Act V Enter Lopez
Oho! my good Signior Don John, you are mistaken in your Man; I am your humble Valet, ’tis true, and I am to obey you; but when you have got the Devil in your Body, and are upon your Rantipole Adventures, you shall Quixote it by yourself, for Lopez. Yonder he is, waiting for poor Guzman, with a Sword of a Fathom and a Half; a Dagger for close engagement; and (if I don’t mistake) a Pocket-pistol for extraordinary Occasions. I think I am not in the wrong to keep a little out of the Way: These Matters will end in a Court of Justice, or I’m wrong in my Foresight: Now that being a Place where I am pretty well known, and not over-much reputed, I believe ’tis best, neither to come in for Prisoner nor Evidence. But hold; yonder comes another Toledo! Don Guzman I presume, but I presume wrong, it is—who is it? Don Pedro, by all the Powers! What the Pox does he here, or what the Pox do I here? I’m sure as Matters stand, I ought to fly him like a Creditor; but he sees me, ’tis too late to slip him.
Enter Don Pedro.
Don Ped. How now, Lopez; where are you going?
Lop. I’m going, Sir, I——I’m going—if you please——I’m going about my Business.
Don Ped. From whence do you come?
Lop. Only, only, Sir, from—taking the Air a little, I’m mightily muddled with a Whur——round about in my Head, for this Day or two; I’m going home to be let Blood, as fast as I can, Sir.
Don Ped. Hold, Sir; I’ll let you Blood here.
This Rascal may have borne some Part in this late Adventure: He’s a Coward; I’ll try to frighten it out of him.
[Seizing him by the Collar, and drawing his Poniard.
You Traitor, you, y’ are dead.
Lop. Mercy, Don Pedro!
Don Ped. Are you not a Villain?
[Lop. kneeling.
Lop. Yes; if you please.
Don Ped. Is there so great a one upon Earth?
Lop. With respect to my Master——No.
Don Ped. Prepare then to die!
Lop. Give me but Time, and I will. But, noble Don Pedro, just Don Pedro, generous Don Pedro, what is it I have done?
Don Ped. What, if thou dar’st deny, I’ll plunge this Dagger deep into thy Throat, and drive the Falsehood to thy Heart again. Therefore, take heed, and on thy Life declare, didst thou not this last night open my Doors to let Don Guzman in?
Lop. Don Guzman!
Don Ped. Don Guzman! Yes, Don Guzman, Traitor; him.
Lop. Now may the Sky crush me, if I let in Don Guzman.
Don Ped. Who did let you in then? It was not your Master, sure! If it was him, you did your Duty; I have no more to say.
Lop. Why then, if I let in any Body else, I’m a Son of a Whore.
[Rising.
Don Ped. Did he order you beforehand, or did you do it upon his knocking?
Lop. Why he—I’ll tell you, Sir, he——pray put up that Brilliant, it sparkles so in my Eyes, it almost blinds me—thank you, Sir.
[Don Ped. puts it up.
Why, Sir, I’ll tell you just how the Matter was, but I hope you won’t consider me as a Party.
Don Ped. Go on; thou art safe.
Lop. Why then, Sir, when (for our Sins) you had left us, says my Master to me, Lopez, says he, go and stay at old Don Felix’s House, till Don Pedro returns; they’ll pass thee for his Servant, and think he has order’d thee to stay there. And then, says he, dost hear, open me the Door by Leonora’s Apartment to-night, for I have a little Business, says he, to do there.
Don Ped. [Aside.] Perfidious Wretch!
Lop. Indeed, I was at first a little resty, and stood off; being suspicious (for I knew the Man) that there might be some ill Intentions. But he knew me too, takes me upon the weak Side, whips out a long Sword, and by the same Means makes me do the Thing, as you have made me discover it.—[Aside.] There’s neither Liberty nor Property in this Land, since the Blood of the Bourbons came amongst us.
Don Ped. Then you let him in, as he bid you?
Lop. I did: If I had not, I had never lived to tell you the Story. Yes, I let him in.
Don Ped. And what follow’d?
Lop. Why, he follow’d.
Don Ped. What?
Lop. His Inclinations.
Don Ped. Which Way?
Lop. The old Way:—To a Woman.
Don Ped.. Confound him!
Lop. In short, he got to Madam’s Chamber, and before he had been there long, (tho’ you know, Sir, a little Time goes a great Way in some Matters) I heard such a clutter of small Shot, Murder, Murder, Murder, Rape, Fire, Help, and so forth—But hold, here he comes himself, and can give you a more circumstantial Account of the Skirmish.
Don Ped. I thank thee, Heaven, at last, for having pointed me to the Victim I am to sacrifice.
[Ex. Lop.
Enter Don John.
[Drawing.] Villain, defend thyself.
Don John. What do you mean?
Don Ped. To punish a Traitor.
Don John. Where is he?
Don Ped. In the Heart of a sworn Friend.
Don John. [Aside.] I saw Lopez, go from him, without doubt he has told him all.
[To Don Ped.
Of what am I suspected?
Don Ped. Of betraying the greatest Trust that Man cou’d place in Man.
Don John. And by whom am I accus’d?
Don Ped. By me: Have at thy Traitor’s Heart!
Don John. Hold! And be not quite a Madman.—Pedro, you know me well: You know I am not backward upon these Occasions, nor shall I refuse you any Satisfaction you’ll demand; but first, I will be heard, and tell you, That for a Man of Sense, you are pleas’d to make very odd Conclusions.
Don Ped. Why, what is it possible thou canst invent to clear thyself?
Don John. To clear myself! Of what? I’m to be thank’d for what I have done, and not reproach’d. I find I have been an Ass, and push’d my Friendship to that Point, you find not Virtue in yourself enough to conceive it in another. But henceforward, I shall be a better Husband of it.
Don Ped. I shou’d be loth to find Ingratitude cou’d e’er be justly charg’d upon me: But after what your Servant has confess’d——
Don John. My Servant! Right, my Servant! The very Thing I guess’d. Fye, fye, Don Pedro; is it from a Servant’s Mouth a Friend condemns a Friend? Or can Servants always judge at what their Master’s outward Actions point? But some Allowances I shou’d make for the wild Agitation you must needs be in. I’m therefore calm, and thus far pass all by.
Don Ped. If you are innocent, Heaven be my Aid, that I may find you so. But still——
Don John. But still you wrong me, if you still suspect. Hear then, in short, my part of this Adventure. In order to acquit myself of the Charge you laid upon me in your Absence, I went last night, just as ’twas dark, to view the several Approaches of the House where you had left your Wife; and I observ’d not far from one of the back Doors, two Persons in close eager Conference: I was disguis’d, so ventur’d to pass near ’em, and by a Word or two I heard, I found ’twas Guzman talking to Jacinta. My Concern for your Honour, made me at first resolve to call him to an immediate Account. But then reflecting that I might possibly over-hear some Part of their Discourse, and by that judge of Leonora’s Thoughts, I rein’d my Passion in; and by the help of an advancing Buttress, which kept me from their Sight, I learnt the black Conspiracy. Don Guzman said, he had great Complaint to make; and since his honourable Love had been so ill return’d, he could with ease forgive himself, if by some rougher Means he should procure, what Prayers and Tears and Sighs had urg’d in vain.
Don Ped. Go on.
Don John. His kind Assistant clos’d smoothly with him, and inform’d him with what ease that very Night she’d introduce him to her Chamber. At last, they parted, with this Agreement, that at some Overture in a Wall, he should expect her to inform him when Leonora was in Bed, and all the Coast was clear.
Don Ped. Dispatch the rest—Is’t possible after all he should be innocent!
Don John. I must confess the Resolution taken, made me tremble for you: How to prevent it now and for ever, was my next Care. I immediately order’d Lopez to go lie at Don Felix’s, and to open me the Door when all the Family were in Bed. He did as I directed him. I enter’d, and in the dark found my way to Leonora’s Apartment. I found the Door open, at which I was surpriz’d. I thought I heard some stirring in her Chamber, and in an Instant heard her cry for Aid. At this I drew, and rush’d into the Room, which Guzman, alarm’d at, cry’d out to her Assistance. His ready Impudence, I must confess, at first quite struck me speechless; but in a Moment I regain’d my Tongue, and loud proclaim’d the Traitor.
Don Ped. Is’t possible?
Don John. Yet more: your Arrival hindring me at that Time from taking Vengeance for your Wrong, I at this Instant expect him here, to punish him (with Heaven’s righteous Aid) for daring to attempt my Ruin with the Man, whose Friendship I prefer to all the Blessings Heaven and Earth dispense. And now, Don Pedro, I have told you this, if still you have a Mind to take my Life, I shall defend it with the self-same Warmth I intended to expose it in your Service.
[Draws.
Don Ped. [Aside.] If I did not know he was in love with Leonora, I could be easily surpriz’d with what he has told me. But—But yet ’tis certain he has destroyed the Proofs against him; and if I only hold him guilty as a Lover; why must Don Guzman pass for innocent? Good Gods, I am again returning to my Doubts!
Don John. [Aside.] I have at last reduc’d him to a Balance, but one Lye more tost in, will turn the Scale.
To Don Ped.] One Obligation more, my Friend, you owe me; I thought to have let it pass, but it shall out. Know then, I lov’d, like you, the beauteous Leonora; but from the Moment I observ’d how deep her Dart had pierc’d you, tore my Passion from my bleeding Heart, and sacrific’d my Happiness to yours. Now, I have no more to plead; if still you think your Vengeance is my due, come pay it me.
Don Ped. Rather ten thousand Poignards strike me dead! O Alvarada! can you forgive a wild distracted Friend? Gods! Whither was my jealous Frenzy leading me? Can you forget this barbarous Injury?
Don John. I can: No more. But for the future, think me what I am, a faithful and a zealous Friend.—Retire, and leave me here. In a few Moments I hope to bring you further Proofs on’t. Guzman I instantly expect, leave me to do you Justice on him.
Don Ped. That must not be. My Revenge can ne’er be satisfy’d by any other Hand but this.
Don John. Then let That do’t. You’ll in a Moment have an Opportunity.
Don Ped. You mistake; he won’t be here.
Don John. How so?
Don Ped. He has not had your Challenge. His Sister intercepted it, and desired I wou’d come to prevent the Quarrel.
Don John. What then is to be done?
Don Ped. I’ll go and find him out immediately.
Don John. Very well: Or hold——[Aside.] I must hinder ’em from talking. Gossiping may discover me. Yes: let’s go and find him: Or, let me see——Aye,——’twill do better.
Don Ped. What?
Don John. Why——That the Punishment should suit the Crime.
Don Ped. Explain.
Don John. Attack him by his own Laws of War— ’Twas in the Night he would have had your Honour, and in the Night you ought to have his Life.
Don Ped. His Treason cannot take the Guilt from mine.
Don John. There is no Guilt in fair Retaliation. When ’tis a Point of Honour sounds the Quarrel, the Laws of Sword-Men must be kept, ’tis true: But if a Thief glides in to seize my Treasure, methinks I may return the Favour on my Dagger’s Point, as well as with my Sword of Ceremony six Times as long.
Don Ped. Yet still the nobler Method I wou’d choose; it better satisfies the Vengeance of a Man of Honour.
Don John. I own it, were you sure you shou’d succeed: But the Events of Combats are uncertain. Your Enemy may ‘scape you: You perhaps may only wound him; you may be parted. Believe me, Pedro, the Injury’s too great for a Punctilio Satisfaction.
Don Ped. Well, guide me as you please, so you direct me quickly to my Vengeance. What do you propose?
Don John. That which is as easy, as ’tis just to execute. The Wall he passed, to attempt your Wife, let us get over to prevent his doing so any more. ’Twill let us into a private Apartment by his Garden, where every Evening in his amorous Solitudes he spends some Time alone, and where I guess his late fair Scheme was drawn. The Deed done, we can retreat the Way we enter’d; let me be your Pilot, ’tis now e’en dark, and the most proper Time.
Don Ped. Lead on; I’ll follow you.
Don John. [Aside.] How many Villanies I’m forc’d to act, to keep one secret!
[Exeunt.
Scene, Don. Guzman’s Apartments
Don Guzman, sitting solus.
With what Rigour does this unfaithful Woman treat me! Is’t possible it can be me, who appeared to love me with so much Tenderness? How little stress is to be laid upon a Woman’s Heart! Sure they’re not worth those anxious Cares they give. [Rising.] Then burst my Chains, and give me Room to search for nobler Pleasures. I feel my Heart begin to mutiny for Liberty; there is a Spirit in it yet, will struggle hard for Freedom: but Solitude’s the worst of Seconds. Ho! Sancho, Galindo, who waits there? Bring some Lights.—Where are you?
Enter Galindo, rubbing his Eyes, and drunk.
Galin. I can’t well tell. Do you want me, Sir?
Don Guz. Yes, Sir, I want you. Why am I left in the dark? What were you doing?
Gal. Doing, Sir! I was doing——what one does when one sleeps, Sir.
Don Guz. Have you no Light without?
Galin. [Yawning.] Light!——No, Sir,——I have no Light. I’m us’d to Hardship, I can sleep in the dark.
Don Guz. You have been drinking, you Rascal, you are drunk.
Gal. I have been drinking, Sir, ’tis true, but I am not drunk. Every Man that is drunk, has been drinking, confess’d. But every Man that has been drinking, is not drunk.——Confess that too.
Don Guz. Who is’t has put you in this Condition, you Sot?
Galin. A very honest Fellow: Madam Leonora’s Coachman, nobody else. I have been making a little debauch with Madam Leonora’s Coachman; yes.
Don Guz. How came you to drink with him, Beast?
Gal. Only per Complaisance, Sir. The Coachman was to be drunk upon Madam’s Wedding; and I being a Friend, was desired to take Part.
Don Guz. And so, you Villain, you can make yourself merry, with what renders me miserable.
Galin. No, Sir, no; ’twas the Coachman was merry; I drank with Tears in my Eyes. The remembrance of your Misfortunes made me so sad, so sad, that every Cup I swallow’d was like a Cup of Poison to me.
Don Guz. Without doubt.
Galin. Yes; and to mortify myself upon melancholy Matters, I believe I took down fifty; yes.
Don Guz. Go fetch some Lights, you drunken Sot, you.
Galin. I will, if I can find the [Feeling for the Door and running against it.] Door, that’s so say——The Devil’s in the Door; I think ’tis grown too little for me——Shrunk this wet Weather, I presume.
[Ex. Galin.
Don Guzman alone.
Absence, the old Remedy for Love, must e’en be mine: to stay and brave the Danger, were Presumption: Farewel Valencia, then, and farewel, Leonora. And if thou can’st, my Heart, redeem thy Liberty, secure it by a Farewel eternal to her Sex.
Re-enter Galindo with a Candle, he falls, and puts it out.
Galin. Here’s light, Sir——So,——
Don Guz. Well done. You sottish [Passing angrily into another Chamber.] Rascal, come no more in my Sight.
[Ex. Don Guz.
Galin. These Boards are so uneven—— You shall see now I shall neither find [Rising and feeling about for the Candle.] the Candle——nor the Candlestick; It shan’t be for want of searching, however.
——O ho, have I got you? Enough, I’ll look for your Companion to-morrow.
Enter Don Pedro and Don John.
Don Ped. Where are we now?
Don John. We are in the Apartment I told you of——Softly——I hear something stir——Ten to one but ’tis he.
Galin. Don’t I hear, somewhat?——No——when one has Wine in one’s Head, one has such a bustle in one’s Ears.
Don Pedro. [To Don John.] Who is that is talking to himself?
Don John. ’Tis his Servant, I know his Voice, keep still.
Galin. Well; since my Master has banished me his Sight, I’ll redeem by my Obedience, what I have lost by my Debauch. I’ll go sleep twelve Hours in some melancholy Hole where the Devil Shan’t find me; yes.
[Exit Galindo.
Don John. He’s gone; but hush, I hear somebody coming.
Don Guz. Ho there! will nobody bring Light?
[Behind the Scene.
Don Ped. ’Tis Guzman.
Don John. ’Tis so, prepare.
Don Ped. Shall I own my Weakness? I feel an inward Check; I wish this could be done some other way.
Don John. Distraction all! Is this a Time to balance? Think on the Injury he would have done you, ’twill fortify your Arm, and guide your Dagger to his Heart.
Don Ped. Enough, I’ll hesitate no more; be satisfy’d; hark! he’s coming.
Don Guzman passes the Stage.
Don Guz. I think these Rogues are resolved to leave me in the dark all Night.
[Exit Don Guz.
Don John. Now’s your Time, follow him and strike home.
Don Ped. To his Heart, if my Dagger will reach it.
[Don Pedro follows him.
Don John. [Aside.] If one be kill’d, I’m satisfy’d; ’tis no great Matter which.
Re-enter Don Guzman, Don Pedro following him, with his Dagger ready to strike.
Don Guz. [Aside.] My Chamber Door’s lock’d, and I think I hear somebody tread——Who’s there?——Nobody answers. But still I hear something stir. Hola there! Sancho, are you all drunk? Some Lights here, quickly.
[Exit.
Don Guzman passes by the Corner where Don John stands, and goes of the Stage; Dan Pedro following him, stabs Don John.
Don Ped. [Aside.] I think I’m near him now:——Traitor, take that, my Wife has sent it thee.
Don John. Ah, I’m dead!
Don Ped. Then thou hast thy Due.
Don John. I have, indeed; ’tis I that have betray’d thee.
Don Ped. And ’tis I that am reveng’d on thee for doing it.
Don John. I wou’d have forc’d thy Wife.
Don Ped. Die then with the Regret to have fail’d in thy Attempt.
Don John. Farewel, if thou can’st forgive me—
[Dies.
Don Ped. I have done the Deed, there’s nothing left but to make our Escape. Don John, where are you? Let’s begone, I hear the Servants coming.
Lopez knocks hard at the Door.
Lop. Open there quickly, open the Door.
Don Ped. That’s Lopez, we shall be discover’d. But ’tis no great Matter, the Crime will justify the Execution; but where’s Don John? Don John, where are you?
Lopez knocks again.
Lop. Open the Door there, quickly. Madam, I saw ’em both pass the Wall; the Devil’s in’t if any good comes on’t.
Leo. I am frightened out of my Senses: ho, Isabella!
Don Ped. ’Tis Leonora. She’s welcome. With her own Eyes let her see her Guzman dead.
Enter Don Guzman, Leonora, Isabella, Jacinta and Lopez, with Lights.
Don Ped. Ha! what is’t I see? Guzman alive? Then who art thou?
[Looking on Don John.
Don Guz. Guzman alive! Yes, Pedro, Guzman is alive.
Don Ped. Then Heaven is just, and there’s a Traitor dead.
Isabella weeps.] Alas, Don John!
Lop. [Looking upon Don John.] Bonus Nocius.
Don Guz. What has produced this bloody Scene?
Don Ped. ’Tis I have been the Actor in’t;——my Poignard, Guzman, I intended in your Heart.——I thought your Crime deserv’d it: but I did you wrong, and my Hand in searching the Innocent, has by Heaven’s justice been directed to the Guilty. Don John, with his last Breath, confess’d himself the Offender.—Thus my Revenge is satisfied, and you are clear’d.
Don Guz. Good Heaven, how equitable are thy Judgments!
Don Ped. [To Leo.] Come, Madam, my Honour now is satisfied, and if you please my Love may be so too.
Leo. If it is not,
You to yourself alone shall owe your Smart,
For where I’ve given my Hand, I’ll give my Heart.