Don Fer. Pedrillo! [Calling.] What a dreadful night, and horrid place to be benighted! Pedrillo !— I fear I've lost my servant; but, by the pace I rode since I left Ecceija, Don Scipio's castle can't be very far distant this was to have been my wedding night, if I arrived there. Pedrillo! Pedrillo! [Calling. Ped. [Within.] Sir! Don Fer. Where are you, sirrah? Ped. Quite astray, sir. Don Fer. This way. Enter PEDRILLO, groping his way. Ped. Any body's way, for I have lost my own. Do you see me, sir? Don Fer. No, indeed, Pedrillo! [Lightning. Ped. You saw me then, sir. [Thunder.] Ah, this must frighten the mules, they'll break their bridles; I tied the poor beasts to a tree. Don Fer. Well, we may find them in the morning, if they escape the banditti, which I am told infests this forest. Ped. Banditti! [A shot without.] Ah! we are dead men. Don Fer. Somebody in trouble! Ped. No, somebody's troubles are over. Don Fer. Draw, and follow me, Pedrillo. Ped. Lord, sir! ha'nt we troubles enough of our own? Don Fer. Follow! Who can deny assistance to his fellow creature in distress ? [Draws.-Exit. Ped. What fine creatures these gentlemen are!But for me, I am a poor, mean, rascally servant—so I'll even take my chance with the mules. AIR V. PEDRILLO. A master I have, and I am his man, And he'll get a wife as fast as he can, Galloping galloway, draggle tail, dreary dun. I saddled his steed so fine and so gay, I mounted my mule, and we rode away We canter'd along until it grew dark, The nightingale sung instead of the lark, We met with a friar, and ask'd him our way, Galloping, dreary, dun, By the Lord, says the friar, you're both gone astray, Our journey, I fear, will do us no good, We wander alone, like the babes in the wood, My master is fighting, and I'll take a peep, But now I think better, I'd better go sleep, [Exit. SCENE III. A thicker Part of the Forest.-Large Tree and Stone Cross. Enter DON SCIPIO, attacked by SANGUINO, RAPINO, und CALVETTE. Seng. Now, Rapino, lop off his sword-arm. Don Scipio. Forbear! there's my purse, you ras[Throws it down. cals! Sang. Fire! Spado. [Peeping from the large Tree.] No, don't fire. Sang. I am wounded-hew him to pieces. [AS DON SCIPIO is nearly overpowered, 'Enter DON FERNANDO. Don Fer. Ha! what murderous ruffians! [Engages the BANDITTI, who precipitately disperse several ways. Spado. Holloa! the forest is surrounded with inquisitors, alguazils, corrigidores, and holy fathers. Don Scipio. Oh, I havn't fought so much these twenty years. Spado. Eh, we have lost the field, cursed dark; though I think I could perceive but one man come to the relief of our old Don here. Don Scipio. But where are you, signor? Approach my brave deliverer. Spado. So here's a victory, and nobody to claim it! I think I'll go down and pick up the laurel. [Descends from the Tree.] I'll take the merit of this exploit, I may get something by it. Don Scipio. I long to thank, embrace, worship this generous stranger, as my guardian angel. Spado. [Aside.] I may pass for this angel in the . dark-Villains! scoundrels! robbers! to attack an honest old gentleman on the king's highway!-but I made the dogs scamper! [Vapouring about. Don Scipio. Oh dear! this is my preserver ! Spado. Who's there? Oh, you are the worthy old gentleman I rescued from these rascal banditti. Don Scipio. Noble, valiant stranger-I Spado. No thanks, signor, I have saved your life; and a good action rewards itself. Don Scipio. A gallant fellow,'faith- Eh, as well as I could distinguish in the dark, you looked much taller just now. [Looking close at him. Spado. When I was fighting? true, anger rises me -I always appear six foot, in a passion; besides, my hat and plume added to my height. Don Scipio. [By Accident treading on the Purse.] Hey, the rogues have run off without my purse Spado. O, ho! [Aside.]-What, I have saved your vurse, as well as your precious life! Well, of a poor Hllow, I am the luckiest dog in all Spain. Don Scipio. Poor! Good friend, accept this purse, as a small token of my gratitude. |