Por. My heart is so oppress'd with fear and grief,
That it must break, unless it finds relief;
The man I love is forc'd to fly my sight,
And like a Parthian[43] kills me in his flight:
One, whom I never saw, I must embrace,
Or else destroy the honour of my race.
A brother's care, more cruel than his hate:
O, how perplex'd are the intrigues of fate!
Enter Don Carlos and Camilla.
Don C. Cousin, I thought my sister's company
Would not displease you, whilst I wait upon
Your brother in a visit.
Por. Sir, you oblige me with a welcome favour.
I rather should have styl'd it charity
To bring a friend to her, whose cruel fate
Has robb'd her of herself. [Aside.
Cam. Methinks, 'tis pity that a wall should make
The houses two of friends so entirely one
As you and I, and our two brothers, are.
Por. If it be true that lovers live much more
There where they love than where they breathe, I'm sure
No walls can sever us: we're still together.
Don C. Were I not much engag'd, I would not quit
So sweet a conversation; but, sister,
At my return I'll wait upon you home.
Por. For this night, cousin, pray let her be mine,
I beg it of you both.
Don C. You may command; we are both yours. [Exit Don Carlos.
Por. My dear Camilla, how I long'd to have thee,