Volume Iv Part 52 (1/2)

SCENE I. _Antonio's_ House.

Enter _Ismena_ and _Isabella_.

_Isab._ Madam, turn your back to that side, For there _Antonio_ is hid; he must not see your Face: now raise your Voice, that he may hear what 'tis you say.

_Ism._ I'll warrant you, _Isabella_: Was ever wretched Woman's Fate like mine, Forc'd to obey the rigid Laws of Parents, And marry with a Man I did not love?

_Ant._ Oh, there's my cause of Fear. [_Ant._ peeps.

_Ism._ Though since I had him, thou know'st I have endeavour'd To make his Will my Law, Till by degrees and Custom, which makes things natural, I found this Heart, which ne'er had been engag'd To any other, grow more soft to him; And still the more he lov'd, the more I was oblig'd, And made returns still kinder; till I became Not only to allow, but to repay his Tenderness.

_Isab._ She counterfeits rarely. [Aside.

Madam, indeed I have observ'd this truth.

_Ism._ See who 'tis knocks. [One knocks.

_Ant._ What will this come to? [Aside.

_Isab._ Madam, 'tis _Alberto_.

Enter _Alberto_. Bows.

_Ism._ My Lord, you've often told me that you lov'd me, Which I with Womens usual Pride believ'd; And now, encourag'd by my hopeful Promises, You look for some Returns: Sir, is it so?

_Alb._ What means she?

Pray Heaven I answer right. [Aside.

--Madam, if I have err'd in that belief, To know I do so, is sufficient punishment.

--Lovers, Madam, though they have no returns, Like sinking Men, still catch at all they meet with; And whilst they live, though in the midst of Storms, Because they wish, they also hope for Calms.

_Ism._ And did you, Sir, consider who I was?

_Alb._ Yes, Madam, Wife unto my Friend _Antonio_, The only Man that has an Interest here: --But, Madam, that must still submit to Love.

_Ism._ Canst thou at once be true to him and me?

_Alb._ Madam, I know not that; But since I must lose one, My Friends.h.i.+p I can better lay aside.

_Ism._ Hast thou forgot how dear thou art to him?

_Alb._ No, I do believe I am, and that his Life Were but a worthless trifle, if I needed it.

Yet, Madam, you are dearer to him still Than his _Alberto_; and 'tis so with me: --Him I esteem, but you I do adore; And he whose Soul's insensible of Love, Can never grateful to his Friends.h.i.+p prove.

_Ism._ By your example, Sir, I'll still retain My Love for him; and what I had for you, Which was but Friends.h.i.+p, I'll abandon too.

_Ant._ Happy _Antonio_.-- [Aside.

_Ism._ Pray what have you _Antonio_ cannot own?

Has he not equal Beauty, if not exceeding thine?

Has he not equal Vigour, Wit, and Valour?

And all that even raises Men to G.o.ds, Wert not for poor Mortality?

--Vain Man, couldst thou believe That I would quit my Duty to this Husband, And sacrifice his Right to thee?

--Couldst thou believe me yesterday?

When from thy Importunity and Impudence, To send thee from me, I promised thee to love thee.