_Bass._ Were there more Dangers, yet I'll stand 'em all; My Honour bids me pay this parting Visit: My Heart shall have no Share in what I'll speak. Trust me this once, and be yourself a Witness, _Bassino_ can controul unlawful Love.---- _Arm._ My Lord, 'tis with Regret I see you go, May Heaven assist you in this dangerous Strife. SCENE III. Aurelia's _Chamber_; _she in an Undress with_ Florella. _Aur._ No more of that--Cease thy ungrateful Suit, _Alonzo_ is a Man I cannot love; I own he's witty, generous, and brave; Has all the Charms that Nature can bestow To fire a Woman's Heart----Yet I'm insensible, His very Sight chills all my trembling Spirits; Therefore, name him no more--I charge thee do not. _Flor._ Madam, I've done--Yet shall I be permitted To ask a Question? Are you then resolved Ne'er to admit a Passion in your Breast? _Aur._ Oh! Dear _Florella_, press not a Confession, Which but too well my Eyes themselves disclose. Alas! I love--I love to such Excess, That tho' I know I'm lov'd again, my Mind Is still perplex'd with Doubts and jealous Fears. _Flor._ You love and are belov'd! Then sure you reach The Height of human Bliss, and bounteous Heaven Can scarce give more----But who's the happy Man; Is it not Count _Bassino_? _Aur._ Oh! charming Name; there's Musick in that Sound! Yes, Count _Bassino_ is the Man I love. Canst thou now blame my Coldness to _Alonzo_? _Flor._ Forgive me, Madam, if I dare presume To speak my Sentiments: I must confess _Bassino_ is a Man of excellent Virtue; His Education at the Court of _Savoy_ Has still refin'd what he receiv'd from Nature; His Person too is charming---- And, what most Women court, he has a Title---- But then consider, you are unacquainted With his Estate, and tho' his Equipage Denotes an ample Fortune, yet we see Many a Stranger here during the Carnival, Who makes a Figure here by industrious Gaming. As for _Alonzo_, he was born at _Venice_, Of noble Parents; his Estate, a large one---- Even from his Youth you had his amorous Wishes, And as he grew in Years his Love increas'd: You lov'd him too----Nay, which is more, your Father Approv'd your mutual Loves, and at his Death Bequeath'd you to _Alonzo_. _Aur._ Oh! my _Florella_, thou hast rouz'd a Thought, Which will for ever break _Aurelia_'s Rest. I know my Father's Tenderness to me Made him confirm _Alonzo_'s Suit, for then I lov'd _Alonzo_---- But were my gentle Father still alive, I'm sure he would not cross my Inclinations, But, Oh! name not my Father; I cannot bear The sad Remembrance of so great a Loss. [_Weeps._ _Flor._ But fear you not t'offend his peaceful Ghost, By breaking with the Man he destin'd yours?