Volume Iv Part 60 (1/2)

_Behold a Prince, who never yet Was vanquished in the Field; Awhile his Glories must forget, And lay his Laurels at the feet Of some fair Female Power, to whom he'll yield._

_Fred._ What's this the Preparation?

_Lor._ Yes, so it should seem; but had you met With so many defeats as I have done to night, You would willingly excuse this Ceremony.

Musick for the Dance.

Enter _Antonio_ with _Ismena_, _Alberto_ with _Clarina_, _Laura_ and _Cloris_ with two Men more, and all dress'd in Masquerade, with Vizards; they dance. The Prince sets down: the Dance being done, they retire to one side; and _Alberto_ comes and presents him _Clarina_, and bows and retires; who puts off her Mask, and puts it on again, and retires.

_Fred._ She's wondrous fair; Sure in his whole Cabal he cannot show a fairer--

_Lor._ She resembles _Clarina_; I wish your Highness Would see further, and then perhaps this would Fall to my lot, for I love her for likeness sake.

[_Antonio_ presents _Ismena_, and retires as the other.

_Fred._ This I confess out-does the others; An Innocency dwells upon her Face, That's strangely taking, is it not, _Lorenzo_?

_Lor._ To say truth, she is very fine indeed.

[They present _Laura_.

_Fred._ Hah! I am amaz'd; see, _Lorenzo_, Dost thou not know that Face?

_Lor._ O' my Conscience and Soul, 'tis my own Sister _Laura_; Why, how now, Mistress, Do things go thus with you, i'faith?

[She shakes her Hand, as not understanding him.

_Ant._ Sir, she understands you not.

_Lor._ Is it not _Laura_ then?

_Ant._ No, Sir, it is a Stranger.

_Fred._ Let her be what she will, I'll have her.

[_Fred._ seems to talk, when she answers in Grimaces.

_Lor._ There have been Examples in the World Of the good Offices done by a Brother to a Sister; But they are very rare here, And therefore will surely be the more acceptable.

Well, Sir, have you fix'd, that I may chuse?

_Fred._ I have, and had he thousands more, [_Lor._ goes to _Clar._ I would refuse them all for this fair Creature.

Enter _Pietro_.

_Piet._ Sir, all things are ready as you desire, But my Master must first speak with you alone.

_Fred._ About the Price, I'll warrant you; Let him come in: [All go out but _Fred_, to him _Cur._ --Are you the Master of the Ceremony?

_Cur._ I am.

_Fred._ Be speedy then, and by my Impatiency To be with that agreeable Stranger, Guess at my Approbation of the Ladies, and which I chuse.

_Cur._ Your mighty Heat, Sir, will be soon allay'd.

_Fred._ Shall it?