Volume Iii Part 89 (2/2)

SCENE IV. Philander's _Apartments_.

_Enter_ Philander _and_ Alcander.

_Phil_. Urge it no more, your Reasons do displease me; I offer'd her a Crown with her _Philander_, And she was once pleas'd to accept of it.

She lov'd me too, yes, and repaid my flame, As kindly as I sacrific'd to her: The first salute we gave were harmless Love, Our Souls then met, and so grew up together, Like sympathizing Twins.

And must she now be ravish'd from my Arms?

Will you, _Erminia_, suffer such a Rape?

What though the King have said it shall be so, 'Tis not his pleasure can become thy Law, No, nor it shall not.

And though he were my G.o.d as well as King, I would instruct thee how to disobey him; Thou shalt, _Erminia_, bravely say, I will not; He cannot force thee to't against thy will.

--Oh G.o.ds, shall duty to a King and Father Make thee commit a Murder on thy self, Thy sacred self, and me that do adore thee?

No, my _Erminia_, quit this vain devoir, And follow Love that may preserve us all: --Presumptuous Villain, bold Ingrat.i.tude-- Hadst thou no other way to pay my favours?

By Heaven, 'twas bravely bold, was it not, _Alcander_?

_Alcan_. It was somewhat strange, Sir; But yet perhaps he knew not that you lov'd her.

_Phil_. Not know it! yes, as well as thou and I.

The world was full on't, and could he be ignorant?

Why was her Father call'd from banishment, And plac'd about the King, but for her sake?

What made him General, but my Pa.s.sion for her?

What gave him twenty thousand Crowns a year, But that which made me captive to _Erminia_, Almighty Love, of which thou say'st he is ignorant?

How has he order'd his audacious flame, That I cou'd ne'er perceive it all this while.

_Alcan_. Then 'twas a flame conceal'd from you alone, To the whole Court, besides, 'twas visible.

He knew you would not suffer it to burn out; And therefore waited till his services Might give encouragement to's close design.

If that could do't he n.o.bly has endeavour'd it, But yet I think you need not yield her, Sir.

_Phi_. _Alcippus_, I confess, is brave enough, And by such ways I'll make him quit his claim; He shall to morrow to the Camp again, And then I'll own my Pa.s.sion to the King; He loves me well, and I may hope his pity.

_Till then be calm, my Heart, for if that fail_, [_Points to his Sword_.

_This is the argument that will prevail_.

[_Exeunt_.

ACT II.

THE REPRESENTATION OF THE WEDDING.

_The Curtain must be let down, and soft Musick must play: The Curtain being drawn up, discovers a scene of a Temple: The_ King _sitting on a Throne, bowing down to join the hands_ Alcippus _and_ Erminia, _who kneel on the steps of the Throne; the Officers of the Court and Clergy standing in order by, with_ Orgulius. _This within the Scene.

Without on the Stage_, Philander _with his Sword half drawn, held by_ Galatea, _who looks ever on_ Alcippus: Erminia _still fixing her Eyes on_ Philander; Pisaro _pa.s.sionately gazing on_ Galatea: Aminta _on_ Fallatio, _and he on her_: Alcander, Isillia, Cleontius, _in other several postures, with the rest, all remaining without motion, whilst the Musick softly plays; this continues a while till the Curtain falls; and then the Musick plays aloud till the Act begins_.

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