Part 7 (1/2)

CYPRIAN. I am prevented [To Florus.

Now from standing at your side, Since between you I present me.

How is this? In one day twice Have I your disputes to settle!--

LELIUS. Then this time will be the last, For we've settled them already; Since in knowing who is he Who Justina's heart possesses, Now no more my hope remaineth, Even the thought of it hath left me.

If you have not to Justina Spoken yet, do not address her; This I ask you in the name Of my wrongs and my resentments, Having seen her secret favours Florus' happier fate deserveth.

From this balcony I saw him, From my lost delight descending; And my heart is not so base As to meanly love, in presence Of such jealousies so well proved, Of disillusions, ah! so certain.

[Exit.

FLORUS. Stay.

SCENE XV.

CYPRIAN. You must not follow him, [Aside. (Oh, this news with death o'erwhelms me!) Since if he who is the loser Of what you have gained, expressly Says he would forget it, you Should not try his patient temper.

FLORUS. Both by you and him at once Has mine own been too well tested.

Speak not now unto Justina About me; for though full vengeance I propose to take for being Thus supplanted and rejected, Every hope of her being mine Now has ceased, for shameful were it, In the face of such proved facts, To persist in my addresses.

[Exit.

SCENE XVI.

CYPRIAN, MOSCON, and CLARIN.

CYPRIAN [aside]. What is this, O heavens! I hear?

Can it be the two are jealous Of each other at one time?

And I too of both together?-- Doubtless from some strange delusion The two suffer, which I welcome With a sort of satisfaction, For to it I am indebted For the fact of their desisting From their suit and their pretension.-- Moscon, have for me by morning A rich court-suit; sword and feathers, Clarin, be thy care; for love In a certain airy splendour Takes delight; for now no longer Books or studies give me pleasure;-- Love they say doth murder mind, Learning dies when he is present.

[Exeunt.

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

THE STREET IN FRONT OF LYSANDER'S HOUSE.

Enter CYPRIAN, MOSCON, and CLARIN, in gala dresses.

CYPRIAN [aside]. Where, presumptuous thoughts, ah! where, Would you lead me, whither go?

If for certain now you know That the high attempts you dare Are delusive dreams of bliss, Since you strive to scale heaven's wall, But from that proud height to fall Headlong down a dark abyss?

I Justina saw..... So near Would to G.o.d I had not seen her, Nor in her divine demeanour All the light of heaven's fourth sphere.

Lovers twain for her contend, Both being jealous each should woo, And I, jealous of the two, Know not which doth most offend.