Volume Iii Part 104 (1/2)

_Phi_. Not for the world, _Erminia_, My Innocence shall be my guard and thine.

_Er_. Upon my knees I'll beg you'll be conceal'd, [_A noise_.

He comes; _Philander_, for my safety go.

_Phi_. I never did obey with more regret.

[_He hides himself behind the Bed, and in haste leaves his Sword and Hat on the Table_; Alcippus _comes in_.

_Alcip_. How now, _Erminia_?

How comes it you are up so late?

_Er_. I found my self not much inclin'd to sleep; I hope 'tis no offence.

Why do you look so wildly round about you?

_Alcip_. Methinks, _Erminia_, you are much confus'd.

_Er_. Alas, you cannot blame me; _Isillia_ tells me you were much inrag'd Against a Lover she was entertaining.

_Alcip_. A Lover--was that a time for Courts.h.i.+p?

Such Actions, Madam, will reflect on you.

[Isillia _goes to take the Hat and Sword and slide into her lap, which he sees, calls to her_.

--What have you there, _Isillia_?

Come back, and let me see what 'tis.

[_He takes them from her_.

--Ha--a Sword and Hat--_Erminia_, whose be these?

_Er_. Why do you ask--

_Alcip_. To be inform'd, is that so great a wonder?

_Er_. They be my Father's, Sir--

_Alcip_. Was that well said, _Erminia_?--speak again.

_Er_. What is't you would know?

_Alcip_. The truth, _Erminia_, 'twould become you best.

Do you think I take these things to be your Father's?

No, treacherous Woman, I have seen this Sword, [_Draws the Sword_.

Worn by a Man more vigorous than thy Father, It had not else been here.

--Where have you hid this mighty Man of valour?

Have you exhausted so his stock of Courage, He has not any left t'appear withal?

_Phi_. Yes, base _Alcippus_, I have still that Courage, Th'effects of which thou hast beheld with wonder; And now being fortified by Innocence, Thou't find sufficient to chastise thy boldness: Restore my Sword, and prove the truth of this.

_Alcip_. I've hardly so much Calmness left to answer thee, And tell thee, Prince, thou art deceiv'd in me.

--I know 'tis just I should restore thy Sword, But thou hast show'd the basest of thy play, And I'll return th'uncivil Treachery; You merit Death for this base Injury.