Volume Iii Part 26 (1/2)

_Dia_. Yes, that _Diana_, Whom, maugre all the Penitence thou shew'st, Can scarce forgive the Injuries thou hast done her.

_Bel_. I shew a Penitence for injuring thee!

By Heav'n, I never cou'd do one, or other; All that I am is the divine _Celinda's_.

_Friend_. He's stark mad! [_Aside_.

_Bel_. But since she cannot pardon, I can die.

[_Offers to fall on his Sword_.

_Cel_. Canst thou not credit me? She pardons thee.

Live--and enjoy--_Diana_.

[_Turns her Face from him_.

_Bel_. What art thou, who know'st her Heart so well?

Art thou my Rival? the blessed Youth, to whom She has given her Vows?--Live, and enjoy, _Diana_!

--Yes, yes, thou art my Rival, and I'll kill thee.

_Cel_. Do, whilst I meet thy Sword.

[_Opens her Arms_, Diana _stays him; he lets fall his Sword, and gazes_.

_Bel_, Dull--dull Adorer! Not to know my Saint.

Oh, how I have profan'd! To what strange Idol Was that I kneel'd, Mistaking it for a Divinity?

_Cel_. To your fair Wife _Diana_.

_Bel_. Oh cruel Maid!

Has Heav'n design'd me any but _Celinda_?

_Dia_. Maid! Bless me!--did I then love a Woman?

--I am pleas'd thou should'st renounce me; make it good, And set me free from Fetters which I hate.

_Bel_. If all our Laws can do't, I will--for here Ends all my Claim. [_To_ Celinda.

_Friend_. Was this the Wife you did demand of me?

_Bel_. Yes, I had no other.

_Dia_. Fair Maid! forgive me all my shameful Pa.s.sion, And charge my Fault upon your Beauty only.

_Cel_. Excellent Creature! I shou'd sue for that, Which my Deceit will never make me hope.

_Bel_. And art thou true to Love, and all thy Vows?

Whilst I to save my Fortune, (That only which you'd make me merit thee) Gave my unwilling Hand to this fair n.o.ble Maid.

--Ah, _Friendlove_, when thou hear'st my Story told, Thou wilt forgive, and pity me.

_Dia_. What was't you said, Sir? _Friendlove_!