Volume Iv Part 40 (1/2)

_Isab._ Madam, you are the same to a hair; Wou'd I might never stir If I can do any thing but wonder.

_Clar._ But hark, _Isabella_, if thou shou'dst have Heard amiss, and that thy information should not be good, Thou hast defeated us of a design, Wherein we promise our selves no little pleasure.

_Ism._ Yes, I vow, all the Jest is lost if it be so.

_Isab._ I doubt 'twill be a true Jest on your side. [Aside.

--I warrant you, Madam, my Intelligence is good; And to a.s.sure you of what I have said, I dare undertake you shall hear the same over again: For just now _Alberto_ is come to visit my Lord, Who I am sure will entertain him with no other stories, But those of his Jealousy, And to persuade him to court you.

_Clar._ 'Tis strange, since he set him that Task so long ago, He would not begin before.

_Ism._ Nay, pray G.o.d he begin now; Sister, he has. .h.i.therto took me for thee, And sometimes his Eyes give me hope of a secret Fire within, but 'twill not out; And I am so impatient till he declares himself, That if he do not do it soon, I shall e'en tell him who I am; For perhaps the Wife takes off the appet.i.te, Which would sharpen upon knowledge of the Virgin.

_Clar._ What then, you'll have all the sport to your self?

--But, _Ismena_, remember my little Revenge on _Antonio_ Must accompany your Love to _Alberto_. [Aside.

_Isab._ But why this resemblance?

For, Madam, since he never saw you, And takes _Ismena_ to be you; Might you not still pa.s.s so, without this likeness?

_Clar._ Didst thou not say _Antonio_ left the Court And City, on purpose to give _Alberto_ the more freedom To Court me?--Whilst he was away, I needed but retire, And _Ismena_ appear, and 'twould suffice; But now he is return'd, He may chance to see them together, _en pa.s.sant_, or so, And this dress will abuse him as well as _Alberto_; For without that, this Plot of ours signifies little.

_Ism._ Ay, truly, for my part, I have no other design Than doing my Sister a service.

_Isab._ The Plot is very likely to thrive I see, Since you are so good at dissembling.

_Ism._ Fie, _Isabella_, what an ill opinion you have of me?

--But, Sister, 'tis much _Alberto_ being so intimate With _Antonio_, should never see you all this whole Six Months of your being married.

_Clar._ Had you been bred any where But in a Monastery, you would have known 'Tis not the custom here for Men to expose their Wives to the view of any.

_Isab._ I hear them coming, let's away, And pray listen to the Truths I have already told you.

[They retire.

SCENE IV. The Same.

Enter _Antonio_ and _Alberto_. _Clarina_ and _Ismena_ listen.

_Alb._ Once more, _Antonio_, welcome back to Court.

_Ant._ Oh my dear Friend, I long'd for thy Embraces; --How goes the Game I left with thee to play?

What says my Wife, my beautiful _Clarina_?

_Alb._ _Clarina!_--

_Ant._ Yes, _Clarina_, have you not seen her yet?

I left the Court on purpose, for 'twas not handsome For me to introduce you, Lest she had look'd upon't as some design.

_Alb._ Seen her--yes--

_Ant._ And I conjur'd her too, to give you freedoms Even equal to _Antonio_; As far as I durst press with modesty, And with pretence of Friends.h.i.+p; And have you not attempted her?

_Alb._ Yes--but 'tis in vain.