+Don F.+ Wait on him in---- [_Exit +Fabio+._ And now, Elvira, If you'll be pleas'd to rest yourself awhile Within that closet, you may hear what passes Betwixt my friend and me, until such time As I by some discourse having prevented Too great surprise, you shall think fit t' appear. He is the man (as I have often told you During my happy days) for whom alone I have no reserves; and 'tis to his assistance That I must owe the means of serving you In the concernments of your safety and honour; And therefore, madam, 'twill be no offence, I hope, to trust him with the true occasion That brings me hither to employ his friendship; Observing that respect in the relation Which I shall always pay you. +Elv.+ [_Retiring as into the closet._] There needs no management in the relation. I am indifferent what others think, Since those who ought t' have thought the best have fail'd me: Sir, I obey, resign'd up to your conduct, Till mistress of my own. [_Exit._ _Enter +Don Julio+: +Don Fernando+ and he embrace._ +Don J.+ My joy to have my dear Fernando here So unexpectedly, as great as 'tis, Cannot make Julio insensible Of th' injury you have done him, t' have alighted, And pass'd a night within Valencia At any other place than at his house: Donna Blanca herself will scarce forgive it, When she shall know it. +Don F.+ I hope she's well. +Don J.+ She is so, thanks to heaven: But I must bid you expect a chiding from her. +Don F.+ You both might well accuse me of a failure, Did not th' occasion of my coming hither Bring with it an excuse, alas! too just, As you will quickly find. +Don J.+ Nay, then you raise disquiet; ease me quickly, By telling me what 'tis. Of this be sure: Heart, hand and fortune are entirely yours At all essays. +Don. F.+ [_After pausing awhile._] It is not new t' ye that I was a lover, Engaged in all the passion that e'er beauty, In height of its perfection, could produce; And that confirm'd by reason from her wit, Her quality and most unblemish'd conduct; Nor was there more to justify my love, Than to persuade my happiness in her Just correspondence to it, by all the ways Of honourable admission, that might serve To make esteem transcend the pitch of love. +Don J.+ Of all this I have not only had knowledge, But great participation in your joys: Than which I thought nothing more permanent, Since founded on such virtue as Elvira's.