 | Philodamus |  |
24
SCENE VII.
PHILODAMUS, EUPHEMIA, PHILIPPUS, EPICRATES.Philodamus.
Well, Erato, how hast thou sped thy message?
Or meet you difficulties and objections?
What says our son? Does he refuse t'obey us?
Or is Euphemia not to be prevail'd on?
What, is she so determin'd on her voyage,
She will not listen?—How! dissolv'd in tears!
I thought you had not own'd such weak humanity.
Euphemia.
I was prepar'd and fortify'd 'gainst misery.
Unguarded to this vast surprise of joy.
Whatever resolution we pretend,
By my own weakness I'm too well convinc'd
Our passions still are woman.
Philodamus.
Worth, like thine,
Is all too scarce in man. Thy sex, Euphemia,
Whether in good or bad, will distance ours.
This hand, say, may I give it to Philippus?
Euphemia,
My heart was giv'n before. Oh ecstasy,
That you approve and realize the gift!
Philippus.
Avoid these starts of rapture, which but add
Fresh poison to the stings of disappointment.
Oh best of men! oh Erato! oh friend!
Was ever such a father! Oh! Euphemia!
Dost not adore him! but I know thou dost.
Forgive my wildness—do not laugh at me—
Philodamus.
Contract your transports, and retire a little,
While they prepare this chamber for the ceremony,
That gives you to each other, once and ever.
[Exeunt.
| Philodamus | |