[Isillia goes to take the Hat and Sword and slide
into her lap, which he sees, calls to her.
—What have you there, Isillia?
Come back, and let me see what ‘tis.
[He takes them from her.
—Ha—a Sword and Hat—Erminia, whose be these?
Er. Why do you ask—
Alcip. To be inform’d, is that so great a wonder?
Er. They be my Father’s, Sir—
Alcip. Was that well said, Erminia?—speak again.
Er. What is’t you would know?
Alcip. The truth, Erminia, ‘twould become you best.
Do you think I take these things to be your Father’s?
No, treacherous Woman, I have seen this Sword,
[Draws the Sword.
Worn by a Man more vigorous than thy Father,
It had not else been here.
—Where have you hid this mighty Man of valour?
Have you exhausted so his stock of Courage,
He has not any left t’appear withal?
Phi. Yes, base Alcippus, I have still that Courage,
Th’effects of which thou hast beheld with wonder;
And now being fortified by Innocence,
Thou’t find sufficient to chastise thy boldness:
Restore my Sword, and prove the truth of this.
Alcip. I’ve hardly so much Calmness left to answer thee,
And tell thee, Prince, thou art deceiv’d in me.
—I know ‘tis just I should restore thy Sword,
But thou hast show’d the basest of thy play,
And I’ll return th’uncivil Treachery;
You merit Death for this base Injury.
But you’re my Prince, and that I own you so,
Is all remains in me of Sense or Justice;
The rest is Rage, which if thou gett’st not hence
Will eat up that small morsel too of Reason,
And leave me nothing to preserve thy life with.