Ger. That sudden and so secret Quarrel
Did much amaze all Naples;
And I (as Actor in it) often have been prest
To tell the cause, which yet I never could.

Anto. No, Friend, nor never must: 
The Gen’rous Lewis; so I’le call him now,
Since he so bravely dy’d, was alwayes just
During that little time he breath’d this Air;
After his mortal Wound, for he Related
A Story of it fitted us for pardon: 
Yet never told that Secret, only known
On Earth, to him, to Caelia and my self.

Ger. I’me not inquisitive, nor never was,
There may be secrets fit for no Mans hearing. 
And ’tis an Act of Friendship full as great
To tell a Friend I hide a secret from him,
As to Relate it, since they both shew Candor—­

Anto. Happy Antonio, in a Friend so just!

Ger. Happy Gerardo, rather, that can say He’s sure he has a Friend, that dares employ him; For confidence in Friends makes Friendship sure.

Anto. And dearest Friend, I’le not doubt yours so much, To think you would not use this Life of mine, As ’twere your own in any thing concerns you.

Ger. Ne’re doubt it, Friend, I soon shall find occasion
Boldly to use the power, and to speak truth;
My coming now was chiefly to that purpose;
Though I intended to spend this day too
In Recreation with you, and to see you Bedded,
Like a new Bride and Bride-groom,
Then wishing you long:  long and lasting Joys,
Retire, and wish to Copy out your Life.

Anto. Has Don Gerardo Service for Antonio,
His own Antonio and yet defers to name it? 
Speak your Commands, that I as swift may flye
To put ’em into Action as I did
At first to meet those pleasures Lovers long for.

Ger. My fears perswade me I shall speak too soon, Yet dress your self, and come into the Garden, I with impatience there will wait to tell you.

Anto. Go then, you shall not long be silent.
    [Ex. Gerardo. 
Who waits there?
    [Enter Pedro, and Exit.
Pedro, call my Wife—­
My Wife, said I! Gerardo, didst thou know
The secret fears contain’d within this Bosome,
Thou’dst sooner pitty me, than wish my Life: 
How can I think her story of the Jewels,
And other matters ’bout her Fathers Will,
Could have produc’d so scandalous a Meeting? 
And yet she still avows it!  Oh, Jealousie! 
Where will these panting fears still hurry me? 
I hourly seek to find what I wou’d give,
A thousand Worlds my heart would ne’re believe;
And yet for what do I thus vex my self? 
For that, which if ’twas gone, I cou’d not miss;
No, would I could, for then I’de never fear,
But when I found her Honour gone astray,
I’d send her Life to fetch mine back again.

  Enter Caelia_._