;
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?

_Lor._ O, I love an easy woman! there's such ado, to crack a
thick-shelled mistress; we break our teeth, and find no kernel. 'Tis
generous in you, to take pity on a stranger, and not to suffer him to
fall into ill hands at his first arrival.

_Elv._ You may have a better opinion of me than I deserve; you have
not seen me yet; and, therefore, I am confident you are heart-whole.

_Lor._ Not absolutely slain, I must confess; but I am drawing on
apace: you have a dangerous tongue in your head, I can tell you that;
and if your eyes prove of as killing metal, there is but one way with
me. Let me see you, for the safeguard of my honour; 'tis b