_Riv._ I would not deeper wound my father's peace; But I would hide the cause of my resentment, Till all be known; and yet I know too much. It must be so--his grief, his sudden parting: Fool that I was, not to perceive at once-- But friendship blinded me, and love betray'd. Bertrand was right, he told me she was chang'd, And would, on some pretence, delay the marriage. I hop'd 'twas malice all.--Yonder she comes, Dissolv'd in tears; I cannot see them fall, And be a man; I will not, dare not meet her; Her blandishments would soothe me to false peace, And if she ask'd it, I should pardon all. [_Exit._ _Enter_ JULIA. _Jul._ Stay, Rivers! stay, barbarian! hear me speak! Return, inhuman!--best belov'd, return: Oh! I will tell thee all, restore thy peace, Kneel at thy feet, and sue for thy forgiveness. He hears me not--alas! he will not hear. Break, thou poor heart, since Rivers is unkind. _Enter_ ORLANDO. _Or._ Julia in tears! _Jul._ Alas! you have undone me! Behold the wretched victim of her promise! I urg'd, at your request, the fatal suit Which has destroy'd my peace; Rivers suspects me, And I am wretched! _Or._ Better 'tis to weep A temporary ill than weep for ever; That anguish must be mine. _Jul._ Ha! weep for ever! Can they know wretchedness who know not love? _Or._ Not love! oh, cruel friendship! tyrant honour! _Jul._ Friendship! alas, how cold art thou to love! _Or._ Too well I know it; both alike destroy me, I am the slave of both, and more than either The slave of honour. _Jul._ If you then have felt The bitter agonies---- _Or._ Talk _you_ of agonies? You who are lov'd again! No! they are mine; Mine are the agonies of hopeless passion; Yes, I do love--I dote, I die for love! (_He falls at her feet._) Julia! _Jul._ What dost thou mean? Unfold this fatal secret. _Or._ Nay, never start--I know I am a villain! I know thy hand is destin'd to another, That other, too, my friend, that friend the man To whom I owe my life! Yes, I adore thee; Spite of the black ingratitude, adore thee; I dote upon my friend and yet betray him; I'm bound to Emmelina, yet forsake her; I honour virtue while I follow guilt; I love the noble Rivers more than life, But Julia more than honour. _Jul._ Hold! astonishment Has seal'd my lips; whence sprung this monstrous daring? _Or._ (_rises._) From despair. _Jul._ What can you hope from me?