University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

While they are crossing to pursue their Journey, the Woman in the Boat invites Rinaldo to enter.
Woman.
If fam'd Rinaldo, thou woud'st reap the Sweets
Of Almirena's Wishes, and her Pray'rs,
Her Pray'rs and Wishes, sacred both to thee,
Enter this ready Boat; 'twas Her Command
Dispatch'd me hither; Her Command alone,
Whose stedfast Love, deserves and wants thy Help,
Where, to a solitary Isle confin'd,
She waits thy wish'd Arrival; Oh be swift!
Or she may fear the Waters of this Sea
Can quench a Love, that scorns so vile a Conquest.

While they remain Confounded at this unexpected Summons, the Mermaids Sing and Dance in the Water.
Mermaids.

Rin.
A sudden Beam of Love-directing Light
Breaks on my doubtful Thoughts, and bids me go.

He stands a while suspended within his Thoughts; at last resolves violently to enter the Boat; but is held by Godfrey and Eustatio.
Rin.
Yes my belov'd, my Life, my Almirena,
I fly to save thee;

Godf.
Mighty Warrior, hold!
Check your unwary Rage!

Eust.
Quench this false Fire;

Rin.
I hope, I fear, trust, and despair together!

He thinks again, and the Woman renewing her Invitation, he once more attempts an Entrance, but is again with-held by his Companions.
Woman.
Haste, haste Rinaldo, thy lost Love invokes Thee?

Rin.
Forgive me injur'd fair One, thus I fly;

Godf.
Thy Glory!

Rin.
Perish Glory;

Eust.
But thy Judgment!

Rin.
Judgment is dead;

Godf.
Bridle this impious Rage;

Rin.
I ought not, cannot;

Eust.
Think on thy Attempt,
How full of Horrours!

Rin.
Horrours fright not me;

Godf.
Sion demands thee;

Rin.
And my Soul invites me;

Eust.
Styx is behind thee;

Godf.
And black Hell gapes wide;

Rin.
I'll force ten thousand Hells to save my Bride;

He breaks violently from their Hold, and enters the Boat; which immediatly steers out into the open Sea, and Sails out of Sight, Then the Mermaids leave Singing and disappear. Godfrey and Eustatio, seem confounded at the Accident.
Eust.
Never was Courage thus misled before!
To trust these faithless Waves, and vain Illusions,
With all his Load of Glory!

Godf.
'Twas ill resolv'd!
Triumphant Hell ne'er knew a stranger Conquest;
How can my Heart, unbroken, bear such Grief!
My dearest Daughter ravish'd from my Eye,
And Europe's Hope, with this great Hero, lost;
Valour and Virtue quit not now my Breast;