_Gal_. Ah, that _Alcippus_ did not you approve, We then might hope these mischiefs to remove; The King my Father might be won by Prayer, And my too powerful Brother’s sad despair, To break his word, which kept will us undo: And he will lose his dear _Philander_ too, Who dies and can no remedies receive: But vows that ‘tis for you alone he’ll live. _Er_. Ah, Madam, do not tell me how he dies, I’ve seen too much already in his Eyes: They did the sorrows of his Soul betray, Which need not be confest another way: ’.was there I found what my misfortune was, Too sadly written in his lovely face. But see, my Father comes: Madam, withdraw a while, And once again I’ll try my interest with him. [_Exeunt_. SCENE III. _A room in the house of_ Orgulius. _Enter_ Orgulius, Erminia _weeping, and_ Isillia. _Er_. Sir, does your fatal resolution hold? _Org_. Away, away, you are a foolish Girl, And look with too much pride upon your Beauty; Which like a gaudy flower that springs too soon, Withers e’er fully blown. Your very Tears already have betray’d Its weak inconstant nature; _Alcippus_, should he look upon thee now, would swear thou wert not that fine thing he lov’d. _Er_. Why should that blessing turn to my despair? Curse on his Faith that told him I was fair. _Org_. ‘Tis strange to me you shou’d despise this Fortune, I always thought you well inclin’d to love him, I would not else have thus dispos’d of you. _Er_. I humbly thank you, Sir, though’t be too late, And wish you yet would try to change my Fate; What to _Alcippus_ you did Love believe, Was such a Friendship as might well deceive; ’.was what kind Sisters do to Brothers pay; _Alcippus_ I can love no other way. --Sir, lay the Interest of a Father by, And give me leave this Lover to deny. _Org. Erminia_, thou art young, and canst not see The advantage of the Fortune offer’d thee. _Er_. Alas, Sir, there is something yet behind. [_Sighs_. _Org_. What is’t, _Erminia_? freely speak thy mind. _Er_. Ah, Sir, I dare not, you inrag’d will grow. _Org. Erminia_, you have seldom found me so; If no mean Passion have thy Soul possest, Be what it will I can forgive the rest. _Er_. No, Sir, it is no crime, or if it be, Let Prince _Philander_ make the Peace for me; He ‘twas that taught the Sin (if Love be such.) _Org. Erminia_, peace, he taught you then too much. _Er_. Nay, Sir, you promis’d me you wou’d not blame My early Love, if ‘twere a noble Flame. _Org_. Than this a more unhappy could not be; Destroy it, or expect to hear of me. [_Offers to go out_. _Er_. Alas, I know ‘twould anger you, when known. [_She stays him_. _Org. Erminia_, you are wondrous daring grown. Where got you courage to admit his Love, Before the King or I did it approve?