NER. Alas! my Hylas, my beloved soul, Durst she whom thou hast call'd cruel Nerina But speak her thoughts, thou wouldst not think her so; To thee she is not cruel, but to herself: That law, which nature hath writ in my heart, Taught me to love thee, Hylas, and obey My father too, who says I must not love thee. O disproportion'd love and duty, how Do you distract me? If I love my choice, I must be disobedient; if obedient, I must be link'd to one I cannot love. Then either, Love, give me my liberty, Or, Nature, from my duty set me free. [_Exit._ SCENA IV. DAPHNIS. DAPH. Nerina, since nor tears nor prayers can move Thy stubborn heart, I'll see what gifts can do: They of my rank, whom most do deem unworthy Of any virgin's love, being rough, and bred To manage the estates our fathers left us, Unskill'd in those hid mysteries, which Love's Professors only know, have yet a way To gain our wishes. First we get the father: He knows our pleasure, and gives his consent. The daughter's eyes being blinded with our gifts, Cannot so soon spy our deformities, But we may catch her too. This Alcon says, A man whom age and observation taught What I must learn; yet though most women be Such as he has deliver'd, my Nerina Seems not to have regard to what I give, But holds me and my gifts both at one rate. What can I hope, then, out of this poor present: A looking-glass which, though within our plains 'Tis seldom seen, yet I have heard in cities They are as common as a lock of wool. However, if she take it, I am happy, So Alcon tells me; and he knows full well (He gave it me) that, whose'er shall look Her face in it, shall be at my dispose. In confidence of this, I will present it, And see my fortune; sure, I must needs speed: My friend, her father, comes along with her. But, O my fate! is not that nymph Dorinda Which keeps them company? Yes, sure, 'tis she; A curse light on her importunity! Her father urges something, and I hope On my behalf; let me observe a little. SCENA V. CHARINUS, NERINA, DORINDA, DAPHNIS. CHAR. And as I oft have told you, I do wish To see you wise. DOR. Is she not so, Charinus? Does she say anything that's out of reason? CHAR. Do not tell me of reason; I would hear Of her obedience: therefore I say, be wise, And do as I would have you. DOR. What would you Have her to do? you see she answers not To contradict you. CHAR. I will have her answer To what I now demand, that is, to marry Daphnis, and I will have her love him too. DOR. Love him, Charinus! that you cannot do: Her body you may link i' th' rites of Hymen; Her will she must bestow herself, not you.