The forc'd marriage, or, The jealous bridegroom a tragi-comedy : as it is acted at His Highnesse the Duke of Yorks theatre / written by A. Behn.

ACT. IV. SCEN. II.

Enters Alcippus and Pisaro.

Pis.

You seem'd then to be pleas'd with what she said.

Alcip.

And then methought I was so, But yet even then I heard she did dissemble —Gods, what's a man possess't with jealousie,

Pis.

A strange wild thing, a lover without reason, I once have prov'd the torture on't, But as unlike to thine as good from evill; Like fire in Limbecks, mine was soft and gentle, Infusing kindly heat till it distill'd The spirits of the soul out at my eyes,

And so ended. But thine's a raging fire which never ceases Till it has quite destroy'd the goodly Edifice Where it first took beginning; Faith strive Sir to suppress it.

Alcip.

No I'le let it run to its extent And see what then 'twill do. Perhaps 'twill make me mad, or end my life, Either of which will ease me.

Pis.

Neither of these Alcippus, It will unman you, make you too dispis'd; And those that now admire will pity you.

Alcip.

What wouldst thou have me do? Am I not ty'd a slave to follow love, Whilst at my back freedom and honour waits, And I have lost the power to wellcome them? Like those who meet a Devil in the night, And all affrighted gaze upon the fury, But dare not turn their backs to what they fear, Though safety lye behind them. Alass I would as willingly as those Fly from this Divel Love.

Pis.

You may like those affrighted, by degrees Allay your sence of terror in the object, And then its power will lessen with your fear, And 'twill be easie to forego the fantasme.

Alcip.

No, then like the damn'd Ghost it follows me.

Pis.

Let reason then approach it, and examine it.

Alcip.

Love is a surly and a lawless Divel And will not answer reason. I must incounter it some other way, For I will lay the Fiend.

Pis.

What would you have Alcippus?

Alcip.

I'd have fair play Pisaro. —I find the cheat, and will not to the Camp; —Thou shalt supply my place, and I'le return: The night grows on, and something will be done That I must be acquainted with.

Pis.

Pardon me Sir, if I refuse you here: I find you're growing up to jealousies, Which I'le not trust alone with you.

Alcip.

Thou know'st perhaps of something worthy it.

Pis.

I must confess your passions give me cause, If I had any secrets to conceal them, But 'tis no time nor place to make disputes in: Will you to horse?

Alcip.

Will you not think it fit I should return then? I can be calm.

Pis.

What is't you mean by this return Alcippus?

Alcip.

To see Erminia, is not that enough To one in love, as I am?

Pis.

But Sir, suppose you find Phillander there?

Alcip.

Then I suppose I shall not much approve on't.

Pis.

You would be at your last nights rage again. Alcippus this will ruine you for ever, Nor is it all the power you think you have Can save you, if he once be disoblig'd. Believe me 'twas the Princess's passion for you Made up that breach last night.

Alcip.

All this I know as well as you Pisaro, But will not be abus'd; Alass I'me lost, Could I recall these two last days are past, Ah I should be my self again, Pisaro, I would refuse these fetters which I wear, And be a slave to nothing but to glory.

Pis.

That were a resolution worthy of you. —But come 'tis late, what you resolve conclude.

Alcip.

I am resolv'd I will not to the Camp, A secret inclination does perswade me To visit my Erminia to night.

Pis.

Comes it from Love, or Jealousie?

Alcip.

The first good, faith Pisaro; thou'rt so fearful— You shall to'th' Camp. before And I'le be with you early in the morning.

Pis.

Give me your hand, and promise to be calm.

[gives his hand.

Alc.

By all our friendships, as the Western winds,

Nothing that's done shall e're inrage me more. Honour's the Mistress I'le henceforth adore.

[Exit.

Pis.

I will not trust you though.

[goes out another way.