Volume Iv Part 57 (2/2)

_Clo._ And, Madam, 'twas upon a Holyday, It chanc'd Prince _Frederick_ came into our Village, On some reports were made him of my Beauty, Attended only by the n.o.ble _Curtius_: They found me in the Church at my Devotion, Whom _Frederick_ soon distinguished from the rest; He kneel'd down by me, and instead of Prayer, He fell to praise--but 'twas my Beauty only; --That I could tell you, of my strange surprize!

My Zeal was all disordered, and my Eyes Fed on the false, not real Sacrifice.

--I wanted Art my Sentiments to hide, Which from my Eyes and Blushes soon he spy'd.

_Lau._ And did you know him then?

_Clo._ Not till he left me: --But, to be short, Madam, we parted there; But e'er he went he whisper'd in my ear, And sigh'd, Ah, _Cloris_! e'er you do depart, Tell me, where 'tis you will dispose my Heart?

--Pray give me leave to visit it again, Your Eyes that gave can only ease my Pain.

I, only blus.h.i.+ng, gave him my consent; He paid his Thanks in Sighs, and from me went.

That night, alas, I took but little rest; } The new and strange Disorder in my Breast } Can, Madam, only by your self be guest. }

_Lau._ I'll not deny that I'm a Lover too, And can imagine what was felt by you.

_Clo._ No sooner did the welcome Day appear, But _Lucia_ brought me word the Prince was there; His very Name disorder'd me much more, Than did his Sight or Touch the day before; So soon my rising Love grew up to power, So soon he did become my Conqueror.

--How pale and trembling, when he did appear, I grew, he too had marks of Love and Fear.

--But I'll omit the many visits paid, Th' unvalued Presents, and the Oaths he made, My kind Disputes on all his Letters writ, How all my Doubts were answer'd by his Wit; How oft he vow'd to marry me, whilst I Durst not believe the pleasing Perjury: --And only tell you, that one night he came, Led by designs of an impatient Flame; When all the House was silently asleep, Except my self, who Love's sad Watch did keep; Arm'd with his Ponyard, and his Breast all bare, His Face all pale with restless Love and Fear; So many wild and frantick things he said, And so much Grief and Pa.s.sion too betray'd, So often vow'd he'd finish there his Life, If I refus'd him to become his Wife; That I half-dying, said it should be so; Which though I fear'd, Oh, how I wish'd it too!

Both prostrate on the Ground i'th' face of Heaven, His Vows to me, and mine to him were given: --And then, oh, then, what did I not resign!

With the a.s.surance that the Prince was mine. [Weeps.

_Lau._ Poor _Cloris_, how I pity thee!

Since Fate has treated me with equal rigor; --_Curtius_ is banish'd, _Frederick_ still pursues me, And by a cruel Father I'm confin'd, And cannot go to serve my self or thee. [One knocks.

_Lor._ [Without.] Sister _Laura_, Sister.

_Lau._ It is my Brother, would he would be kind, And set us free; he shall not see thee, And I'll persuade him.

[As she puts _Cloris_ into her Closet, enter _Lorenzo_ with a Letter.

_Lor._ Hah, locking her Closet! now, were I a right _Italian_, should I grow jealous, and enrag'd at I know not what: hah, Sister!

What are you doing here?

Open your Cabinet, and let me see't.

_Lau._ Sir, 'tis in disorder, and not worth your seeing now.

_Lor._ 'Tis so, I care not for that, I'll see't.

_Lau._ Pray do not, Brother.

_Lor._ Your denial makes me the more inquisitive.

_Lau._ 'Tis but my saying, he came from the Prince, And he dares not take it ill. [Aside.

--Here, Sir, [Gives him the Key.

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