Cort. I can live gladly for Cydaria's sake.
Alm. Does she so wholly then possess your mind?
What if you should another lady find,
Equal to her in birth, and far above
In all that can attract, or keep your love,
Would you so doat upon your first desire,
As not to entertain a nobler fire?
Cort. I think that person hardly will be found,
With gracious form and equal virtue crowned:
Yet if another could precedence claim,
My fixed desires could find no fairer aim.
Alm. Dull ignorance! he cannot yet conceive:
To speak more plain, shame will not give me leave.
[Aside.
—Suppose one loved you, whom even kings adore:
[To him.
Who, with your life, your freedom would restore,
And add to that the crown of Mexico:
Would you, for her, Cydaria's love forego?
Cort. Though she could offer all you can invent, I could not of my faith, once vowed, repent.
Alm. A burning blush has covered all my face;
Why am I forced to publish my disgrace?
What if I love? you know it cannot be,
And yet I blush to put the case—'twere me.
If I could love you with a flame so true,
I could forget what hand my brother slew—
—Make out the rest—I am disordered so,
I know not farther what to say or do:
—But answer me to what you think I meant.
Cort. Reason or wit no answer can invent: Of words confused who can the meaning find?
Alm. Disordered words show a distempered mind.
Cort. She has obliged me so, that could I chuse, I would not answer what I must refuse. [Aside.
Alm. His mind is shook—suppose I loved you, speak, Would you for me Cydaria's fetters break?