The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Iv Part 46

_Clar._ 'Twill be too late.

_Ism._ Sister, what think you if I go myself?

_Clar._ You should not be so daring; Besides, I blush to think what strange opinion He'll entertain of me the while.

_Ism._ Do not let that afflict you.

Fetch my Veil, and if _Antonio_ chance to ask for me, Tell him I'm gone to _Laura_. [Ex. _Isab._ Believe me, I will set all strait again.

Enter _Isabella_ with the Veil.

_Clar._ Thou hast more Courage, Girl, than I.

_Ism._ What need is there of much of that, To encounter a gay young Lover, Where I am sure there cannot be much danger?

_Clar._ Well, take your chance, I wish you luck, Sir, For I am e'en as much bent upon Revenge, As thou art upon Marriage.

_Ism._ Come, my Veil, this and the Night Will enough secure me. [Puts on the Veil and goes out.

[Ex. _Clar._ and _Isab._

SCENE V. A Chamber in _Alberto's_ House.

Discovers _Alberto_ and _Antonio_.

_Alb._ Nay, thou shalt see't before thou dost revenge it; In such a case, thy self should be the Witness, She knows not what has past to night between us, Nor should she, if thou couldst contain thy Rage; And that, _Antonio_, you shall promise me: To morrow place thy self behind the Arras, And from thy Eyes thy own Misfortunes know.

--What will not disobliged Pa.s.sion do? [Aside.

_Ant._ I'll hide my Anger in a seeming calm, And what I have to do consult the while, And mask my Vengeance underneath a Smile. [Ex. _Ant._

Enter _Page_.

_Pag._ My Lord, there is without a Lady Desires to speak with you.

_Alb._ Who is't?

_Pag._ I know not, Sir, she's veiled. [Exit _Page_.

Enter _Ismena_ weeping.

_Alb._ Conduct her in.

_Ism._ Oh _Alberto_, _Isabella_ has undone us all!

_Alb._ She weeps, and looks as innocent!

--What mean you, false dissembling _Clarina_?

What, have you borrow'd from Deceit new Charms, And think'st to fool me to a new belief?

_Ism._ How, Sir, can you too be unkind?

Nay then 'tis time to die; alas, there wanted but your credit To this mistake, to make me truly miserable.

_Alb._ What Credit? What Mistake? oh, undeceive me, For I have done thee Injuries past Forgiveness, If thou be'st truly innocent.

_Ism._ If _Isabella_, under pretence of courting me For _Lorenzo_, whom she designs to Make a Husband, Has given him freedoms will undo my Honour, If not prevented soon.

_Alb._ May I credit this, and that it was not by thy Command she did it?

_Ism._ Be witness, Heaven, my Innocence in this, Which if you will believe, I'm safe again.

_Alb._ I do believe thee, but thou art not safe, Here, take this Poyniard, and revenge thy Wrongs, Wrongs which I dare not beg a Pardon for. [He gives her a Dagger.

_Ism._ Why, Sir, what have you done? have you Deceiv'd me, and do you not indeed love me?

_Alb._ Oh _Clarina!_ do not ask that Question, Too much of that has made me ruin thee; It made me jealous, drunk with Jealousy, And then I did unravel all my Secrets.

_Ism._ What Secrets, Sir? you have then seen _Antonio_.

_Alb._ Yes.

_Ism._ Hah--Now, Wit, if e'er thou did'st possess A Woman, a.s.sist her at her need. [Aside.

--Well, Sir, rise and tell me all.

_Alb._ I will not rise till you have pardoned me, Or punished my Misfortune.

_Ism._ Be what it will, I do forgive it thee.

_Alb._ _Antonio_, Madam, knows my Happiness, For in my Rage I told him that you lov'd me; --What shall I do?

_Ism._ I cannot blame you though it were unkind.

_Alb._ This I could help, but I have promis'd him, That he shall be a witness of this Truth; What say you, Madam, do I not merit Death?

Oh speak, and let me know my doom whate'er it be.

_Ism._ Make good your Word.

_Alb._ What mean you?

_Ism._ What you have promised him, perform as you intended.

_Alb._ What then?

_Ism._ Then come as you design'd to visit me.

_Alb._ But let me know what 'tis you mean to do, That I may act accordingly.

_Ism._ No. Answer me to every Question ask'd, And I perhaps may set all strait again; It is now late, and I must not be missing: But if you love me, be no more jealous of me, --Farewel.

_Alb._ Must I be ignorant then of your Design?