University of Virginia Library

Scena prima.

Fredericke, Emilia.
Fred.
Divinest Lady,
I hope your late refusall of my love,
Is alter'd now by your more gentle pitty,
My constancie carries more strength about it,
Then to be blasted with your first repulse,
In the same righteous cause of my affection
I must again be advocate, and hope
My sute will be effected.

Emilia.
Alas, my Lord
Make me not thus the subject of your mirth,
Or Complement, your soule is too secure
In its owne manly vertues from surprize
Of weake affection, especially of mine
Who am so worthlesse in my selfe, I cannot
Boast those high glories, as to be victorious
Over so brave a Conquerour.

Ferd.
Those bright eyes,
Like Heavens blest light, when from a mist of clouds
He peepes, and gilds the earth with brightnesse, can
Quicken and fire even marble hearts with love,
Thaw soules of ice, my Emilia,
A malefactors feares are more upon him,
E're he doe come to's triall, then when he heare:
The Judge pronounce the sentence of his death:
'Tis so with me, and I should be more blest,
To heare that voyce of yours,
That Angels voyce (too sweet for such dire use)
With a severe refusall strike me dead,
Then live tormented in a sad suspence,
Ignorant of my destiny.

Emilia.
My Lord,
If I should frame my Virgin thoughts to love,
They should be fixt on you, but I'm so well
Content, and setled in a Virgin life,
I cannot wish to change it.

Fre.
Not to imbrace a larger stock of happines, Emilia,
Virginity is but a single good,
A happinesse which like a misers wealth,
Is as from others, so from your owne use,
Lock'd up and closely cabin'd, since it not admits
Communication of its good, when you
Shall in the state of marriage freely taste
Natures choice pleasures, that same happinesse
You were created for.

Emil.
You have prevail'd Sir;
You who are still victorious o're your foes,
Must needs remaine a Conqueror o're your friends,
My Lord, receive me freely, I am yours
For ever.

Fred.
This chaste kisse shall seale the contract.
Come my Emilia, love is such a wealth,
As must be gain'd by free consent, not stealth.