University of Virginia Library

SCENE. VII.

Enter Phillander and Alcander with Light.
Alcan.
He's gone whoe're he be.

Phi.
It could not be Alcippus.

Alcan.
I rather fear Pisaro,
------ but we soon enough shall know: Who's this?

Enter Erminia in her Night-gown, and Isillia with Lights.
Er.
Methought I heard Alcippus and the Prince
Before the cry of Murther.
I die if those two Rivals have encounter'd.

Phi.
Ah Madam, cease that fear; they both are safe
From all but from the wounds which you have given them.

Er.
Oh Gods, what make you here, and where's Alcippus?

Phi.
Where I had been had Heaven been bountiful.

Er.
Alas Sir, what d'you mean? what have you done?
And where have you bestow'd him?

Phi.
Why all this high concern, Erminia?
Has he so reconcil'd you to him since I saw you last?
This is not kind to me.

Er.
Oh tell not me of kindness, where's Alcippus?

Alcan.
Madam, of whom do you demand Alcippus?
Neither of us have seen him.

Phi.
Go, Y'are a woman, a vain peevish creature.

Er.
Sir, 'tis but just you should excuse my fear,
Alcippus is my husband, and his safetie
Ought to become my care.

Phi.
How Erminia.
Can you so soon yield up my right to him,
And not blush, whilst you own your Perjurie?

Er.
Now Sir, y' are much too blame,
I could have borne the rest, but this concernes me,
I fear I have but too well kept my Vows with you,
Since you are grown but to suspect I have not.

Phi.
Pardon me, Dear, the errors of my passion;
It was a sin so natural,
That even thy unkindly taking it,
Approch'd too near it, not to gain my Pardon;
But tell me why you ask't me for Alcippus?

Er.
Sir, e're I could dispose my eyes to sleep,
I heard the Musick at my Chamber-door,
And such a Song as could be none but yours;
But that was finisht in a noise less pleasant,
In that of Swords and quarrel;
And amongst which,
I thought I heard yours and Alcippus voice.
(For I have kept my word, and lay not with him,)
This brought me hither, but if I mistook,
Once more I beg your Pardon.

Phi.
Thou hast restor'd me to a world of joys,
By what thou now hast said.

Enter Alcippus, his Sword in his hand, a Page with light, he stands awhile.
Alcip.
Erminia! and the Prince! embracing too!
I dream and know she could not be thus base,
Thus false and loose—
But hear, I am inform'd it is no Vision;
—This was design'd before, I find it now;

[Lays his hand on his heart.
Er.
Alcippus, oh my fears.

[goes to them, takes her by the hand.
Alcip.
Yes, Madam:
Too soon arriv'd for his and your repose.

Phi.
Alcippus, touch her not.

Alcip.
Not touch her, by Heaven I will,
And who shall hinder me?
Who is't dares say I shall not touch my wife?

Phi.
Villain thou li'st.

Alcip.
That y'are my Prince shall not defend you here,
Draw Sir, for I have laid respect aside.

Strikes, they fight a little, Alcippus is wounded, Alcander supports him.
Er.
Oh Gods what mean you, hold Phillander, hold.

Phi.
Life of my soul, retire,
I cannot hear that voice and disobey,
And you must needs esteem him at low rates,
Who sells thee and his Honour for a tear.

Er.
Upon my knees I beg to be obey'd,
[she kneels.
—But if I must not, here discharge your anger.

Phi.
You are too great a Tyrant where you may.

[Exeunt Erminia & Alcippus.
Phi.
Stay! shall I let her go? shall her Commands,
Though they have power to take my life away,
Have force to suffer me to injure her?
Shall she be made a prey, and I permit it?
Who only have the interest to forbid it?
—No, let me be accurst then.

[offers to follow.
Alc.
What mean you, Sir?

Phi.
Force the bold Ravisher to resign my right.
Alcander, Is not she my wife, and I his Prince?

Alc.
'Tis true, Sir,
And you have both power and justice on your side;
And there be times to exercise 'em both.

Phi.
Fitter then this, Alcander?

Alc.
This night Erminia's promise may repose you.
Tomorrow is your own—.
Till then I beg y'de think your interest safe.

Phi.
Alcander, thou hast peace about thee, and canst judge
Better then I, 'twixt what is just and fit,
[puts up his sword.
I hitherto believ'd my flame was guided
By perfect Reason, so, we often find
Vessels conducted by a peaceful wind,
And meet no opposition in their way,
But a safe passage through the flattering Sea;
But when a storm the bounding vessel throws.
It does each wave with equal rage oppose;
For when the Seas are mad, could that be calm
Like me, it wou'd be ruin'd in the storm.

[exeunt.