_Leost._ I would thou didst not, Or that I could not read upon thy face, In blushing characters, the story of Libidinous rape: confess it, for you stand not Accountable for a sin, against whose strength Your o'ermatch'd innocence could make no resistance; Under which odds, I know, Cleora fell too, Heaven's help in vain invoked; the amazed sun Hiding his face behind a mask of clouds, Nor daring to look on it! In her sufferings All sorrow's comprehended: what Timandra, Or the city, has endured, her loss consider'd, Deserves not to be named. _Timand._ Pray you, do not bring, sir, In the chimeras of your jealous fears, New monsters to affright us. _Leost._ O, Timandra, That I had faith enough but to believe thee! I should receive it with a joy beyond Assurance of Elysian shades hereafter, Or all the blessings, in this life, a mother Could wish her children crown'd with--but I must not Credit impossibilities; yet I strive To find out that whose knowledge is a curse, And ignorance a blessing. Come, discover What kind of look he had that forced thy lady, (Thy ravisher I will inquire at leisure), That when, hereafter, I behold a stranger But near him in aspect, I may conclude, Though men and angels should proclaim him honest, He is a hell bred villain. _Timand._ You are unworthy To know she is preserved, preserved untainted: Sorrow, but ill bestow'd, hath only made A rape upon her comforts in your absence. Come forth, dear madam. [_Leads in_ CLEORA. _Leost._ Ha! [_Kneels._ _Timand._ Nay, she deserves The bending of your heart; that, to content you, Has kept a vow, the breach of which a Vestal, Though the infringing it had call'd upon her A living funeral,[125] must of force have shrunk at. No danger could compel her to dispense with Her cruel penance, though hot lust came arm'd To seize upon her; when one look or accent Might have redeem'd her. _Leost._ Might! O do not show me A beam of comfort, and straight take it from me. The means by which she was freed? speak, O speak quickly; Each minute of delay 's an age of torment; O speak, Timandra. _Timand._ Free her from her oath; Herself can best deliver it.