This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827 Excerpt: ...To whom my brother, without my consent Or knowledge, has contracted me in Flanders. Don Octavio. Antonio the man to whom you are contracted? Porcia the bride whom he is come to marry? Porcia. The very same. Don Octavio. Why did you not acquaint me with it sooner t Porcia. Alas, I have not seen you since I knew it; But those few hours such wonders have produc'd, As exceed all belief, and ask more time Than your unsafe condition, in this place, Will allow me, to make you comprehend it. Camilla. Cousin, I cannot blame your apprehensions, Nor your suspicion of Antonio's friendship; But 1 am so possess'd with the opinion Of his virtue, I shall as soon believe Impossibilities as his apostacy From honour. Don Octavio. What's her concernment in Antonio, Porcia? Porcia. 0, that's the strangest part of our sad story, And which requires most time to let you know it. A blaze of light appears at the window, and a noise without. See, Flora, at the window, what's that light And noise we hear. Flora goes to the window. Flora. O madam, we are all undone I see Henrique, Carlos, and their servants, with torches, All coming hither; and, which is wonderful, Antonio leading them with his sword drawn. Camilla. Thou dream'st, distracted wench? Antonio false? It is impossible Camilla runs to the window, and turning back, says: All she has said is in appearance true. There is some hidden mystery which thus Abuses us; for I shall ne'er believe Antonio can trangress the rules of friendship. Don Octavio. Friendship's a specious name, made to deceive Those whose good-nature tempts them to believe: The traffic of good offices 'mongst friends, Moves from ourselves, and in ourselves it ends: When competition brings us to the test, Then we find friendship is self-interest. Porcia. Ye pow'r...