_Hip._ It strangely puzzles me: Yet 'tis most likely, Women are somewhat between men and spirits. _Dor._ Hark! it talks:--sure this is not it my father meant, For this is just like one of us: Methinks, I am not half so much afraid on't as I was; see, now it turns this way. _Mir._ Heaven! what a goodly thing it is! _Dor._ I'll go nearer it. _Mir._ O no, 'tis dangerous, sister! I'll go to it. I would not for the world that you should venture. My father charged me to secure you from it. _Dor._ I warrant you this is a tame man; dear sister, He'll not hurt me, I see it by his looks. _Mir._ Indeed he will! but go back, and he shall eat me first: Fie, are you not ashamed to be so inquisitive? _Dor._ You chide me for it, and would give him yourself. _Mir._ Come back, or I will tell my father. Observe how he begins to stare already! I'll meet the danger first, and then call you. _Dor._ Nay, sister, you shall never vanquish me in kindness. I'll venture you no more than you will me. _Prosp._ [_within_.] Miranda, child, where are you? _Mir._ Do you not hear my father call? Go in. _Dor._ 'Twas you he named, not me; I will but say my prayers, and follow you immediately. _Mir._ Well, sister, you'll repent it. [_Exit_ MIR. _Dor._ Though I die for it, I must have the other peep. _Hip._ What thing is that? [_Seeing her_.] Sure 'tis some infant of The sun, dressed in his father's gayest beams, And comes to play with birds: My sight is dazzled, And yet I find I'm loth to shut my eyes: I must go nearer it;--but stay a while; May it not be that beauteous murderer, woman, Which I was charged to shun? Speak, what art thou, Thou shining vision! _Dor._ Alas, I know not; but I'm told I am A woman; do not hurt me, pray, fair thing. _Hip._ I'd sooner tear my eyes out, than consent To do you any harm; though I was told, A woman was my enemy. _Dor._ I never knew What 'twas to be an enemy, nor can I e'er Prove so to that, which looks like you: For though I've been charged by him (whom yet I ne'er disobeyed,) To shun your presence, yet I'd rather die Than lose it; therefore, I hope you will not have the heart To hurt me: Though I fear you are a man, The dangerous thing of which I have been warned. Pray, tell me what you are? _Hip._ I must confess, I was informed I am a man; But if I fright you, I shall wish I were some other creature. I was bid to fear you too. _Dor._ Ah me! Heaven grant we be not poison to Each other! Alas, can we not meet, but we must die?