Remitted to this confessor, whose office Fer. Is he not merciful to Fernando yet? Phy. I find he takes no pleasure To hear you named: Francisco to us all Fran. We must have patience, brother, it was no Fer. That was some kindness yet, Francisco: but If unawares a chance direct my weary Fran. Leave these imagin'd horrors, I must not Fer. There's something in that face looks comfortably. Conf. Your father, sir, is dead. His will to make Francisco the sole master of his fortunes Is now irrevocable: a small pension He hath given you for life, which, with his blessing, Fer. Ha! blessing! speak it again, good father. His anger, and prevail'd; your father hath And in the place bequeath'd his prayer and blessing. Fer. Fer. I am new created by his charity, Fran. His will in all things I obey, and yours, With all due obsequies his funeral. Fer. Why you alone obey? I am your brother: My father's eldest son, though not his heir. Fran. It pleas'd my father, sir, to think me worthy Of such a title; you shall find me kind, If you can look on matters without envy. Fer. If I can look on matters without envy! Fer. I may live here, Francisco! Enter a gentleman with a letter. Conditions! I would not understand Fran. With me, from madam Gent. If you be signior Francisco. I find my father was not dead till now. ? Croud not, you jealous thoughts, so thick into Fernando tells Felisarda that his father is dead. A tale, will make thee sad: but I must tell it. Fel. One dead, That lov'd not me? this carries, sir, in nature 1 No killing sound:115 I shall be sad to know I did 115 Like the reply of Manoah in Samson Agonistes: "Sad, but not saddest, the desolation of a hostile city." I did deserve an enemy, or he want A charity at death. Fer. Thy cruel enemy, And my best friend, hath took eternal leave, For I did love my father. Fel. Ha! your father? Fer. Yes, Felisarda, he is gone, that in The morning promis'd many years, but death Francisco offers to restore Fernando his birth-right. Fer nando dares not take it. FRANCISCO. FERNANDO. DON CARLOS. Fran. What demands Fernando? Fer. My inheritance, wrought from me Of wealth, the love and promise of two hearts. Wither at soul, and robb'd by thee of that Fran. 'Tis not sure Fernando, but his passion (that obeys not Should Should dare the appeal, and make Fernando see Fer. He that thrives wonder By wicked art, has confidence to dress Fran. I need no guard, I know Fer. Dare I not? Fran. And name Thy cause: 'tis thy suspicion, not Francisco, With all my title to your land. Car. How is that? Fran. Let him receive it at his peril. Fer. Ha! Fran. It was my father's act, not mine: he trembled To hear his curse alive; what horror will His conscience feel, when he shall spurn his dust, To this bad world again, to walk and fright him! Fran. (Gives him the will) Sir, you may cancel it. But think withal, How you can answer him that's dead, when he Shall charge your timorous soul for this contempt His last bequest, and breath, that seal'd your blessings ! Fer. (Returns the will) Here; and may it prosper, Where my good father meant it: I'm overcome. Forgive me, and enjoy it. (Is going) His His father Ramires (supposed dead) appears above, with Felisarda. Ram. Fernando, stay. Fer. Ha, my father and Felisarda: Are they both dead!-I did not think To find thee in this pale society Of ghosts so soon Fel. I am alive, Fernando: And don Ramires still thy living father. (Kneels) Fran. You may believe it, sir, I was of the council. Car. Men thought you dead. Ram. It lay within The knowledge of Francisco, and some few, By this device to advance my younger son Which I have found worth him, and my acceptance. Fer. 'Tis a joy So flowing, it drowns all my faculties. My soul will not contain, I fear, but loose, And leave me in this extacy. 1 THE |