Alcan. But, Madam, ‘tis so like Erminia—
Am. Why, have you seen it too?
Alcan. Yes, Aminta.
Am. Then there be Ghosts, Alcander.
Phi. Aminta, we’ll convince him. [Phi. leads out Er. who comes smiling to the Princess.
Gal. But how, dear Creature, wert thou thus preserv’d?
Phi. Another time for that, but now let’s think
[Aminta embraces her.
How to preserve her still.
Since all believe her dead, but who are present,
And that they may remain in that blest error,
I will consult with you; but you, my dearest,
Shall as the Spirit of Erminia act,
And reap the glory of so good a part:
It will advance the new design I have;
And, Sister, to your care
I must commit the Treasure of my Life.
Gal. It was not kind, she came not first to me.
Er. Madam, I fear’d the safety of my Prince,
And every moment that I found I liv’d,
Were more tormenting than those of death,
Till I had undeceiv’d his Apprehensions.
Phi. ‘Twas like thy self, generous and kind, my Dear, Thou mightst have come too late else.