A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 15Dodsley, Robert
General
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 15
Dodsley, Robert
English drama
[_+Don Zancho+ stands awhile as amazed, with folded arms.
+Chichon+ behind his master, holding up his hands, and
making a pitiful face; +Francisca+ steals to him, and
holding up her hand threateningly_--
+Fran.+ A blab, Chichon, a pick-thank, peaching varlet!
Ne'er think to look me in the face again. [_Aside to +Chichon+._
+Chi.+ In what part shall I look thee, hast thou a worse?
It is the devil has discover'd it--
Some witch dwells here: I've long suspected thee.
[_Aside to +Francisca+._
+Fran.+ I never more shall think thee worth my charms.
+Blan.+ What, struck dumb with guilt? perfidious man!
That happens most to the most impudent,
When once detected. Well, get thee hence,
And see thou ne'er presum'st to come again
Within these walls, or I shall let thee see
'Tis not at court alone, where hands are found
To let such madmen blood.
[_She turns as going away, and +Don Zancho+
holds her gently by the gown._
+Don Z.+ Give me but hearing, madam, and then if----
+Don J.+ What, ho! no lights below-stairs? [_Aloud, as below._
+Fran.+ O heavens! madam, hear you not your brother?
Into the chamber quickly, and let them
Retire behind that hanging; there's a place,
Where usually we throw neglected things.
I'll take the lights and meet him: certainly
His stay will not be long from Violante
At this time of the night; besides, you know,
He never was suspicious.
[_+Don Zancho+ and +Chichon+ go behind the hanging, and
+Donna Blanca+, retiring to her chamber, says--_
Capricious fate! must I who, whilst I lov'd him,
Ne'er met with checking accident, fall now
Into extremest hazards for a man,
Whom I begin to hate?
[_Exit, and +Francisca+ at another door with the lights._
_+Francisca+ re-enters with +Don Julio+._
+Don J.+ Where's my sister?
+Fran.+ In her chamber, sir,
Not very well; she's taken with a megrim.
+Don J.+ Light me in to her.
[_Exit +Don Julio+, +Francisca+ lighting him with one of
the lights. +Chichon+ peeping out from behind the
hangings._
+Chi.+ If this be Cupid's prison, 'tis no sweet one.
Here are no chains of roses; yet I think
Y' had rather b' in 't than in Elvira's chamber,
As gay and as perfum'd as 'twas.
+Don Z.+ Hold your peace, puppy; is this a time for fooling?
_Enter +Francisca+, and +Chichon+ starts back._
+Fran.+ [_Coming to the hanging._] Chichon, look out; you may,
the coast is clear. [_+Chichon+ looks out._
Could I my lady's near concerns but sever
From yours in this occasion, both of you
Should dearly pay your falsehood.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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