_Mar_. That were sufficient reason for thy Hate,
But mine’s because thou hast betray’d her basely.
--She told me all the story of her Love,
How well you meant, how honestly you swore,
And with a thousand Tears imploy’d my Aid
To break the Contract she was forc’d to make
T’ _Octavio_, and give her to your Arms:
I did, and brought you word of our Design,
--I need not tell ye what returns you made;
Let it suffice, my Sister was neglected,
Neglected for a Curtezan,--a Whore;
I watcht, and saw each Circumstance of Falshood.
_Jul_. Damnation! what means this?
_Fil_. I scorn to save my Life by Lyes or Flatteries;
But credit me, the Visit that I made
I durst have sworn had been to my _Marcella_;
Her Face, her Eyes, her Beauty was the same,
Only the business of her Language differ’d,
And undeceiv’d my hope.
_Mar_. In vain thou think’st to flatter me to Faith,--
When thou’dst my Sister’s Letter in thy hand, which ended that dispute,
Even then I saw with what regret you read it;
What care you took to disobey it too--
The shivering Maid, half dead with fears and terrors of the Night,
In vain expected a Relief from Love or thee.
Draw, that I may return her the glad news I have reveng’d her.
_Jul_. Hold, much mistaken Youth; ‘tis I am _Julio_,
Thou, _Fillamour_, know’st my name, know’st I arriv’d
But yesterday at _Rome_, and heard the killing News
Of both my Sisters Flights, _Marcella_ and _Cornelia_,--
And thou art some Imposture. [_To_ Marcella.
_Mar_. If this now shou’d be true, I were in a fine condition.--
[_Aside_.
_Fil_. Fled! _Marcella_ fled!
_Jul_. ‘Twas she I told thee yesterday was lost;
But why art thou concern’d?--explain the Mystery.
_Fil_. I lov’d her more than Life; nay, even than Heaven;
And dost thou question my concern for her?
Say how, and why, and whither is she fled?
_Jul_. Oh, wou’d I knew, that I might kill her in her Lover’s Arms;
Or if I found her innocent, restore her to _Octavio_.
_Fil_. To _Octavio_! and is my Friendship of so little worth,
You cannot think I merit her?
_Jul_. This is some trick between ‘em; but I have sworn
Most solemnly, have sworn by Heaven and my Honour
To resign her, and I will do’t or die--
Therefore declare quickly, declare where she is,
Or I will leave thee dead upon the place. [_To_ Marcella.
_Mar_. So, Death or _Octavio_, a pretty hopeful Choice this!
_Fil_. Hold! by Heaven, you shall not touch a single hair, thus--will I
guard the Secret in his bosom.
[_Puts himself between ‘em, draws_.
_Jul_. ‘Tis plain thou’st injur’d me,--and to my Honour I’ll sacrifice my
Friendship, follow me.
[_Ex_. Jul. Fil.
_Enter_ Petro _and_ Cornelia.
_Mar_. Ah, _Petro_, fly, fly, swift and rescue him.--
[_Ex_. Pet. _with his Sword in his hand_.
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