ER. Though he would have killed me, honour urges me here to rescue the uncle of my mistress. (_To Damis_). I am on your side, Sir. (_He draws his sword and attacks La Rivière and his companions, whom he puts to flight_.) DAM. Heavens! By whose aid do I find myself saved from a certain death? To whom am I indebted for so rare a service? ER. (_Returning_). In serving you, I have done but an act of justice. DAM. Heavens. Can I believe my ears! Is this the hand of Éraste? ER. Yes, yes, Sir, it is I. Too happy that my hand has rescued you: too unhappy in having deserved your hatred. DAM. What! Éraste, whom I was resolved to have assassinated has just used his sword to defend me! Oh, this is too much; my heart is compelled to yield; whatever your love may have meditated to-night, this remarkable display of generosity ought to stifle all animosity. I blush for my crime, and blame my prejudice. My hatred has too long done you injustice! To show you openly I no longer entertain it, I unite you this very night to your love. SCENE VI.--ORPHISE, DAMIS, ÉRASTE. ORPH. (_Entering with a silver candlestick in her hand_). Sir, what has happened that such a terrible disturbance.... DAM. Niece, nothing but what is very agreeable, since, after having blamed, for a long time, your love for Éraste, I now give him to you for a husband. His arm has warded off the deadly thrust aimed at me; I desire that your hand reward him. ORPH. I owe everything to you; if, therefore, it is to pay him your debt. I consent, as he has saved your life. ER. My heart is so overwhelmed by this great miracle, that amidst this ecstasy, I doubt if I am awake. DAM. Let us celebrate the happy lot that awaits you; and let our violins put us in a joyful mood. (_As the violins strike up, there is a knock at the door_). ER. Who knocks so loud? SCENE VII.--DAMIS, ORPHISE, ÉRASTE, L'ÉPINE. L'EP. Sir, here are masks, with kits and tabors. (_The masks enter, filling the stage_). ER. What! Bores for ever? Hulloa, guards, here. Turn out these rascals for me. BALLET TO ACT III. _First Entry_. Swiss guards, with halberds, drive out all the troublesome masks, and then retire to make room for a dance of [Footnote: The origin of the introduction of the Swiss Guards (mercenaries) in the service of the French and other foreign powers may be ascribed to the fact that Switzerland itself, being too poor to maintain soldiers in time of peace, allowed them to serve other nations on condition of coming back immediately to their own cantons in time of war or invasion.