my fears!
[_Goes to them, takes her by the hand_.

_Alcip_. Yes, Madam,
Too soon arriv'd for his and your repose.

_Phi. Alcippus_, touch her not.

_Alcip_. Not touch her! by Heaven, I will,
And who shall hinder me?
Who is't dares say I shall not touch my Wife?

_Phi_. Villain, thou ly'st.

_Alcip_. That y'are my Prince shall not defend you here.
Draw, Sir, for I have laid respect aside.

[_Strikes, they fight a little_, Alcippus _is
wounded_, Alcander _supports him_.

_Er_. Oh Gods, what mean you? hold, _Philander_, hold.

_Phi_. Life of my Soul, retire,
I cannot hear that Voice and disobey;
And you must needs esteem him at low rates,
Who sells thee and his Honour for a Tear.

_Er_. Upon my knees I beg to be obey'd, [_She kneels_.
--But if I must not, here discharge your Anger.

_Phi_. You are too great a Tyrant where you may.

[_Exeunt_ Erminia _and_ Alcippus.

_Phi_. Stay, shall I let her go? shall her Commands,
Though they have power to take my Life away,
Have force to suffer me to injure her?
Shall she be made a prey, and I permit it,
Who only have the interest to forbid it?
--No, let me be accurst then.
[_Offers to follow_.

_Alcan_. What mean you, Sir?

_Phi_. Force the bold Ravisher to resign my Right.
_Alcander_, is not she my Wife, and I his Prince?

_Alcan_. 'Tis true, Sir:
And y'ave both power and justice on your side;
And there are times to exercise 'em both.

_Phi_. Fitter than this, _Alcander_?

_Alcan_. This night _Erminia's_ Promise may repose you;
To morrow is your own--
Till then I beg you'd think your interest safe.

_Phi. Alcander_, thou hast peace about thee, and canst judge
Better than I, 'twixt what is just and fit.
[_Puts up his Sword_.
I hitherto believ'd my Flame was guided
By perfect Reason: so we often find
Vessels conducted by a peaceful Wind,
And meet no opposition in their way,
Cut a safe passage through the flattering Sea:
But when a Storm the bounding Vessel throws,
It does each way with equal rage oppose;
For when the Seas are mad, could that be calm
Like me, it wou'd be ruin'd in the Storm.

[_Exeunt_.

ACT III.

SCENE I. _The apartments of_ Alcippus.

_Enter_ Alcippus _and_ Pisaro.

_Pis_. 'Tis much, my Lord, you'll not be satisfy'd.

_Alcip_. Friendship's too near