University of Virginia Library

Scena, 8.

Erminia, Aurindo, Althea, Cleander, Amynter.
Er.
Prithy good boy no more,
pitty so much handsomeness, shud be
so unhandsomely imploy'd;
and so much good language and eloquence
cast away upon so bad a cause;
find out somewhat wherein I may do thee good,
and I shall gladly do it;
but I shud do thee harm,
to make thee complice of anothers ill.

Au.
She instructs me excellently, & her kindness
invites me to discover my self unto her;
& somewhat here bids me accept the invitation:
who knows? she may be so nobly generous
to help me in my love,
hinder me I'm sure she cannot.
I'le try, 'tis but my blushes lost,
and in a better cause I cannot lose my shame.—
Noblest of Ladies, whilst I discover t'ye
a secret you'l sooner wonder at, then believe,
to take from your wonder,
and adde to your belief,
be pleased to behold
this Portrait here.

Gives her her Portrait.
Er.
What's this?

Clea.
How! taking presents?
nay then sh'as sold her self,
and is no longer mine;
and whispering! womens shames
go always with their whispers: how close they ar,
as he were pouring out himself
into her ear, as she inclines her ear,
as she were careful nothing shud be lost:—
now h'as told her somewhat that tickles her;—
now she looks on's present, now on him agen,
as she were begetting babies in his eyes,
Preludiums, and images in little
of procreation. 'Tis good, 'tis very good,
I see you, but you see not the revenge
I'le take for it.

Er.
Is't possible!
comparing what I hear, with what I see,
I can no wayes doubt the truth of what you say;
I've seen your Portrait formerly, and wonder,
comparing it with you now,
I knew you not before.

Au.
You see Madam
how your sweet goodness has imboldned me
to the discovery of a secret to you
I shud have conceal'd
even from mine own bosom, if
it had been possible.

Er.
And I shall keep it as safe
as your own bosome,
sweet Cyrena assure your self.

Cle.
See, she even embraces him by heaven!

Au.
Beseech you Madam call me Aurindo still,
and shew some kindness to the Prince, when next
he visits you; lest he suspect I have
neglected his commands, and had more care
of mine own concern, then his.

Er.
For your sake I'le
do any thing, I may in honour do;
and I hope sweet friend e're long to let you see
you not deceiv'd your self, in trusting me.

Au.
Dearest Madam, my ravishment is so great,
my joy must needs burst forth
in some expression, or I shall burst my self:
here then before I go
I make a solemn league of friendship with ye,
and seal it with my breast.

They embrace, and depart severally.