University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Enter Ismena with a veil.
Ism.
Alberto is not come yet; sure he loves me;
But 'tis not tears, and knees, that can confirm me;
No, I must be convinc'd by better argument,
—Deceit, if ever thou a guide wer't made
To Amorous hearts, assist a Love-sick Maid.

Enter Alberto.
Alb.
Your pleasure, Madam?
—Oh that she would be brief,
And send me quickly from her,
[Aside.
For her eyes will overthrow my purpose.

Ism.
Alberto, do you love me?

Alb.
No.

Ism.
No, have you deceiv'd me then?

Alb.
Neither Clarina; when I told you so,
By Heaven 'twas perfect truth.

Ism.
And what have I done since should
Merit your dis-esteem?

Alb.
Nothing but what has rais'd it.

Ism.
To raise your esteem, then it seems, is
To lessen your love; or as most gallants are;
You're but pleas'd with what you have not;
And love a Mistriss with great passion, till you find
Your self belov'd again, and then you hate her.

Alb.
You wrong my Soul extremely,
'Tis not of that ungrateful nature;
To love me, is to me a greater charm
Then that of Wit or Beauty.

Ism.
I'me glad on't Sir, then I have pleasant news for you,
I know a Lady, and a Virgin too,
That loves you with such passion,
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 easie
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 do's 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 Vertue, 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 jealousie?

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'le not upbraid. Go seek out Antonio.

Alb.
You have o'recome me, Madam, every way.
And this your last command I can obey;
Your Sister too I'le see, and will esteem,
But you've my heart, which I can ne're redeem.

[Ex. severally.