Volume Iii Part 89 (1/2)

_Er_. No, Sir, it is no crime, or if it be, Let Prince _Philander_ make the Peace for me; He 'twas that taught the Sin (if Love be such.)

_Org. Erminia_, peace, he taught you then too much.

_Er_. Nay, Sir, you promis'd me you wou'd not blame My early Love, if 'twere a n.o.ble Flame.

_Org_. Than this a more unhappy could not be; Destroy it, or expect to hear of me.

[_Offers to go out_.

_Er_. Alas, I know 'twould anger you, when known.

[_She stays him_.

_Org. Erminia_, you are wondrous daring grown.

Where got you courage to admit his Love, Before the King or I did it approve?

_Er_. I borrow'd Courage from my Innocence, And my own Virtue, Sir, was my defence.

_Philander_ never spoke but from a Soul, That all dishonest Pa.s.sions can controul; With Flames as chaste as Vestals that did burn, From whence I borrow'd mine, to make return.

_Org_. Your Love from Folly, not from Virtue grew; You never could believe he'd marry you.

_Er_. Upon my life no other thing he spoke, But those from dictates of his Honour took.

_Org_. Though by his fondness led he were content To marry thee, the King would ne'er consent.

Cease then this fruitless Pa.s.sion, and incline Your Will and Reason to agree with mine, _Alcippus_ I dispos'd you to before, And now I am inclin'd to it much more.

Some days I had design'd t'have given thee To have prepar'd for this solemnity; But now my second thoughts believe it fit, You should this night to my desires submit.

_Er_. This night! Ah, Sir, what is't you mean to do?

_Org_. Preserve my Credit, and thy Honour too.

_Er_. By such resolves you me to ruin bring.

_Org_. That's better than to disoblige my King.

_Er_. But if the King his liking do afford, Would you not with _Alcippus_ break your word?

Or would you not to serve your Prince's life, Permit your Daughter to become his Wife?

_Org_. His Wife, _Erminia_! if I did believe Thou could'st to such a thought a credit give, I would the interest of a Father quit, And you, _Erminia_, have no need of it: Without his aid you can a Husband chuse; Gaining the Prince you may a Father lose.

_Er_. Ah, Sir, these words are Poniards to my Heart; And half my Love to Duty does convert; Alas, Sir, I can be content to die, But cannot suffer this Severity: [_Kneels_.

That care you had, dear Sir, continue still, I cannot live and disobey your will. [_Rises_.

_Org_. This duty has regain'd me, and you'll find A just return; I shall be always kind.

--Go, rea.s.sume your Beauty, dry your Eyes; Remember 'tis a Father does advise. [_Goes out_.

_Er_. Ungrateful Duty, whose uncivil Pride By Reason is not to be satisfy'd; Who even Love's Almighty Power o'erthrows, Or does on it too rigorous Laws impose; Who bindest up our Virtue too too strait, And on our Honour lays too great a weight.

Coward, whom nothing but thy power makes strong; Whom Age and Malice bred t'affright the young; Here thou dost tyrannize to that degree, That nothing but my Death will set me free.

[_Ex_. Erm. _and_ Isil.