Eri. You are an insolent knave to come thus to sound my feelings. Out of my sight this moment! Do you pretend to read people's thoughts and penetrate into the secrets of a princess's heart? Away with you; let me never see your face again.... Clitidas!
Cli. Madam.
Eri. Come here. I forgive you this affair.
Cli. You are too kind, Madam.
Eri. But on condition—mind what I say—that you will never mention it to anybody, at the peril of your life.
Cli. Enough.
Eri. Then Sostratus told you that he loved me?
Cli. No, Madam; I must now tell you the whole truth. I got from him by surprise a secret he intended to conceal from all the world, and which he said he would wish to die with him. He was in despair when I wrenched it with subtlety from him; and, far from asking me to tell you of it, he entreated me with the most earnest prayers never to reveal anything to you; and I have committed a piece of treachery against him by telling you what I have said.
Eri. I am glad of it. It is by his respect only that he can please me; and if he were bold enough to tell me of his love, he would forfeit for ever both my presence and my esteem.
Cli. Do not fear, Madam ...