Lady,
Being certainly the worst to entertain them in the World.
_Ant._ His Face assures me he speaks of no Love to her now.
_Ism._ Alas, he speaks not to me.
Sure _Isabella_ was mistaken, who told me that he lov'd me.
--_Alberto_, if thou art oblig'd to me, [Aside.
For what I have not yet observ'd in thee,
Oh, do not say my Heart was easily won,
But blame your Eyes, whose forces none can shun.
_Ant._ Not a word, what can he mean by this?
_Ism._ Sir, will you please to sit a while?
_Isab._ Madam, the inner Chamber is much better,
For there he may repose upon the Cushions
Till my Lord's return; I see he is not well--
--And you are both sick of one Disease. [Aside.
_Alb._ I thank you, here's more Air,
--And that I need, for I am all on fire, [Aside.
And every Look adds fuel to my flame.
--I must avoid those Eyes, whose Light misguides me:
--Madam, I have some business calls me hence,
And cannot wait my Friend's return.
_Ism._ _Antonio_, Sir, will think 'tis my neglect
That drove you hence; pray stay a little longer.
_Alb._ You shall command me, if you can dispense
With so dull Company.
_Ism._ I can with any thing _Antonio_ loves.
_Alb_. Madam, it is a Virtue that becomes you;
For though your Husband should not merit this,
Your Goodness is not less to be admir'd;
But he's a Man so truly worth your Kindness,
That 'twere a Sin to doubt
Your Passion for him were not justly paid.
_Ism._ Sir, I believe you, and I hope he thinks
That my opinion of him equals yours;
'Tis plain he loves me not; [Aside.
Perhaps his Virtue, thinking me _Clarina_,
May hide the real Passion of his Soul.
Oh Love, what dangerous Paths thou mak'st us tread!
_Ant._ Cold, cold as Devotion, oh inhuman Friendship! [Aside.
_Alb._ What shall I do next? I must either be rude,
And say nothing, or speak of Love to her;
And then, my Friend, thou'rt lost should I prevail,
And I'm undone should she not hear my Tale,
Which for the World I would not have her hear;
And yet I fear my Eyes too much declare.
_Ism._ Since he's in so ill an Humour, let's leave him,
I'm satisfy'd now that thou'rt mistaken.
[Ex. _Ismena_ and _Isabella_ unseen.
_Alb._ But they shall gaze no more on hers,
Nor stray beyond the limits of a just Salute.
--I will my Honour to my Love prefer,
And my _Antonio_ shall out-rival her.
[Look
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