Fisc. So far you are prudent, for she is exceeding rich.

Har.  Jun. He refused all; then I threatened him with my father’s power.

Fisc. That was unwisely done; your father, underhand, may do a mischief, but it is too gross aboveboard.

Har.  Jun. At last, nought else prevailing, I defied him to single duel; this he refused, and I believe it was fear.

Fisc. No, no, mistake him not, it is a stout whoreson.  You did ill to press him, it will not sound well in Europe; he being here a public minister, having no means of ’scaping should he kill you, besides exposing all his countrymen to a revenge.

Har.  Jun. That’s all one; I’m resolved I will pursue my course, and fight him.

Fisc. Pursue your end, that’s to enjoy the woman and her wealth; I would, like you, have Towerson despatched,—­for, as I am a true Dutchman, I do hate him,—­but I would convey him smoothly out of the world, and without noise; they will say we are ungrateful else in England, and barbarously cruel; now I could swallow down the thing ingratitude and the thing murder, but the names are odious.

Har.  Jun. What would you have me do then?

Fisc. Let him enjoy his love a little while, it will break no squares in the long run of a man’s life; you shall have enough of her, and in convenient time.

Har.  Jun. I cannot bear he should enjoy her first; no, it is determined; I will kill him bravely.

Fisc. Ay, a right young man’s bravery, that’s folly:  Let me alone, something I’ll put in practice, to rid you of this rival ere he marries, without your once appearing in it.

Har.  Jun. If I durst trust you now?

Fisc. If you believe that I have wit, or love you.

Har.  Jun. Well, sir, you have prevailed; be speedy, for once I will rely on you.  Farewell. [Exit HARMAN.

Fisc. This hopeful business will be quickly spoiled, if I not take exceeding care of it.—­Stay,—­Towerson to be killed, and privately, that must be laid down as the groundwork, for stronger reasons than a young man’s passion; but who shall do it?  No Englishman will, and much I fear, no Dutchman dares attempt it.

  Enter PEREZ.

Well said, in faith, old Devil!  Let thee alone, when once a man is plotting villany, to find him a fit instrument.  This Spanish captain, who commands our slaves, is bold enough, and is beside in want, and proud enough to think he merits wealth.

Per. This Fiscal loves my wife; I am jealous of him, and yet must speak him fair to get my pay; O, there is the devil for a Castilian, to stoop to one of his own master’s rebels, who has, or who designs to cuckold him.—­[Aside.]—­[To FISCAL.] I come to kiss your hand again, sir; six months I am in arrear; I must not starve, and Spaniards cannot beg.