HYA. I want to believe what you say, and I have no doubt that you are sincere; but I fear a power which will oppose in your heart the tender feelings you have for me. You depend on a father who would marry you to another, and I am sure it would kill me if such a thing happened. OCT. No, lovely Hyacintha, there is no father who can force me to break my faith to you, and I could resolve to leave my country, and even to die, rather than be separated from you. Without having seen her, I have already conceived a horrible aversion to her whom they want me to marry; and although I am not cruel, I wish the sea would swallow her up, or drive her hence forever. Do not weep, then, dear Hyacintha, for your tears kill me, and I cannot see them without feeling pierced to the heart. HYA. Since you wish it, I will dry my tears, and I will wait without fear for what Heaven shall decide. OCT. Heaven will be favourable to us. HYA. It cannot be against us if you are faithful. OCT. I certainly shall be so. HYA. Then I shall be happy. SCA. (_aside_). She is not so bad, after all, and I think her pretty enough. OCT. (_showing_ SCAPIN). Here is a man who, if he would, could be of the greatest help to us in all our trouble. SCA. I have sworn with many oaths never more to meddle with anything. But if you both entreat me very much, I might.... OCT. Ah! if entreaties will obtain your help, I beseech you with all my heart to steer our bark. SCA. (_to_ HYACINTHA). And you, have you anything to say? HYA. Like him, I beseech you, by all that is most dear to you upon earth, to assist us in our love. SCA. I must have a little humanity, and give way. There, don't be afraid; I will do all I can for you. OCT. Be sure that.... SCA. (_to_ OCTAVE). Hush! (_To_ HYACINTHA) Go, and make yourself easy. SCENE IV.--OCTAVE, SCAPIN, SILVESTRE. SCA. (_to_ OCTAVE). You must prepare yourself to receive your father with firmness. OCT. I confess that this meeting frightens me before hand, for with him I have a natural shyness that I cannot conquer. SCA. Yes; you must be firm from the first, for fear that he should take advantage of your weakness, and lead you like a child. Now, come, try to school yourself into some amount of firmness, and be ready to answer boldly all he can say to you. OCT. I will do the best I can. SCA. Well! let us try a little, just to see. Rehearse your part, and let us see how you will manage. Come, a look of decision, your head erect, a bold face. OCT. Like this. SCA. A little more. OCT. So?