University of Virginia Library

Scene I.

Spheranti, Infanta.
SP.
Madam, tis true, I may have bin too rash
To offer you a heart unworthy of you
But yet my fault is such as cannot give
Consent to any low thoughts of repentance;
And if my service find no other grace,
Let me have leave to cherish my attempt,
And let me love my self for loving you,
Then if you shall deny your presence to me,
My soule may do the office of mine eyes
Which may contemplate what these cannot see,
And if my love cannot appeare from thence,
From this you shall perceive my obedience.

IN.
Though I am better read in my own faults,
Then to believe J could charm any man;
Yet for your sake, because you'le have it so,
J am content to think you love me sir,
And J am sensible of what J owe you,
But you must know that J depend upon
A brother to whose will J am confin'de,
So that J am not Mistris of my heart,
Nor dare I hazard it without his leave,
Therefore to warrant your pretensions
Make your addresse to him, till then J dare not
Be known to entertain you for a suitor.

SPH.
Tis fit J be obedient to this law
Which is most reasonable, but may J be
As sure of your favour, as his leave.

IN.
Your vertue, sir, will be your best assurance,
My love proceeds not freely, but deserts
Must challenge it.

SP.
Kissing your faire hands, Madam,
J go to make my way to blisse or ruine.

Exit.
IN.
What shall J do, my heart, this Prince is lovely,
So is the Cid, but he lesse tractable,
Spheranti is more soft and courteous,
And yet not of lesse spirit then the other,
Let Roderigo then endeare his Mistris,
And since that love is th'only price of love,
Let him that offers his, have his reward.
Alas, what did J say? how can J leave
That object, which rules all within my heart?
Roderigo's free possessor there, and yet
Me thinks, there is a room left for Spheranti.
What shall J do then in this labyrinth?
Shall J to oblige Cimena, quit the Cid.
No Ile not leave him, but with patience wait
The pleasure of my brother and my fate.

Exit.