The generous enemies, or, The ridiculous lovers a comedy : as it is acted at the Theatre Royal by His Maiesties servants / by John Corye, Gent.

ACT II. SCENE I.

Enter Alleria and Jaccinta, Julia and Livia, as in Jaccinta's Garden.

Jac.

MAdam, the Garden-gate let's you out the Back-way to your own house.

All.

I am well instructed in the way, Madam, And therefore pray return.

Jac.

Pray suffer a little further my attendance.

Alle.

Indeed I must not, Ceremon'es are never known Where friendship governs.

Jac.

Well, Madam, since you will have it so, I will go no further; Your servant,

[Offers to go back.

Alle.

But before I leave you, let me remind you Of your Promise, that you will henceforth forbid The Visits of Cassidore.

Jac.

I have already assured you, that I have no Esteem for him; and that I ever held his Importunities as troublesom; but Madam. If you expect me just to you in this: I Shall request you will shew some pity to My brother, though it be feign'd, only To prevent despair, since I have acquainted You with his Complaints of your hard usage.

Enter Alvarez and Lysander.

Alva.

O there they are.

Lys.

You had best withdraw, Sir, lest your Appearance.

Interrupt those hopes your Sisters Intercession Makes.

Alva.

'Tis well counsel'd; well, stand aside, and overhear 'em.

Jac.

If that his faith be conscious of a blot, Abandon him your thoughts, and spare him not; Or if he did to any other bow, Or that his heart has started from its Vow; Then curse him, Madam, curse him to my face, And make me witness to his just disgrace.

Alle.

Well, Madam, for your sake I will receive Him better, for I am without return, Your Servant.

Jac.

I was ever yours.

[Offers to go.

Liv.

Look, Madam, your Brother has met with her there.

Alva.

Madam, if my Tongue did not fear to offend, It would offer it self a Mediator for a passion, So much the more insuppressible for being secret.

Alle.

If you knew, Signior, who this habit cover'd, Your heart would soon repent, to have Allow'd your tongue this liberty.

Alva.

My heart, Madam, receives not its desires From blind imagination, but dictates to my Faith, who tis I worship; so that Judgment Acts in me, what fancy only works in others.

Alle.

Your desires move not with your Reason, can you Think, whilst you contribute to my disturbance, You advance your Interest.

Alva.

Those Idea's that are long in setling, are as Uneasily defac'd: had my Passion harbour'd Any desires opposite to your vertue, then with Justice You might have detected it as criminal.

Lys.

O smooth-tongu'd Dissembler.

Aside.

Alva.

Such is the nature of my love, I count It sin to murmure; I honour even your cruelty, And will qualifie it with the name of Justice; Your opinion of me shall be what you please, So it may content you, I am willing to Undergo all you would have me suffer.

Jul.

Behold, Madam, how devout he is, half so

Much said to me would ha' dissolv'd me long ago.

Alle.

If you would merit better usage, restrain Your Passion; and avoid my sight, be wise, And let me live in Peace.

[Exit Alleria.

Jul.

Now could I curse my self for being of her sex:

Lys.

Thus are your second Protestations blasted By the example of the first.

Alva.

All my complaints are made unto a Rock.

Lys.

Why do you not resist the evil then, that Fights against you.

Alva.

Methought her very anger look'd a little Graceful; I'le follow her, and have the pleasure Of her sight; what though a Tree be guarded From my touch; there's none can hinder Me to love the fruit. Fortune's a blind Disposer of her own, Too much she gives to some, to others none.

Lys.

He blames the tempest, yet embraces still the Ocean.

Exit ambo.

Jac.

Froward Woman.

Liv.

Inflexible creature.

Jac.

She had better have been less rigorous.

Liv.

Madam, I'le shew you a way to be reveng'd, One kind look bestowed on Cassidore, in view Of her, would make her frantick.

Jac.

I Approve thy Counsel.

Liv.

Perhaps, Madam, you have reason for it, for Though he is undoubtedly handsom in her eye, I guess he is not much otherwise in yours: Howe're you draw the Veyl between you.

Jac.

I, I despise the Trophies of anothers Conquest, No, Livia, if I durst speak my mind.

Liv.

What would you say, Madam.

Jac.

Canst thou conceal a secret?

Liv.

Yes, Madam, as long as it is one, but when Two know it, how can it be a secret.

Jac.

If those two have but one heart, ah Livia, how very fain I would without a naming

Of it be understood.

Liv.

If you are asham'd to name it, you may be As well asham'd to ask my secrecie.

Jac.

Canst thou not hit my thoughts then, my Watchful fancie would have conceiv'd thee, If thou hadst said but half so much to me.

Liv.

Since you will have me then so bold to judge; Confess, Madam, has not Flaminio, the lovely Stranger, a little touch'd your heart.

Jac.

My heart?

Liv.

You resent it as if it were a crime.

Jac.

It is a crime to count that love, that scarce Is an esteem.

Liv.

Come, come, Madam, 'twixt esteem and love, there's So much sympathy, they are often taken One for another.

Jac.

The Civilities I shew him are for my brothers sake;

Liv.

You'll pardon me, Madam, if I guess this, but A counterfeit self-denial, for I observ'd Last night (when he sup'd with you) a strange Kind of dotage in his eyes.

Jac.

Prithee tell me, what could'st thou guess, from What he said or did?

Liv.

What care you take to know what you most Know, your Curiosity in this gives increase To my suspition; Jealousie was ever the Issue of love—

[Enter Flaminio.

But, look Madam: see where he comes, Now we'll put it to the proof.

Jac.

Alas, what shall I do?

Liv.

Let us be gone, he does not see us.

Jac.

No, no, I'le lie down under that fountain, and Feign my self asleep.

Liv.

Is it not as I told you, Madam, we women are Weak paper-walls; the least puff blowes us Down; Well, nothing o'rethrows our Sex but In- Discretion; we might do as well else (of A brittle people,) as any under Heaven, but

What design is this, Madam?

Jac.

Withdraw, and thou shalt know anon.

[Jac. lies down under the fountain.

Liv.

Her tender Modesty is a little Sea-sick only. A Qualm of Honour, but there's one will cure her.

[Ex. Liv.

Fla.

Robatzy being absent, I will walk here, Expecting his return,—ha, what Angle cloth'd In flesh and blood is this: O, 'tis Jaccinta: Wonder Of Wonders; She that keeps all waking, lies Sleeping here; Dear Object of my Joys And cares, (in whom alone all sweetness Dwells) permit me a little to divulge the Birth and Progress of those pains you have created, And suffer me, Without offence to pay the devotions due to so Bright a lustre.

Jac.

Flaminio?

Fla.

Ha.

Jac.

Ha, Rigorous Fate.

Fla.

What says she?

Jac.

We both love with equal flame.

Fla.

O happiness unbelievable.

Jac.

Excuse my blushes.

Fla.

Perfections great Exchecquer.

Jac.

When shall our pains end?

Fla.

I have not power to contain my self,

[He kneels and kisses her hand twice.

So smells the flower of a blooming clove, The more I drink, the more I thirst.

Jac.

Some God protect me, who is this?

Fla.

What have I done, a curse upon my rashness.

Jac.

What motive could excite you (Sir) to a presumption So uncivil.

Fla.

Love, Madam, extremity of love.

Jac.

Love never begets rudeness.

Fla.

Love in excess, acts nothing else but what is irregular And disorderly; it was my Gratitude I was About to pay.

Jac.

Your Gratitude, for what?

Fla.

—What shall I say?

Madam, it was my transports led me to this place. Had I lov'd less, I should ha' bin less rude; But Circumspection suits not with excess of passion.

Jac.

Can it be imagined you had a love for me, and Have so little regard to my repose; if you Were just to your own, you would not ruine mine.

Fla.

Had you still slept, my crime had been unknown; But if I must suffer your rebuke for what I Could not help, let me beseech you shew It with all the mildness an innocent Offender may deserve; Heaven knows it was a designless frailtie.

Jac.

He charms me so, I find a pain to be unkind.

[Aside.

Fla.

Those thoughts that put me upon this confidence, Aspir'd too high to be suppress'd; I have kept 'em Cover'd many tedious years; and had power To keep them undisclos'd another houre.

Jac.

To credit you, were to create a supposition of Too much easiness, in being led too suddenly So far towards your desires.

[Offers to go, and he stays her.

Fla.

You keep my heart in chains, and must not Go, till you release it.

Jac.

Thus confin'd, I am your prisoner.

Fla.

We'll both be freed together then, or stay still By it, so is captivity pleasant.

Jac.

What is it you would have?

Fla.

Your love, Madam.

Jac.

'Tis not in my power to dispose.

Fla.

I understand you, Madam, in your dark replies, Suffer me to attend you to your Brother, and I will shew you Proofs, he has a favour for me, Greater then your imagination knows.

[He is leading her off and is met by Cassidore.

Enter Cassidore.

Cass.

Madam, may I receive the honour of your service, You have a hand yet free.

Jac.

I want not your assistance, Sir.

Cass.

Let me but whisper a secret in your ear, a secret Of importance.

Jac.

Nothing is so important as good manners.

Fla.

The Lady is in the right, Sir, you take an ill time To tell secrets.

Cass.

I come not hither, Sir, to learn Instructions of you.

Fla.

But I use to give 'em, Sir, to such as want.

Jac.

Your Instruction, Sir, is bold and insolent.

Cass.

Oblige me then but to reject his service.

Fla.

If she should yield to your Counsel, Sir, your life Were in some danger.

Cass.

He that has confidence to withstand his displeasure, Can never want courage to despise your resign: That hand thou hast too little right to, and she Shall soon see which of us is most fearless.

Fla.

I will not wrong my happiness so much, This hand would make a Tygre meek.

Jac.

No man is wrong'd, now no man is Possessor.

[She throws away Flam. hand

Fla.

Unhappy frustration, Good Madam, to suppress His Arrogance, be pleas'd to declare, did you Recal your favour in respect to his desires, or not.

Jac.

What's that to either of you, to whom I stand averse.

Cass.

Nay, gracious Madam, do not constrain your liberty. To favour me: rather expose me to the fury of Your frowns, then make me Author of your least Inquietudes: you shall see, Madam, my respects O'recome my jealousie: I'le patiently retire, and Wait a time for my revenge. But, Madam, let it not be forgotten, with what regret I leave your Presence, being an effect of my obedience. Not of my desire.

[He is withdrawing.

Enter Alleria and Julia.

Alle.

I had forgot to ask her when Cassidore was With her last.

Jac.

O are you there, now to revenge my Brother:

[aside.

Cassidore, come back,

Cass.

My absence may oblige you, Madam.

Jac.

If you esteem my love, come back, come Give me your hand; I did but chide in jest, The best Lovers use it; it sets an edge

Upon affection: when we invite our friends Unto a Feast, 'tis not all Sweet-meats that we Set before 'em.

Cass.

Ha, I suspect this sudden change; but I'le make use of an Expedient to distinguish it.

Fla.

Horrour to my soul.

Jul.

O monstrous, yonder he is with her, Madam. And she suffers him to lead her.

Alle.

I am seiz'd with such a Feavor on the sudden, That the ground I stand on trembles under me.

Fla.

But four words with you, Madam:

Jac.

I must not, reason and duty otherwise oblige.

[Ex. Cass. and Jac.

Alle.

The tempest of a thousand anguishes torment me.

Fla.

Reason and Duty otherwise oblige.

Alle.

O woman, woman, thy Vows are ropes of sand, And slight as webs that spiders weave, Inspire me fury, I'le be reveng'd if I have breath.

[Exit. Alle.

Jul.

So here's like to be fine work: I'le be the Match to this wild-fire.

[Exit Jul.

Fla.

Now I perceive all her respects are counterfeit, When she dispenc'd her favour to me, 'twas With that neglect, as Charity is dispos'd out Of a Palsie hand; rather let fall then given.

Enter Addibar.

Add.

Sir, Signior Robatzy is this way approaching to Salute you.

Fla.

I will prevent him that labour; I'le wait on him.

[Exit and enter presently, whilst the Scene changes to Robat' house.

Enter Robatzy greeting of Flaminio.

Rob.

What consolation, Sir, have I to see you here In health: your father and I held an entire friendship; I hope it may be continu'd in his son.

Fla.

I shall be honour'd, Sir, to be your Servant; my Mother Commanded my delivery of some Letters to you, Which in your absence, last night, I left at Your house.

Rob.

I have received them, and find you have been exact To her Appointment.

Fla.

She writ to me to Florence (where since my Fathers death I have resided with my Uncle) That she had a purpose to be in Spain About this time, and with an unusual importunity Required me to meet her here, assuring me I should expect her at your house, but The occasion is to me unknown.

Rob.

She writes to me likewise, she will be here Her self about this time.

Fla.

My Sister, I hope, comes with her.

Rob.

I am not of that belief.

Fla.

Why?

Rob.

I must not satisfie you.

Fla.

Must not; your cloudy Language makes me Fear Misfortune; I doubt she is not living.

Rob.

Her death, Sir, is not the thing that should Afflict you most.

Fla.

What then?

Rob.

Something worse.

Fla.

I am in the dark still, still further from your meaning: Why was I appointed to make such Haste Hither.

Rob.

I am forbid to tell you any thing; your Mother Doth conjure my secrecie: tomorrow from her own mouth You will be fully inform'd; till when, pray Command my house, and all it can afford to Express your welcom.

Fla.

Sir, I thank you for your generous offer, but I Desire to be dispenc'd with for this night.

Rob.

Why, whither are you going?

Fla.

To give a Visit to an ancient friend, and School-fellow, who by great fortune yesterday I met in the street, soon after my Arrival, One Don Alvarez.

Rob.

Alvarez, what fatal charmes oblige you to receive The favour of an enemie; have you forgot the Inveterate hatred that has so long dwelt In both your Families.

Fla.

No, Sir, I well remember it; but that variance Expir'd with our fathers; he sav'd my life once In Florence, when 'twas overwhelm'd with Peril; and since my Arrival here he has Received me, with marks of highest favour, allowing Me the honour to renew my Acquaintance to his fair Sister, Whom (if Heaven be propitious to my wish) I intend—

Rob.

All Powers above forbid it; O Sir, persist not in A destructive hope: your ruine's nourish'd in That thought.

Fla.

What mean you, Sir?

Rob.

You have express'd words of a most dangerous Sense, and if your purposes be not suddenly revers'd, You are lost for ever. If you owe any obedience to a Mothers will, Withdraw your resolution.

Fla.

My ingratitude would defile my blood, should I be less sensible of his favours, benefits so Multipli'd would animate the most ingrateful To an Acknowledgment.

Exit.

Rob.

What power our Passions have over our Wills, we▪ Are all naturally so obstinate against our good; That though at Sea we suffer shipwrack, and in Warre are overcome; yet we give not over neither.

Enter Don Bertran, Sancho and Pedro.

San.

Come Sir, we are at length Arriv'd; this is the house.

Ber.

Hold Sancho, thou goest too fast for me: the Devil Take this Mule, what a damn'd Trot she went; I am as sore as if I had been cudgel'd.

Ped.

I am glad on't: you have often put me into that Condition, I thank your Worships hands for it.

Rob.

What's here?

Ber.

I have scarce a whole bone left.

San.

Fie, Sir, do not complain so loud, you Should own no pain so near your Mystriss But that of love.

Ped.

You had better ha' bin hors'd upon one of your Flanders Mares.

Rob.

On my life, this is the old Amorist, that comes▪ A wooing to my Daughter; Go, call her, Addibar;

Add.

I shall, Sir.

[Exit.

Ber.

Well, what said she to my Letter?

San.

Why, she esteem'd it above her breath; You are the happiest man living, she is a Whole Mint of vertue: besides, Sir, she is young, Fair, witty, modest, tall, slender, and a thousand Other things.

Ber.

But does she love me?

San.

Infinitely, You do not love yonr self so much.

Ber.

And—.

San.

Look you, Sir, here's her father come to Meet you.

Ber.

Why dost thou shew him me? thou Know'st I could never endure an old man in my life; But since he's here, I'le speak to him; Father-in-law, come hither.

Rob.

Sir, my observation has instructed me who you are: And in Testimony of your welcom—

Ber.

Nay, nay, no Complement: I am a man of few words.

Enter Alleria veyl'd, and Julia, &c.

I understand your Daughter is marriageable, handsom I am told too; for the fame of her fills Toledo, and—

Jul.

Bless us, good Madam, what a thing is this?

Alle.

More out of fashion then he that wants an Oath.

Rob.

Her will, Sir, is limited to mine, and I would have Her place her affections, where she may Find felicity.

Ber.

I can speak to her then as I please.

Rob.

Without question, Sir.

Ber.

And my discourse, you think, will please her.

Rob.

I have no reason to suspect it, Sir, look Sir, There she is, you have liberty to try her.

Ber.

Very well, Sancho, Pedro.

Both.

Sir, Sir.

Ber.

Is nothing amiss about me:

San.

All in very good order: only your Ruff, Sir,

Is not in the fashion here in Sivil.

Ped.

But yet your shape is graceful.

Ber.

The fashion, tell me of the fashion; I'le be a fashion to a fashion, fashion, sayst thou, He that has wit is never out of fashion.

Ped.

I, I, Sir; the Sun is sufficiently beautified With its own Rays.

Rob.

Horrid impertinence: this is some stuff'd thing Or out-side of a man.

Ped.

Nay Sir, if you wonder at this, what will Becom of you anon, he is able to speak More with ease, then any man can endure With patience.

Ber.

Well, Madam, either you are very handsom Or very ugly: if ugly, you must shew your Im- Perfections only to me: if handsom, I have Reason to suspect the frailty of your Sex; So that be you handsom, or be you ugly, 'Tis requisite you keep your self veyl'd.

Alle.

VVhat Answer shall I make to so much folly?

San.

That was well hit yfaith.

Ber.

She had need be a good Horsewoman That my Rhetorick will not dismount: Ho, father-in-law, she does not answer VVhat's the cause?

Rob.

Alas, Sir, she fears to sin against Modesty.

Ber.

The joy of her exalted fortune throws her Into a thousand extasies.

San.

How the fool fats himself with hopes, And toils as much as if his Cards was wise ones.

Ber.

What will you be still silent (fair one:) Come, I must have you talk to me: a woman's Nothing, if she want a tongue: away with this Sullen humour, 'tis too cold for my desires; Come, I Say, I must have you brisk, lovely, and higher-wing'd.

Alle.

Silence, Sir, is the effect of Admiration. The nobleness of your deport, and generous behaviour So much astonishes my unwary sence, I know Not what to say.

Ber.

Hah Sancho, she talks well.

Alle.

I was taught to admire you, Sir, before I saw you, By the Rhetorique of your Amorous lines: your Eloquent tongue is as powerful as Orpheus Harp, and would like that, make stones flie. About your ears.

San.

A witty Rogue, she has prickt his folly in The right vein.

Ber.

I find she has too much wit to be ugly; Sirrah Sancho, cause her to be unveyl'd, 'tis Time to let me see her shape and aspect.

Aller.

Sir, it belongs to me to obey, since your ordain it.

[She puts up her Veyl.

Ber.

Do you here, old man; I know not what Pattern You had; but you have succeeded well, she Is handsom.

Rob.

Your Approbation, Sir, is an honour to her: Will it please you walk in?

Ber.

I like her forehead well, and the rouling of her eye; O thou Hive of sweetness, thou Model of Perfection, think not the worse of me, Because I do not kiss thee; I will not make Thy Courtesies so common: Sancho, bid her be Veyl'd agen: Nay, do it, or I'le not speak a Word more.

Alle.

Sir, I know my duty, and shall meet you In all commands.

Jul.

O that I had but liberty to laugh at him.

Ber.

Do you hear, father; you have instructed Her well: I commend your care; well my Child, thou shalt see, I'le make thee the Best wife in Sivil.

Alle.

Sir, not knowing what a husband is, nor what he May be, I can promise little.

Ber.

Nay, never fear a quiet Union, I am as Easily pleas'd as a child, let me but sleep I'le ne're disturb you; Do you hear my Little Rogue: you my little Rascal.

Jul.

You give me fine names, Signior; Rogue and Rascal.

Ber.

Well, well, its no matter for that, its Common with me to abuse them I love most: Get the Bride ready betimes tomorrow. I shall Make short work on't; I love to be brief, Because I love to be plain; or (hark you) Now I think on't better; let us all to bed with Our clothes on: so we shall be the sooner ready In the Morning.

San.

What Company, Sir, will your Worship have to dinner With you.

Ber.

Company, Hang Company; I'le have no Company, I do not intend to be undone At a meal; Come, my Spouse, give me your hand: Tomorrow early all that will shall see, The Ship launch'd forth of your Virginity, And man'd by none but me. The more I look on thee, the more I prove; There's still more cause why I thee more should love.

Exeunt