Alcip. In justice then you ought to me resign,
That which the Holy Priest intitled mine;
Yet that, without your Heart, I do despise,
For uncompell’d I’d have that sacrifice:
—Come ease me of that Pain that presses here,
Give me but Hope that may secure my Fear,
I’m not asham’d to own my Soul possest
With Jealousy, that takes away my rest.
—Tell me you’ll love, or that my Suit is vain,
Do any thing to ease me of my pain.
Gods, Madam, why d’ye keep me in suspence?
This cannot be the effects of Innocence;
By Heaven, I’ll know the cause, where e’er it lies,
Nor shall you fool me with your feign’d disguise.
Pis. You do forget your promise, and this Presence.
[Aside to Alcip.
Alcip. ‘Twas kindly urg’d, prithee be near me still, And tell me of the faults that look unmanly.
Gal. Dear, if thou lov’st me, flatter him a little. [To Er. aside.
Er. ‘Tis hard to do, yet I will try it, Madam.
Gal. I’ll leave you, that you may the better do so. —I hope, Alcippus, you’ll revisit us With Lover’s speed: And whatsoever treatment now you find, At your return you’ll find us much more kind. [He bows, she goes out.
Alcip. Can you forgive the rashness of a Man, That knows no other Laws but those of Passion?
Er. You are unkind to think I do not, Sir;
—Yes, and am grown so softned by my pity,
That I’m afraid I shall neglect my Vows,
And to return your Passion, grow ingrate.
Alcip. A few more syllables express’d like these, Will raise my Soul up to the worst extreme, And give me with your Scorn an equal torment.
Er. See what power your language has upon me. [Weeps.