University of Virginia Library

Scena secunda.

Enter Philander and Rosinda in womens apparel.
Phi.
How glad I am to see you like your self!
Dear mother; pardon an excess of joy.

Ros.
Such signes of true affection need no pardon.

Enter a servant.
Ser.
Sir, here's a Letter for you.

Phi.
For me! from whom? the hand resolves me;
Present my service to the Lady that sent it.
Tell her, ere long I will come kiss her hands.

Ser.
I will Sir.
Exit servus.

Phi.
Mother, I writ unto Antiphila,
And did desire her (for guerdon of my love)
To hold me second in her thoughts, and (if
She married not my father) to have me.

Ros.
She may perform
What she believ'd would never come to pass.

The Letter.

Sir , I confess I am not contracted, and that I
told you so to make you desist. I should be exceeding
ungrateful to deny you so small a request. There
is nothing hinders me from being yours, but your Father:
And I solemnly vow unto you, that (if I have not
him) you shall have me. But let not this beget any hope
in you; for (if I be not his) it shall be his refusal. Let
it onely manifest so much, that (had I never seen him)
I could have lov'd you most truly. I pray you, let this
suffice, and use me so. Choose another Mistris, and let
me be her second: You will love me well enough, if
you love another better. Farewell.

Your Fathers Antiphila.

Ros.
What writ you to her (Son) concerning her
Professing a contract betwixt us two?

Phi.
That in my rage I met with Tandorix,
And offer'd to bereave him of his life;
Who thereupon did vow he was a woman,
And for a Gentleman cal'd Perimont,
(Who often had deni'd to marry her)
That habit did assume, thereby to learn
More easily what did prevent her joy,
And whether he affected any other.
Thus I your being kept unknown.

Rosin.
I'me gald you did so.

Phi.
You do well, Mother, to wear a mask: you shall
Thereby be sure to be conceal'd untill
You find the fittest opportunity
Your self (unto my Father) to reveal.

Exeunt Ambo.