Wrong Time, Wrong Place

In a play that contains so much substitution and masked identities, it appears that one cannot assume that being in "the right place at the right time" is actually a good place to be.  In fact, there are multiple instances in the play when characters believe themselves to be positions of good fortune and great luck, when they are actually in great peril and ominous danger.  

It all starts with Beatrice and Alsemero meeting.  Alsemero is enamored by his newly found love and insists that his love is authentic, saying, "yesterday / Was mine eyes' employment, and hither now / They brought my judgement, where both are agreed (1.i. 78-80)."  He seems quite sure that his feelings and judgement have sent him in the right direction, however, it is later discovered that his love for Beatrice leads to her moral downfall and eventual death.  This is clearly not the right place or time for Alsemero to fall in love.

Antonio also seems to have luck on his side in the beginning of the play.  He masquerades as a mad man in order to get closer to Isabella and gain her love.  His wishes seem to be coming true, but he ends up being less lucky than he thought.  When Vermandero starts investigating Alonzo's murder, Antonio is determined to be one of those at fault.  Upon hearing that Antonio and Franciscus have been absent from the castle for ten days, Vermandero says, "The time accuses 'em (IV.ii 9)" and their fate seems to be sealed.

Diaphanta's luck also runs out just when she thinks she is getting her wish.  Throughout the play, she flirts with Alsemero and displays quite a bit of affection for him.  She is quite willing (and even overjoyed) to take Beatrice's place in bed with Alsemero.  Unfortunately, Beatrice becomes jealous because her replacement stays with Alsemero a rather long time and seems to be enjoying herself too much.  Just when Diaphanta thinks she is getting her wish, she is killed for it.