+Don O.+ How! I attempt your sister's honour, Henrique? [_+Don Antonio+ turns and looks sternly upon +Don Henrique+._ The parent of your black designs, the devil, Did ne'er invent a more malicious falsehood; 'Tis true that I have serv'd the virtuous Porcia With such devotion and such spotless love, That, though unworthy, yet she has been pleas'd To recompense my passion with esteem; [_+Don Antonio+ turns and looks sternly upon +Don Octavio+._ By which she has so chain'd me to her service, That here I vow either to live her prize, Or else in death to fall love's sacrifice. +Don A.+ O heavens! what's that I hear? Thou blessed angel, Guardian of my honour, I now implore Thy powerful assistance, to preserve That reputation which I hitherto By virtuous actions have maintain'd unblemish'd. In vain, Don Henrique, you design to change [_He pauses a little, and rubs his forehead._ My resolutions: it must ne'er be said That passion could return Antonio From the strict rules of honour. Sir, I tell you, Nothing can make me violate my first Engagement. +Don H.+ Nay, then, thou shalt die too, perfidious man. Ho! Geraldo, Pedro, Leonido! _Enter +Geraldo+, +Pedro+, and +Leonido+, with their swords drawn; they join with +Don Henrique+; +Don Carlos+ interposes._ +Don C.+ For heaven's sake, cousin, draw not on yourself The horrid infamy of assassinating Persons of noble blood by servile hands! +Don H.+ Do you defend them too? Kill 'em, I say. +Don A.+ Retire, Octavio, I'll sustain their shock. +Don O.+ Octavio retire! +Don A.+ Trust me, you must, they will surround us else; Through that narrow passage they'll assail us With less advantage. [_They retire, fighting, off the stage, +Don Henrique+ and his men pursuing them, and +Don Carlos+ endeavouring to stop +Don Henrique.+_ +Don H.+ What, d'ye give back, ye mighty men of fame? +Don A.+ Don Henrique, you shall quickly find 'tis honour, Not fear, makes me retire. [_Exeunt._ _Enter presently +Don Antonio+ and +Don Octavio+ at another door, which +Don Antonio+ bolts._ +Don A.+ Now we shall have a breathing while at least, Octavio, and time to look about us. Pray, see yon other door be fast. [_+Don Octavio+ steps to the door where they went out, and +Don Henrique+ bounces at the door they came in at._ +Don H.+ Geraldo, fetch an iron bar to force The door. [_Within, aloud. +Don Antonio+ goes to both the doors, to see if they be fast._ +Don A.+ So, 'tis now as I could wish it. +Don O.+ What do you mean, generous Antonio?