Enter Charmante. She hides the Tablet, he steps to her, and snatches it from her and reads.
Char. reads.
Out of a great Curiosity, A Shepherd this implor’d of me. Tell me, said he, my Bellemante, Will you be kind to your Charmante? I blush’d, and veil’d my wishing Eyes, And answer’d only with my Sighs. Cou’d I a better way my Love impart? And without speaking, tell him all my Heart.
Char. Whose is this different Character? [Looks angry.
Bell. ‘Tis yours for ought I know.
Char. Away, my Name was put here for a blind. What Rhiming Fop have you been clubbing Wit withal?
Bell. Ah! mon Dieu!—Charmante jealous?
Char. Have I not cause?—Who writ these Boremes?
Bell. Some kind assisting Deity, for ought I know.
Char. Some kind assisting Coxcomb, that I know. The Ink’s yet wet, the Spark is near I find.—