The Works of Aphra Behn Volume I Part 75

_Mar._ Why, dost thou know it then?

Stand by, I shall forget thou art my Friend else, And thro thy Heart reach hers.

_Alon._ Nothing but Love could animate him thus, He is my Rival. [Aside.

_Marcel_, I will not quit one inch of Ground; Do what thou dar'st, for know I do adore her, And thus am bound by Love to her Defence.

[Offers to fight _Marcel_, who retires in wonder.

_Euph._ Hold, n.o.ble Stranger, hold.

_Mar._ Have you such Pity on your Lover there?

[Offers to kill her, _Alonzo_ stays him.

_Euph._ Help, help. [Her Veil falls off.

Enter _Hippolyta_ drest like a Curtezan: Sees _Marcel._

_Hip._ Oh G.o.ds, my Brother! in pity, Sir, defend me From the just Rage of that incensed Man.

[_Runs behind _Lovis_, whilst _Marcel_ stands gazing on both with wonder._

_Lov._ I know not the meaning of all this, but However I'll help the Lady in Distress.

Madam, you're safe, whilst I am your Protector.

[Leads her out.

_Mar._ I've lost the Power of striking where I ought, Since my misguided Hand so lately err'd.

Oh Rage, dull senseless Rage, how blind and rude It makes us.

Pardon, fair Creature, my unruly Pa.s.sion, And only blame that Veil which hid that Face, Whose Innocence and Beauty had disarm'd it: I took you for the most perfidious Woman, The falsest loosest thing.

_Alon._ How! are you a Stranger to her?

_Mar._ Yes I am. Have you forgiven me, Madam?

_Euph._ Sir, I have. [_Marcel_ bows and offers to go out.

_Alon._ Stay, Friend, and let me know your Quarrel.

_Mar._ Not for the World, _Alonzo_.

_Alon._ This is unfriendly, Sir.

_Mar._ Thou dost delay me from the n.o.blest Deed, On which the Honour of my House depends, A Deed which thou wilt curse thy self for hindring Farewel. [Goes out.

_Alon._ What can the meaning of this be?

_Euph._ Oh do not ask, but let us quickly leave this dangerous Place.

_Alon._ Does it not belong to you?

_Euph._ No, but you would like me the better if it did: for, Sir, it is a--

_Alon._ Upon my Life, a Baudy-house.

_Euph._ So they call it.

_Alon._ You do amaze me.

_Euph._ Truth is, not daring to trust my Friends or Relations with a Secret that so nearly concern'd me as the meeting you, and hearing of a new come Curtezan living in this House, I sent her word I would make her a Visit, knowing she would gladly receive it from a Maid of my Quality: When I came, I told her my Business, and very frankly she offer'd me her House and Service-- Perhaps you'll like me the worse for this bold Venture, but when you consider my promis'd Husband is every day expected, you will think it but just to secure my self any way.

_Alon._ You could not give me a greater Proof than this of what you say you bless me with, your Love.

_Euph._ I will not question but you are in earnest; at least if any doubt remain, these will resolve it.

[Gives him Letters.

_Alon._ What are these, Madam?

_Euph._ Letters, Sir, intercepted from the Father of my design'd Husband out of _Flanders_ to mine.

_Alon._ What use can I make of them?

_Euph._ Only this: Put your self into an Equipage very ridiculous, and pretend you are my foolish Lover arriv'd from _Flanders_, call your self _Haunce van Ezel_, and give my Father these, as for the rest I'll trust your Wit.

_Alon._ What shall I say or do now? [Aside.

_Euph._ Come, come, no study, Sir; this must be done, And quickly too, or you will lose me.

_Alon._ Two great Evils! if I had but the Grace to chuse the least now, that is, lose her.

[Aside.

_Euph._ I'll give you but to night to consider it.

_Alon._ Short warning this: but I am d.a.m.nably in love, and cannot withstand Temptation.

[Kisses her Hand.

_Euph._ I had forgot to tell you my Name's _Euphemia_, my Father's you'll find on the Letters, and pray show your Love in your haste.

Farewel.

_Alon._ Stay, fair _Euphemia_, and let me pay my Thanks, and tell you that I must obey you.

_Euph._ I give a Credit where I give a Heart.

Go inquire my Birth and Fortune: as for you, I am content with what I see about you.

_Alon._ That's bravely said, nor will I ask one Question about you, not only to return the Bounty, but to avoid all things that look like the Approaches to a married Life. If Fortune will put us together, let her e'en provide for us.

_Euph._ I must be gone: Farewel, and pray make haste. [Looks kindly on him.

_Alon._ There's no resisting those Looks, _Euphemia_: One more to fortify me well; for I shall have need of every Aid in this Case.

[Look at one another and go.

SCENE III. _A Street._