{"id":1732,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:49","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1732"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:49","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:49","slug":"09-the-maid-in-the-mill-act-i-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/03-04-collected-plays-and-stories\/09-the-maid-in-the-mill-act-i-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-09_The Maid in the Mill – Act – I.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\n<\/font>
\n
\n
\nThe Maid in the Mill<\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\nor<\/b><\/p>\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nLove Shuffles the Cards<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nA Comedy<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nDramatis Personae<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/font><\/p>\n

C<\/font>UPID<\/font>.<\/p>\n

A<\/font>TE<\/font>.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font>
\nP<\/font>HILIP OF<\/font>
\nS<\/font>PAIN<\/font>.<\/p>\n

C<\/font>OUNT<\/font>
\nB<\/font>ELTRAN<\/font>, a nobleman.<\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/font>, his son.<\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/font>, his nephew.<\/p>\n

C<\/font>OUNT<\/font>
\nC<\/font>ONRAD<\/font>, a young nobleman.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

T<\/font>HE<\/font>
\nF<\/font>ARMER<\/font>.<\/p>\n

J<\/font>ACINTO<\/font>, his son.<\/p>\n

J<\/font>ERONIMO<\/font>, a student.<\/p>\n

C<\/font>ARLOS<\/font>, a student.<\/p>\n

F<\/font>RIAR<\/font>
\nB<\/font>ALTASAR<\/font>, a pedagogue.<\/p>\n

E<\/font>UPHROSYNE<\/font>, the maid of the farm.<\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/font>, sister of Conrad.<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/font>, her cousin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 700<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nAct I<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nScene
\n1<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe King’s Court at Salamanca.<\/i><\/p>\n

King Philip, Conrad, Beltran, Roncedas, Guzman, Antonio, Basil, Ismenia, Brigida; Grandees.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ONRAD<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Till when do we wait here?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

R<\/font>ONCEDAS<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The Court is dull.<\/p>\n

This melancholy gains upon the King.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ONRAD<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I should be riding homeward. How long it is<\/p>\n

To lose the noble hours so emptily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

R<\/font>ONCEDAS<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This is a daily weariness. But look:<\/p>\n

The King has left his toying with the tassels<\/p>\n

Of the great chair and turns slow eyes to us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Count Beltran.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ELTRAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Your Highness?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

What is your masque’s device<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 787<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFor which I still must thank your loyal pains<\/p>\n

To cheer our stay in this so famous city?<\/p>\n

Shall we hear it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ELTRAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Nothing from me, Your Highness.<\/p>\n

Castilians, forged iron of old time,<\/p>\n

And hearts that beat to tread of empires, cannot<\/p>\n

Keep pace with dances, entertainments, masques.<\/p>\n

But here’s my son, a piece of modern colour,<\/p>\n

For now our forward children overstep<\/p>\n

Their rough begetters \u2014 ask him, Sire; I doubt not<\/p>\n

His answers shall reveal the grace men lend him<\/p>\n

In attribution, \u2014 would ’twere used more nobly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Your son, Lord Beltran? Surely you fatigued<\/p>\n

The holy saints in heaven and perfect martyrs<\/p>\n

In your yet hopeful youth, till they consented<\/p>\n

To your best wish. What masque, Antonio?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

One little worthy, yet in a spirit framed<\/p>\n

That may excuse much error; ’tis the Judgment<\/p>\n

Of Paris and the Rape of Spartan Helen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

G<\/font>UZMAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Is that not very old?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Antonio? He<\/p>\n

Antonio? O my poor eyes misled,<\/p>\n

Whither have you wandered?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Hush.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 788<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It has I think<\/p>\n

Been staged a little often and though, Antonio,<\/p>\n

I doubt not that fine pen and curious staging<\/p>\n

Will raise it beyond new things rough conceived,<\/p>\n

Yet is fresh subject something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

For a play<\/p>\n

It were so; this is none. Pardon me, Sir,<\/p>\n

I err in boldness, urge too far my answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Your boldness, youth, is others’ modesty.<\/p>\n

Speak freely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Thus I say then. A masque is heard<\/p>\n

Once only and in that once must all be grasped at<\/p>\n

But the swift action of the stage speeds on,<\/p>\n

While slow conception labouring after it<\/p>\n

Roughens its subtleties, blurs over shades,<\/p>\n

Sees masses only. If the plot is new,<\/p>\n

The mind is like a traveller pressed for time,<\/p>\n

And quite engrossed with incident, omits<\/p>\n

To take the breath of flowers and lingering shade<\/p>\n

From haste to reach a goal. But the plot old<\/p>\n

Leaves it at leisure and it culls at ease<\/p>\n

Those delicate, scarcely-heeded strokes, which art<\/p>\n

Throws in, to justify genius. These being lost<\/p>\n

Perfection’s disappointed. Then if old<\/p>\n

The subject amplifies creative labour,<\/p>\n

For what’s creation but to make old things<\/p>\n

Admirably new; the other’s mere invention,<\/p>\n

A small gift, though a gracious. He’s creator<\/p>\n

Who greatly handles great material,<\/p>\n

Calls order out of the abundant deep,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 789<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nNot who invents sweet shadows out of air.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You are blessed, Lord Beltran, in your son. His voice<\/p>\n

Performs the promise of his eyes; he is<\/p>\n

A taking speaker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

True, O true! He has taken<\/p>\n

My heart out of my bosom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Will you hush?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You have, Lord Beltran, lands of which the fame<\/p>\n

Gives much to Nature. I have not yet beheld them.<\/p>\n

Indeed I grudge each rood of Spanish earth<\/p>\n

My eyes have not perused, my heart stored up.<\/p>\n

But what with foreign boyhood, strange extraction,<\/p>\n

And hardly reaching with turmoil to power<\/p>\n

I am a stranger merely. I have swept<\/p>\n

Through beautiful Spain more like a wind than man,<\/p>\n

Now fugitive, now blown into my right<\/p>\n

On a great whirlwind of success. So tell me,<\/p>\n

Have you not many lovely things to live with?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ELTRAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

My son would answer better, Sire. I care not<\/p>\n

Whether this tree be like a tower or that<\/p>\n

A dragon: and I never saw myself<\/p>\n

Difference twixt field and field, save the main one<\/p>\n

Of size, boundary and revenue; and those<\/p>\n

Were great once,
\n\u2014 why now lessened and by whom<\/p>\n

I will not move you by repeating, Sire,<\/p>\n

Although my heart speaks of it feelingly.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 790<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I have not time for hatred or revenge.<\/p>\n

Speak then, Antonio, but tell me not<\/p>\n

Of formal French demesnes and careful parks,<\/p>\n

Life dressed like a stone lady, statuesque.<\/p>\n

They please the judging eye, but not the heart.<\/p>\n

When Nature is disnatured, all her glowing<\/p>\n

Great outlines chillingly disharmonised<\/p>\n

Into stiff lines, the heart’s dissatisfied,<\/p>\n

Asks freedom, wideness; it compares the sweep<\/p>\n

Of the large heavens above and feels a discord.<\/p>\n

Your architects plan beauty by the yard,<\/p>\n

Weigh sand with sand, parallel line with line<\/p>\n

But miss the greatest, since uncultured force<\/p>\n

Though rude, yet striking home by far exceeds<\/p>\n

Artisan’s work, mechanically good.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Our fields, Sir, are a rural holiday,<\/p>\n

Not Nature carved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Has she a voice to you?<\/p>\n

Silent, she’s not so fair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yes, we have brooks<\/p>\n

Muttering through sedge and stone, and willows by them<\/p>\n

Leaning dishevelled and forget-me-nots,<\/p>\n

Wonders of lurking azure, rue and mallow,<\/p>\n

Honeysuckle and painful meadowsweet,<\/p>\n

And when we’re tired of watching the rich bee<\/p>\n

Murmur absorbed about one lonely flower,<\/p>\n

Then we can turn and hear a noon of birds.<\/p>\n

Each on his own heart’s quite intent, yet all<\/p>\n

Join sweetness at melodious intervals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 791<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You have many trees?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Glades, Sire, and green assemblies<\/p>\n

And separate giants bending to each other<\/p>\n

As if they longed to meet. Some are pranked out;<\/p>\n

Others wear merely green like foresters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Can hatred sound so sweet? Are enemies’ voices<\/p>\n

Like hail of angels to the ear, Brigida?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Hush, fool. We are too near. Someone will mark you.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, cousin, if they do, what harm? Sure all<\/p>\n

Unblamed may praise sweet music when they hear it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Rule your tongue, madam. Or must I leave you?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You have made me sorrowful. How different<\/p>\n

Is this pale picture of a Court, these walls<\/p>\n

Shut out from honest breathing; God kept not<\/p>\n

His quarries in the wild and distant hills<\/p>\n

For such perversion. It was sin when first<\/p>\n

Hands serried stone with stone. Guzman, you are<\/p>\n

A patient reasoner,
\n\u2014 is it not better<\/p>\n

To live in the great air God made for us,<\/p>\n

A peasant in the open glory of earth,<\/p>\n

Feeling it, yet not knowing it, like him<\/p>\n

To drink the cool life-giving brook nor crave<\/p>\n

The sour fermented madness of the grape<\/p>\n

Nor the dull exquisiteness of far-fetched viands<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 792<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

For the tired palate, but black bread or maize,<\/p>\n

Mere wholesome ordinary corn. Think you not<\/p>\n

A life so in the glorious sunlight bathed,<\/p>\n

Straight nursed and suckled from the vigorous Earth<\/p>\n

With shaping labour and the homely touch<\/p>\n

Of the great hearty mother, edifies<\/p>\n

A nobler kind than nourished is in courts?<\/p>\n

For we are even as children, when removed<\/p>\n

From those her streaming breasts, we of the sun<\/p>\n

Defrauded and the lusty salutation<\/p>\n

Of wind and rain, grow up amphibious nothing,<\/p>\n

Not man, who are too sickly wise for earth<\/p>\n

Nor angel, too corrupt for heirs of heaven.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

G<\/font>UZMAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I think not so, Your Highness.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Not so, Guzman?<\/p>\n

Is not a peasant happier than a king?<\/p>\n

For he has useful physical toil and sleep<\/p>\n

Unbroken as a child’s. He is not hedged<\/p>\n

By swathing ceremony which forbids<\/p>\n

A king to feel himself a man. He has friends,<\/p>\n

For he has equals. And in youth he marries<\/p>\n

The comrade of his boyhood whom he loved<\/p>\n

And gets on that sweet helper stalwart children.<\/p>\n

Then vigorously his days endure till age<\/p>\n

Sees his grandchildren climbing on his knees,<\/p>\n

A happy calm old man; because he lived<\/p>\n

Man’s genuine life and goes with task accomplished<\/p>\n

Thro’ death as thro’ a gate, not questioning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

G<\/font>UZMAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Each creature labouring in his own vocation<\/p>\n

Desires another’s and deems the heavy burden<\/p>\n

Of his own fate the world’s sole heaviness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 793<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Each thing’s to its perceptions limited,<\/p>\n

Another’s are to it intangible,<\/p>\n

A shadow far away, quite bodiless,<\/p>\n

Lost in conjecture’s wide impalpable.<\/p>\n

On its unceasing errand through the void<\/p>\n

The earth rolls on, a blind and moaning sphere;<\/p>\n

It knows not Venus’ sorrows, but it looks<\/p>\n

With envy crying, “These have light and beauty,<\/p>\n

I only am all dark and comfortless.”<\/p>\n

The land yearning for life, endeavours seaward,<\/p>\n

The sea, weary of motion, pines to turn<\/p>\n

Into reposeful earth: yet were this done<\/p>\n

Each would repine again and hate the doer,<\/p>\n

The land would miss its flowers and grass and birds,<\/p>\n

The sea long for the coral and the cave.<\/p>\n

For he who made expenditure of life<\/p>\n

Condition of that life prolonged, made also<\/p>\n

Each mortal gift dependent on defect<\/p>\n

And truth to one’s own self the only virtue.<\/p>\n

The labourer physically is divine,<\/p>\n

Inward a void; yet in his limits blest.<\/p>\n

But were the city’s cultured son, who turns<\/p>\n

Watching and envious, crying “Were I simple,<\/p>\n

Primeval in my life as he, how happy!”,<\/p>\n

Into such environs confined, how then<\/p>\n

His temperament would beat against the bars<\/p>\n

Of circumstance and rage for wider field.<\/p>\n

Uninterchangeable their natures stand<\/p>\n

And self-confined; for so Earth made them, Earth,<\/p>\n

The brute and kindly mother groping for mind.<\/p>\n

She of her vigorous nature bore her sons,<\/p>\n

Made lusty with her milk and strengthening motion<\/p>\n

Abundant in her veins; her dumb attraction<\/p>\n

Is as their mother’s arms, else like the lark<\/p>\n

Aiming from her to heaven. And Souls are there<\/p>\n

Who rooted in her puissant animalism<\/p>\n

Are greatly earthy, yet widen to the bound<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 794<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

And heighten towards the sun. But these are rare<\/p>\n

And of no privileged country citizens<\/p>\n

Nor to the city bounded nor the field.<\/p>\n

They are wise and royal in the furrow, keep<\/p>\n

In schools their chastened vigour from the soil<\/p>\n

Full-tempered. Man Antaeuslike is strong<\/p>\n

While he is natural and feels the soil<\/p>\n

From which being lifted great communities<\/p>\n

Die in their intellectual grandeur. Let then<\/p>\n

The city’s many-minded son preserve<\/p>\n

And the clear-natured peasant unabridged<\/p>\n

Their just, great uses, heighten or refresh<\/p>\n

By breath and force of each a different spirit<\/p>\n

If may be; one not admit untutored envy,<\/p>\n

The other vain imagination making<\/p>\n

Return to nature a misleading name<\/p>\n

For a reversion most unnatural.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You reason well, Guzman; nor must we pine<\/p>\n

At stations where God and his saints have set us.<\/p>\n

And yet because I’ld feel the rural air,<\/p>\n

Of greatness unreminded, I will go<\/p>\n

Tomorrow as a private noble, you,<\/p>\n

My lords, forget for one day I’m the king,<\/p>\n

Nor watch my moods, nor with your eyes wait on me<\/p>\n

Nor disillusionize by close observance<\/p>\n

But keep as to an equal courtesy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>AJORDOMO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Your Majesty \u2014<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWell, sir, Your Ancient Wisdom \u2014<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

M<\/font>AJORDOMO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The Kings of Spain \u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 795<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Are absolute, you’ld say,<\/p>\n

Over men only? Custom masters kings.<\/p>\n

I’ll not be ruled by your stale ceremonies<\/p>\n

As kings are by an arrogating Senate,<\/p>\n

But will control them, wear them when I will,<\/p>\n

Walk disencumbered when I will. Enough.<\/p>\n

You have done your part in protest. I have heard you.<\/p>\n

And now, my lords.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

L<\/font>ORDS<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Your Highness is obeyed.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Tell on, Antonio. Who perform the masque?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ELTRAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

That can I tell Your Highness; rural girls,<\/p>\n

The daughters of the soil, whom country air<\/p>\n

Has given the red-blooded health to bloom.<\/p>\n

Full of our Spanish sunlight are they, voiced<\/p>\n

Like Junos and will make our ladies pale<\/p>\n

Before them. And there’s a Farmer’s lovely daughter,<\/p>\n

A marvel. Robed in excellent apparel,<\/p>\n

As she will be, there’s not a maid in Spain<\/p>\n

Can stand beside her and stay happy. My sons<\/p>\n

Have spared nor words nor music nor array<\/p>\n

Nor beauty, to express their loyal duty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I am much graced by this their gentle trouble<\/p>\n

And yet, Lord Beltran, there are nobler things<\/p>\n

\nThan these brocaded masques; not that I scorn these, \u2014<\/p>\n

Do not believe I would be so ungracious, \u2014<\/p>\n

Nor anything belittle in which true hearts<\/p>\n

Interpret their rich silence. Yet there’s one<\/p>\n

Desire, I would exchange for many masques.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 796<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

‘Tis little: an easy word bestows it wholly,<\/p>\n

And yet, I fear, for you too difficult.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ELTRAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

My lord, you know my service and should not<\/p>\n

Doubt my compliance. Name and take it. Else judge me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, noble reconcilement, Conde Beltran,<\/p>\n

Sweet friendship between mighty jarring houses<\/p>\n

And by great intercession war renounced<\/p>\n

Betwixt magnificent hearts: these are the masques<\/p>\n

Most sumptuous, these the glorious theatres<\/p>\n

That subjects should present to princes. Conrad<\/p>\n

And noble Beltran, I respect the wrath<\/p>\n

Sunders your pride: yet mildness has the blessing<\/p>\n

Of God and is religion’s perfect mood.<\/p>\n

Admit that better weakness. Throw your hearts<\/p>\n

Wide to the low knock of entering peace: let not<\/p>\n

The ashes of a rage the world renounces<\/p>\n

Smoulder between you nor outdated griefs<\/p>\n

Keep living. What, quite silent? Will you, Conrad,<\/p>\n

Refuse to me your anger, who so often<\/p>\n

Have for my sake your very life renounced?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ONRAD<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

My lord, the hate that I have never cherished,<\/p>\n

I know not how to abandon. Not in the sway<\/p>\n

Of other men’s affections I have lived<\/p>\n

But walked in the straight road my fortunes build me.<\/p>\n

Let any love who will or any hate who will,<\/p>\n

I take both with a calm, unburdened spirit,<\/p>\n

Inarm my lover as a friend, embrace<\/p>\n

My enemy as a wrestler: do my will,<\/p>\n

Because it is my will, go where I go<\/p>\n

Because my path lies there. If any cross me,<\/p>\n

That is his choice, not mine. And if he suffer,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 797<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Again it is his choice, not mine. If I,<\/p>\n

That is my star: I curse him not for it:<\/p>\n

My fate’s beyond his making as my spirit’s<\/p>\n

Above affection by him. I hate no man<\/p>\n

And if Lord Beltran give to me his hand,<\/p>\n

Gladly I’ll clasp it, easily forget<\/p>\n

Outdated injuries and wounds long healed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ELTRAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You are most noble, Conrad, most benign.<\/p>\n

Who now can say the ill-doer ne’er forgives?<\/p>\n

Conrad has dispossessed my kinsmen, slain<\/p>\n

My vassals, me of ancient lands relieved,<\/p>\n

Thinned my great house; but Beltran is forgiven.<\/p>\n

Will you not now enlarge your generous nature,<\/p>\n

Wrong me still more, have new and ampler room<\/p>\n

For exercise to your forgiving heart?<\/p>\n

I do embrace misfortune and fresh loss<\/p>\n

Before your friendship, lord.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

K<\/font>ING<\/font> P<\/font>HILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

No more of this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ELTRAN<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Pardon, Your Highness; this was little praise<\/p>\n

For so much Christianity. Lord Conrad,<\/p>\n

I will not trouble you further. And perhaps<\/p>\n

With help of the good saints and holy Virgin<\/p>\n

I too shall make me some room to pardon in.<\/p>\n

C<\/font>ONRAD<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I fear you not, Lord Count. Our swords have clashed:<\/p>\n

Mine was the stronger. When I was but a boy<\/p>\n

I carved your lands out. So had you won mine<\/p>\n

If you had simply grappled fortune to you<\/p>\n

And kept her faithful with your sword. ‘Tis not<\/p>\n

Crooked dexterity that has the secret\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 798<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

To win her. Briefly I hold your lands and satire<\/p>\n

Has no sharp edge, till it cut that from me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

KING<\/font> PHILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This is unprofitable. No more of it.<\/p>\n

Lord Conrad, you go homeward with the dawn?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CONRAD<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Winning your gracious leave to have with me<\/p>\n

My sisters, Sir.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

KING<\/font> PHILIP<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The Queen is very loth<\/p>\n

To lose her favourites, but to disappoint you<\/p>\n

Much more unwilling.<\/p>\n

Exeunt King, Beltran, Guzman and Grandees.<\/i><\/p>\n

RONCEDAS<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

A word with you, Lord Conrad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CONRAD<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

As many as you will, Roncedas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

RONCEDAS<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This. (whispers<\/i>)<\/p>\n

My lord, your good friend always.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CONRAD<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

So you have been.<\/p>\n

Exit Roncedas.<\/i><\/p>\n

Cousin, and sweetest sister, I am bound<\/p>\n

Homeward upon a task that needs my presence.<\/p>\n

Don Mario and his wife will bring you there.<\/p>\n

Are you content or shall I stay for you?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

With all you do, dear brother, yet would have<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 799<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Your blessing by me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CONRAD<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

May your happiness<\/p>\n

Greatly exceed my widest wishes.<\/p>\n

\nExit Conrad.<\/i><\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

So<\/p>\n

It must do, brother, or I am unhappy.<\/p>\n

What task?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Some girl-lifting. What other task<\/p>\n

Will he have now? Shall we go, cousin?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Stay.<\/p>\n

Let us not press so closely after them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Good manners? Oh, your pardon. I was blind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Are you a lover or a fish, Antonio?<\/p>\n

Speak. She yet lingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Speak?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The devil remove you<\/p>\n

Where you can never more have sight of her.<\/p>\n

I lose all patience.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Cousin, I know you’re tired<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 800<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

With standing. Sit, and if you tire with that,<\/p>\n

As perseverance is a powerful virtue,<\/p>\n

For your reward the dumb may speak to you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

What shall I do, dear girl?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, speak the first,<\/p>\n

Count Conrad’s sister! Be the Mahomet<\/p>\n

To your poor mountain. Hang me if I think not<\/p>\n

The prophet’s hill more moveable of the two;<\/p>\n

An earthquake stirs not this. What ails the man?<\/p>\n

He has made a wager with some lamp-post surely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Brigida, are you mad? Be so immodest?<\/p>\n

A stranger and my house’s enemy!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

No, never speak to him. It would be indeed<\/p>\n

Horribly forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, you jest, Brigida.<\/p>\n

I’m no such light thing that I must be dumb<\/p>\n

Lest men mistake my speaking. Let hidden frailness<\/p>\n

Or men suspect to their own purity<\/p>\n

Guard every issue of speech and gesture. Wherefore<\/p>\n

Should I be hedged so meanly in? To greet<\/p>\n

With few words, cold and grave, as is befitting<\/p>\n

This gentle youth, why do you call immodest?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You must not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 801<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Must not? Why, I will.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I say,<\/p>\n

You must not, child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I will then, not because<\/p>\n

I wish (why should I?), but because you always<\/p>\n

Provoke me with your idle prudities.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Good! you’ve been wishing it the last half hour<\/p>\n

And now you are provoked to’t. Charge him, charge him.<\/p>\n

I stand here as reserve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Impossible creature!<\/p>\n

But no! You shall not turn me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

‘Twas not my meaning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Sir \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Rouse yourself, Antonio. Gather back<\/p>\n

Your manhood, or you’re shamed without retrieval.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Help me, Brigida.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Not I, cousin.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 802<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Sir,<\/p>\n

You spoke divinely well. I say this, Sir,<\/p>\n

Not to recall to you that we have met \u2014 <\/p>\n

Since you will not remember \u2014  but because<\/p>\n

I would not have you \u2014  anyone think this of me<\/p>\n

That since you are Antonio and my enemy<\/p>\n

And much have hurt me \u2014  to the heart, therefore<\/p>\n

When one speaks or does worthily, I can<\/p>\n

Admire not, nor love merit, whosoe’er<\/p>\n

Be its receptacle. This was my meaning.<\/p>\n

I could not bear one should not know this of me.<\/p>\n

Therefore I spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Speak or be dumb for ever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I see, you have mistook me why I spoke<\/p>\n

And scorn me. Sir, you may be right to think<\/p>\n

You have so sweet a tongue would snare the birds<\/p>\n

From off the branches, ravish an enemy, \u2014 <\/p>\n

Some such poor wretch there may be \u2014  witch her heart out,<\/p>\n

If you could care for anything so cheap,<\/p>\n

And hold it in your hand, lost, \u2014  lost \u2014  Oh me!<\/p>\n

Brigida!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O base silence! Speak! She is<\/p>\n

Confounded. Speak, you sheep, you!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Though this is <\/i>so,<\/p>\n

You do me wrong to think me such an one,<\/p>\n

Most flagrant wrong, Antonio. To think that I<\/p>\n

Wait one word of your lips to woo you, yearn<\/p>\n

To be your loving servant at a word<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 803<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

From you, \u2014  one only word and I am yours.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Admirable lady! Saints, can you be dumb<\/p>\n

Who hear this?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Still you scorn me. For all this<\/p>\n

You shall not make me angry. Do you imagine<\/p>\n

Because you know I am Lord Conrad’s sister<\/p>\n

And lodge with Donna Clara Santa Cruz<\/p>\n

In the street Velasquez, and you have seen it<\/p>\n

With marble front and the quaint mullioned windows,<\/p>\n

That you need only after vespers, when<\/p>\n

The streets are empty, stand there, and I will<\/p>\n

Send one to you? Indeed, indeed I merit not<\/p>\n

You should think poorly of me. If you’re noble<\/p>\n

And do not scorn me, you will carefully<\/p>\n

Observe the tenour of my prohibition.<\/p>\n

Brigida!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Come away with your few words,<\/p>\n

Your cold grave words. You’ve frozen his speech with them.<\/p>\n

Exeunt.<\/i><\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Heavens! it was she \u2014  her words were not a dream,<\/p>\n

Yet I was dumb. There was a majesty<\/p>\n

Even in her tremulous playfulness, a thrill<\/p>\n

When she smiled most, made my heart beat too quickly<\/p>\n

For speech. O that I should be dumb and shamefast,<\/p>\n

When with one step I might grasp Paradise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Antonio!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 804<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I was not deceived. She blushed,<\/p>\n

And the magnificent scarlet to her cheeks<\/p>\n

Welled from her heart an ocean inexhaustible.<\/p>\n

Rose but outcrimsoned rose. Yes, every word<\/p>\n

Royally marred the whiteness of her cheeks<\/p>\n

With new impossibilities of beauty.<\/p>\n

She blushed, and yet as with an angry shame<\/p>\n

Of that delicious weakness, gallantly<\/p>\n

Her small imperious head she held erect<\/p>\n

And strove in vain to encourage those sweet lids<\/p>\n

That fluttered lower and lower. O that but once<\/p>\n

My tongue had been as bold as were mine eyes!<\/p>\n

But these were fastened to her as with cords,<\/p>\n

Courage in them naked necessity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Ah poor Antonio. You’re bewitched, you’re maimed,<\/p>\n

Antonio. You must make her groan who did this.<\/p>\n

One sense will always now be absent from him.<\/p>\n

Lately he had no tongue. Now that’s returned<\/p>\n

His ears are gone on leave. Hark you, Antonio!<\/p>\n

Why do we stay here?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I am in a dream.<\/p>\n

Lead where you will, since there is no place now<\/p>\n

In all the world, but only she or silence.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 805<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n2<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

A garden at the town-house of Count Beltran.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAntonio, Basil.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I am abashed for you. What, make a lady<\/p>\n

Woo you, and she a face so excellent,<\/p>\n

Of an address so admirably lovely<\/p>\n

It shows a goddess in her \u2014  at each sentence<\/p>\n

Let pause to give you opportunity,<\/p>\n

Then shame with the dead silence of the hall<\/p>\n

For her continual answer. Fie, you’re not<\/p>\n

Antonio, you’re not Beltran’s issue. Seek<\/p>\n

Your kindred in the snowdrifts of the Alps,<\/p>\n

Or call a post your father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I deserve<\/p>\n

Your censure, Basil. Yet were it done again,<\/p>\n

I know I should again be dumb. My tongue<\/p>\n

Teems in imagination but is barren<\/p>\n

In actuality. When I am from her,<\/p>\n

I woo her with the accent of a god,<\/p>\n

My mind o’erflows with words as the wide Nile<\/p>\n

With waters. Let her but appear and I<\/p>\n

Am her poor mute. She may do her will with me<\/p>\n

And O remember but her words. When she,<\/p>\n

Ah she, my white divinity with that kindness<\/p>\n

Celestial in the smiling of her eyes<\/p>\n

And in her voice the world’s great music, rose<\/p>\n

Of blushing frankness, half woman and half angel,<\/p>\n

Crowned me unwooed, lavished on me her heart<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 806<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

In her prodigious liberality,<\/p>\n

Could I then speak? O to have language then<\/p>\n

Had been the index to a shallow love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Away! you modest lovers are the blot<\/p>\n

Of manhood, traitors to our sovereignty.<\/p>\n

I’ld have you banished, all of you, and kept<\/p>\n

In desert islands, where no petticoat<\/p>\n

Should enter, so the breed of you might perish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You speak against the very sense of Love<\/p>\n

Which lives by service.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Flat treason! Was not man made<\/p>\n

Woman’s superior that he might control her,<\/p>\n

In strength to exact obedience and in wisdom<\/p>\n

To guide her will, in wit to keep her silent,<\/p>\n

Three Herculean labours. O were women<\/p>\n

Once loose, they would new-deluge earth with words,<\/p>\n

Sapiently base creation on its apex,<\/p>\n

Logic would be new-modelled, arithmetic<\/p>\n

Grow drunk and reason despairing abdicate.<\/p>\n

No thunderbolt could stop a woman’s will,<\/p>\n

Once it is started.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O you speak at ease.<\/p>\n

Loved you, you would recant this and without small<\/p>\n

Torture to quicken you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I? I recant?<\/p>\n

I wish, Antonio, I had known your case<\/p>\n

Earlier. I would have taught you how to love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 807<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Come, will you woo a woman? Teach me at least<\/p>\n

By diagram upon a blackboard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well,<\/p>\n

I will so, if it should hearten your weak spirits.<\/p>\n

And now I think of it, I am resolved<\/p>\n

I’ll publish a new Art of Love, shall be<\/p>\n

The only Ovid memorable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well, quickly teach<\/p>\n

Your diagram. Suppose your maid and win her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

First, I would kiss her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

What, without leave asked?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Leave? Ask a woman leave to kiss her! Why,<\/p>\n

What was she made for else?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

If she is angry?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

So much the better. Then you by repetition<\/p>\n

Convince her of your manly strength, which is<\/p>\n

A great point gained at the outset and moreover<\/p>\n

Your duty, comfortable to yourself.<\/p>\n

Besides she likes it. On the same occasion<\/p>\n

When she will scold, I’ll silence her with wit.<\/p>\n

Laughter breaks down impregnable battlements.<\/p>\n

Let me but make her smile and there is conquest<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 808<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Won by the triple strength, horse, foot, artillery,<\/p>\n

Of eloquence, wit and muscle. Then but remains<\/p>\n

Pacification, with or else without<\/p>\n

The Church’s help; that’s a mere form and makes<\/p>\n

No difference to the principle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

There should be<\/p>\n

Inquisitions for such as you. What after?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Nothing unless you wish to assure the conquest,<\/p>\n

Not plunder it merely like a Tamerlane.<\/p>\n

I’ll teach that also. ‘Tis but making her<\/p>\n

Realise her inferiority.<\/p>\n

Unanswerably and o’erwhelmingly<\/p>\n

Show her how fortunate she is to get you<\/p>\n

And all her life too short for gratitude;<\/p>\n

That you have robbed her merely for her good,<\/p>\n

To civilize her or to train her up:<\/p>\n

Punish each word that shows want of affection.<\/p>\n

Plague her to death and make her thank you for it.<\/p>\n

Accustom her to sing hosannas to you<\/p>\n

When you beat her. All this is ordinary,<\/p>\n

And every wise benevolent conqueror<\/p>\n

Has learnt the trick of it. Then she’ll love for ever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You are a Pagan and would burn for this<\/p>\n

If Love still kept his Holy Office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I<\/p>\n

Am safe from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And therefore boast securely<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 809<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Conducting in imagination wars<\/p>\n

That others have the burden of. I’ve seen<\/p>\n

The critical civilian in his chair<\/p>\n

Win famous victories with wordy carnage,<\/p>\n

Guide his strategic finger o’er a map,<\/p>\n

Cry “Eugene’s fault! Here Marlborough was to blame;<\/p>\n

And look, a child might see it, Villars’ plain error<\/p>\n

That lost him Malplaquet!” I think you are<\/p>\n

Just such a pen-and-paper strategist.<\/p>\n

A wooer!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Death! I will have pity on you,<\/p>\n

Antonio. You shall see my great example<\/p>\n

And learn by me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Good! I’m your pupil. But hear,<\/p>\n

A pretty face or I’ll not enter for her,<\/p>\n

Wellborn or I shall much discount your prowess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Agreed. And yet they say, Experimentum<\/p>\n

In corpore vili. But I take your terms<\/p>\n

Lest you substract me for advantages.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Look where the enemy comes. You are well off<\/p>\n

If you can win her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

A rare face, by Heaven.<\/p>\n

Almost too costly a piece of goods for this<\/p>\n

Mad trial.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You sound retreat?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 810<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Not I an inch.<\/p>\n

Watch how I’ll overcrow her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Hush, she’s here.<\/p>\n

Enter Brigida.<\/i><\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSe\u00f1or, I was bidden to deliver this letter to you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

To me, sweetheart?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I have the inventory of you in my pock, if you be he truly. I will study it. Hair of the ordinary poetic length \u2014  no; dress indefinable \u2014  no; a modest address \u2014  I think not you,
\nSe\u00f1or; a noble manner \u2014  Pooh, no! that fits not in; a handsome face \u2014  I am sure not you,
\nSe\u00f1or.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Humph.<\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWell, cousin. All silent? Open your batteries, open your batteries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Wait, wait. Ought a conqueror to be hurried? Caesar himself must study his ground before he attempts it. You will hear my trumpets instanter. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Will you take your letter, Sir?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 811<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

To me then, maiden? A dainty-looking note, and I marvel much from whom it can be. I do not know the handwriting. A lady’s, seemingly, yet it has a touch of the masculine too \u2014  there is rapidity and initiative in its flow. Fair one, from whom comes this?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, sir, I am not her signature; which if you will look within, I think you will find unforgotten.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Here is a clever woman, Antonio, to think of that, and she but eighteen or a miracle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well, cousin?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This Don Witty-pate eyes me strangely. I fear he will recognise me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Ismenia Ostrocadiz. O my joy!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You’re ill, sir, you change colour.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Now, by heaven,<\/p>\n

Were death within my heart’s door or his blast<\/p>\n

Upon my eyelids, this would exile him.<\/p>\n

The writing swims before me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Sir, you pale<\/p>\n

Extremely. Is there no poison in the letter?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 812<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O might I so be poisoned hourly. Let me<\/p>\n

No longer dally with my happiness,<\/p>\n

Lest it take wings or turn a dream. Hail, letter,<\/p>\n

For thou hast come from that white hand I worship.<\/p>\n

“To Lord Antonio.<\/p>\n

\nSe\u00f1or, how you may deem of my bold wooing,<\/p>\n

How cruelly I suffer in your thoughts,<\/p>\n

I dread to think. Take the plain truth, Antonio.<\/p>\n

I cannot live without your love. If you<\/p>\n

From this misdoubt my nobleness or infer<\/p>\n

A wanton haste or instability, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

As men pretend quick love is quickly spent \u2014 <\/p>\n

Tear up this letter, and with it my heart.<\/p>\n

And yet I hope you will not tear it. I love you<\/p>\n

And since I saw our family variance<\/p>\n

And your too noble fearfulness withhold me<\/p>\n

From my heart’s lord, I have thrown from me shame<\/p>\n

And the admired dalliance of women<\/p>\n

To bridge it. Come to me, Antonio! Come,<\/p>\n

But come in honour. I am not nor can be<\/p>\n

So far degenerate from my house’s greatness<\/p>\n

Or my pure self to love ignobly. Dear,<\/p>\n

I have thrown from me modesty’s coy pretences<\/p>\n

But the reality I’ll grapple to me<\/p>\n

Close as your image. I am loth to end,<\/p>\n

Yet must, and therefore will I end with this,<\/p>\n

Beloved, love me, respect me or forget me.”<\/p>\n

Writing more sweet than any yet that came<\/p>\n

From heaven to earth, O thou dear revelation,<\/p>\n

Make my lips holy. Ah, could I imagine<\/p>\n

Thee the white hand that wrote thee, I were blest<\/p>\n

Utterly. Thou hast made me twice myself.<\/p>\n

I think I am another than Antonio:<\/p>\n

The sky seems nearer to me or the earth<\/p>\n

Environed with a sacred light. O come!<\/p>\n

I’ll study to imprint this on my heart,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 813<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

That when death comes he’ll find it there and leave it,<\/p>\n

A monument and an immortal writing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Damsel, you are of the Lady Ismenia’s household?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/font><\/p>\n

A poor relative of hers,
\nSe\u00f1or.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Your face seems strangely familiar to me. Have I not seen you in some place where I constantly resort?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O Sir, I hope you do not think so meanly of me. I am a poor girl but an honest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

How, how?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I know not how. I spoke only as the spirit moved me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You have a marvellously nimble tongue. Two words with you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/font><\/p>\n

Willingly,
\nSe\u00f1or, if you exceed not measure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Fair one \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Oh, sir, I am glad I listened. I like your two words extremely.<\/p>\n

God be with you.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 814<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, I have not begun yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The more shame to your arithmetic. If your teacher had reckoned as loosely with his cane-cuts, he would have made the carefuller scholar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

God’s wounds, will you listen to me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well, Sir, I will not insist upon numbers. But pray, for your own sake, swear no more. No eloquence will long stand such drafts upon it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

If you would listen, I would tell you a piece of news that might please you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Let it be good news, new news and repeatable news and I will thank you for it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Sure, maiden, you are wondrous beautiful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSe\u00f1or, Queen Anne is dead. Tell me the next.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The next is, I will kiss you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Oh, Sir, that’s a prophecy. Well, death and kissing come to all of us, and by what disease the one or by whom the other, wise men care not to forecast. It profits little to study calamities <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 815<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

beforehand. When it comes, I pray God I may learn to take it with resignation, if I cannot do better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

By my life, I will kiss you and without farther respite.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

On what ground?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Have I not told you, you are beautiful?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

So has my mirror, not once but a hundred times, and never yet offered to kiss me. When it does, I’ll allow your logic. No, we are already near  enough to each other. Pray keep your distance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I will establish my argument with my lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I will defend mine with my hand. I promise you ’twill prove the abler dialectician of the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I am glad you think so,
\nSe\u00f1or. My lord, I cannot stay. What shall I tell my lady?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Tell her my heart is at her feet, and I<\/p>\n

Am hers, hers only until heaven ceases<\/p>\n

And after. Tell her that I am more blest<\/p>\n

In her sweet condescension to my humbleness<\/p>\n

Than Ilian Anchises when Love’s mother<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 816<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Stooped from her golden heavens into his lap.<\/p>\n

Tell her that as a goddess I revere her<\/p>\n

And as a saint adore; that she and life<\/p>\n

Are one to me, for I’ve no heart but her,<\/p>\n

No atmosphere beyond her pleasure, light<\/p>\n

But what her eyes allow me. Tell, O tell her \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/font><\/p>\n

Hold, hold,
\nSe\u00f1or. You may tell her all this yourself. I would not remember the half of it and could not understand the other
\nhalf. Shall I tell her, you will come surely? <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

As sure as is the sun to its fixed hour<\/p>\n

Or midnight to its duty. I will come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Good! there are at last three words a poor girl can understand. Mark then, you will wait a while after nightfall, less than half a bowshot from the place you know towards the Square Velasquez, within sight of the Donna’s windows. There I will come to you. Sir, if your sword be half as ready and irresistible as your tongue, I would gladly have you there with him, though Saint Iago grant that neither prove necessary. You look sad, Sir. God save you for a witty and eloquent gentleman. <\/p>\n

Exit.<\/i><\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O cousin, I am bewitched with happiness.<\/p>\n

Pardon me that I leave you. Solitude<\/p>\n

Demands a god and godlike I am grown<\/p>\n

Unto myself. This letter deifies me.<\/p>\n

I will be sole with my felicity.<\/p>\n

\nExit.<\/i><\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

God grant that I am not bewitched also! Saints and angels! How<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 817<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

is it? How did it happen? Is the sun still in heaven? Is that the song of a bird or a barrel-organ? I am not drunk either. I can still distinguish between a tree and the squirrel upon it. What, am I not Basil? whom men call the witty and eloquent Basil? Did I not laugh from the womb? Was not my first cry a jest upon the world I came into? Did I not invent a conceit upon  y mother’s milk ere I had sucked of it? Death! and have I been bashed and beaten by the tongue of a girl? silenced by a common purveyor of impertinences? It is so and yet it cannot be. I begin to believe in the dogmas of the materialist. The gastric juice rises in my estimation. Genius is after all only a form of indigestion, a line of Shakespeare the apotheosis of a leg of mutton and the peculations of Plato an escape of diseased tissue arrested in the permanency of ink.  What did I break my fast with this morning? Kippered herring? bread? marmalade? tea? O kippered herring, art thou the material form of  stupidity and is marmalade an enemy of wit? It must be so. O mighty gastric juice! Mother and Saviour! I bow down before thee. Be propitious, fair goddess, to thy adorer.<\/p>\n

Arise, Basil. Today thou shalt retrieve thy tarnished laurels or be expunged for ever from the book of the witty. Arm thyself in full panoply of allusion and irony, gird on raillery like a sword and repartee like a buckler. I will meet this girl tonight. I will tund her with conceits, torture her  with ironies, tickle her with jests, prick her all over with epigrams. My wit shall smother her,  tear her, burst her sides, press her to death, hang her, draw her, quarter her, and if all this fails, Death! as a last revenge, I’ll \u2014  I’ll beat her. Saints!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 818<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n3<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

Ismenia’s chamber.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Brigida lingers. O, he has denied me<\/p>\n

And therefore she is loth to come, for she<\/p>\n

Knows she will bring me death. It is not so.<\/p>\n

He has detained her to return an answer.<\/p>\n

Yet I asked none. I am full of fear. O heart,<\/p>\n

I have staked thee upon a desperate cast,<\/p>\n

Which if I win not, I am miserable.<\/p>\n

‘Tis she. O that my hope could give her wings<\/p>\n

Or lift her through the window bodily<\/p>\n

To shorten this age of waiting. I could not<\/p>\n

Discern her look. Her steps sound hopefully.<\/p>\n

\nEnter Brigida.<\/i><\/p>\n

Dearest Brigida! at last! What says Antonio? Tell me quickly.<\/p>\n

Heavens! you look melancholy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Santa Catarina! How weary I am! My ears too! I think they have listened to more nonsense in these twenty minutes than  in all their natural  eighteen years before. Sure, child, thou hast committed some unpardonable sin to have such a moonstruck  lover as this Antonio.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

But, Brigida! <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And his shadow too, his Cerberus of wit who guards this poetical treasure. He would have eaten me, I think, if I had not given him <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 819<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

the wherewithal to stop the three mouths of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, Brigida, Brigida.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Saints! to think how men lie! I have heard this Basil reputed loudly for the Caesar of wits, the tongue and laughter of the  time; but never credit me, child, if I did not silence him with a few stale pertnesses a market-girl might have devised for her customers. A wit, truly! and not a word  in his mouth bullet-head Pedro could not better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Distraction! What is this to Antonio? Sure, your wits are bewildered, Brigida. What said Antonio? Girl, I am on thorns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I am coming to that as fast as possible. Jesus! What a burning hurry you are in, Ismenia! You have not your colour, child. I will  bring you sal
\nvolatile from my chamber. ‘Tis in a marvellous cut bottle with a different hue to each facet! I filched it from Donna Clara’s room when she was at matins yesterday.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Tell me, you magpie, tell me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

What am I doing else? You must know I found Antonio was in his garden. Oh, did I tell you, Ismenia? Donna Clara chooses the seeds for me  this season and I think she has as rare a notion of nasturtiums as any woman living. I was speaking to Pedro in the summer house yesterday; for you remember it thundered terrifically before one had time to know light from darkness; and there I stood miles from the garden door \u2014  <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 820<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

In the name of pity, Brigida.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Saints! how you hurry me. Well, when I went to Antonio in his garden \u2014  There’s an excellent garden, Ismenia. I wonder where  Don Beltran’s gardener had his bignonias.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Oh-h-h!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well, where was I? Oh, giving the letter to Antonio. Why, would you believe it, in thrust Don Wit, Don Cerberus, Don Subtle- three-mouths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Will you tell me, you ogress, you paragon of tyrannesses, you she-Nero, you compound of impossible cruelties?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Saints, what have I done to be abused so? I was coming to it faster  than a mail-coach and four. You would not be so unconscionable  as to ask me for the appendage of a story, all tail and nothing to hang it on? Well, Antonio took the letter. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yes, yes and what answer gave he?<\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

He looked all over the envelope to see whence it came, dissertated learnedly on this knotty question, abused me your handwriting foully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Dear cousin, sweet cousin, excellent Brigida! On my knees, I entreat you, do not tease me longer. Though I know you would<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 821<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

not do it, if all were not well, yet consider what a weak tremulous thing is the heart of woman when she loves and have pity on me. On my knees, sweetest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why, Ismenia, I never knew you so humble in my life, \u2014  save indeed to your brother; but him indeed I do not reckon. He would rule even me if I let him. On your knees, too! This is excellent. May I be lost, if I am not tempted to try how long I can keep you so. But I will be merciful. Well, he scanned your handwriting and reviled it for the script of a virago, an Amazon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Brigida, if you will not tell me directly, without phrase and plainly, just what I want to know and nothing else, by heaven, I will beat you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Now, this is foul. Can you not keep your better mood for fifty seconds by the clock? O temper, temper. Ah well, where was I? Oh yes, your handwriting. Oh! Oh! Oh! What mean you, cousin? Lord deliver me. Cousin! Cousin! He will come! He will come! He will come! <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Does he love me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Madly! distractedly! like a moonstruck natural! Saints!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Dearest, dearest Brigida! You are an angel. How can I thank you?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Child, you have thanked me out of breath already. If you have not dislocated my shoulder and torn half my hair out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 822<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHear her, the Pagan! A gentle physical agitation and some rearrangement of tresses, ’twas less punishment than you deserved. But there! that is salve for you. And now be sober, sweet. What said Antonio? Come, tell me. I am greedy to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I’ll be hanged if I do. Besides I could not if I would. He talked poetry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

But did he not despise me for my forwardness?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Tut, you are childish. But to speak the bare fact, Ismenia, I think he is most poetically in love with you. He made preparations to swoon when he no more than saw your name; but I build nothing on that; there are some faint when they smell a pinch of garlic or spy a cockchafer. But he wasted ten minutes copying your letter into his heart or some such note-book of love affairs; yet that was nothing either; I doubt if he found room for you, unless on the margin. Then he began drawing cheques on Olympus for comparisons, left that presently as antique and out of date, confounded Ovid and his breviary in the same quest; left that too for mediaeval, and diverged into Light and Heat, but came not to the very modernness of electricity. But Lord! Cousin, what a career he ran! He had imagined himself blind and breathless when I stopped him. I tremble to think what calamities might have ensued, had I not thrown myself under the wheels of his metaphor. The upshot is, he loves you, worships you and will come to you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O Brigida, Brigida, be you as happy as you have made me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Truly, the happiness of lovers, children with a new plaything and<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 823<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

mad to handle it. But when they are tired of the game \u2014  No, I’ll<\/p>\n

be the type and patroness of all spinsters and the noble army of<\/p>\n

old maids shall gather about my tomb to do homage to me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And he will come tonight?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yes, if his love lasts so long.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

For a thousand years. Come with me, Brigida, and help me to bear my happiness. Till tonight!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 824<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n4<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

A street in Madrid.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAntonio, Basil.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This is the place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

‘Tis farther.<\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This, I know it.<\/p>\n

Here’s the square Velasquez. There in his saddle<\/p>\n

Imperial Charles watches the silent city<\/p>\n

His progeny could not keep. Where the one light<\/p>\n

Stands beckoning to us, is Don Mario’s dwelling.<\/p>\n

O thou celestial lustre, wast thou kindled<\/p>\n

To be her light who is my sun? If so,<\/p>\n

Thou art most happy. For thou dost inherit<\/p>\n

The sanctuary of her dear sleep and art<\/p>\n

The confidant of those sweet secrecies.<\/p>\n

Though thou live for a night, yet is thy short<\/p>\n

And noble ministry more rich and costly<\/p>\n

Than ages of the sun. For thou hast seen,<\/p>\n

O blessed, her unveiled and gleaming shoulder<\/p>\n

Make her thick-treasured hair more precious. Thou<\/p>\n

Hast watched that face upon her heavenly pillow<\/p>\n

Slumbering amid its peaceful curls. O more!<\/p>\n

For thou perhaps hast laid one brilliant finger<\/p>\n

On her white breast mastered with sacred sleep,<\/p>\n

And there known Paradise. Therefore thou’rt famous<\/p>\n

Above all lights that human hands have kindled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 825<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Here’s a whole epic on an ounce of oil,<\/p>\n

A poor, drowned wick bought from the nearest chandler<\/p>\n

And a fly sodden in it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Listen! one comes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Stand back, abide not question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

They’ll not doubt us.<\/p>\n

We are far from the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Am I mad?<\/p>\n

Do you think I’ll trust a lover? Why, you could not<\/p>\n

Even ask the time but you would say, “Good sir,<\/p>\n

How many minutes to Ismenia?”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well,<\/p>\n

Stand back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

No need. I see it. ‘Tis the she-guide,<\/p>\n

The feminine Mercury, the tongue, the woman.<\/p>\n

\nEnter Brigida.<\/i><\/p>\n

Hark to the bell now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You, my lord Antonio?<\/p>\n

This way, my lord.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Which way you will. I know<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 826<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

You are my guide to heaven.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O you have come?<\/p>\n

I take this kindly of you,
\nSe\u00f1or. Tell me,<\/p>\n

Were you not hiding when I came up to you?<\/p>\n

What was it, Sir? A constable or perhaps<\/p>\n

A creditor? For to be dashed by a weak girl<\/p>\n

I know you are too bold. What did you say?<\/p>\n

I did not hear you. We are there, my lord.<\/p>\n

Now quietly, if you love her, your sweet lady.<\/p>\n

(to Basil<\/i>)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Can you be silent,
\nSe\u00f1or? We are lost else.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 827<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n5<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

Ismenia’s antechamber.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nIsmenia waiting.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It is too dark. I can see nothing. Hark!<\/p>\n

Surely it was the door that fastened then.<\/p>\n

My heart, control thyself! Thou beatst too quickly<\/p>\n

And wilt break in the arms of happiness.<\/p>\n

Brigida.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Here. Enter, my lord, and take her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Ismenia!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Antonio, O Antonio!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

My heart’s dearest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Bring your wit this way, Sir.<\/p>\n

It is not needed.<\/p>\n

\nExit with Basil.<\/i><\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O not thus! You shame me.<\/p>\n

This is my place, dear, at your feet; and then<\/p>\n

Higher than is my right.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 828<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I cannot suffer<\/p>\n

Blasphemy to touch my heaven, though your lips<\/p>\n

Have hallowed it. Highest were low for you.<\/p>\n

You are a goddess and adorable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Alas, Antonio, this is not the way.<\/p>\n

I fear you do not love me, you despise me.<\/p>\n

Come, do you not despise me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The leaf might then<\/p>\n

Despise the moonbeam that has come to kiss it.<\/p>\n

I love and reverence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Then you must take me,<\/p>\n

As I have given myself to you, your servant,<\/p>\n

Yours wholly, not to be prayed to and hymned<\/p>\n

As a divinity but to be commanded<\/p>\n

As a dear handmaid. You must rule me, sweet,<\/p>\n

Or I shall spoil with liberty and lose you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Must I? I will then. Yet you are so queenly,<\/p>\n

I needs must smile when I attempt it. Come,<\/p>\n

Shall I command you?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Do, sweet.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Lay your head<\/p>\n

Upon my shoulder so and do not dare<\/p>\n

To lift it till I give you leave.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 829<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Alas,<\/p>\n

I fear you’ll be a tyrant. And I meant<\/p>\n

To bear at most a limited monarchy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

No murmuring. Answer my questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well,<\/p>\n

That’s easy and I will.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And truly.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Oh,<\/p>\n

But that’s almost impossible. I’ll try.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Come, when did you first love me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Dear, today.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

When will you marry me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Tomorrow, dear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Here is a mutinous kingdom to my hands.<\/p>\n

Now truly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Truly then, seven days ago,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 830<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

No more than seven, at the court I saw you,<\/p>\n

And with the sight my life was troubled, heard you<\/p>\n

And your voice tore my heart out. O Antonio,<\/p>\n

I was an empty thing until today.<\/p>\n

I saw you daily, but because I feared<\/p>\n

What now I know, you were Lord Beltran’s son,<\/p>\n

I dared not ask your name, nay shut my ears<\/p>\n

To knowledge. O my love, I am afraid.<\/p>\n

Your father seems a hard vindictive man.<\/p>\n

What will you do with me, Antonio?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Fasten<\/p>\n

My jewel safe from separating hands<\/p>\n

Holily on my bosom. My father? He<\/p>\n

Shall know not of our love, till we are sure<\/p>\n

From rude disunion. Though he will be angry<\/p>\n

I am his eldest and beloved son,<\/p>\n

And when he feels your sweetness and your charm<\/p>\n

He will repent and thank me for a daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

When ’tis your voice that tells me, I believe<\/p>\n

Impossibilities. Well, let me know \u2014 <\/p>\n

You’ve made me blush, Antonio, and I wish<\/p>\n

I could retaliate \u2014  were you not amazed<\/p>\n

At my mad forwardness, to woo you first,<\/p>\n

A youth unknown?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yes, even as Adam was<\/p>\n

When he first saw the sunrise over Eden.<\/p>\n

It was unsunlike to uplift the glory<\/p>\n

Of those life-giving rays, unwooed, uncourted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Alas, you flatter. Did you love me, Antonio?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 831<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Three days before I had the bliss to win<\/p>\n

The wonder of your eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Three days! Oh me,<\/p>\n

Three days, Antonio? Three whole days before<\/p>\n

I loved you?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Three days, dearest.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Oh,<\/p>\n

You’ve made me jealous. I am angry. Three<\/p>\n

Whole days! How could it happen?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I will make<\/p>\n

You compensation, dear; for in revenge<\/p>\n

I’ll love you three whole days, when you have ceased<\/p>\n

To love me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O not even in jest, Antonio,<\/p>\n

Speak of such separation. Sooner shall<\/p>\n

The sun divorce his light than we two sunder.<\/p>\n

But you have given me a spur. I must<\/p>\n

Love you too much, I must, Antonio, more<\/p>\n

Than you love me, or the account’s not even.<\/p>\n

A noise?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

One passes in the street.<\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

We are<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 832<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Too near the window and too heedless, love.<\/p>\n

Come this way; here ’tis safe; I fear your danger.<\/p>\n

\nExeunt. After a while enter Brigida.<\/i><\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

No sound?
\nSe\u00f1or! Ismenia! Surely they cannot have embraced each other into invisibility. No, Cupid has flown away with  them. It cannot  have been the devil, for I smell no brimstone.  Well, if they are so tedious I will not mortify myself with solitude either. I have set Don  Cerberus on the stairs out of respect for the mythology. There he stands with his sword at point like the picture of a sentinel and protects us  against a surprise of rats from the cellar; for what other wild beasts there may be  to menace us, I know not. Don Mario snores hard and  Donna Clara plays the violin to his bassoon. I have heard them three  rooms off. These men! these men! and yet they call themselves our masters. I would I could find a man fit to measure tongues with me. I begin to feel lonely in the Alpine elevation of my own wit. The meditations of Matterhorn come home to me and I feel a sister to Monte Rosa. Certainly this woman’s fever is catching, a most calamitous infection. I have overheard myself sighing; it is a symptom incubatory. Heigh-ho! When turtles pair, I never heard that the magpie lives lonely. I have at this moment a kindly thought for all suffering animals. I begin to pity Cerberus even. I will relieve him from guard. Hist!
\nSe\u00f1or! Don Basil!<\/p>\n

\nEnter Basil.<\/i><\/p>\n

Is all quiet?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Not a mouse stirring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Put up your sword, pray you; I think there is no danger, and if one comes, you may draw again in time to cut its tail off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

At your service,
\nSe\u00f1orita. If it were not treason to my wit, I<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 833<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

begin to feel this strip of a girl is making an ass of me. I am transformed; I feel it. I shall hear myself bray presently. But  I will defy enchantment, I will handle her. A plague! Must I continually be stalemated by a will-o’-the-wisp, all sparkle and nowhere? Courage, Basil. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You meditate,
\nSe\u00f1or? If it be to allay the warmth you have brought from the stairs with the coolness of reflection, I would not hinder you. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

In bare truth,
\nSe\u00f1orita, I am so chilled that I was even about to beg of you a most sweet and warming cordial.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

For a small matter like that, I would be loth to deny you. You shall have it immediately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

With your permission, then.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

 Ah
\nSe\u00f1or, beware. Living coals are dangerous; they burn, Se\u00f1or.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I am proof.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

As the man said when he was bitten by the dog they thought mad; but ’twas the dog that died. Pray, sir, have a care. You will put the fire out.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Come, I have you. I will take ten kisses for the one you refused me this forenoon.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 834<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

That is too compound an interest. I do entreat you, Sir, have a care. This usury is punishable by the law.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I have the rich man’s trick for that. With the very coin I have unlawfully gathered, I will stop her mouth.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O sir, you are as wasteful an accountant of kisses as of words. I foresee you will go bankrupt. No more.
\nSe\u00f1or, what noise was that on the stair? Good, now you have your distance. I will ev’n trouble you to keep it. No nearer, I tell you. You do not observe the laws of the duello. You take advantages. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

With me? Pooh, you grow ambitious. Because I knew that to stop your mouth was to stop your life, therefore in pity I have refused your encounter, in pure pity.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Was it truly? Alas, I could weep to think of the violence you have done yourself for my sake. Pray, sir, do not torture yourself so. To see how goodness is misunderstood in this world! Out of pity? And made me take you for a fool!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O no,
\nSe\u00f1or, it is not well; indeed it is not well. You shall not do this again. If I must die, I must die. You are scatheless. Pray now, disburden your intellect of all the brilliant things it has so painfully kept to itself. Plethora is unwholesome and I would not have you perish of an apoplexy of wit. Pour it out on me, conceit, epigram, irony, satire, vituperation; flout and invective, tu quoque and double-entendre, pun and quibble, rhyme and<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 835<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

unreason, catcall and onomatopoeia; all, all, though it be an avalanche. It will be terrible, but I will stand the charge of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

St Iago! I think she has the whole dictionary in her stomach. I grow desperate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Pray, do not be afraid. I do not indeed press you to throw your-self at my head, but for a small matter like your wit, I will bear up against it.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This girl has a devil.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Why are you silent,
\nSe\u00f1or? Are you angry with me? I have given you no cause. This is cruel. Don Basil, I have heard you cited everywhere for absolutely the most free and witty speaker of the age. They told me that if none other offer, you will jest with the statues in the Plaza Mayor and so wittily they cannot answer a word to you. What have I done that with me alone you are dumb?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I am bewitched certainly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSe\u00f1or, is it still pity? But why on me alone? O sir, have pity on the whole world and be always silent. Well, I see your benevolence is unconquerable. With your leave, we will pass from unprofitable talk; I would be glad to recall the sound of your voice. You may come nearer, since you decline the duello. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I thank you,
\nSe\u00f1orita. Whose sheep baaed then?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 836<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Don Basil, shall we talk soberly?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

At your pleasure, Madam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

No Madam,
\nSe\u00f1or, but a poor companion. You go to Count Beltran’s house tomorrow?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It is so intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O the masque, who play it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Masquers,
\nSe\u00f1orita.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O sir, is this your pity? I told you, you would burst if you kept in your wit too long. But who are they by condition? Goddesses are the characters and by rule modern they should be live goddesses who play them.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

They are so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Are they indeed so lovely?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Euphrosyne, Christofir’s daughter, is simply the most exquisite beauty of the kingdom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You speak very absolutely,
\nSe\u00f1or. Fairer than Ismenia?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 837<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I speak it with unwillingness, but honestly the Lady Ismenia, rarely lovely as she is, could not stand beside this farmer’s daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I think I have seen her and I do not remember so outshining a beauty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Then cannot you have seen her, for the wonders she eclipses, themselves speak to their disgrace, even when they are women.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Pardon me if I take you to speak in the pitch of a lover’s eulogy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Were it so, her beauty and gentleness deserve it; I have seen none worthier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I wish you joy of her. I pray you for permission to leave you,
\nSe\u00f1or.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Save one indeed.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Ah! and who was she?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You will pardon me.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I will not press you, Sir. I do not know her, do I?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 838<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O ’tis not so much as that either. ‘Twas only an orange-girl I saw once at Cadiz.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Oh.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Ha! she is galled, positively. This is as sweet to me as honey.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Well,
\nSe\u00f1or, your taste is as undeniable as your wit. Flour is the staff of life and oranges are good for a season. What does this paragon play? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Venus; and in the after-scene, Helen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

So? May I know the others? You may find one of them to be a poor cousin of mine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Catriona, the bailly’s daughter to Count Conrad, and Sofronia, the student Jeronimo’s sister; she too is of the Count’s household.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It is not then difficult to act in a masque?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

A masque demands little,
\nSe\u00f1orita. A taking figure, a flowing step, a good voice, a quick memory \u2014  but for that a speaking memory hard by in a box will do much at an emergency.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

True, for such long parts must be a heavy tax on the quickest.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 839<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

BASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

There are but two such, Venus-Helen and Paris. The rest are only a Zephyr’s dance in, a speech and a song to help the situation and out again with a scurry. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

God be with you. You have a learned conversation and a sober, and for such I will always report you. But here comes a colon to it. We will keep the full stop for tomorrow.<\/p>\n

\nEnter Antonio and Ismenia.<\/i><\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I think the dawn moves in the east, Brigida.<\/p>\n

Pray you, unlock the door, but noiselessly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTeach me not. Though the wild torrent of this gentleman’s conversation have swept away half my wit, I have at a desperate peril, saved the other half for your service. Come, Sir, I have need of you to frighten the mice away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>ASIL<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

St Iago!<\/p>\n

\nExit Brigida with Basil.<\/i><\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Dear, we must part. I would have you my necklace,<\/p>\n

That I might feel you round my neck for ever;<\/p>\n

Or life be night and all men sleep, then we<\/p>\n

Need never part: but we must part, Antonio.<\/p>\n

Will you forget me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

When I cease to feel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

I know you cannot, but I am so happy,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 840<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

I love to play with my own happiness<\/p>\n

And ask it questions. Dear, we shall meet soon.<\/p>\n

I’ll make a compact with you, sweet. You shall<\/p>\n

Do all my will and make no question, till<\/p>\n

We’re married; then you know, I am your servant.<\/p>\n

Will you, till then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Till then and after.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Go now,<\/p>\n

Love, I must drive you out or you’ll not go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NTONIO<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

One kiss.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You’ve had one thousand. Well, one more,<\/p>\n

One only or I shall never let you part.<\/p>\n

\nEnter Brigida.<\/i><\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Are you both distracted? Is this, I pray you, a time for lingering and near dawn over the east? Out with you,
\nSe\u00f1or, or I will set your own Cerberus upon you, and I wager he bites well, though I think poorly of his bark.<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nExit with Antonio.<\/i><\/p>\n

ISMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

O I have given all myself and kept<\/p>\n

Nothing to live with when he’s gone from me.<\/p>\n

My life’s his moon and I’m all dark and sad<\/p>\n

Without him. Yesterday I was Ismenia,<\/p>\n

Strong in myself, an individual woman.<\/p>\n

Today I’m but the body of another,<\/p>\n

No longer separate reality.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 841<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Well, if I gain him, let me lose myself<\/p>\n

And I’m still happy. The door shuts. He is gone.<\/p>\n

\nRe-enter Brigida.<\/i><\/p>\n

Ah, Brigida.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BRIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Come, get in, get in. Snatch a little sleep, for I promise you, you shall have none tomorrow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>SMENIA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

How do you mean by that? Or is it jest merely?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>RIGIDA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Leave me alone. I have a whole drama in my head, a play in a play and yet no play. I have only to rearrange the parts a little and tomorrow’s sunlight shall see it staged, scened, enacted and concluded. To bed with you. <\/p>\n

\nExeunt.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 842<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/font><\/span><\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  The Maid in the Mill or Love Shuffles the Cards   A Comedy   Dramatis Personae   CUPID. ATE. KING PHILIP OF SPAIN. COUNT…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","wpcat-39-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1732"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1732\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}