_Aur._ If e'er _Aurelia_ So much as in her Thoughts did wrong _Alonzo_, May sudden Death pursue her perjur'd Steps: Heaven forgive [_Aside._ The Perjury, since I've no other way To save _Bassino's_ Life.---- _Alon._ _Aurelia_, rise---- [_Raising her._ Oh! could I credit this, how happy were _Alonzo_! But something tells me that thou art forsworn; And yet thou seem'st as fair as Truth itself; How is it possible that Guilt can look With so divine a Face? _Aur._ Oh! kill me instantly: kill me, I beg you, kill me; Let me not linger out an Age in Pain, For such is every Moment of your Anger; I cannot bear to live in your Displeasure. _Alon._ By Heaven she's true---- Hence frivolous Fears be gone----she's only mine. Come to my Breast, my bright _Aurelia_, come. [_Embraces her._ To that soft Shrine that holds that Sacred Image, Which triumphs o'er my Soul, and grasps it all, I knew my boundless Treasure, and the Thought Of losing thee had rais'd my Love to Madness. But now I'm calm--No more shall that fierce Passion, Rude Jealousy, disturb my peaceful Mind. Do but forgive the Faults my Rage committed, And you will find our Loves will grow the purer; Just as the Sky looks brighter when the Storm Is chas'd away, and _Phoebus_ smiles again. _Aur._ Since both have been to blame, let it suffice, We both repent, and will offend no more. _Alon._ Oh! never, never, I'll ne'er suspect you more--Only resolve me this-- _Aur._ What is it? _Alon._ Why was _Bassino_ Admitted to your View, and I denied? _Aur._ He came to take his Leave, and 't had been rude Not to admit a Man of his high Birth On this Occasion; nor was you denied, But thro' Woman's Fears of your Suspicions. She thought you would misconstrue the Count's Visit, As you have really done----I blam'd her for it, Indeed, this is the Truth--I hope _Alonzo_ Believes me now---- _Alon._ Believe Thee! Yes----As willingly as Martyrs A State of endless Joy. I will so love, my Dear, that all Mankind Shall look with Envy on our mutual Bliss. I'm like a Merchant tost at Sea by Storms, Who his last Course with Pray'rs and Toil performs; And the rich Cargo safely brought on Shore, He hugs it thus, and vows to part no more. [_Embraces her._ _Aur._ So in a flow'ry Mead a Serpent lurks, And the unwary Traveller surprizes, Where he suspects least Danger! Cursed Cheat. [_Aside._ Oh! that I could disclose the fatal Story! But it must never out----I beg, _Alonzo_, You'd leave me for a while, and rest secure, You have my Love---- _Alon._ Then the bright Sun in all his circling Turn, Cannot behold a Man more truly happy, What you command, I readily obey. Farewel, my Dear. [_Exit_ Alonzo.