Volume Ii Part 30 (1/2)

_Ism_. Rank me amongst your Captives; for I find, Whether you fight or not, you must be Victor.

[_Embraces_ Ther.

_Enter_ Vallentio, Urania, Pimante; Vallentio _kneels and delivers_ Urania _to the Princess_.

_Cleo_. What new Encounter's this?

_Val_. I need not ask where I shall pay my Duty: My Wonder will direct me to your Feet.

_Cleo_. Who knows the Man that makes me such a Present?

_Hon_. Madam, he is an Officer of mine, A worthy gallant Fellow; But one that hardly knows what Cities are, But as he'as view'd 'em through their batter'd Walls, And after join'd 'em to your Territories.

_Cleo_. Rise high in her Esteem that loves a Soldier.

[_He rises_.

_Val_. I need say nothing for my Prisoner, Madam, Whose Looks will recommend her: only this, It was against my Will I made her so, Who ne'er refus'd till then to take your Enemies.

_Ther_. It is Urania, she'll know me, and betray me. [_Aside_.

_Cleo_. Say, lovely Maid, whom, and from whence thou art?

_Ura_. A _Scythian_, Madam, and till now your Foe.

_Pim_. Ay, Madam, we took her, we took her.

_Cleo_. So fair an one must merit my Esteem: I hope there are not many such fine Creatures Brought into the Camp against us; if there be, The _Scythians_ cannot doubt of Victory.

--Thy Name and Business here?

_Ura. Urania_, Madam-- My Story were too tedious for your Ear, Nor were it fit I should relate it here.

--But 'tis not as an Enemy I come, 'Tis rather, Madam, to receive my Doom; Nor am I by the chance of War betray'd, But 'tis a willing Captive I am made: Your Pity, not your Anger I shall move, When I confess my Fault is only Love, Love to a Youth, who never knew till now How to submit, nor cou'd to ought but you.

--His Liberty for Ransom you deny; I dare not say that this is Cruelty, Since yet you may be pleas'd to give me leave To die with him, with whom I must not live.

_Ther_. Excellent Maid! what Generosity her Love has taught her!

[_Aside_.

_Cleo_. That you esteem me cruel, is unkind, But Faults of Lovers must Forgiveness find: _Amintas'_ Chains had far more easy been, Had he been less a Favorite to his King.

--But you, _Urania_, may perhaps redeem That Captive which I would not render them.

_Ura_. Madam, this Bounty wou'd exceed Belief, But you too generous are to mock my Grief: And when you shall m' unhappy Story learn, 'Twill justify my Tears, and your Concern.

_Cleo_. I need no Arguments for what I do, But that I will, and then it must be so.

_Ura_. The Prince of _Scythia_ in the Camp of _Dacia_!

If I could be mistaken in that form, I'd hate my Eyes for thus deluding me: But Heaven made nothing but _Amintas_ like him. [_Aside_.

_Cleo_. Come, let's to Court, by this the Queen expects us: --You, my fair Prisoner, must along with me: [_Takes her Hand_.

--Thy Hand, _Clemanthis_, too--Now tell me, Uncle, [Takes him with the other Hand.

--What _Scythian_ that beholds me thus attended, Would not repine at my Felicity, Having so brave a Friend, so fair an Enemy?