Odm. If, sir, Almeria does your bed partake, I mourn for my forgotten mother's' sake.
Mont. When parents' loves are ordered by a son, Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run.
Odm. In all I urge, I keep my duty still, Not rule your reason, but instruct your will.
Mont. Small use of reason in that prince is shown, Who follows others, and neglects his own.
[ALMERIA to ORBELLAN and ALIBECH, who are this while whispering to her.
Alm. No, he shall ever love, and always be The subject of my scorn and cruelty.
Orb. To prove the lasting torment of his life,
You must not be his mistress, but his wife.
Few know what care an husband's peace destroys,
His real griefs, and his dissembled joys.
Alm. What mark of pleasing vengeance could be shown, If I, to break his quiet, lose my own?
Orb. A brother's life upon your love relics,
Since I do homage to Cydaria's eyes:
How can her father to my hopes be kind,
If in your heart he no example find?
Alm. To save your life I'll suffer any thing,
Yet I'll not flatter this tempestuous king;
But work his stubborn soul a nobler way,
And, if he love, I'll force him to obey.
I take this garland, not as given by you,
[To MONT.
But as my merit and my beauty's due.
As for the crown, that you, my slave, possess,
To share it with you would but make me less.