The Castle of Andalusia Part 12

[_Exeunt._

_Enter FERNANDO._

_Don Fer._ This is fortunate; the whole family, except Victoria, are firmly possessed with the idea that I am but the servant.--Well, since they will have me an impostor, they shall find me one: In Heaven's name, let them continue in their mistake, and bestow their mock Victoria upon my sham Fernando. I shall have a pleasant and just revenge for their perfidy; and, perhaps, obtain Don Scipio's real, lovely daughter, the sum of my wishes.--Here comes Don Scipio--Now to begin my operations.

_Enter DON SCIPIO._

[_As wis.h.i.+ng DON SCIPIO to overhear him._] I'm quite weary of playing the gentleman, I long to get into my livery again.

_Don Scipio._ Get into his livery!

[_Aside._

_Don Fer._ These clothes fall to my share, however; my master will never wear them after me.

_Don Scipio._ His master! ay, ay.

[_Aside._

_Don Fer._ I wish he'd own himself, for I'm certain Don Scipio suspects who I am.

_Don Scipio._ Suspect? I know who you are, [_Advancing to him._] so get into your livery again as fast as you can.

_Don Fer._ Ha, my dear friend, Don Scipio, I was--

_Don Scipio._ Friend! you impudent rascal! I'll break your head, if you make so free with me. None of your swaggering, sirrah--How the fellow acts! it wasn't for nothing he was among the strolling players; but, hark ye, my lad, be quiet, for you're blown here, without the help of your trumpet.

_Don Fer._ Lord, your honour, how came you to know that I am Pedrillo?

_Don Scipio._ Why, I was told of it by your fellow--hold, I must not betray my little dreamer though--[Aside.]--No matter who told me; I--but here comes your master.

_Don Fer._ Pedrillo! The fellow will spoil all; I wish I had given him his lesson before I began with Don Scipio.

[_Aside._

_Don Scipio._ I hope he'll now have done with his gambols.

_Don Fer._ Sir, my master is such an obstinate gentleman, as sure as you stand here, he'll still deny himself to be Don Fernando.

_Don Scipio._ Will he? then I'll write his father an account of his vagaries.

_Enter PEDRILLO._

_Ped._ Master, shall I shave you this morning?

_Don Scipio._ Shave! Oh, my dear sir, time to give over your tricks and fancies.

_Ped._ [_Surprised._] My tricks and fancies!

_Don Fer._ Yes, sir, you are found out.

_Ped._ I am found out!

_Don Scipio._ So you may as well confess.

_Ped._ What the devil shall I confess?

_Don Scipio._ He still persists! Hark ye, young gentleman, I'll send your father an account of your pranks, and he'll trim your jacket for you.

_Ped._ Nay, sir, for the matter of that, my father could trim your jacket for you.

_Don Scipio._ Trim my jacket, young gentleman!

_Ped._ Why, he's the best tailor in Cordova.

_Don Scipio._ His father's a tailor in Cordova!

_Don Fer._ Ay, he'll ruin all--[_Aside._]--Let me speak to him. Tell Don Scipio you are the master.

[_Apart to PEDRILLO._

_Ped._ I will, sir--Don Scipio, you are the master.

_Don Scipio._ What!

_Don Fer._ Stupid dog!--[_Apart to PEDRILLO._]--Say you are Fernando, and I am Pedrillo.

_Ped._ I will--Sir, you are Fernando, and I am Pedrillo.

_Don Fer._ Dull rogue! [_Aside._] I told you, sir, he'd persist in it.

[_Apart to DON SCIPIO._

_Don Scipio._ Yes, I see it; but I tell you what, Don Fernando.--[_LORENZA sings without._] My daughter! Zounds! don't let your mistress see you any more in this cursed livery.--Look at the gentleman, hold up your head--egad, Pedrillo's acting was better than your natural manner.

_Don Fer._ Ah, sir, if you were to see my master dressed--the livery makes such an alteration!

_Don Scipio._ True! curse the livery.

_Ped._ It's bad enough; but my master gives new liveries on his marriage.

_Don Fer._ An insensible scoundrel!

[_Aside._

_Enter LORENZA._

_Lor._ Oh, caro, signor, every body says that you are [_To DON FERNANDO._]

not Don Fernando.