Lid. I should know this voice,
His naming too my Sister, whom Lisander
Honour'd, but in a noble way, assures me
That it can be no other: I stand bound
To comfort any man I find distress'd:
But to aid him that sav'd my life, Religion
And Thankfulness commands, and it may be
High providence for this good end hath brought him
Into my solitary walk. Lisander, noble Lisander.
Lis. Whatsoe'er thou art,
That honorable attribute thou giv'st me,
I can pretend no right to: come not near me,
I am infectious, the sanctity
Of thy profession (for thou appearest
A reverend Hermite) if thou flye not from me,
As from the Plague or Leprosie, cannot keep thee
From being polluted.
Lid. With good counsel, Sir,
And holy prayers to boot I may cure you,
Though both wayes so infected. You look wildly,
Peace to your conscience, Sir, and stare upon me,
As if you never saw me: hath my habit
Alter'd my face so much, that yet you know not
Your servant Lidian?
Lis. I am amaz'd!
So young, and so religious?
Lid. I purpose (Heaven make me thankful for't) to leave the world:
I have made some trial of my strengths in this
My solitary life; and yet I find not
A faintness to go on.
Lis. Above belief: do you inhabit here?
Lid. Mine own free choice, Sir:
I live here poorly, but contentedly,
Because I find enough to feed my fortunes;
Indeed too much: these wild fields are my gardens,
The Crystal Rivers they afford their waters,
And grudge not their sweet streams to quench afflictions;
The hollow rocks their beds, which though they are hard,
(The Emblems of a doting lovers fortune)
Yet they are quiet; and the weary slumbers
The eyes catch there, softer than beds of Down, Friend;
The Birds my Bell to call me to devotions;
My Book the story of my wandring life,
In which I find more hours due to repentance
Than time hath told me yet.
Lis. Answer me truly.
Lid. I will do that without a conjuration.
Lis. I'th' depth of meditation do you not
Sometimes think of Olinda?