Volume Iii Part 100 (2/2)

_Am_. No matter, Sir, you have the Year before you.

_Alcip_. Yes, Madam, so has every Galley Slave, That knows his Toil, but not his Recompence: To morrow I expect no more content, Than this uneasy Day afforded me; And all before me is but one grand piece Of endless Grief and Madness: --You, Madam, taught _Erminia_ to be cruel, A Vice without your aid she could have learnt; And now to exercise that new taught Art, She tries the whole experience on my Heart.

_Gal_. If she do so, she learnt it not of me, I love, and therefore know no Cruelty: Such outrage cannot well with Love reside, Which only is the mean effect of Pride: --I merit better thoughts from you, _Alcippus_.

_Alcip_. Pardon me, Madam, if my Pa.s.sion stray Beyond the limits of my high respect; [_He kneels_.

--'Tis a rude gust, and merits your reproaches: But yet the saucy Flame can ne'er controul That Adoration which I owe my Princess: That, with Religion, took possession here, And in my Prayers I mix with you the Deities.

_Gal_. I'ad rather you should treat me as a Mortal, Rise and begin to do so.

[_He rises and bows_.

_Alcip_. Now, Madam, what must I expect from you?

_Er. Alcippus_, all that's to your Virtue due.

_Alcip_. In that but common Justice you allow.

_Er_. That Justice, Sir, is all I can bestow.

_Alcip_. In justice then you ought to me resign, That which the Holy Priest int.i.tled mine; Yet that, without your Heart, I do despise, For uncompell'd I'd have that sacrifice: --Come ease me of that Pain that presses here, Give me but Hope that may secure my Fear, I'm not asham'd to own my Soul possest With Jealousy, that takes away my rest.

--Tell me you'll love, or that my Suit is vain, Do any thing to ease me of my pain.

G.o.ds, Madam, why d'ye keep me in suspence?

This cannot be the effects of Innocence; By Heaven, I'll know the cause, where e'er it lies, Nor shall you fool me with your feign'd disguise.

_Pis_. You do forget your promise, and this Presence.

[_Aside to_ Alcip.

_Alcip_. 'Twas kindly urg'd, prithee be near me still, And tell me of the faults that look unmanly.

_Gal_. Dear, if thou lov'st me, flatter him a little.

[_To_ Er. _aside_.

_Er_. 'Tis hard to do, yet I will try it, Madam.

_Gal_. I'll leave you, that you may the better do so.

--I hope, _Alcippus_, you'll revisit us With Lover's speed: And whatsoever treatment now you find, At your return you'll find us much more kind.

[_He bows, she goes out_.

_Alcip_. Can you forgive the rashness of a Man, That knows no other Laws but those of Pa.s.sion?

_Er_. You are unkind to think I do not, Sir; --Yes, and am grown so softned by my pity, That I'm afraid I shall neglect my Vows, And to return your Pa.s.sion, grow ingrate.

_Alcip_. A few more syllables express'd like these, Will raise my Soul up to the worst extreme, And give me with your Scorn an equal torment.

_Er_. See what power your language has upon me. [_Weeps_.

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