_Phi_. With hopes already that are vain as Air, You’ve kept me from Revenge, but not Despair. I had my self acquitted, as became _Erminia’s_ wrong’d Adorer, and my Flame; My Rival I had kill’d, and set her free, Had not my Justice been disarm’d by thee. --But for thy faithless Hope, I ‘ad murder’d him, Even when the holy Priest was marrying them, And offer’d up the reeking Sacrifice To th’.ods he kneel’d to, when he took my price; By all their Purity I would have don’t. But now I think I merit the Affront: He that his Vengeance idly does defer, His Safety more than his Success must fear: I, like that Coward, did prolong my Fate, But brave Revenge can never come too late. _Gal_. Brother, if you can so inhuman prove To me your Sister, Reason, and to Love: I’ll let you see that I have sentiments too, Can love and be reveng’d as well as you; That hour that shall a death to him impart, Shall send this Dagger to _Erminia’s_ heart. [_Shews a Dagger_. _Phi_. Ah, Coward, how these words have made thee pale, And Fear above thy Courage does prevail: Ye Gods, why did you such a way invent? _Gal_. None else was left thy madness to prevent. _Phi_. Ah, cruel Sister, I am tame become, And will reverse my happy Rival’s doom: Yes, he shall live to triumph o’er my Tomb. --But yet what thou hast said, I needs must blame, For if my resolutions prove the same, I now should kill thee, and my life renew; But were it brave or just to murder you? At worst, I should an unkind Sister kill, Thou wouldst the sacred blood of Friendship spill. I kill a Man that has undone my Fame, Ravish’d my Mistress, and contemn’d my Name, And, Sister, one who does not thee prefer: But thou no reason hast to injure her. Such charms of Innocence her Eyes do dress, As would confound the cruel’st Murderess: And thou art soft, and canst no Horror see, Such Actions, Sister, you must leave to me. _Gal_. The highest Love no Reason will admit, And Passion is above my Friendship yet. _Phi_. Then since I cannot hope to alter thee, Let me but beg that thou wouldst set me free; Free this poor Soul that such a coil does keep; ’.will neither let me wake in Peace, nor sleep. Comfort I find a stranger to my heart, Nor canst thou ought of that but thus impart; Thou shouldst with joy a death to him procure, Who by it leaves _Alcippus’. life secure. _Gal_. Dear Brother, you out-run your Patience still, We’ll neither die our selves, nor others kill; Something I’ll do that shall thy joys restore, And bring thee back that health thou had’st before; --We’re now expected at the Banquet, where I’d have thy Eyes more Love than Anger wear: This night be cheerful, and on me depend, On me, that am thy Sister, and thy Friend: A little raise _Alcippus’. Jealousy And let the rest be carried on by me; Nor would it be amiss should you provide A Serenade to entertain the Bride: ’.will give him Fears that may perhaps disprove The fond opinion of his happy Love.