University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter Aminta followed by Alcander, Erminia and Gallatea goes out, Enter Alcander and stays Aminta.
Alcan.
Stay, dear Aminta, do not fly so fast.

Am.
Methinks Alcander you should shun that maid,
Of whose too much of kindness you're afraid.
'Twas not long since you parted in such fewd,
And swore my treatment of you was too rude.
You vow'd you found no beauty in my eyes,
And can you now persue what you despise?

[offers to go.
Alcan.
Nay do not leave me yet, for still your scorn
Much better then your absence may be born.

Am.
Well Sir, your business, for mine requires hast.

Alcan.
Say, fair Aminta, shall I never find
You'le cease this rigour and be kind?
Will that dear breast no tenderness admit,
And shall the pain you give no pity get?
Will you be never touch'd with what I say,
And shall my youth and vows be thrown away?
You know my passion and my humour too,
And how I dye, though do not tell you so.

Am.
What arguments will you produce to prove
You love, for yet I'le not believe you love?

Alcan.
Since, fair Aminta, I did thee adore,
Alass I am not what I was before.
My thoughts disorder'd from my heart do break,
And sighs destroy my language when I speak.
My liberty and my repose I gave,
To be admitted but your slave,
And can you question such a victory?
Or must I suffer more to make it sure?
It needs not, since these languishments can be
Nought but the wounds which you alone can cure.

Am.
Alcander, you so many vows have paid,
So many sighs and tears, to many a Maid,
That should I credit give to what you say,
I merit being undone as well as they.
—No, no, Alcander, I'le no more of that.

Alcan.
Farewell Aminta, mayst thou want a lover,
When I shall hate both thee and thy whole Sex;
I can indure your sober cruelty,
But do despise it clad in jollity.

Exeunt severally.