+Blan.+ That I shall quickly do: [_Aside._ Know then, Don Zancho, In the first place, you must not interrupt me, Whatever you shall hear; I'll take it ill else. When I have done, then speak your mind at leisure. I come not to argue, but conclude. +Don Z.+ Your will's a law to me; But whither tends all this? [_Aside._ +Blan.+ I do for once allow you to remember All that has pass'd between us: The folly of my love, the falsehood of yours; That done, and never to be thought on more-- +Don Z.+ For Heaven's sake, madam-- +Blan.+ Break not the rule was set: Know I instructed am in all your story, And am so far grown mistress of myself, That I, who th' other day could scarce o'ercome The sense of a slight failure at Madrid, Can here at home suffer indignities, And tell you calmly and with unconcern'dness, Be you Elvira's and Elvira yours. I come to do a part you little look'd for From Blanca's spirit: I must make the marriage. All things are ready, and her father here. Now you may speak, Don Zancho; but the thing Admits of no delay. +Don Z.+ But can this be in earnest? sure, it cannot. What needs these trials of so firm a faith? [_Pausing awhile._ +Blan.+ Leave trifling; 'tis no longer time for tricks. It is not in the pow'r of fate to alter The resolution taken. [_+Don Zancho+ pauses._ +Don. F.+ She has put it home. [_Aside._ +Don Z.+ Madam, you use me hardly; this demeanour Passes my skill, to judge from whence it springs. You say it is not in the pow'r of fate To change your resolutions; but I'm sure, If they be such, 'twill less be in its pow'r To alter mine: but yet, before I die, You must be left without excuse by knowing The truth of all. +Don F.+ Here it imports indeed to be attentive. [_Aside._ +Don Z.+ Madam, 'tis true that, absent at Madrid, The custom of the court and vanity Embark'd me lightly in a gallantry With the most fam'd of beauties there, Elvira: Those and no other the true motives were To all my first addresses, till her scorns, Which should have stopp'd them, had engag'd me more, And made a love in jest a point of honour. I bore all her disdains without transportment, Till, having gain'd her waiting-woman's kindness, I learn'd from her that all Elvira's slightings She would have thought had sprung from severe maxims And preciousness of humour, were th' effects Of deep engagement in another love With a young gallant, Don Fernando Solis, With whom the cruel dame was so far gone, As to admit him almost[23] every night Into her chamber. +Don F.+ Bless'd gods, what do I hear? [_Aside._