BLABBO. Ha, ha! (NAVARRO frowns.)-I beg pardon, -but see, even Carlo smiles. NAVARRO. Peace, sirrah! and (to Don Gomez) if these tales of amourous adventures prove, as I trust, most idle and unfounded, your enemies shall feel the Regent's vengeance. And now, if this base traitor live, conduct him forth: but if the hand of Heaven has doom'd him to his fate, let none dare censure his accusers. No, the Regent's mercy is unequalled. The door of the Caravan is opened, and the MARQUIS of Calatrava descends the steps, and walks firmly towards the front of the Stage. NAVARRO. How! só little altered! 's death! whose deed is this? MARQUIS. Whose, but that bounteous power, that gave me what some Spaniards never dreamt of-The pride of conscience, and of honour! and e'en in chains, Alphonso pities Manuel. NAVARRO. The pride of conscience! O, I suspect some stronger cause.-Guards, search the Caravan; see if no trace of sustenance MARQUIS (to the Soldiers.) Hold! I entreat you! Away! NAVARRO. [Guards produce flasks, &c. from the Caravan. Confusion! Confusion? Is there no end to treachery and traitors.-Roderigo, this is your generous conscientious act, and be prepar'd; your life shall answer for it this instant. RODERIGO. Mine! As I hope for happiness hereafter, much as I wish to save Alphonso's life, I did not; dar'd not hazard such an enterprize. NAVARRO. 'Tis false Guards,-seize him. BLABBO. Don't ! NAVARRO. Why? BLABBO. Because he's innocent, he's-look ye, Count, I would n't keep this secret another moment for the whole world: I am the guilty person. You ! NAVARRO. BLABBO. Ay, I.-You may remember when we left Madrid, I refused to undertake the savage office, unless I was allowed plenty of provisions for myself and my Dog: very well. The Marquis every night through a private aperture, has had the best part of it; and I and poor Carlo have been half starv'd; but what of that, I have feasted upon Ꭰ better better food and see, brute as he is, he don't turn tail upon his master, for having sav'd a fellow creature's life. MARQUIS. Astonishing! Was your's the unknown friendly hand, I nightly press'd with gratitude and zeal? BLABBO. It was; and isn't it a shame, that the renown'd Marquis de Calatrava, who has so oft led you to victory, should be starv'd by his Government, and fed by a poor Driver and his Dog? However, now the secret's out, and I don' care whether I'm shov'd down your trap-doors, or blown up in your fire-vessels but if I had not been communicative -O, Lord!-women are always in the rightsilence is the very devil. NAVARRO. Guards! drag the villain to the castle. GOMEZ. Aye, I'll see justice done him; if it's only for laughing at my Fire-Ladder. MARQUIS. Hear me, soldiers! There was a time when Calatrava was so much your Idol, that what he spoke was law; but now he is your suppliant-Spare my preserver, for your own sakes spare him; none live in safety while a despot rules; and when like me you're plunged into the dungeon's gloom, think how you'll need-what you refuse! then live the Slaves of Tyranny and Manuel, while we can proudly die, defying and despising him. GOMEZ. I won't hear another word. Count, you look to the Marquis. I'll take care of his Driver; and instead of gaiety and intriguing, you shall find that in all Spain, there, isn't a more active, virtuous, modest Governor. BLABBO. Farewell, my lord! Heav'n prosper you may you yet live to see your dear lov'd 1 dy: and should her faithful Rosa ask after poor Blabbo and his Dog; for I see one won't long survive the other-tell her, we hope she'll wear mourning for us the usual time, and then (weeping) the sooner she follows us the happier it will make us. MARQUIS. Peace, friend! Call not to memory feelings that unman me. No; to die like men, we must forget life's blessings: and when I think of Leonora and my dear lov'd Julio-but no, that thought inspires me; for while the Mother's virtue shall resist and crush the Tyrant's hopes, the Boy shall live to vindicate his Father's wrongs, and shame these dastard and deluded followers, by hailing the return of loyalty, humanity and peace.-Come, to your Dungeons. The Soldiers form themselves into Groups, and guard the MARQUIS and BLABBO, as Prisoners. DUETT, and CHORUS. NAVARRO, DON GOMEZ, AND SOLDIERS. Thus, brave soldiers, ever prove CHORUS. Thus we'll oppose The traitors who shall dare Dispute the hero's claim, To honour, conquest, and to fame. Exeunt, END OF THE FIRST ACT. |