Three new playes, Viz. The noble ingratitude. A pastoral-tragi-comedy. The enchanted lovers. A pastoral. The amorous fantasme. A tragi-comedy. All written by Sir Wil. Lower Knight

SCENA VII.

THIMANTES, CLIDAMANT, PARTHE∣NIA, ISMENIA.

THIMANTES.

Speaking to Melintus behind the Stage.

I Am oblig'd to thee for this advertisement; If J find at the Eccho either of them, Diana or Ismenia, believe me, I'l faithfully report it, to remove Thy trouble, if J can: Ismenia Appoints me very often here to meet her, Where, notwithstanding her inconstancy, Her mouth in secret giveth me the hope Of a most constant love, and for a pledge

Of her faith, never any but my self At those hours entertains discourse with her: I'l to her now, and charge her with this crime Of comming here without acquainting me. I'l approach softly without making noise Lest it might raise a scandal in the night; Ismenia,

CLIDAMANT.

quitting Parth.

Some noise hath struck mine ear, I'l return to you—

Exit.

PARTHENIA.

O what feat is comparable To mine! Ismenia, come to me presently.

CLIDAMANT,

speaking to Thimantes, whom he takes for Melintus.

Melintus, really I can no longer Suffer your importunity? why should you Imagine that J am the Author of Your trouble? J speak to no person her•• But to the Shepheardess Ismenia; J tell thee once again, she sent for me, And J am certain that the note is written And signed with her hand; 'tis true, this fair one Sighs only for the love of me, her mouth Hath told it me already, and I answer Unto her fires with a mutual heat; Assure your self, and settle upon this My faithfull protestation, that Diana Ne'r made me sigh.

THIMANTES.

softly.

O most persidious!

CLIDAMANT.

See what an injury you do me now, To satisfie you yet more fully hold,

There are the writing Tables, see her name. Examin't well, and take repose at last Without disturbing mine. D'ye place your glo∣ry In persecuting me?

THIMANTES.

softly.

Shame of my love, Depart my memory, J have wherewith Both to reproach, and to convict thy falshood; And when I've done it, treacherous spirit, I'l quit thee, And then J shall be satisfied.

CLIDAMANT.

Melintus, What is't thou murmur'st yet? J must break with thee, If this st••ange humour lasts, in acting thus, You will lo•••• all your friends, your jealous head, And strange fantastick humours, but he's gone; I will return unto the object which Both charms and loves me.

PARTHENIA,

to ISMENIA.

There's our discourse, Make an end on't thy self.

CLIDAMANT.

I'm rid at last Of my impertinent; jealous Melintus Hath left me now.

ISMENIA.

Adieu, let us retire. I'm certainly inform'd that thy ambition Aspireth to Parthenia, in vain then Thou holdest me discourse.

CLIDAMANT.

In two words J will tell thee, that J have

Too full a knowledge of the eminence Of her condition, as to dare to lift My hope so high: Oh if I durst to love her; But being less ambitious, J obey My duty, and J better know my self, Adieu until to morrow.

PARTHENIA,

to ISMENIA.

Oh Ismenia! What content have J? and how skilfull art thou In this affair of love? I do admire Thy wit, and thy invention; the thing Answered my wish.

ISMENIA.

By this discourse of his You may perceive love under that respect, Like fire under its ashes; 'tis not lately, Your charms have taken him.

PARTHENIA.

In the mean time—

ISMENIA.

In the mean time, live all fair wits, say J; Without me, you had been reduc'd unto A sad condition, to die with grief, And love, without expressing it.

PARTHENIA.

'Tis late; Come, in the absence of the day let's prove, If sleep will follow on the steps of love.