I cannot otherwise escape the censure Of one ungrateful, but by waiting on you Seb. You shall honour me, And glad my noble father, to whom you are Ant. Ha! I have not so much choice, Sebastiano : May have a commendation to your thoughts, Seb. Still you out-do me. I could never wish Ant. You shall teach me a lesson Sebastiano's father welcomes Antonio to Avero Castle. VILLAREZO. CATALI NA. BERINTHIA. ANTONIO. SEBASTIANO. Vil. Old Gaspar's house is honour'd by such guests. I envied that your fame should visit me Hath been long happy in your noble friendship, And cannot but improve himself in virtues, That lives so near your love.-You shall dishonour me, As at your Elvas castle. Villarezo Was once as you are, sprightly; and though I say it, And honour of our house, with actions Worthy Worthy our name and family: but now Ant. You speak all nobleness, and encourage me Be old like you. Vil. Daughters, speak his welcome.— Antonio loves and is beloved by Berinthia, the younger sister. Catalina the elder is jealous, and plots to take off her sister by poison. Antonio rescues Berinthia from the vindictive jealousy of her sister, and carries her off to Elvas Castle; where his sister Castabella and his cousin Villandras welcome her. ANTONIO. BERINTHIA. CASTABELLA. VILLANDRAS. SFORZA, a domestic. Ant. The welcom'st guest that ever Elvas had. Cast. Indeed, madam, You are as welcome here as e'er my mother was. As if you had an army for your guard. Ant. Dishonour! 'tis a language I never understood yet. Throw off your fears, Berinthia, you're in the power of him, That dares not think the least dishonour to you. Come, be not sad. Cast. Put on fresh blood; you are not chearful, how do you? Ber. I know not how, nor what to answer you; Your Your loves I cannot be ungrateful to ; You're my best friends I think, but yet I know not Ber. If all be not a dream, I do remember Cast. It is your happiness you have escaped Vill. And it is worth A noble gratitude to have been quit Ber. Oh, but my father; under whose displeasure Ant. You are secure Ber. As the poor deer that being pursued, for safety Gets up a rock that overhangs the sea, Where all that she can see is her destruction; Promise her certain ruin. Ant. Feign not yourself so hapless, my Berinthia. Cast. 'Tis not wisdom To let our passed fortunes trouble us; Since, were they bad, the memory is sweet That we have past them. Look before you, lady; The future most concerneth. Diego, a domestic, enters and announces that Sebastiano is at the gate. Ant. Your brother, lady, and my honour'd friend. And friendship, is come after his sweet sister. Ber. Ber. Alas, I fear. Ant. Be not such a coward, lady, he cannot come In joy to meet him. Break the iron bars, Ber. Sent by my father to▬▬ Ant. What ? to see thee. He shall see thee here, Attended with Antonio, begirt Sebastiano enters, with Count De Monte Nigro, his friend. Ant. Oh, my friend. Seb. 'Tis yet in question, sir, and will not be So easily prov'd. Ant. What face have you put on? am I awake, Or do I dream Sebastiano frowns ? Seb. Antonio, (for here I throw off all Or with my sword to force thee render her: And shalt have any satisfaction, We'rt in your power, would you not account it Seb. Why, would you have me think Thou dost not think what devil lies at home (I know not with what worst of envy) laid Had Had robb'd the earth of more than all the world, Valasco was the man appointed by Just at that time; but hear, and tremble at it, And so Valasco should have borne the shame Seb. You amaze me, sir. Ant. Tis true, by honour's self: hear it confirm'd; And when you will, I am ready. Seb. I cannot but believe it. Oh Berinthia, I'm wounded ere I fight. Ant. Holds your resolve yet constant? if you have I am bound to answer: but I would I had Seb. But will you back with me then? Ber. Excuse me, brother; I shall fall too soon Upon my sister's malice, whose foul guilt Will make me expect more certain ruin. Ant. Now Sebastiano Puts on his judgment, and assumes his nobleness, Seb. And shall I carry shame To Villarezo's house, neglect of father, Whose precepts bind me to return with her Or leave my life at Elvas? I must on. I have heard you to no purpose. Shall Berinthia Back to Avero? Ant. Sir, she must not yet; "Tis dangerous. Seb. Chuse thee a second then: this count and I Mean to leave honour here. Vill. Honour me, sir. |