Isaac. Yes; and that Antonio was to come to her there.

Don Ferd. Is this the truth?

Isaac. It is indeed; and all I know, as I hope for life!

Don Ferd. Well, coward, take your life; ’tis that false, dishonourable Antonio, who shall feel my vengeance.

Isaac. Ay, ay, kill him; cut his throat, and welcome.

Don Ferd. But, for Clara! infamy on her! she is not worth my resentment.

Isaac. No more she is, my dear brother-in-law. I’faith, I would not be angry about her; she is not worth it, indeed.

Don Ferd. ’Tis false! she is worth the enmity of princes!

Isaac. True, true, so she is; and I pity you exceedingly for having lost her.

Don Ferd. ’Sdeath, you rascal! how durst you talk of pitying me?

Isaac. Oh, dear brother-in-law, I beg pardon! I don’t pity you in the least, upon my soul!

Don Ferd. Get hence, fool, and provoke me no further; nothing but your insignificance saves you!

Isaac. [Aside.] I’faith, then, my insignificance is the best friend I have.—[Aloud.] I’m going, dear Ferdinand.—[Aside.] What a curst hot-headed bully it is!

[Exeunt severally.

Scene III.—The Garden of the Convent.

Enter Donna Louisa and Donna Clara.

Don. Louisa. And you really wish my brother may not find you out?

Don. Clara. Why else have I concealed myself under this disguise?

Don. Louisa. Why, perhaps, because the dress becomes you: for you certainly don’t intend to be a nun for life.

Don. Clara. If, indeed, Ferdinand had not offended me so last night——

Don. Louisa. Come, come, it was his fear of losing you made him so rash.

Don. Clara. Well, you may think me cruel, but I swear, if he were here this instant, I believe I should forgive him.

Song.

By him we love offended,
  How soon our anger flies!
One day apart, ’tis ended;
  Behold him, and it dies.

Last night, your roving brother,
  Enraged, I bade depart;
And sure his rude presumption
  Deserved to lose my heart.

Yet, were he now before me,
  In spite of injured pride,
I fear my eyes would pardon
  Before my tongue could chide.

Don. Louisa. I protest, Clara, I shall begin to think you are seriously resolved to enter on your probation.

Don. Clara. And, seriously, I very much doubt whether the character of a nun would not become me best.