_Aur._ Sir, you are an unfit judge of your own merits: For my own part, I confess, I have a furious inclination for the occult sciences; but at present, 'tis my misfortune---- [_Sighs._ _Bel._ But why that sigh, madam? _Aur._ You might spare me the shame of telling you; since I am sure you can divine my thoughts: I will, therefore, tell you nothing. _Bel._ What the devil will become of me now! [_Aside._ _Aur._ You may give me an essay of your science, by declaring to me the secret of my thoughts. _Bel._ If I know your thoughts, madam, 'tis in vain for you to disguise them to me: Therefore, as you tender your own satisfaction, lay them open without bashfulness. _Aur._ I beseech you let us pass over that chapter; for I am shame-faced to the last point. Since, therefore, I cannot put off my modesty, succour it, and tell me what I think. _Bel._ Madam, madam, that bashfulness must be laid aside: Not but that I know your business perfectly; and will, if you please, unfold it to you all immediately. _Aur._ Favour me so far, I beseech you, sir; for I furiously desire it. _Bel._ But then I must call up before you a most dreadful spirit, with head upon head, and horns upon horns: Therefore, consider how you can endure it. _Aur._ This is furiously furious; but rather than fail of my expectances, I'll try my assurance. _Bel._ Well then, I find you will force me to this unlawful, and abominable act of conjuration: Remember the sin is yours too. _Aur._ I espouse the crime also. _Bel._ I see, when a woman has a mind to't, she'll never boggle at a sin. Pox on her, what shall I do? [_Aside_.]--Well, I'll tell you your thoughts, madam; but after that expect no farther service from me; for 'tis your confidence must make my art successful.----Well, you are obstinate, then; I must tell you your thoughts? _Aur._ Hold, hold, sir; I am content to pass over that chapter, rather than be deprived of your assistance. _Bel._ 'Tis very well; what need these circumstances between us two? Confess freely; is not love your business? _Aur._ You have touched me to the quick, sir. _Bel._ Look you there! you see I knew it; nay, I'll tell you more, 'tis a man you love. _Aur._ O prodigious science! I confess I love a man most furiously, to the last point, sir. _Bel._ Now proceed, lady, your way is open; I am resolved, I'll not tell you a word farther. _Aur._ Well then, since I must acquaint you with what you know much better than myself, I will tell you. I loved a cavalier, who was noble, young, and handsome; this gentleman is since gone for Flanders; now whether he has preserved his passion inviolate, or not, is that which causes my inquietude. _Bel._ Trouble not yourself, madam; he's as constant as a romance hero.