Lop. Then I misunderstood them, sir.

Don Ferd. Go, fool, get home! and never let me see you again till you bring me news of her.—[Exit Lopez.] Oh, how my fondness for this ungrateful girl has hurt my disposition.

Enter Isaac.

Isaac. So, I have her safe, and have only to find a priest to marry us. Antonio now may marry Clara, or not, if he pleases.

Don Ferd. What! what was that you said of Clara?

Isaac. Oh, Ferdinand! my brother-in-law that shall be, who thought of meeting you?

Don Ferd. But what of Clara?

Isaac. I’faith, you shall hear. This morning, as I was coming down, I met a pretty damsel, who told me her name was Clara d’Almanza, and begged my protection.

Don Ferd. How!

Isaac. She said she had eloped from her father, Don Guzman, but that love for a young gentleman in Seville was the cause.

Don Ferd. Oh, Heavens! did she confess it?

Isaac. Oh, yes, she confessed at once. But then, says she, my lover is not informed of my flight, nor suspects my intention.

Don Ferd. [Aside.] Dear creature! no more I did indeed! Oh, I am the happiest fellow!—[Aloud.] Well, Isaac?

Isaac. Why then she entreated me to find him out for her, and bring him to her.

Don Ferd. Good Heavens, how lucky! Well, come along, let’s lose no time.

[Pulling him.

Isaac. Zooks! where are we to go?

Don Ferd. Why, did anything more pass?

Isaac. Anything more! yes; the end on’t was, that I was moved with her speeches, and complied with her desires.

Don Ferd. Well, and where is she?

Isaac. Where is she? why, don’t I tell you? I complied with her request, and left her safe in the arms of her lover.

Don Ferd. ’Sdeath, you trifle with me!—I have never seen her.

Isaac. You! O Lud, no! how the devil should you? ’Twas Antonio she wanted; and with Antonio I left her.

Don Ferd. [Aside.] Hell and madness!—[Aloud.] What, Antonio d’Ercilla?