Bert. ’Tis well; the goddess shall be told, she shall, Of her new worshipper. [Exit.

Ped. So, here’s fine work! 
He has supplied his only foe with arms
For his destruction.  Old Penelope’s tale
Inverted; he has unravelled all by day,
That he has done by night.  What, planet struck!

Alph. I wish I were; to be past sense of this!

Ped. Would I had but a lease of life so long,
As ’till my flesh and blood rebelled this way,
Against our sovereign lady;—­mad for a queen? 
With a globe in one hand, and a sceptre in t’other? 
A very pretty moppet!

Alph. Then to declare his madness to his rival! 
His father absent on an embassy;
Himself a stranger almost; wholly friendless! 
A torrent, rolling down a precipice,
Is easier to be stopt, than is his ruin.

Ped. ’Tis fruitless to complain; haste to the court; Improve your interest there for pardon from the queen.

Alph. Weak remedies; But all must be attempted. [Exit.

SCENE II.

  Enter LORENZO.

Lor. Well, I am the most unlucky rogue!  I have been ranging over half the town; but have sprung no game.  Our women are worse infidels than the Moors:  I told them I was one of the knight-errants, that delivered them from ravishment; and I think in my conscience, that is their quarrel to me.

Ped. Is this a time for fooling?  Your cousin is run honourably mad in love with her majesty; he is split upon a rock, and you, who are in chase of harlots, are sinking in the main ocean.  I think, the devil’s in the family. [Exit.

Lor. [Solus.] My cousin ruined, says he! hum, not that I wish my kinsman’s ruin; that were unchristian:  but, if the general is ruined, I am heir; there’s comfort for a Christian!  Money I have; I thank the honest Moors for it; but I want a mistress.  I am willing to be lewd; but the tempter is wanting on his part.

  Enter ELVIRA, veiled.

Elv. Stranger!  Cavalier!—­will you not hear me? you Moor-killer, you Matador!—­

Lor. Meaning me, madam?

Elv. Face about, man! you a soldier, and afraid of the enemy!

Lor. I must confess, I did not expect to have been charged first:  I see souls will not be lost for want of diligence in this devil’s reign. [Aside.] Now, Madam Cynthia, behind a cloud, your will and pleasure with me?

Elv. You have the appearance of a cavalier; and if you are as deserving as you seem, perhaps you may not repent of your adventure.  If a lady like you well enough to hold discourse with you at first sight; you are gentleman enough, I hope, to help her out with an apology, and to lay the blame on stars, or destiny, or what you please, to excuse the frailty of a woman?