Vict. Is this a sister's office? peace, for shame!

We loved without transgressing virtue's bounds;

We fixed the limits of our tenderest thoughts;

Came to the verge of honour, and there stopt:

We warmed us by the fire, but were not scorched.

If this be sin, angels might love with less,

And mingle rays of minds less pure than ours.

Our souls enjoyed; but to their holy feasts,

Bodies, on both sides, were forbidden guests.

Cel. Now help me, father, or our cause is lost;