time, he died, neither loved nor regretted by any party, in the year 1676. [A MS. note in one of the former editions says: "A play of pure _intrigue_.--Style feeble and drawling.--Plot extremely complicated, and quite unintelligible without a most fixed attention, which, however, the play has not merit enough to excite. _July 1819._"] FOOTNOTES: [1] "Catalogue of Royal and Noble Authors," ii. 25. [2] "Roscius Anglicanus," 1708, p. 25. [3] P. 22. [4] It is not easy to find out why this inference is drawn, since Sir J. Suckling only mentions him by name, with three others comparatively little known. "Sands with Townshend, for they kept no order; _Digby_ and Shillingsworth a little further." "Session of the Poets."--_Collier_. [But the Digby here mentioned was Sir Kenelm Digby, surely.] _DRAMATIS PERSONÆ._ +Don Julio Rocca.+ +Don Pedro de Mendoça.+ +Don Fernando Solis+, _in love with Donna Elvira._ +Don Zancho de Moneçes+, _in love with Donna Blanca._ +Fabio+, _servant to Don Fernando._ +Fulvio+, _servant to Don Pedro._ +Chichon+, _servant to Don Zancho._ +A Page.+ +Donna Elvira+, _a beautiful lady, Don Pedro's daughter._ +Donna Blanca+, _a lady of high spirit, Don Julio's sister._ +Francisca+, _Donna Blanca's woman._ _Scene, Valencia._ ELVIRA; OR, THE WORST NOT ALWAYS TRUE.[5] ACT I. _The room in the inn._ _Enter +Don Fernando+, and at another door his servant +Fabio+, both in riding-clothes._ +Don F.+ Have you not been with him, Fabio, and given him The note? +Fab.+ I found him newly got out of his bed; He seem'd much satisfied, though much surpris'd, With your arrival; and as soon as possibly He can get ready, he'll be with you here. He says he hopes some good occasion brings you To Valencia, and that he shall not be At quiet till he know it. 'Twas not fit For me, without your orders, to give him Any more light than what your ticket did. +Don. F.+ 'Tis well: go now, and see if Donna Elvira Be stirring yet, for I would gladly have her A witness, even at first, to what shall pass Betwixt my friend and me in our concernments: If she be still asleep, Fabio, make bold To knock, and wake her; w' have no time to lose. O, here she comes. Wait you Don Julio. [_Exit +Fabio+._ _Enter +Donna Elvira+._ +Elv.+ Ah! can you think my cares and sleep consistent? Slumber and tears have sometimes met in dreams; But hearts, with such a weight as mine opprest, Find still the heaviest sleep too light a guest.