+Diego.+ These little black books do more devils raise Than all the figures of the conjurors. This is some missive from the heroine: If it ends not in fighting, I'll be hang'd; It is the method of their dear romances, And persons of their rank make love by book. Curse o'[60] th' inventor of that damn'd device Of painting words, and speaking to our eyes! Had I a hundred daughters, by this light, Not one of 'em should ever read or write. _Enter +Flora,+ and seems to go away in haste._ Here she comes again. 'Twas a quick despatch. A word, Flora, or a kind glance at least; What, grown cruel? +Flo.+ Diego, nobody w' you?[61] This is no time for fooling, friend. +Diego.+ Nay, if you be so serious, fare you well. But, now I think on't better, I'll do th' honours Of our street, and bring you to the end on't. +Flo.+ I shall be well help'd up with such a squire. If some wandering knight should chance to assault you, To bear away your damsel, what would you do? +Diego.+ I'd use no other weapon but a torch: I'd put aside your veil, show him your face, That, I suppose, would guard us both. +Flo.+ Why, d' you think 'twould fright him, Diego? +Diego.+ O no, 'twould charm him, Flora. +Flo.+ Well, such as 'tis, I'll venture it without Engaging your known valour: [so,] good night. [_Exit +Flora+._ _Enter +Don Octavio+ and +Don Antonio+._ +Don O.+ What may this be? I swear I cannot guess; The warning's short; but she must be obeyed. The hour draws near. I must go seek a friend, Her words seem to imply need of a second: 'Twere barbarous to engage Antonio, Newly arriv'd, and come on such an errand. [_Aside._ Noble Antonio, my confusion's great, [_Addressing +Antonio+._ To tell you thus abruptly I must leave you; Th' occasion's indispensable. +Don A.+ I must not quit you, sir, I know too well The laws of honour to desert you now: When I perceive my friend in such disorder, And[62] all the marks that he is call'd to danger, To leave him then---- +Don O.+ It is a summons from a lady, sir, Whom I have lov'd with passion and success, To meet her in her garden presently. All is propitious on her part and mine; But she's so guarded by a tyrant brother, So naturally jealous, and so incens'd By a late accident which I shall tell you, That to assure you there would be no danger In this adventure, were (sir) to abuse you: But for that very reason I am bound Not to consent you should embark yourself In a business so directly opposite To the occasion which has brought you hither. +Don A.+ I like the omen: at my first arrival To have the honour to serve so brave a friend. +Don O.+ You from a life of perils hither come To find a nuptial-bed, not seek a tomb.