Volume Iii Part 92 (2/2)

_Er_. I must confess your Fears are seeming just, But here to free you from the least mistrust, I swear, whilst I'm your Wife I'll not allow Birth to a Thought that tends to injuring you.

_Alcip_. Not to believe thee, were a sin above The Injuries I have done thee by my Love.

--Ah, my _Erminia_, might I hope at last To share the pity of that lovely Breast, By slow degrees I might approach that Throne, Where now the blest _Philander_ reigns alone: Perhaps in time my Pa.s.sion might redeem That now too faithful Heart y'ave given to him; Do but forbear to hear his amorous Tales, Nor from his moving Eyes learn what he ails: A Fire that's kindled cannot long survive, If one add nought to keep the flame alive.

_Er_. I will not promise; what I mean to do My Virtue only shall oblige me to.

_Alcip_. But, Madam, what d'you mean by this reserve?

To what intent does all this Coldness serve?

Is there no pity to my Sufferings due?

And will you still my Languishments renew?

Come, come, recal what you have rashly said; And own to morrow that thou art no Maid: Thy Blushes do betray thy willingness, And in thy lovely Eyes I read success.

_Er_. A double tie obliges me to be Strict to my Vows, my Love and Amity; For my own sake the first I'll ne'er decline, And I would gladly keep the last for thine.

_Alcip_. Madam, you strangely do improve my pain, To give me hopes you must recal again.

_Er. Alcippus_, you this language will forbear, When you shall know how powerful you are; For whilst you here endeavour to subdue, The best of Women languishes for you.

_Alcip. Erminia_, do not mock my misery, For though you cannot love, yet pity me; That you allow my Pa.s.sion no return, Is weight enough, you need not add your Scorn, In this your Cruelty is too severe.

_Er. Alcippus_, you mistake me every where.

_Alcip_. To whom, _Erminia_, do I owe this Fate?

_Er_. To morrow all her story I'll relate.

Till then the promise I the Princess made, I beg you would permit might be obey'd.

_Alcip_. You, Madam, with so many charms a.s.sail, You need not question but you shall prevail; Thy power's not lessen'd in thy being mine, But much augmented in my being thine, The glory of my chains may raise me more, But I am still that Slave I was before.

[_Exeunt severally_.

SCENE IV. Philander's _Bed-chamber_.

_Enter_ Philander _and_ Alcander. [_The Prince half undrest_.

_Phi_. What's a Clock, _Alcander_?

_Alcan_. 'Tis midnight, Sir, will you not go to bed?

_Phi_. To bed, Friend; what to do?

_Alcan_. To sleep, Sir, as you were wont to do.

_Phi_. Sleep, and _Erminia_ have abandon'd me; I'll never sleep again.

_Alcan_. This is an humour, Sir, you must forsake.

_Phi_. Never, never, oh _Alcander_.

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