ERI. Well, tell me, Sostratus; you have far-seeing eyes, and I believe that there are few things that escape you. Have you not been able to discover what everybody is anxious to know? Have you no idea of the inclination of my heart? You see all the attentions that are bestowed on me, all the homage that is paid to me. Which of these two princes do you think I look upon with a most favourable eye? SOS. The conjectures we make upon such matters generally arise from the greater or less interest we take. ERI. Which would you prefer of the two, Sostratus? Tell me which one you would have me marry? SOS. Ah! Madam! your inclination, not my wishes, must decide the matter. ERI. But if I wished to consult you in this choice? SOS. If you were to consult me, I should feel very much perplexed. ERI. You could not tell me which of the two you think most worthy of preference? SOS. If I were to be judge, I should find no one worthy of that honour. All the princes of the world would be too mean to aspire to you; the gods alone can pretend to you, and you would have from men but incense and sacrifice. ERI. This is very kind, and I esteem you my friend. But I must have you tell me for which of the two you feel the greatest inclination, and which is the one you reckon your friend? SCENE V.--ERIPHYLE, SOSTRATUS, CHOROEBUS. CHO. Madam, the princess is coming to fetch you to go to the wood of Diana. SOS. (_aside_). Alas! how seasonably you came in. SCENE VI.--ARISTIONE, ERIPHYLE, IPHICRATES, TIMOCLES, SOSTRATUS, ANAXARCHUS, CLITIDAS. ARI. You are asked for, my daughter, and there are some who are much pained by your absence. ERI. I should think, Madam, that they only asked after me out of compliment, and that no one is as pained as you say. ARI. There are so many entertainments made for your sake that all our time is taken up, and we have not a moment to lose if we wish to see them all. Let us enter the wood at once, and see what awaits us there. This is the most beautiful place in the world. Let us take our seats quickly. THIRD INTERLUDE.