University of Virginia Library

Scena, 3.

Erminia, Cleander, Althea following.
Er.
The time draws nigh,
and night approaches, I'le go unto the Princess,
and see if she be drest yet, I joy to think
how happy I shud be to advance her happiness;
“and there's a secret pleasure in doing good,
“by none but those who do it, understood.

Exit.
Clea.
She's gone unto the boy, and I
unknown to Amynter will follow her,
and kill them both together; he's of too milde
and too relenting nature for me and my
stern purposes; “and what w'ar once resolv'd to do,
“wise politicks count it but little wit,
“to confer with those may hinder th'doing it.

Exit.
Alt.
So, this 'tis
to be out of favour, I'm excluded now;
and if I prove unfaithful,
she has absolv'd my faith:
nor can she complain seeing she trusts me not,
that I betray her trust:
all rivals jealousies help to revenge me on her,
and adde to those mine own revenge to boot,
for threatning to turn me out of service, I'le
serve her for't as she deserves, & tell the Duchess
of Aurindo's concealment here, & of the Princes
marriage with her too,
whilst he researcht her onely by my means,
and by gifts and presents sought
my mediation, I lov'd him for it,
but hate him now he seeks to marry her;
my profit's lost by't:
& women of my quality, if they be wise,
shud count those onely friends, who bring them gain,
and when the gain ceases, count them enemies.

Exit.