_Bass._ 'Tis true, upon my Honour---- But if you doubt my Words, I'm ready---- Tho' I have Reason to decline this Combat, At least at present----Oh! _Placentia_! [_Aside._ Oh! my _Placentia_! why should I abuse thee? _Alon._ My Lord, you seem disturb'd---- _Bass._ Oh! _Alonzo_! _Alonzo_! Should I acquaint you with my wretched Fate, You'd find that Life itself is grown a Burden, I cannot bear, since I can ne'er be happy. But 'tis a Story that must ne'er be told, Let it suffice, to settle your Repose, That _Turin_ holds the Cause of my Misfortunes. _Alon._ Then I am happy: [_Aside._ My Lord, I wish 'twere in my Power to serve you, I'd do it as a Friend---- _Bass._ Generous Sir, I thank you; As far as I am capable, I am _Alonzo_'s. [_Exit_ Alonzo. Oh! Force of treacherous Love! to gain my End, I wrong a Wife, a Mistress, and a Friend. [_Exit_ Bassino. _The End of the_ SECOND ACT. ACT III. SCENE I. Aurelia's _Lodgings_. _Enter_ Aurelia, Florella. _Aur._ Oh! how I tremble for my dear _Bassino_! Haste, fly, _Florella_, bring me News he lives, Or else expect to see thy Mistress die. _Flor._ Madam, be patient---- Consult your Reputation, and consider That the least Noise you make on this Occasion, Reflects upon your Virtue---- _Aur._ Away, away----Talk not of Reputation, When Love's in t'other Scale--But what can shock my Reputation; Heaven's my Witness, I ne'er lodg'd a Thought, For Count _Bassino_ that could wrong my Virtue. Perhaps the Gods pursue me with their Hatred, Because I break my Promise to _Alonzo_. But then, why did they not secure me his? Why must weak Mortals be expos'd to Passions, Which are not in our Power to subdue, And yet account for what they prompt us to? But I will think no more----Almighty Love, Now hear my last Resolve----if angry Heaven Refused to guard my dear _Bassino_'s Life, _Aurelia_ too shall fall, and leave his Murderer Accurst for ever---- _Enter_ Alonzo. _Flor._ Oh! Heaven! where will this end? _Aur._ Ha---- [_Aside._ The Gods have sent him to decide my Fate, How now! how dare you meet my angry View? Or think I'll e'er forgive the base Affront This very Day you offer'd to my Fame? _Alon._ Just Heaven refuses not a Penitent, Therefore I cannot think that fair _Aurelia_, Whose Charms are all divine, should fail in Goodness. Oh! let my Love atone for my rash Deed: The Count and I are Friends, why should _Aurelia_ be more severe?