_Mon._ Now I'm undone for ever: who on earth Is there so wretched as Monimia? First by Castalio cruelly forsaken; I've lost Acasto now: his parting frowns May well instruct me rage is in his heart: I shall be next abandoned to my fortune, Thrust out a naked wanderer to the world, And branded for the mischievous Monimia! What will become of me? My cruel brother Is framing mischiefs too, for aught I know, That may produce bloodshed, and horrid murder; I would not be the cause of one man's death, To reign the empress of the earth; nay, more, I'd rather lose for ever my Castalio, My dear unkind Castalio! _Enter_ POLYDORE. _Pol._ Monimia weeping! So morning dews on new-blown roses lodge, By the sun's amorous heat to be exhaled. I come, my love, to kiss all sorrow from thee. What mean these sighs? and why thus beats thy heart? _Mon._ Let me alone to sorrow: 'tis a cause None e'er shall know; but it shall with me die. _Pol._ Happy, Monimia, he to whom these sighs, These tears, and all these languishings are paid! I am no stranger to your dearest secret; I know your heart was never meant for me: That jewel's for an elder brother's price. _Mon._ My lord! _Pol._ Nay, wonder not; last night I heard His oaths, your vows, and to my torment saw Your wild embraces; heard the appointment made: I did, Monimia, and I cursed the sound. Wilt thou be sworn my love? wilt thou be ne'er Unkind again? _Mon._ Banish such fruitless hopes: Have you sworn constancy to my undoing? Will you be ne'er my friend again? _Pol._ What means My love? _Mon._ Away! What meant my lord, last night? _Pol._ Is that a question now to be demanded? I hope Monimia was not much displeased. _Mon._ Was it well done to treat me like a prostitute? To assault my lodging at the dead of night, And threaten me if I denied admittance?-- You said you were Castalio-- _Pol._ By those eyes! It was the same; I spent my time much better; I tell thee, ill-natured fair one, I was posted To more advantage,--on a pleasant hill Of springing joy, and everlasting sweetness. _Mon._ Ha!--have a care-- _Pol._ Where is the danger near me? _Mon._ I fear you're on a rock will wreck your quiet, And drown your soul in wretchedness for ever; A thousand horrid thoughts crowd on my memory. Will you be kind, and answer me one question? _Pol._ I'd trust thee with my life; on those soft breasts Breathe out the choicest secrets of my heart, Till I had nothing in it left but love. _Mon._ Nay, I'll conjure you, by the gods, and angels, By the honour of your name, that's most concerned, To tell me, Polydore, and tell me truly, Where did you rest last night? _Pol._ Within thy arms I triumphed: rest had been my foe.