University of Virginia Library

SCEN. IV.

Enter Phillander and Alcander.
Phi.
Urge it no more, your Reasons do displease me:
I offer'd her a Crown, with her Phillander:
And she was once pleas'd to accept of it.
She lov'd me too, yes, and repaid my flame,
As kindly as I sacrificed to her:
The first Salute we gave were harmless love,
Our souls then met, and so grew up together,
Like sympathizing Twins.
And must she now be ravish't from my Arms;
Will you Erminia suffer such a Rape.
What tho' the King have said it shall be so,
'Tis not his pleasure can become thy Law,
No, nor it shall not.
And though he were my God as well as King,
I would instruct thee how to disobey him;
Thou shalt, Erminia, bravely say, I will not;
He cannot force thee to't against thy will:
—Oh Gods, shall duty to a King and Father,
Make thee commit a Murther on thy self?
Thy sacred self; and me that do adore thee;
No, my Erminia, quit this vain devoyre;
And follow Love that may preserve us all:
—Presumptuous Villain, bold ingratitude—
Hadst thou no other way to pay my favours;
By Heaven 'twas bravely bold, was't not Alcander.

Alcan.
It was somewhat strange, Sir;
But yet perhaps he knew not that you lov'd her.

Phi.
Not know it: yes as well as thou and I:
The World was full on't, and could he be ignorant:
Why was her father call'd from banishment,
And plac'd about the King, but for her sake:
What made him General, but my passion for her.
What gave him twenty thousand Crowns a year,
But that which made me Captive to Erminia.
Almighty Love, of which thou sayst he is ignorant:
How has he order'd his audacious flame,
That I could ne're perceive it all this while.

Alcan.
Then 'twas a flame conceal'd from you alone,
To the whole Court besides 'twas visible.
He knew you would not suffer it to burn out:
And therefore waited till his services
Might give encouragement to's close design;
If that could do't he nobly has endeavor'd it,
But yet I think you need not yield her, Sir.

Phi.
Alcippus, I confess, is brave enough,
And by such ways I'le make him quit his claim;
—He shall to morrow to the Camp again,
—And then I'le own my passion to the King;
—He loves me well, and I may hope his pity,
Till then be calm my heart, for if that fail,
[points to his sword
This is the argument that will prevail.

[Exeunt.