Enter Cesario, and Clarissa.
Cesario.
Interpret not Clarissa, my true zeal
In giving you counsel, to transcend the bounds
That should confine a brother; 'tis your honor,
And peace of mind (which honor last will leave you)
I labor to preserve, and though you yet are
Pure and untainted, and resolve to be so:
Having a Fathers eye, and Mothers care
In all your ways to keep you fair, and upright.
In which respects my best advices must
Appear superfluous; yet since love, dear Sister
Will sometimes tender things unnecessary,
Misconstrue not my purpose.
Claris. Sir, I dare not:
But still receive it as a large addition,
To the much that I already stand ingag'd for,
Yet pardon me, though I profess upon
A true examination of my self,
Even to my private thoughts I cannot find
(Having such strong supporters to uphold me)
On what slight ground the least doubt can be rais'd
To render me suspected, I can fall,
Or from my Fame or Virtue.
Cæsar. Far be it from me,
To nourish such a thought; and yet excuse me,
As you would do a Lapidary, whose whole fortunes
Depend upon the safety of one Jewel,
If he think no case precious enough
To keep it in full lustre, nor no locks,
Though lending strength to Iron doors sufficient
To guard it, and secure him; you to me are
A Gemm of more esteem, and priz'd higher
Than Usurers do their Muck, or great men Title.
And any flaw (which heaven avert) in you,
(Whose reputation like a Diamond
Cut newly from the rock, women with envie,
And men with covetous desires look up at)
By prying eies discovered in a moment
Would render what the braveries of Florence
For want of counterpoize, forbear to cheapen,
Of little or no value.
Claris. I see brother
The mark you shoot at, and much thank your love;
But for my Virgin Jewel which is brought
In comparison with your Diamond, rest assur'd
It shall not fall in such a workmans hands
Whose ignorance or malice shall have power
To cast one cloud upon it, but still keep
Her native splendor.
Cesa. 'Tis well, I commend you;
And study your advancement with that care
As I would do a Sisters, whom I love
With more than common order.
Claris. That from me,
I hope's return'd to you.
Cesar. I do confess it,
Yet let me tell you, (but still with that love,
I wish to increase between us) that you are
Observ'd against the gravity long maintain'd
In Italy (where to see a maid unmasqu'd
Is [h]eld a blemish) to be over-frequent
In giving or receiving visits.
Clari. How?
Cesar. Whereas the custom is here to wooe by Picture,
And never see the substance: you are fair,
And beauty draws temptations on; You know it,
I would not live to see a willing grant
From you, to one unworthy of your birth,
Feature or fortune; yet there have been Ladies
Of rank, proportion, and of means beyond you,
That have prov'd this no miracle.