enter_ Octavio, Morosini _and_ c.r.a.pine.

_Oct_. Now, Cowardice, that everlasting Infamy, dwell ever on my face, that Men may point me out that hated Lover that saw his Mistress false, stood tamely by whilst she repeated Vows; nay, was so infamous, so dully tame, to hear her swear her Hatred and Aversion, yet still I calmly listen'd; though my Sword were ready, and did not cut his throat for't.

_Mor_. I thought you'd said you'd fought.

_Oct_. Yes, I did rouze at last, and wak'd my Wrongs; But like an a.s.s, a patient Fool of Honour, I gave him friendly notice I wou'd kill him; And fought like Prizers, not as angry Rivals.

_Mor_. Why, that was handsome,--I love fair play; what wou'd you else have done?

_Oct_. Have fall'n upon him like a sudden Storm, [_Enter_ Pet. _and_ Fill.]

quick unexpected in his height of Love:--see--see yonder; or I'm mistaken by this glimmering Day, or that is _Fillamour_ now entering at her door; 'tis he, by my Revenge--What say you, Sir?

_Mor_. By th' Ma.s.s, I think 'twas he--

[_Enter_ Julio.

_Oct_. _Julio_, I've caught the Wantons in their Toil, I have 'em fast, thy Sister and her Lover.

[_Embraces him_.

_Jul_. Eternal Shame light on me if they scape then.

_Oct_. Follow me quick, whilst we can get Admittance.

_Jul_. Where--here?

_Oct_. Here,--come all and see her Shame and my Revenge.

_Jul_. And are you not mistaken in the House?

_Oct_. Mistaken! I saw the Ravisher enter just now, thy Uncle saw it too; Oh, my excessive Joy! come, if I lye--say I'm a Dog, a Villain.

[_Exeunt as into the House_.

SCENE IV. _Changes to a Chamber_.