Zeno. O my best Arnoldo!
The truest of all lovers! I would live
Were heaven so pleas'd, but to reward your sorrow
With my true service; but since that's denied me,
May you live long and happy: do not suffer
(By your affection to me I conjure you)
My sickness to infect you; though much love
Makes you too subject to it.
Arn. In this only
Zenocia wrongs her servant; can the body
Subsist, the Soul departed? 'tis as easie
As I to live without you; I am your husband,
And long have been so, though our adverse fortune,
Bandying us from one hazard to another,
Would never grant me so much happiness,
As to pay a husbands debt; despite of fortune,
In death I'le follow you, and guard mine own;
And there enjoy what here my fate forbids me.
Clod. So true a sorrow, and so feelingly Exprest, I never read of.
Man. I am struck With wonder to behold it, as with pity.
Char. If you that are a stranger, suffer for them,
Being tied no further than humanity
Leads you to soft compassion; think great Sir,
What of necessity I must endure,
That am a Father?
Hippolyta, Zabulon, and Sulpitia at the door.
Zab. Wait me there, I hold it Unfit to have you seen; as I find cause, You shall proceed.
Man. You are welcom Lady.
Hip. Sir, I come to do a charitable office, How does the patient?