Cleo. Vallentio, I believe thee brave and honest.
Val. Madam, the last I dare affirm.
Cleo. Tell me, Vallentio, didst thou ever love?
Val. Madam, your Interest, my Arms, and a brave Enemy.
Cleo. But didst thou never feel a softer Passion?
Val. Madam, I own, though with a Blush I do so,
I’ve felt the Power of two fair Eyes;
And I have Wounds that yet would bleed afresh,
Should but the cruel Murderess appear.
Cleo. Then thou art fit to hear a Secret from me; —But first, Vallentio tell me who I am.
Val. My Princess, Madam, and my General;
And one, who from your Power of Beauty holds
No less Dominion o’er th’ adoring World,
Than from the Greatness you were born to.
Cleo. And you’re contented I should be your Queen?
Val. Madam, I am—Pimante has been prating. [Aside.