_Lor._ Yes, so it should seem; but had you met With so many defeats as I have done to night, You would willingly excuse this Ceremony. Musick for the Dance. Enter _Antonio_ with _Ismena_, _Alberto_ with _Clarina_, _Laura_ and _Cloris_ with two Men more, and all dress’d in Masquerade, with Vizards; they dance. The Prince sets down: the Dance being done, they retire to one side; and _Alberto_ comes and presents him _Clarina_, and bows and retires; who puts off her Mask, and puts it on again, and retires. _Fred._ She’s wondrous fair; Sure in his whole Cabal he cannot show a fairer-- _Lor._ She resembles _Clarina_; I wish your Highness Would see further, and then perhaps this would Fall to my lot, for I love her for likeness sake. [_Antonio_ presents _Ismena_, and retires as the other. _Fred._ This I confess out-does the others; An Innocency dwells upon her Face, That’s strangely taking, is it not, _Lorenzo_? _Lor._ To say truth, she is very fine indeed. [They present _Laura_. _Fred._ Hah! I am amaz’d; see, _Lorenzo_, Dost thou not know that Face? _Lor._ O’ my Conscience and Soul, ‘tis my own Sister _Laura_; Why, how now, Mistress, Do things go thus with you, i’faith? [She shakes her Hand, as not understanding him. _Ant._ Sir, she understands you not. _Lor._ Is it not _Laura_ then? _Ant._ No, Sir, it is a Stranger. _Fred._ Let her be what she will, I’ll have her. [_Fred._ seems to talk, when she answers in Grimaces. _Lor._ There have been Examples in the World Of the good Offices done by a Brother to a Sister; But they are very rare here, And therefore will surely be the more acceptable. Well, Sir, have you fix’d, that I may chuse? _Fred._ I have, and had he thousands more, [_Lor._ goes to _Clar._ I would refuse them all for this fair Creature. Enter _Pietro_. _Piet._ Sir, all things are ready as you desire, But my Master must first speak with you alone. _Fred._ About the Price, I’ll warrant you; Let him come in: [All go out but _Fred_, to him _Cur._ --Are you the Master of the Ceremony? _Cur._ I am. _Fred._ Be speedy then, and by my Impatiency To be with that agreeable Stranger, Guess at my Approbation of the Ladies, and which I chuse. _Cur._ Your mighty Heat, Sir, will be soon allay’d. _Fred._ Shall it? _Cur._ Yes, Sir, it shall, for you must die. _Fred._ Sure thou art mad to tell me so, whoe’er thou be’st, Whilst I have this about me. [Draws. _Cur._ That, Sir, you draw in vain; stand off-- [Offers a Pistol. _Fred._ What new conceited Preparation’s this? _Cur._ Sir, when you know this Face, it will inform you. [Pulls off his false Beard. _Fred._ _Curtius_! I am betray’d, oh Villain! [Offers to fight. _Cur._ Ho, within there-- [He calls, and all the masked Men come out, and offer their Pistols at _Frederick_.