_Luc._ But you know he has me at a bay; my letter is in his possession, and he may produce it to my ruin: Therefore, if I did allow him some little favour, to mollify him-- _Fred._ How, madam? Would you allow him favours? I can never consent to it: Not the least look or smile; they are all too precious, though they were to save his life. _Luc._ What, not your father? Oh that he would confess he loved me first! [_Aside._ _Fred._ What have I done? I shall betray myself, and confess my love to be laughed at, by this hard-hearted woman. [_Aside._] 'Tis true, madam, I had forgot; he is, indeed, my father, and therefore you may use him as kindly as you please. _Luc._ He's insensible: Now he enrages me. [_Aside._] What if he proposes to marry me? I am not yet professed, and 'twould be much to my advantage. _Fred._ Marry you! I had rather die a thousand deaths, than suffer it. _Luc._ This begins to please me. [_Aside._ But why should you be so much my enemy? _Fred._ Your enemy, madam! Why, do you desire it? _Luc._ Perhaps I do. _Fred._ Do it, madam, since it pleases you so well. _Luc._ But you had rather die, than suffer it. _Fred._ No, I have changed my mind: I'll live, and not be concerned at it. _Luc._ Do you contradict yourself so soon? Then know, sir, I did intend to do it; and I am glad you have given me advice so agreeable to my inclinations. _Fred._ Heaven! that you should not find it out! I delivered your letter on purpose to my father, and 'twas my business, now, to come and mediate for him. _Luc._ Pray, then, carry him the news of his good success. Adieu, sweet prince! _Fred._ Adieu, dear madam. _Asca._ Hey day! what will this come to? They have cozened one another into a quarrel; just like friends in fencing, a chance thrust comes, and then they fall to it in earnest. _Hip._ You and I, brother, shall never meet upon even terms, if this be not pieced.--Face about, madam; turn quickly to your man, or, by all that's virtuous, I'll call the abbess. _Asca._ I must not be so bold with you, sir; but, if you please, you may turn towards the lady: and, I suppose, you would be glad I durst speak to you with more authority, to save the credit of your willingness. _Fred._ Well, I'll shew her I dare stay, if it be but to confront her malice. _Luc._ I am sure I have done nothing to be ashamed of, that I should need to run away. _Asca._ Pray give me leave, sir, to ask you but one question; Why were you so unwilling that she should be married to your father? _Fred._ Because then her friendship must wholly cease. _Asca._ But you may have her friendship, when she is married to him. _Fred._ What! when another has enjoyed her? Asca. _Victoria, Victoria_! he loves you, madam; let him deny it, if he can. _Luc._ Fye, fye, loves me, Ascanio! I hope he would not forswear himself, when he has railed so much against it.