Had robb'd the earth of more than all the world, Valasco was the man appointed by That goodly sister to steal Berinthia, Just at that time; but hear, and tremble at it, Seb. You amaze me, sir. Ant. Tis true, by honour's self: hear it confirm'd; And when you will, I am ready. Seb. I cannot but believe it.~ Oh Berinthia, I'm wounded ere I fight. you Ant. Holds your resolve yet constant? if Seb. But will you back with me then? have Ber. Excuse me, brother; I shall fall too soon Upon my sister's malice, whose foul guilt Will make me expect more certain ruin. Ant. Now Sebastiano Puts on his judgment, and assumes his nobleness, Whilst he loves equity. Seb. And shall I carry shame To Villarezo's house, neglect of father, Whose precepts bind me to return with her Or leave my life at Elvas? I must on. I have heard you to no purpose. Shall Berinthia Back to Avero? Ant. Sir, she must not yet; 'Tis dangerous. Seb. Chuse thee a second then this count and I Mean to leave honour here. Vill. Honour me, sir. Hh Ant. Ant. "Tis done. Sebastiano shall report Antonio falls in a duel by the sword of Sebastiano. tiano is disconsolate for having killed his friend. I his penitence, he is visited by Antonio's sister, Castabella, disguised as a page. CASTABELLA. SEBASTIANO. Cast. He that hath sent you, sir, this gift, did love you; You'll say yourself he did. Seb. Ha, name him prithee. Cast. The friend I came from was Antonio. Seb. Who hath sent thee To tempt Sebastiano's soul to act on thee Another death, for thus affrighting me? Cast. Indeed I do not mock, nor come to affright you; Heaven knows my heart. I know Antonio's dead. But 'twas a gift he in his life design'd To you, and I have brought it. Seb. Thou dost not promise cozenage: what gift is 't! I was his boy; but never did boy lose So kind a master; in his life he promis'd And named you, sir, if heaven should point out Love me the better for his sake: indeed I will be very honest to you, and And good opinion to me... Seb. Can it be Thou wert his boy? Oh, thou should'st hate me then. Thou art false, I dare not trust thee; unto him Thou Thou shew'st thee now unfaithful, to accept Of all the stock of men, his enemy, His cruel'st enemy. Cast. Indeed I am sure it was; he spoke all truth; To be your boy; alas, I am willing, sir, Seb. All is as true As oracle by heaven; dost thou believe so? Seb. Yet be not rash; 'Tis no advantage to belong to me: I have no power nor greatness in the court So much observance, as I shall expect Cast. All the ambition of my thoughts shall be Seb. Besides, I shall afflict thy tenderness Only in love with sorrow, never merry, In th' height I break them. Come, I shall undo thee., Cast. Sir, I shall be most happy to bear part any of your sorrows; I ne'er had In So hard a heart but I could shed a tear Hh 2 To bear my master company. Seb. I will not leave thee, if thou'll dwell with me, For wealth of Indies: be my loved boy Come in with me; thus I'll begin to do Some recompence for dead Antonio. Berinthia kills her brother Sebastiano sleeping. CASTABELLA. SEBASTIANO. Cast. Sir, if the opportunity I use Seb. Prithee boy, he patient. The more I strive to throw off the remembrance Cast. Alas, they are past; Bind up your own for honour's sake, and shew Seb. Alas, good boy, it will but add more weight Than the tarantula, to be cur'd with music; It has th' exactest unity, but it cannot Accord my thoughts. Cast. Sir, this your couch Seems to invite some small repose: Oh, I beseech you taste it. I will beg A little leave to sing. Berinthia enters softly. Cast: Sweet sleep charm his sad senses: And gentle thoughts let fall (She sings.) Your flowing numbers here; and round about That That none offend his quiet. Sleep begins (She lies down by him.) Ber. Nature doth wrestle with me, but revenge Doth arm my love against it; justice is Above all tie of blood. Sebastiano, Thou art the first shall tell Antonio's ghost, How much I lov'd him. (She stabs him upon his couch.) Seb. (waking.) Oh, stay thy hand, Berinthia! no: Thou'st done't. I wish thee heaven's forgiveness. I can not Tarry to hear thy reasons; at many doors My life runs out, and yet Berinthia Doth in her name give me more wounds than these. Be friends again. (Dies.) THE |