Enter Alcippus.
Alcip. The Night is calm and silent as my Thoughts,
Where nothing now but Love’s soft whispers dwell;
Who in as gentle terms upbraids my Rage,
Which strove to dispossess the Monarch thence:
It tells me how dishonest all my Fears are,
And how ungrateful all my Jealousies;
And prettily persuades those Infidels
To be less rude and mutinous hereafter.
Ah, that I could remain in this same state,
And be contented with this Monarchy:
I would, if my wild multitude of Passions
Could be appeas’d with it; but they’re for Liberty,
And nothing but a Common-wealth within
Will satisfy their appetites of Freedom.
—Pride, Honour, Glory, and Ambition strive
How to expel this Tyrant from my Soul,
But all too weak, though Reason should assist them.
[He knocks. Alcander looks out at the door.
Alcan. Who’s there?
Alcip. A Friend.
Isil. [Within.] Oh Heavens! it is my Lord _Alcippus’. voice.
Alcan. Peace, Isillia.
Alcip. I hear a Man within—open the door.
Now, Love, defend thy Interest, or my Jealousy
Will grow the mightier Devil of the two else. [Alcan. comes out.
—Who’s this? one muffled in a Cloke?
What art thou, who at this dead time of Night
Hast took possession here?
—Speak, or I’ll kill thee.
Alcan. This were an opportunity indeed To do my Prince a service, but I dare not.
Alcip. What darest not do?
Alcan. Not kill thee.