Confirm'd and harden'd,' never durst I pitch Where the presumption might be construed wrong; Adur. Stand, Aurelio, And justify thine accusation boldly; Spare me the needless use of my confession; But to reply upon that brittle evidence, Aurel. Doubt not But that I have deliver'd honest truth, Adur. Loose grounds to raise a bulwark of reproach on! And thus for that.—My errand hither is not To cry, "I have offended, pray, forgive me; Of softness is exchang'd for plumes of age, &c.] This is at once a correct translation, and a good comment on the well-known line, "Insperata tuæ cum veniet pluma superbiæ," which has sorely perplexed the critics.--GIFFORD, I will do so no more:" but to proclaim The power of virtue, whose commanding sovereignty Sets bounds to rebel-bloods; and checks, restrains, Custom of folly; by example teaches A rule to reformation; by rewards Crowns worthy actions, and invites to honour. Adur. Some there are, And they not few in number, who resolve Not doubting the deceit could find resistance. Aur. Noise! observe him. Adur. Oh, strange! by all the comforts of my hopes, I found a woman good;-a woman good! A memorable mention, so much majesty Adur. Without protests, I pleaded merely love, used not a syllable, Have listen'd to, and, not well arm'd, have pitied; sir, Talk'd in much fury, parted; when as soon Adur. My contrition on mine error; Of falsehood, or imposture, let him tell me Aur. Who can you think I am? did you expect Adur. I have robb'd you Of rigour, Auria, by my strict self-penance Aur. Sure, Italians hardly Admit dispute in questions of this nature; Adur. I find my absolution, By vows of change from all ignoble practice. [Walks apart. Aurel. You do not yet deny that you solicited The lady to ill purpose. Adur. I have answer'd; But it return'd much quiet to my mind, Perplex'd with rare commotions. Aur. That's the way; It smooths all rubs. Aurel. My lord! Aur. Foh! I am thinking— You may talk forward.-If it take,' 't is clear; Adur. You labour With curious engines, sure. Aur. Fine ones! I take you Is needless, know me better. Part from me, sir. Adur. For that, your pleasure. Fight for thy wife at home, my Auria!"-Yes, Now? Trel. My lord, Re-enter TRELCATIO. Castanna, with her sister, and Malfato Are newly enter'd. Aur. Be not loud; convey them Into the gallery.-Aurelio, friend, Adurni, lord, we three will sit in council, And piece a hearty league, or scuffle shrewdly. [Exeunt. 1 These musings of Auria will be better understood when the second scene of the fifth act comes under the perusal of the reader. It will then be seen that Auria, as a means of freeing every circumstance of jealousy and suspicion, is projecting a marriage between Adurni and Castanna. ACT V. SCENE I. A Room in the House of MARTINO. Enter MARTINO, BENATZI, and LEVIDOLCHE. Mart. Ruffian, out of my doors! thou com'st to rob me. An officer! what, ho!-my house is haunted To cut my throat for pillage. Lev. Good sir, hear me. Ben. Hear or not hear,-let him rave his lungs out -while this woman hath abode under this roof, I will justify myself her bedfellow in despite of denial; in despite those are my words. Mart. Monstrous! why, sirrah, do I keep An hospital for panders? Oh, thou monster, A baggage for all gamesters, lords or gentlemen, } Lev. This is my husband. Mart. Husband! Ben. Husband natural, I have married her; andwhat's your verdict on the match, signor? Mart. Husband, and married her! Lev. Indeed, 't is truth. Mart. A proper joining! give ye joy, great mis tress; Your fortunes are advanced, marry are they What jointure is assured, pray? some three thou sand A-year in oaths and vermin? fair preferment! |