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. SCENE I.

Enter Galathea and Aminta met by Phillander and Alcander.

Phi.

SO hasty Sister!

Gall.

Brother, I am glad to meet you. Aminta has some welcom news for you.

Amin.

My Lord! Erminia yet is hardly brought to yield, She wants but some encouragement from you, That may assist her weakness to subdue, And 'twas but faintly she deny'd to see you.

Phi.

However, I will venture, She can but chide, and that will soon be past: A Lover's Anger is not long to last.

Amin.

Isillia, I have won to give you entrance.

Phi.

Love furnish me with powerful Arguments: Direct my •…•…ngue that my disorder'd sence, May speak my passion more then Eloquence.

[aside.

Gall.

But is Alcippus gone?

Alcan.

Madam, an houre since.

Phi.

'Tis well; and Sister, Whilst I perswade Erminia to this flight; Make it your business to perswade the King, Hang on his neck, and kiss his willing cheek: Tell him how much you love him, and then smile, And mingle words with kisses; 'twill or'ecome him: Thou hast a thousand pretty flatteries. Which have appeas'd his highest fits of passion: A Song from thee has won him to that rest, Which neither toil nor silence could dispose him to. Thou know'st thy power, and now or never use it.

Gall.

'Twas thither I was going.

Phi.

Mayst thou be prosperous.

[Exeunt Phi. & Gal.

Aminta and Alcander stay.

Am.

What now Alcander?

Alcan.

As 'twas Aminta.

Am.

How's that?

Alcan.

Such a distracted lover as you left me.

Am.

Such as I found you too, I fear, Alcander.

Alcan.

Ah Madam do not wrong me so, Till now I never knew the joys and sorrows That do attend a soul in love like mine, My passion only, fits the object now, I hate to tell you so, 'tis a poor low means To gain a Mistress by, of so much wit, Aminta you're above that common rate Of being won. Mean beauties should be flatter'd into praise, Whilst you need only sighs from every lover To tell you who you conquer, and not how, Nor to instruct you what attracts you have.

Am.

This will not serve to convince me, But you have lov'd before,

Alcan.

And will you never quit that error madam?

Am.

'Tis what I've reason to believe, Alcander And you can give me none for loving me, for I'me much unlike Lucinda whom you ey'd, I'me not so coy, nor so reserv'd as she; Nor so designing as Florana your next Saint, Who starv'd you up with hope, till you grew weary, And then Ardelia did restore that Ioss, The little soft Ardelia, kind and fair too.

Alcan.

You think you're wondrous witty now, Aminta. But hang me if you be.

Am.

Indeed, Alcander no, 'tis simple truth, Then for your bouncing Mistress, long Brunetta, O that Majestick garb, 'tis strangely taking That scornful look, and eyes that strike all dead that stand Beneath them, Alcander, I have none of all these charmes,

But well, you say you love me; could you be Content to dismiss these pe•…•…ty sha•…•…s in your hea•…•… And give it all to me: on these conditions I may do much.

Alcan.

Aminta, more perhaps then I may like,

Am.

Do not fear that Alcander.

Alc.

Your jealousie incourages that fear.

Am.

If I be so, I'me the fitter for your humour.

Alcan.

That's another reason for my fears, that's ill Luck ows us a spight, and will be sure to pay us with Loving one another, a thought I dread, Farewell Aminta; when I can get loose from Ardelia, I may chance wait on you, till then Your own Pride be your companion,

Am.

Nay, you shall not go Alcander.

[holds him.

Alcan.

Fy on't, those looks have lost their wonted force. I knew you'd call'd me back to smile upon me, And then you have me sure; no, no, Aminta, I'le no more of that,

[goes out.

Am.

I have too much betray'd my passion for him, —I must recall it, [if I can I must, —I will—for should I yield, my power's orethrown, And what's a woman when that glory's gone.

[Exeunt.

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.

ACT IV. SCENE. III.

The Court Gallery.

Enter Phillander and Alcander in their Cloaks muff'd as in the Dark.

Alcan.

Isillia?

[Calls at the lodgings of Erminia.

Isil.

Who's there?

Alcan.

A friend.

Isil.

My Lord Alcander?

Alcan.

The same.

Is.

Where's the Prince?

Phi.

Here Isilia,

Is.

Give meyour hand my Lord, and follow me.

Phi.

To such a Heaven as thou conduct'st me too, Though thou shouldst traverse Hell I'de follow thee.

Alcan.

You'l come back in charity Isillia?

Is.

Yes if I dare trust you alone with me.

[They go all in.

ACT IV. SCENE. IV.

Draws off, discovers Erminia sitting in a dishabit to her Phillan∣der, who falls at her feet on his knees.

Er.

My Lord the Prince, what makes your Highness here?

Phi.

Erminia, why do you ask that needless question? 'Twas Love, Love that's unsatisfied, which brought me hi∣ther.

[kneels.

Er.

Rise Sir, this posture would become me better.

Phi.

Permit me dear Erminia—to remain thus. 'Tis only by these signs I can express What my confusion will not let me utter. I know—not what strange-power thou bear'st about thee, But at thy sight or touch my sense forsakes me, And that withall, I had design'd to say,

Turns to a strange disorder'd rapture in me. —Oh Erminia—

Er.

How do you Sir?

Phi.

I am not well; Too suddenly I pass from one extream To this of joy, more insupportable, But I shall reassume my health anon And tell thee all my story,

Er.

Dear Sir, retire into this inner room, And there repose a while. Alass, I see disorder in your face.

Phi.

This confidence of me, is generous in thee.

[They go into the Scene which draws over.

ACT IV. SCENE. V.

[The Court Gallery.

Enter Alcippus.

Alcip.

The night is calm and silent as my thoughts Where nothing now but loves soft whispers dwell; Who in as gentle terms upbraids my rage, Which strove to dispossess the Monarch thence; It tells me how dishonest all my fears are, And how ungrateful all my jealousies, And prettily perswades those Infidels To be less rude and mutinous hereafter. Ah that I could remain in this same state And be contented with this Monarchy; I would, if my wild multitude of passions Could be appeas'd with it, but they're for liberty, And nothing but a common-wealth within Will satisfie their appetites of freedom. —Pride, Honour, Glory, and Ambition strjve How to expell this Tyrant from my soul, But all too weak though reason should assist them.

[he knocks. [Alcander looks out at the door.

Alcan.

Who's there?

Alcip.

A friend—

Is.

Oh Heavens it is my Lord Alcippus voice.

Alcan.

Peace Isillia.

Alcip.

I hear a man within—open the door. Now Love defend thy interest, or my jealousie Will grow the mightier Devil of the two else.

[Alcand. comes out.

—Who's this? one muffled in a Cloak: What art thou, who at this dead time of night Hast took possession hear? —Speak or I'le kill thee.

Alcan.

This were an opportunity indeed. To do my Prince a service, but I dare not.

Alcip.

What darest not do?

Alcan.

Not kill thee.

Alc.

Is that thy business then? have at the slave;

[runs at him

I'le spoyle your keeping doors.

They fight, and grapling Alcander gets the Sword of Alcippus.

Alcip.

He'as got my Sword, however I lose no time: It may be 'tis his office to detain me.

[He goes in.

Alcan.

I'me wounded, yet I will not leave him so; There may be mischief in him, though unarm'd.

[goes in.

ACT. IV. SCENE VI.

a Bed Chamber.

Discovers Erminia, Phillander sitting on the Bed, to them Isillia, a Sword and Hat on the Table.

Isi.

Ah Madam, Alcippus.

Er.

Alcippus where?

Isi.

I left him in a quarrell with Alcander, And hear him coming up.

Er.

For Heavens sake, Sir, submit to be conceal'd.

Phi.

Not for the world, Erminia. My innocence shall'be my guard and thine.

Er.

Upon my knees I beg you le be conceal'd.

[a noyse.

He comes, Phillander, for my safety go.

Phi.

I never did obey with more regret.

He hides himself behind the bed, and in hast leaves his Sword and hat on the Ta∣ble, Alcippus comes in.

Alcip.

How now Erminia? How comes it you are up so late?

Er.

I found my self not much inclin'd to sleep; I hope 'tis no offence Why do you look so wildly round about you?

Alcip.

Methinks Erminia you are much confus'd.

Er.

Alass you cannot blame me; Isillia tells me you were much inrag'd Against a Lover she was entertaining.

Al.

A Lover—was that a time for Courtship? Such actions Madam will reflect on you.

Isillia goes to take the hat and Sword and slide into her lap, which he sees, calls to her.

—What have you there Isillia? Come back and let me see what 'tis.

[he takes them from her.

—ha—a Sword and Hat—Erminia, whose be these?

Er.

Why do you ask—

Alcip.

To be inform'd, is that so great a wonder?

Er.

They be my Fathers Sir—.

Alcip.

Was that well said Erminia—speak again.

Er.

What is't you would know?

Alcip.

The truth Erminia; 'twould become you best. Do you think I take these things to be your fathers? No treacherous woman, I have seen this sword

[draws the Sword.

Worn by a man more vigorous then thy Father, It had not else been here. —Where have you hid this mighty man of vallor? Have you exhausted so his stock of courage He has not any left t'appear with all:

Phi.

Yes, base Alcippus, I have still that courage, Th'effects of which thou hast beheld with wonder, And now being fortified by innocence, Thou't find sufficient to chastise thy boldness, Restore my Sword and prove the truth of this.

Alcip.

I've hardly so much calmness left to answer thee, And tell thee Prince thou art deceav'd in me. —I know 'tis just I should restore thy Sword, But thou hast show'd the basest of thy play,

And I'le return th'uncivil treachery, You merit death for this base injury. But you're my Prince, and that I own you so, Is all remains in me of sence or justice; The rest is rage, which if thou get'st not hence Will eat up that small morsell too of reason, And leave me nothing to preserve thy life with.

Phi.

Gods, am I tame, and hear the Traytor brave me,

[offers to run into him.

I have resentment left though nothing else.

Alcip.

Stand off, by all thats good I'le kill thee else.

(Er. puts her self between

Er.

Ah, hold Sir, hold, the Prince has no defence, And you are more then arm'd, What honour is't to let him Murrher you? —Nor would your fame be lessen'd by retreat.

Phi.

Alass I dare not leave thee here with him.

Er.

Trust me Sir, I can make him calm again.

Alcip.

She counsels well, and I advise you take it.

Phi.

I will, but not for fear of thee or death, But from th' assurance that her power's sufficient To allay this unbecoming fury in thee, And bring thee to repentance.

He gives him his Sword; Phillander goes out, Alcip∣pus locks the door after him.

Er.

Alcippus, what do you mean?

Alcip.

To know where 'twas you learn'd this impudence? Which you'r too cunning in, Not to have been a stale practitioner.

Er.

Alass, what will you do?

Alcip.

Preserve thy soul if thou hast any sense Of future joys, after this damned action.

Er.

Ah, what have I done?

Alcip.

That which if I should let thee live, Erminia, Would never suffer thee to look abroad again. —Thou'st made thy self and me— —Oh, I dare not name the Monsters— But I'le destroy them whilst the Gods look down, And smile upon my justice.

He strangles her with a Garter, which he snatches from his Leg, or smothers her with a Pillow.

Er.

Hold, hold, and hear my vows of innocence.

Alcip.

Let me be damn'd as thou art if I do;

(throws her on a bed, he sits down in a Chair.

—So now my heart, I have redeem'd thee nobly, Sit down and pause a while— —But why so still and tame, is one poor Murther Enough to satisfie thy storm of passion, If it were just; it ought not here to end —If not—I've done too much—

(One knocks, he rises after a little pause, and opens the door, enier Page,

Page.

My Lord Pisaro—

Alcip.

Pisaro—Oh that name has wakened me A name till now had never terror in't, —I will not speak with him.

Page.

My Lord he's here—

[Page goes out, Enter Pisaro.

Pis.

Not speak with me, nay, then I fear the worst.

Alcip

Not for the world Pisaro—

[Hides his face with his hand, see Erminia.

Pis.

Thy guilt is here too plain, I need not read it in thy blushing face, She's dead, and pale, Ah, sweet Erminia.

Alcip.

If she be dead the fitter she's for me, She'le now be coy no more, Nor cry I cannot love, And frown and blush, when I but kiss her hand Now I shall read no terror in her eyes, And what is better yet, shall ne're be jealous.

Pis.

Why didst thou make such haste to be undone? Had I detain'd thee but an hour longer, Thou'dst been the only happy of thy sex. —I know thou did'st dissemble when we parted, And therefore durst not trust thee with thy passions, I only stay'd to gather from my Sister, What news I might concerning your affairs, Which I with joy came to impart to you, But most unfortunately came too late,

Why didst thou yield obedience to that sin Which urged thee to destroy this innocent?

Alcip.

Pisaro, do not err. I found the Prince and she alone together, He all disorder'd like a ravisher, Loose and unbutton'd for the amorous play; O that she had another life to lose.

Pis.

You wrong her most inhumanely, you do Her blood yet sensible of the injury Flows to her face to upbraid thy cruelty. —Where dost thou mean, bad man to hide thy head? Vengeance and Justice will persue thee close, And hardly leave thee time for penitence. —What will the Princess say to this return You've made to all the offers she had sent This night by Prince Phillande?

Alcip.

Oh when you name the Prince's and Phillander, Such different passions do at once possess me, As sinks my over-laden soul to hell. —Alass why do I live? 'tis losing time, For what is death, a pain that's sooner ended Then what I felt from every frown of hers. —It was but now, that lovely thing had life, Could speak and weep, and had a thousand charms That had oblig'd Murther, and madness 'tself To've been her tame adorers. Yet now should even her best belov'd the Prince, With all his youth, his beauties and desires, Fall at her feet, and tell his tale of love, She hardly would return his amorous smiles, Or pay his meeting kisses back again; Is not that fine Pisaro?

Pis.

Sir, 'tis no time to talk in, come with me, For here's no safety for a Murtherer.

Alcip.

I will not go, alass I seek no safety,

Pis.

I will not now dispute that vain reply, But force you to security.

Pisaro draws him out, the Scene closes.

ACT IV. SCENE. VII.

Enter Phillander, Alcander, Gallatea, Aminta, and Falatius.

Fa.

Ah fly, Sir, fly, from what I have to tell you.

Alcan.

What's the news?

Fa.

Ah Sir, the dismall'st heavy news that ere Was told or heard.

Gall.

No matter, out with it.

Fa.

Erminia, Madam.

Phi.

Erminia, What of her?

Fal.

Is dead, Sir.

Alcan.

What hast thou lost thy wits?

Fa.

I had them not about me, at the sight I else had been undone: Alass Erminias dead, Murther'd and dead.

Alcan.

It cannot be, thou ly'st.

Fa.

By Jove, I do not Sir, I saw her dead, Alass, I ran as I was wont to do, Without demanding licence to her chamber, But found her not as I was wont to do,

[The women weep.

In a gay humour; but stone dead, and cold.

Phi.

Alcander, am I awake—or being so, Dost not perceive this senseless flesh of mine Harden into a cold benummed statue. —Methinks—it does—support me—or I fall And so—shall break to pieces—

[Falls into his arms.

Gall.

Ah lovely maid, was this thy destiny? Did Heaven create thy beauties to this end?

[he leads him out.

—I must distrust their bounties, who neglected The best and fairest of their handy-work; This will encourage sin, when innocence Must perish thus, and meet with no defence.

Enter the King and Orgulius.

Org.

If murther'd innocence do cry for justice, Can you, great Sir, make a defence against it?

Kin.

I think I cannot.

Org.

Sir, as you are pious, as you are my King, The Lover and Protector of your people, Revenge Erminia's Murther on Alcippus.

Gall.

If e're my Mother, Sir, were dear to you, As from your tears I guest whene're you nam'd her: If the remembrance of those charmes remain, Whose weak resemblance you have found in me, For which you oft have said you lov'd me dearly; Dispence your mercies, and preserve this Copy, Which else must perish with th' Original.

King.

Why all this Conjuration, Gallatea.

Gall.

To move you, Sir, to spare Alcippus life.

Kin.

You are unjust, if you demand a life, Must fall, a sacrifice to Erminia's Ghost, That is a debt I have ingag'd to pay.

Gall.

Sir, if that promise be already past, And that your word be irrevocable. I vow I will not live a moment after him.

Kin.

How Gallatea! I'de rather hop'd you'd joyn'd Your prayers with his.

Gall.

Ah Sir, the late Petition which I made you Might have inform'd you why these knees are bow'd, 'Twas but this night I did confess I lov'd him, And you would have allow'd that passion in me, Had he not been Erminias, And can you question now what this address meant.

Or.

Remember Sir, Erminia was my Daughter.

Gall.

And Sir, remember that I am your Daughter.

Or.

And shall the Traytor live that murther'd her?

Gall.

And will you by his death Sir, murther me? In dear Erminias death too much is done, If you revenge that death, 'tis two for one.

Or.

Ah Sir, to let him live's unjust in you.

Gall.

And killing me, you more injustice do.

Or.

Alcippus, Madam, merits not your love, That could so cruel to Erminia prove.

Gall.

If lovers could be rul'd by reasons laws. For this complaint on him, we'd had no cause.

'Twas Love that made him this rash act commit, Had she been kind 't'had taught him to submit. —But might it not your present griefs augment, I'd say that you deserve this punishment, By forcing her to marry with the Genetall; By which you have destroy'd Phillander too, And now you would Alcippus life undoe.

Or.

That was a fault of duty to your Majesty.

Kin.

Though that were honest, 'twas not wisely don•…•… For had I known the passion of my son, And how essentiall 'twas to his content, I willingly had granted my consent, Her worth and beauty had sufficient been, To've rais'd her to the title of a Queen. Did not my Glorious Father, Great Gen'rall, Marry the Daughter of his Admirall. And I might to my Son have been as kind, As then my Father did my Grandsire find. You once believ'd that I had guilty been, And had the punishment, but not the sin, I suffer'd when 'twas thought I did aspire.

Kin.

How did Phillander take Erminias death?

Gall.

My own surprise and grief was so extream, I know not what effects it had in him, But this account of him I'me forc'd to give, Since she is dead, I know he cannot live.

Kin.

I'le know Phillanders fate ere I proceed, And if he dye, Alcippus too shall bleed.

[Exeunt.

ACT. IV. SCEN. VIII.

The Gallery.

Enter Falatius and Labree.

Fa.

Wert thou never valiant Labree?

La.

Yes Sir, before I serv'd you, and since too, I Am provok'd to give you proofs on't sometimes, For when I am angry I am a very Hector.

Fa.

I the Devil when a body's angry, but that's

Not the valour in mode; men fight now a days Without that, and even embrace whilst they draw Their swords on one another.

La.

I Sir, those are men that despise their lives.

Fa.

Why thats it Labree, that I would learn to do, And, which I fear, nothing but poverty will make me do; Jove defend me from that experiment.

Enter Erminia veil'd with a thin Tiffany.

Labree.

What's the matter, Sir, Does the Fit take you now?

Fa.

Save us, save us from the Fiend.

La.

A ghost, a ghost, O, O, O!

[They fall, shaking on the ground.

Er.

This was a happy mistake, Now I may pass with safety.

Fa.

Look up, Labree, if thou hast any of that

[she goes out.

Courage thou speakest of but now:

La.

I dare not, Sir, experience yours I pray.

Fa.

Alass, alass, I fear we are both rank Cowards.

La.

Rise Sir, 'tis gone.

Fa.

This was worse then the fright Alcander put Me into by much.

[They rise and go out.

ACT IV. SCENE. IX.

Enter Phillander and Cleontius.

Phi.

I know he's fled to th'Camp, For there he only can secure himself.

Cle.

I do not think it, Sir, He's too brave to justifie an action Which was the out-rage only of his passion, That soon will toyle it self into a Calm, And then will grow considerate again, And hate the rashness which it prompt him too.

Phi.

That shall not serve his turn—go Tell him I'le get his pardon of the King, And set him free from other fears of justice, But those which I intend to execute.

If he be brave he'le not refuse this offer: If not; I'le do as he has done by me, And meet his hated soul by treachery.

[Cle. goes out.

—And then I've nothing more to do but dye. —Ah how agreeable are the thoughts of death, How kindly do they entertain my soul, And tells it pretty tales Of satisfaction in the other world, That I shall dwell for ever with Erminia. —But stay. That sacred spirit yet is unreveng'd, —I'le send that Traytors soul to eternall night, Then mine shall take its so desired flight,

[going out.

Enter Erminia, calls him.

Er.

Return Phillander, whether wouldst thou fly?

Phi.

What voice—is that—

[Turns, sees her, and is frighted.

Er.

'Tis I my Prince, 'tis I.

Phi.

Thou—Gods—what art thou—in that lovely shape?

Er.

A soul that from Elizium made escape

[as she comes to∣wards him he goes back in great amaze.

To visit thee, why dost thou steal away, I'le not approach thee nearer then I may.

Phi.

Why do I shake—it is Erminias form— And can that beauty ought that's—ill adorn? —In every part Erminia does appear, And—sure no Devil—can inhabit here.

[He comes on and kneels, one knocks, she steeles back in at a door.

Alcan.

My Lord the Prince.

Phi.

Ha— —Oh Gods, I charge thee not to vanish yet, I charge thee by those powers thou dost obey, Not to deprive me of thy blessed sight.

Er.

I will re-visit thee

[Enter Alcan.

Phi.

I'me not content with that.

[Alcan. comes in.

—Stay, stay, my dear Erminia.

Alcan.

What mean you Sir?

[He rises, and looks still affrighted.

Phi.

Alcander, look, look, how she glides away, Do'st thou not see't?

Alcan.

Nothing Sir, not I.

Phi.

No, now she's gon again.

Alcan.

You are disorder'd, pray sit down a while.

Phi.

No, not at all Alcander, I'me my self, I was not in a dream, nor in a passion When she appear'd, her face a little pale, But else my own Erminia, she her self, I mean a thing as like, nay, it spoke too, And I undaunted answer'd it again, But when you knock't it vanisht.

Alcan.

'Twas this Aminta would perswade me to, And faith I laught at her, And wish I might have leave to do so now.

Phi.

You do displease me with your unbelief.

Alcan.

Why Sir, do you think there can indeed be Ghosts?

Phi.

Pray do not urge my sense to lose its nature,

Er.

It is Alcander, I may trust him too.

[She p•…•…eps in on them and comes out

Phi.

Look where she comes again, credit thy eyes, Which did perswade thee that they saw her dead.

Alcan.

By Heaven and so they did—

[both seem frighted.

—Gods—this—is wondrous—strange; yet I can bear it, If 'twere the Devil himself in that fair shape.

Phi.

And yet thou shakest—

Alcan.

I do, but know not why. —Inform us lovely spirit what thou art, A God—or Devil, if either thou art welcom.

Er.

You cannot think Alcander, there be Ghosts,

[She gives her hands to him and Phi. which they •…•…fuse to touch.

No, give me your hand & prove mine flesh and blood, —Sir, you were wont to credit what I said, And I would still merit that kind opinion,

Phi.

Erminia, soul of sweetness, is it you? —How do you ravish with excess of joys?

Er.

Softly dear Sir, do not express that joy, Lest you destroy it by your doing so. I fly for sanctuary to your arms. As yet none knows I live but poor Isillia, Who bathing of my cold face with her tears, Perceav'd some signs of life, and us'd what means Her love and duty did instruct her in, And in half an hour was so reviv'd,

As I had sense of all was past and done, And to prevent a death I yet might fear, If mad Alcippus had return'd again. —Alone I came to you, where I could find Alone my safety too.

Phi.

From Gods, and then Erminia thou art safe, My best and blest Erminia.

Er.

Sir, in my coming hither I met Aminta, Whom I may fear has alarm'd all the Court; She took me for a Ghost, and ran away, Ere I could undeceive her. —Falatius too, affrighted even to death.

Alcan.

Faith, that was lucky Madam. —Hark some body knocks, you'd best retire a little.

[Lead•…•… her into the door,

Enter Gallatea and Aminta. lighted.

Gal.

Ah Brother, there's such news abroad.

Phi.

What dear Sister, for I am here confin'd, And cannot go to meet it?

Gall.

Erminias Ghost is seen, and I'me so frighted.

Phi.

You would not fear it though it should appear.

Gall.

Oh do not say so; For though the world had nought I held more dear, I would not see her Ghost for all the world.

Alcan.

But Madam, 'tis so like Erminia.

Am.

Why have you seen it too?

Alcan.

Yes Aminta.

Am.

Then there be Ghosts Alcander?

Phi,

Aminta we'le convince him.

[Phi. leads out Er. who comes smiling to the Princess.

—But how dear creature wert thou thus preserv'd.

Phi.

Another time for that, but now lets think

(Aminta imbraces her.

How to preserve her still, Since all believe her dead, but who are present, And that they may remain in that blest error I will consult with you; but you my dearest Shall as the spirit of Exminia act, And reap the glory of so good a part

It will advance the new design I have, And Sister to your care I must commit the treasure of my life.

Gall.

It was not kind, she came not first to me.

Er.

Madam, I fear'd the safety of my Prince, And every moment that I found I liv'd, Were more tormenting, then were those of death, Till I had undeceiv'd his apprehensions

Phi.

'Twas like thy self, generous and kind, my dear, Thou mightst have come too late else.

Er.

But Sir, pray where's my Murtherer? for yet A better name I cannot well afford him.

Gall.

All that we know of him, Pis•…•…ro now inform'd him, Who came just as he thought he'd murther'd thee, And beg'd he would provide for his own safety. But he who gave him sober promises, No sooner found himself out of his arms, But frantick and i'th' dark he got away. But out o'th' Court he knows he cannot pass, At this dead time of night; But he believes he is i'th' Groves or Gardens. And thither he is gone to find him out.

Alcan.

This is no place to make a longer stay in, The King has many spies about the Prince, 'Twere good you would retire to your apartment.

Gall.

We'le take your Counsel, Sir. —Good night, Brother.

Phi.

Erminia, may thy dreams be calm and sweet As thou hast made my soul, May nothing of the cruelty that's past Approach thee in a rude uneasie thought; Remember it not so much as in thy prayers, Let me alone to thank the Gods for thee, To whom that blessing only was ordain'd; And when I lose my gratitude to Heaven, May they deprive me of the joys they've given.

Exeunt.