Volume Iii Part 88 (2/2)

You, Madam, do alone your Sorrows bear, Which would be less, did but _Alcippus_ share; As Lovers we agree, I'll not deny, But thou art lov'd again, so am not I.

_Am_. Madam, that grief the better is sustain'd, That's for a loss that never yet was gain'd; You only lose a man that does not know How great the honour is which you bestow; Who dares not hope you love, or if he did, Your Greatness would his just return forbid; His humble thoughts durst ne'er to you aspire, At most he would presume but to admire; Or if it chanc'd he durst more daring prove, You still must languish and conceal your Love.

_Gal_. This which you argue lessens not my Pain, My Grief's the same were I belov'd again.

The King my Father would his promise keep, And thou must him enjoy for whom I weep.

_Er_. Ah, would I could that fatal gift deny; Without him you; and with him, I must die; My Soul your royal Brother does adore, And I, all Pa.s.sion, but from him, abhor; But if I must th'unsuit _Alcippus_ wed, I vow he ne'er shall come into my Bed.

_Gal_. That's bravely sworn, and now I love thee more Than e'er I was oblig'd to do before, --But yet, _Erminia_, guard thee from his Eyes, Where so much love, and so much Beauty lies; Those charms may conquer thee, which made me bow, And make thee love as well as break this Vow.

_Er_. Madam, it is unkind, though but to fear Ought but _Philander_ can inhabit here.

[_Lays her hand on her heart_.

_Gal_. Ah, that _Alcippus_ did not you approve, We then might hope these mischiefs to remove; The King my Father might be won by Prayer, And my too powerful Brother's sad despair, To break his word, which kept will us undo: And he will lose his dear _Philander_ too, Who dies and can no remedies receive: But vows that 'tis for you alone he'll live.

_Er_. Ah, Madam, do not tell me how he dies, I've seen too much already in his Eyes: They did the sorrows of his Soul betray, Which need not be confest another way: 'Twas there I found what my misfortune was, Too sadly written in his lovely face.

But see, my Father comes: Madam, withdraw a while, And once again I'll try my interest with him.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE III. _A room in the house of_ Orgulius.

_Enter_ Orgulius, Erminia _weeping, and_ Isillia.

_Er_. Sir, does your fatal resolution hold?

_Org_. Away, away, you are a foolish Girl, And look with too much pride upon your Beauty; Which like a gaudy flower that springs too soon, Withers e'er fully blown.

Your very Tears already have betray'd Its weak inconstant nature; _Alcippus_, should he look upon thee now, would swear thou wert not that fine thing he lov'd.

_Er_. Why should that blessing turn to my despair?

Curse on his Faith that told him I was fair.

_Org_. 'Tis strange to me you shou'd despise this Fortune, I always thought you well inclin'd to love him, I would not else have thus dispos'd of you.

_Er_. I humbly thank you, Sir, though't be too late, And wish you yet would try to change my Fate; What to _Alcippus_ you did Love believe, Was such a Friends.h.i.+p as might well deceive; 'Twas what kind Sisters do to Brothers pay; _Alcippus_ I can love no other way.

--Sir, lay the Interest of a Father by, And give me leave this Lover to deny.

_Org. Erminia_, thou art young, and canst not see The advantage of the Fortune offer'd thee.

_Er_. Alas, Sir, there is something yet behind. [_Sighs_.

_Org_. What is't, _Erminia_? freely speak thy mind.

_Er_. Ah, Sir, I dare not, you inrag'd will grow.

_Org. Erminia_, you have seldom found me so; If no mean Pa.s.sion have thy Soul possest, Be what it will I can forgive the rest.

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