ASC. Obtain it then; and when we shall have explained ourselves we shall see which of us two will best keep his word.
VAL. Farewell, I accept your offer.
ASC. And I will be bound by it, Valère. (Exit Valère.)
FROS. He thinks you will help him as a brother.
SCENE III.—LUCILE, ASCANIO, MARINETTE, FROSINE.
LUC. (Saying the first words to Marinette). I have done it; it is thus I can revenge myself; if this step torments him, it will be a great consolation to me… Brother, you perceive a change in me; I am resolved to love Valère, after so much ill-usage; he shall become the object of my affection.
ASC. What do you say, sister? How do you change so suddenly? This inconstancy seems to me very strange.
LUC. Your change of disposition has more cause to surprise me. You formerly used always to plead in favour of Valère; for his sake you have accused me of caprice, blind cruelty, pride and injustice; and now, when I wish to love him, my intention displeases you, and I find you speaking against his interest.
ASC. I abandon his interest, sister, out of regard to yours. I know he is under the sway of another fair one; it will be a discredit to your charms if you call him back, and he does not come.
LUC. If that is all, I shall take care not to suffer a defeat; I know what I am to believe of his passion; he has shown it very clearly, at least so I think; you may safely discover my sentiments to him: or if you refuse to do it, I, myself shall let him know that his passion has touched me. What! you stand thunderstruck, brother, at those words!