What is more singular, this drama approaches to a fulfilment of the requisitions of the unities, for it has but one proper action, which is the marriage of Febea; it does not extend beyond the period of twenty-four hours; and the whole passes in the street before the house of the lady, unless, indeed, the fifth act passes within the house, which is doubtful.[477] The whole, too, is founded on the national manners, and preserves the national costume and character. The best parts, in general, are the humorous; but there are graceful passages between the lovers, and touching passages between the brother and sister. The parody of the servants, Boreas and Doresta, on the passion of the hero and heroine is spirited; and in the first scene between them we have the following dialogue, which might be transferred with effect to many a play of Calderon:-- [477] The “Aquilana,” absurd as its story is, approaches, perhaps, even nearer to absolute regularity in its form. _Boreas._ O, would to heaven, my lady dear, That, at the instant I first looked on thee, Thy love had equalled mine! _Doresta._ Well! that’s not bad! But still you’re not a bone for me to pick.[478] _Boreas._ Make trial of me. Bid me do my best, In humble service of my love to thee; So shalt thou put me to the proof, and know If what I say accord with what I feel. _Doresta._ Were my desire to bid thee serve quite clear, Perchance thy offers would not be so prompt. _Boreas._ O lady, look’ee, that’s downright abuse! _Doresta._ Abuse? How’s that? Can words and ways so kind, And full of courtesy, be called abuse? _Boreas._ I’ve done. I dare not speak. Your answers are so sharp, They pierce my very bowels through and through. _Doresta._ Well, by my faith, it grieves my heart to see That thou so mortal art. Dost think to die Of this disease? _Boreas._ ’T would not be wonderful. _Doresta._ But still, my gallant Sir, perhaps you’ll find That they who give the suffering take it too. _Boreas._ In sooth, I ask no better than to do As do my fellows,--give and take; but now I take, fair dame, a thousand hurts, And still give none. _Doresta._ How know’st thou that? [478] This is an old proverb, “A otro can con esse huesso.” It occurs more than once in Don Quixote. A little lower we have another, “Ya las toman do las dan,”--“Where they give, they take.” Naharro is accustomed to render his humorous dialogue savory by introducing such old proverbs frequently. And so she continues till she comes to a plenary confession of being no less hurt, or in love, herself, than he is.[479] [479] _Boreas._ Plugiera, Señora, a Dios, En aquel punto que os vi, Que quisieras tanto a mi, Como luego quise a vos. _Doresta._ Bueno es esso; A otro can con esse huesso!