The Rover Act IV Chapter I

Discovers Belvile, as by Dark alone.

BELV. When shall I be weary of railing on Fortune, who is resolved never to turn with Smiles upon me? Two such Defeats in one Night none but the Devil and that mad Rogue could have contrived to have plagued me with I am here a Prisoner but where? Heaven knows and if there be Murder done, I can soon decide the Fate of a Stranger in a Nation without Mercy Yet this is nothing to the Torture my Soul bows with, when I think of losing my fair, my dear Florinda. Hark my Door opens a Light a Man and seems of Quality armed too. Now shall I die like a Dog without defense.

Enter Antonio in a Night-Gown, with a Light; his Arm in a Scarf, and a Sword under his Arm: He sets the Candle on the Table.

ANT. Sir, I come to know what Injuries I have done you, that could provoke you to so mean an Action, as to attack me basely, without allowing time for my Defense.

BELV. Sir, for a Man in my Circumstances to plead Innocence, would look like Fear but view me well, and you will find no marks of a Coward on me, nor any thing that betrays that Brutality you accuse me of.

ANT. In vain, Sir, you impose upon my Sense, You are not only he who drew on me last Night, But yesterday before the same House, that of Angelica. Yet there is something in your Face and Mein

BELV. I own I fought to day in the defense of a Friend of mine, with whom you (if you’re the same) and your Party were first engaged. Perhaps you think this Crime enough to kill me, But if you do, I cannot fear you’ll do it basely.

ANT. No, Sir, I’ll make you fit for a Defense with this.

[Gives him the Sword.

BELV. This Gallantry surprises me nor know I how to use this Present, Sir, against a Man so brave.

ANT. You shall not need; For know, I come to snatch you from a Danger That is decreed against you;Perhaps your Life, or long Imprisonment: And ’twas with so much Courage you offended,I cannot see you punished.

BELV. How shall I pay this Generosity?

ANT. It had been safer to have killed another, Than have attempted me: To shew your Danger, Sir, I’ll let you know my Quality, And ’tis the Vice-Roy’s Son whom you have wounded.

BELV. The Vice-Roy’s Son! Death and Confusion! was this Plague reserved To complete all the rest? obliged by him! The Man of all the World I would destroy.

ANT. You seem disorder’s, Sir.

BELV. Yes, trust me, Sir, I am, and ’tis with pain That Man receives such Bounties, Who wants the power to pay them back again.

ANT. To gallant Spirits ’tis indeed uneasy; But you may quickly over-pay me, Sir.

BELV. Then I am well kind Heaven! but set us even, That I may fight with him, and keep my Honor safe. Oh, I’m impatient, Sir, to be discounting The mighty Debt I owe you; command me quickly

ANT. I have a Quarrel with a Rival, Sir, About the Maid we love.

BELV. Death,’tis Florinda he means That Thought destroys my Reason, and I shall kill him [Aside.

ANT. My Rival, Sir. Is one has all the Virtues Man can boast of.

BELV. Death! who should this be?[Aside.

ANT. He challenged me to meet him on the Molo, As soon as Day appeared; but last Night’s quarrel Has made my Arm unfit to guide a Sword.

BELV. I apprehend you, Sir, you’d have me kill the Man That lays a claim to the Maid you speak of. I’ll do’t I’ll fly to do it.

ANT. Sir, do you know her?

BELV. No, Sir, but ’tis enough she is admired by you.

ANT. Sir, I shall rob you of the Glory don’t, For you must fight under my Name and Dress.

BELV. That Opinion must be strangely obliging that makes You think I can impersonate the brave Antonio, Whom I can but strive to imitate.

ANT. You say too much to my Advantage. Come, Sir, the Day appears that calls you forth. Within, Sir, is the Habit.

BELV. Fantastic Fortune, thou deceitful Light, That cheats the wearied Traveler by Night, Tho on a Precipice each step you tread, I am resolved to follow where you lead.