+Don C.+ You know, Don Henrique, for these thirteen years, That I have been with the like province charg'd: An only sister, by our parents' will (When they were call'd from all[41] their cares below) Committed to my trust, much more expos'd To the great world than yours; and, sir, unless Nearness of blood deceive me, short of few In those perfections which invite the gallants: Yet, thanks to my temper, cousin, as well As to her virtue, I have seen her grow, Even from her childhood to her dangerous age, Without the least disturbance to my rest; And when with equal justice I reflect On the great modesty and circumspection Of lovely Porcia, I conclude that you Might well have slept as undisturb'd as I. +Don H.+ Sir, I complain not of my sister's conduct; But you know well, young maids are so expos'd To the invasion of audacious men, And to the malice of their envious sex, You must confess the confines of their fame Are never safe till guarded by a husband. 'Tis true, discreet relations ought to use Preventions of all kinds; but, dear Carlos, The blemish once receiv'd, no wash is good For stains of honour but th' offender's blood. +Don C.+ Y' are too severe a judge of points of honour. +Don H.+ And therefore, having not long since receiv'd The news that Don Antonio de Mendoza Is likely to be here this night from Flanders, To whom my sister, by th' intervention O' th' Marquis d'Olivera, is contracted, I will not close these eyes, till I have seen Her and my cares safe lodg'd within his arms. +Don C.+ I find your travels, cousin, have not cur'd you Of that innate severity to women, Urg'd justly as a national reproach To all of us abroad. The rest o' th' world Lament that tender sex amongst us here, Born only to be honourable prisoners; The greater quality, the closer kept: Which cruelty is reveng'd upon ourselves, Whilst, by immuring those whom most we love, We sing, and sigh only to iron gates. As cruel is that overcautious custom By proxy to contract parties unknown To one another; this is only fit For sovereign princes, whose high qualities Will not allow of previous interviews: They sacrifice their love to public good, Consulting interest of state and blood; A custom which as yet I never knew Us'd amongst persons of a lower rank Without a sequel of sad accidents. Sir, understand me right; I speak not this By way of prophecy: I am no stranger To Don Antonio's reputation, Which I believe so just, I no way doubt Your sister's being happy in him. +Don H.+ Don Carlos, let us quit this argument: I am now going to our noble friend And kinsman, the corregidor, to see If he'll oblige us with his company At my sister's wedding. Will you come along?