but will return again
immediately. [_Exit._

_Ant._ Now could I weep, and tear my hair, like Donna Serafina. My
secret is worth nothing. 'Tis strange, too, that he should be
o'ermatched by Don Perez, whose sword he so despised; I cannot yet
believe it; and yet, she saw the body, and her mistress weeps. What can
she gain by this, if 'twere deceit? Nothing. Why, then, 'tis plain Don
Gaspar's dead. His foot slipped, I suppose, and thus the vaunted skill
of years will often fail through accident. What's to be done now? I'm
executor of course. Here comes Don Felix.

_Enter Don Felix._

_Felix._ Art thou the lacquey of Don Gaspar?

_Ant._ (_pulling out his handkerchief, and putting it to his eyes_). I
was, most noble sir.

_Felix._ You've left him then?

_Ant._ He hath left me. Last night he fell, in combat with Don Perez.

_Felix._ 'Tis false. He hath slain my friend, whose body now lies in my
house.

_Ant._ Indeed, sir! may I credit this?

_Felix._ I tell you it is true. Where can a message find your master?

_Ant._ Wherever he may be, sir.

_Felix._ And where is that? Trifle not with me, knave, or you'll repent
it sorely.

_Ant._ I do not trifle, sir. Don Gaspar's motions are unknown to me.
Give me your message; when he re-appears I will deliver it.

_Felix._ Then tell him he's a villain of no parentage; a vile impostor
whom I mean to punish;--that if there's manhood in him he will appoint a
time and place where we may meet.

_Ant._ You seek his life then?

_Felix._ You may so construe by the message.

_Ant._ Pardon me, sir; but will you risk your noble person against one
but too well practised in the sword? Excuse me, sir, you're hasty: there
are other means more fitting for your purpose. I have his secret; one
that will administer to your revenge, and win a triumph far greater than
your sword.

_Felix._ Tell me this secret.

_Ant._ Why should I sacrifice a liberal master, whom, just now, you saw
me weep for? and that to one to whom I have no obligation?

_Felix._ I understand thee, knave! Thou'lt sell it me? (_Takes out a
purse._)

_Ant._ Softly, Don Felix! it bears no common price, nor can I tell it
here. I've paid most dearly for it, and from distress alone am now
obliged to sell it.

_Felix._ And I will buy it dearly. In half an hour come to my house;
there will I exchange a heavy purse for what you may confide to me, if,
as you say, it leads to his perdition. [_Exit Felix._

_Ant._ So,