_Alcip_. I never could dissemble at my best, And now methinks your Highness should believe me, When my despairs and little love to life Make me despise all ways that may preserve it. _Phi_. If thou wouldst have me credit thee, _Alcippus_, Thou shouldst not disesteem a Life, which ought To be preserv’d, to give a proof that what thou say’st Is true, and dispossess me of those fears I have, That ‘tis my Life makes thine displeasing to thee. _Alcip_. ‘Tis a high proof to give you of my Duty, Yet that’s more ease to me than your Unbelief. _Phi_. Let me embrace and thank thee for this goodness. [_He offers to embrace him, but he is shy, and keeps a little off_. Why dost receive me coldly? I’m in earnest; As I love Honour, and esteem thee generous, I mean thee nothing but a perfect Friendship; By all my hopes I’ve no more quarrels to thee, All ends in this Embrace, and to confirm it I give thee here my Sister to thy Wife. _Alcip_. Your Pardon, Sir, I must refuse your bounty, till I know By what strange turn of Fate I came thus blest. To you, my Prince, I’ve done unheard-of injuries, And though your Mercy do afford me life, With this rich present too; Till I could know I might deserve them both, That Life will prove a Plague, and this great Gift Turn to the torment of it. _Phi. Alcippus_, ‘tis not kind to doubt me still, Is this a present for a Man I hate? _Alcip_. ‘Tis true, Sir, and your bounty does amaze me; Can I receive a blessing of this magnitude With hands, yet have not wash’d away the sin Of your _Erminia’s_ murder? think of that, Sir; For though to me it did appear most just, Yet you must hate the Man that has undone you. _Gal_. I see _Erminia_ still usurps your thoughts. _Alcip_. I must confess my Soul is scarce diverted Of that fond Passion which I had for her; But I protest before the Gods and you, Did she still live, and I might still possess her, I would refuse it, though I were ignorant Of what the Gods and your fair self design me. _Phi_. To doubt thee were a sin below my nature, And to declare my faith above my fear, Behold what I present thee with. [_Goes out, and enters again with_ Erminia. _Alcip_. Ha--_Erminia_? [_He looks afrighted_. --It is the same appear’d to me last night, --And my deluded Fancy Would have persuaded me ‘twas but a dream. _Phi_. Approach her, Sir, ‘tis no fantasm.