Volume Iv Part 57 (1/2)

_Ism._ I'm glad on't, Sir; then I have pleasant News for you, I know a Lady, and a Virgin too, That loves you with such Pa.s.sion, As has oblig'd me to become her Advocate.

_Alb._ I am very much oblig'd to her, If there be any such.

_Ism._ Upon my Life, there is; I am in earnest, The Lady is my Sister too.

_Alb._ How, _Clarina_, this from you?

_Ism._ Nay, I have promis'd her, that you shall love her too, Since both her Birth and Beauty merits you.

_Alb._ Away, false Woman: I love your Sister!

No, I will hate ye both.

_Ism._ Why so Angry?

Alas, it is against my Will I do it.

_Alb._ Did you betray my Faith, when 'twas so easy To give a credit to your tale of Love?

--Oh Woman, faithless Woman!

_Ism._ _Alberto_, with a world of shame I own That I then lov'd you, and must do so still: But since that Love must be accounted criminal, And that a world of danger does attend it; I am resolv'd, though I can never quit it, To change it into kind Esteem for you; And would ally you, Sir, as near to me, As our unkind Stars will permit me.

_Alb._ I thank you, Madam: Oh, what a shame it is, To be out-done in Virtue, as in Love!

_Ism._ Another favour I must beg of you, That you will tell _Antonio_ what is past.

_Alb._ How mean you, Madam?

_Ism._ Why, that I love you, Sir, And how I have deceiv'd him into confidence.

_Alb._ This is strange; you cannot mean it sure.

_Ism._ When I intend to be extremely good, I would not have a secret Sin within, Though old, and yet repented too: no, Sir, Confession always goes with Penitence.

_Alb._ Do you repent you that you lov'd me then?

_Ism._ Not so; but that I did abuse _Antonio_.

_Alb._ And can you think that this will cure his Jealousy?

_Ism._ Doubtless it will, when he knows how needless 'tis; For when they're most secure, they're most betray'd: Besides, I did but act the part he made; And Ills he forces, sure he'll not upbraid.

Go seek out _Antonio_.

_Alb._ You have o'ercome me, Madam, every way, And this your last Command I can obey; Your Sister too I'll see, and will esteem, But you've my Heart, which I can ne'er redeem.

[Exeunt severally.

ACT V.

SCENE I. _Laura's_ Chamber.

Enter _Laura_ and _Cloris_ like a Boy, as before.

_Lau._ Forward, dear _Cloris_.