University of Virginia Library

SCENE. V.

[The Court Gallery.
Enter Alcippus.
Alcip.
The night is calm and silent as my thoughts
Where nothing now but loves soft whispers dwell;
Who in as gentle terms upbraids my rage,
Which strove to dispossess the Monarch thence;
It tells me how dishonest all my fears are,
And how ungrateful all my jealousies,
And prettily perswades those Infidels
To be less rude and mutinous hereafter.
Ah that I could remain in this same state
And be contented with this Monarchy;
I would, if my wild multitude of passions
Could be appeas'd with it, but they're for liberty,
And nothing but a common-wealth within
Will satisfie their appetites of freedom.
—Pride, Honour, Glory, and Ambition strive
How to expell this Tyrant from my soul,
But all too weak though reason should assist them.

[he knocks.
[Alcander looks out at the door.
Alcan.
Who's there?

Alcip.
A friend—

Is.
Oh Heavens it is my Lord Alcippus voice.

Alcan.
Peace Isillia.

Alcip.
I hear a man within—open the door.
Now Love defend thy interest, or my jealousie
Will grow the mightier Devil of the two else.
[Alcand. comes out.
—Who's this? one muffled in a Cloak:
What art thou, who at this dead time of night
Hast took possession hear?
—Speak or I'le kill thee.

Alcan.
This were an opportunity indeed.
To do my Prince a service, but I dare not.

Alcip.
What darest not do?

Alcan.
Not kill thee.

Alc.
Is that thy business then? have at the slave;
[runs at him
I'le spoyle your keeping doors.

They fight, and grapling Alcander gets the Sword of Alcippus.
Alcip.
He'as got my Sword, however I lose no time:
It may be 'tis his office to detain me.

[He goes in.
Alcan.
I'me wounded, yet I will not leave him so;
There may be mischief in him, though unarm'd.

[goes in.