Had thought, by way of ambush, to have kill'd

him,

But was, unluckily, therein mistook;

Else he had felt what late Bergetto did:

And though my fault to him were merely chance, Yet humbly I submit me to your grace, [Kneeling. To do with me as you please.

Car. Rise up, Grimaldi.

You citizens of Parma, if you seek

[He rises.

For justice, know, as Nuncio from the pope,
For this offence I here receive Grimaldi

Into his Holiness' protection:

He is no common man, but nobly born,
Of princes' blood, though you, sir Florio,
Thought him too mean a husband for your daugh-

ter.

If more you seek for, you must go to Rome,
For he shall thither; learn more wit for shame.-
Bury your dead:-away, Grimaldi—leave 'em!

[Exeunt CARDINAL and GRIMALDI. Don. Is this a churchman's voice? dwells justice here?

Flo. Justice is fled to heaven, and comes no

nearer.

Soranzo?—was't for him? O impudence!
Had he the face to speak it, and not blush?
Come, come, Donado, there's no help in this,
When cardinals think murder's not amiss:
Great men may do their wills, we must obey,
But Heaven will judge them for't, another day.
[Exeunt.

ACT IV. SCENE I.'

A Room in FLORIO's House.-A Banquet set out.— Hautboys.

Enter the FRIAR, GIOVANNI, ANNABELLA, PHILOTIS, SORANZO, DONADO, FLORIO, RICHARDETTO, PUTANA, and VASQUES.

Friar. These holy rites perform'd, now take your times

To spend the remnant of the day in feast;
Such fit repasts are pleasing to the saints,
Who are your guests, though not with mortal eyes
To be beheld.--Long prosper in this day,
You happy couple, to each other's joy!

Sor. Father, your prayer is heard; the hand of goodness

Hath been a shield for me against my death;
And, more to bless me, hath enrich'd my life
With this most precious jewel; such a prize
As earth hath not another like to this.

Cheer up, my love; and, gentlemen, my friends,
Rejoice with me in mirth: this day we'll crown
With lusty cups to Annabella's health.

Gio. Oh torture! were the marriage yet undone,

'I have reluctantly followed the 4to, (which has no division of scenes,) and begun the fourth Act here. The reader will see, as he proceeds, the impropriety of this arrangement. After all, there is but a choice of evils; for as some time must necessarily have clapsed (two days according to Vasques) since the death of Poggio, sufficient would hardly be gained on the score of probability to justify disturbing the author's distribution of the story; though it might be wished that this scene had concluded the third Act.

Ere I'd endure this sight, to see my love
Clipt by another, I would dare confusion,
And stand the horror of ten thousand deaths.

Vas. Are you not well, sir?
Gio. Prithee, fellow, wait;

I need not thy officious diligence.

[Aside.

Flo. Signior Donado, come, you must forget Your late mishaps, and drown your cares in

wine.

Sor. Vasques!

Vas. My lord.

Sor. Reach me that weighty bowl.

Here, brother Giovanni, here's to you,

Your turn comes next, though now a bachelor;

Here's to your sister's happiness, and mine!

[Drinks, and offers him the bowl.

Gio. I cannot drink.

Sor. What!

Gio. "Twill indeed offend me.

Ann. Pray do not urge him, if he be not will

ing.

Flo. How now! what noise is this?

[Hautboys.

Vas. O sir, I had forgot to tell you; certain young maidens of Parma, in honour to madam Annabella's marriage, have sent their loves to her in a Masque, for which they humbly crave your patience and silence.

Sor. We are much bound to them; so much the

more,

As it comes unexpected: guide them in,

Enter HIPPOLITA, followed by Ladies in white Robes with Garlands of Willows, all masked.

MUSIC AND A DANCE.

Sor. Thanks, lovely virgins! now might we but know

To whom we have been beholding for [this] love, We shall acknowledge it.

Hip. Yes, you shall know :

What think you now?

Omnes. Hippolita !

Hip. Tis she;

[Unmasks.

Be not amaz'd; nor blush, young lovely bride, I come not to defraud you of your man:

'Tis now no time to reckon up the talk

What Parma long hath rumour'd of us both; Let rash report run on! the breath that vents it Will, like a bubble, break itself at last.

But now to you, sweet creature;-lend your hand

Perhaps it hath been said, that I would claim
Some interest in Soranzo, now your lord;
What I have right to do, his soul knows best:
But in my duty to your noble worth,
Sweet Annabella, and my care of you,
Here, take, Soranzo, take this hand from me,
I'll once more join, what by the holy church
Is finished and allow'd.-Have I done well?
Sor. You have too much engaged us.

Hip. One thing more.

That you may know my single charity,*

Freely I here remit all interest

I e'er could claim, and give you back your vows; And to confirm't,-reach me a cup of wine

[VAS. gives her a poisoned cup.

My lord Soranzo, in this draught I drink

Long rest t'ye!-(she drinks)—look to it, Vasques.

Vas. Fear nothing

[Aside.

Sor. Hippolita, I thank you; and will pledge This happy union as another life.

Wine, there!

Vas. You shall have none; neither shall you pledge her.

Hip. How!

Vas. Know now, mistress she-devil, your own mischievous treachery hath kill'd you; I must not

marry you.

Hip. Villain!

Omnes. What's the matter?

Vas. Foolish woman, thou art now like a firebrand, that hath kindled others and burnt thyself:-troppo sperar, inganna,-thy vain hope hath deceived thee; thou art but dead; if thou hast any grace, pray.

2

Hip. Monster!

Vas. Die in charity, for shame.-This thing of

My single charity.] i. e. pure, genuine, disinterested charity.