Pis. ‘Tis true, I am not ignorant of this,
That he despises other Recompence
For all his Services, but fair Erminia,
I know ‘tis long since he resign’d his Heart,
Without so much as telling her she conquer’d;
And yet she knew he lov’d; whilst she, ingrate,
Repay’d his Passion only with her Scorn.
Alcan. In loving him, she’d more ingrateful prove To her first Vows, to Reason, and to Love.
Pis. For that, Alcander, you know more than I.
Fal. Why sure Aminta will instruct her better, She’s as inconstant as the Seas and Winds, Which ne’er are calm but to betray Adventurers.
Alcan. How came you by that knowledg, Sir?
Fal. What a Pox makes him ask me that question now? [Aside.
Pis. Prithee, Alcander, now we talk of her,
How go the Amours ‘twixt you and my wild Sister?
Can you speak yet, or do you tell your tale
With Eyes and Sighs, as you were wont to do?
Alcan. Faith, much at that old rate, Pisaro, I yet have no incouragement from her To make my Court in any other language.
Pis. You’ll bring her to’t, she must be overcome, And you’re the fittest for her fickle Humour.
Alcan. Pox on’t, this Change will spoil our making Love,
We must be sad, and follow the Court-Mode:
My life on’t, you’ll see desperate doings here;
The Eagle will not part so with his Prey;
Erminia was not gain’d so easily,
To be resign’d so tamely.—But come, my Lord,
This will not satisfy our appetites,
Let’s in to Dinner, and when warm with Wine,
We shall be fitter for a new Design.