} _Servant to Serafina._
} _both wives of Antonio_ }
NINA, } } _Do. to Isidora._

_Monks, Choristers, Attendants, &c._

Scene laid in Seville.

Olla Podrida

The Monk of Seville

_Act I. Scene I._

_Enter Don Felix and Don Perez._

_Felix._ You say his name's Don Gaspar?

_Perez._ So he styles himself; but of what house, parentage, or country,
cannot be gained. He keeps aloof from all, bears himself gallantly; and
'tis manifest that any question discourteously put he'd answer with his
sword.

_Felix._ He's skill'd in fence, then?

_Perez._ There's none to match him. I, who have foiled half Seville, am
but a scholar in his hands, when at the School we've joined the assault
in courtesy.

_Felix._ A proper man?

_Perez._ Beyond comparison. He hath all the stamp of true nobility.
Pride in his eye; in his address, dignified; in modes most perfect; the
most envied of the men, and the most admired by all the dames of
Seville.

_Felix._ Successful, then?

_Perez._ He confides in none; and hath no intimate; but I am informed he
is resistless, and I much suspect, my rival.

_Felix._ With the Donna Serafina?

_Perez._ Even so; she has changed much of late; and I have discovered
that one, who, from report, answers to his description, is highly
favoured.

_Felix._ But, Perez, did you not tell me you had left her?

_Perez._ In faith I had; but when I discovered that another sought her,
my passion then returned; and now that she rejects me, I dote upon her
more than ever.

_Felix._ Perez, when will you be wise? when will you cease to trifle
with the sex?

_Perez._ Never, I hope: women are my game; and I live but on the chase.
Sighs, oaths, and amorous ditties are my ammunition; my guitar is my
fowling-piece, and you must acknowledge that I seldom miss my aim.

_Felix._ I grant it, Perez, but it's cruel sport, and quite unworthy of
a cavalier. How many wounded birds have hid themselves to die!

_Perez._ Poor things--why did they not keep out of shot range? It's
useless to preach, Felix, I must have my amusement.

_Felix._ Be careful, Perez, that it prove not dangerous; there is no
honour gained by broken vows, false oaths, and tampering with maidens'
hearts. It is a fault in you I would were mended; and our relationship
makes me thus free to speak my mind. It is unworthy of you.

_Perez._ But sufficing good for women--they are but playthings;