ACT II. SCENE IV.
Enter Phillander and Alcander. [the Prince half undrest.
Phi.
What's a Clock, Alcander.
Alc.
'Tis midnight, Sir, will you not go to bed.
Phi.
To bed, friend; what to do?
Alc.
To sleep, Sir, as you were wont to do.
Phi.
Sleep, and Erminia have abandon'd me,
I'le never sleep again.—
Alc.
This is an honour, Sir, you must forsake.
Phi.
Never, never, oh Alcander.
Dost know where my Erminia lies to night.
Alc.
I guess, Sir.
Phi.
Where, nay prithee speak,
Indeed I shall not be offended at it.
Alc.
I know not why you should, Sir.
She's where she ought, abed with young Alcippus.
Phi.
Thou speak'st thy real thoughts.
Alc.
Why should your Highness doubt it?
Phi.
By Heaven there is no faith in Woman-kind,
Alcander, dost thou know an honest woman?
Alc.
Many Sir.
Phi.
I do not think it; 'tis impossible;
Erminia, if it could have been, were she,
But she has broke her Vows which I held sacred,
And plays the Wanton in anothers Armes.
Alc.
Sir, Do you think it just to wrong her so.
Phi.
Oh would thou couldst perswade me that I did so;
Thou know'st the Oaths and Vows she made to me,
Never to marry other then my self,
And you Alcander wrought me to believe them.
But now her Vows to marry none but me,
Are given to Alcippus, and in his bosom breath'd,