Volume Iv Part 44 (1/2)

_Ism._ Love you, and what would be the end of that?

_Alb._ I cannot tell, but wish you were inclin'd To make a tryal, Madam; I have no thought or wish beyond that Blessing, And that once gain'd, sure I should ask no more.

_Ism._ Were I inclin'd to this, have you consider'd The fatal Consequences which attend The breach of Vows and Friends.h.i.+p?

_Alb._ Madam, _Antonio_ first was false to you, And not to punish that were such a Virtue As he would never thank you for; By all that's good, till he prov'd so to you, He had my Soul in keeping; But this act makes me resolve To recompense his Folly.

_Ism._ You've found the easiest Pa.s.sage to my Heart, You've took it on the weakest side; --But I must beg you will pretend no further.

_Alb._ Divine _Clarina_, let me pay my thanks In this submissive Posture, and never rise, [Kneels.

Till I can gain so much upon your Credit, As to believe my Pa.s.sion tends no farther Than to adore you thus--and thus possess you.

[Kisses her hand, and bows.

_Ism._ Have not I dissembled finely, _Isabella_? [Aside.

_Isab._ Yes, if you could make me believe 'tis so. [Aside.

_Ism._ Rise, Sir, and leave me, that I may blush alone For what I've parted with so easily; Pray do not visit me again too soon, --But use your own discretion, and be secret.

_Alb._ Madam, the blessed Secret here is lodg'd, Which Time shall ne'er reveal to human Knowledge. [Ex. _Alb._

_Ism._ I'm glad he's gone before _Antonio's_ return.

Enter _Laura_ weeping.

--What, _Laura_, all in Tears! the reason, pray.

_Lau._ Madam, the Prince, conducted by my Brother, About an Hour since made me a Visit; The Man of all the World I would have shun'd, Knowing his amorous and inconstant Temper.

--At his approach he blusht and started back, And I with great amazement did the like.

With fear I lost all power of going from him.

As he had done of making his Address; He gaz'd and wonder'd, and I gaz'd on him, And from his silence I became amaz'd.

--My Brother stood confounded at our Postures, And only by the motion of his Head (Which now he turn'd to me, then on the Prince) We knew that he had Life.

_Ism._ Well, how recover'd ye?

_Lau._ The Prince then kneel'd, but could approach no nearer; And then as if he'd taken me for some Deity, He made a long disorder'd amorous Speech, Which brought me back to Sense again: But _Lorenzo_ told him that I was a Mortal, And brought him nearer to me, Where he began to make such Vows of Love--

_Ism._ What then?

_Lau._ Then I am ruin'd-- To all I said he found a contradiction, And my denials did but more inflame him; I told him of the Vows I'ad made to _Curtius_, But he reply'd that _Curtius_ was a Subject.

But sure at last I'd won upon his Goodness, Had not my Father enter'd, To whom the Prince addrest himself; And with his moving tale so won upon him, Or rather by his Quality, That he has gain'd his leave to visit me, And quite forbids me e'er to speak to _Curtius_.

_Ism._ Alas the day, is this all?

_Lau._ All! can there be more to make me miserable?

_Ism._ I see no reason thou hast to complain: Come, wipe your Eyes, and take a good Heart; For I'll tell thee a Story of my own, That will let thee see I have much more cause to weep; And yet I have a thousand little Stratagems In my Head, which give me as many hopes: This unlucky restraint upon our s.e.x, Makes us all cunning; and that shall a.s.sist thee now With my help, I warrant thee; Come in with me, and know the rest.