ove,
Nor knew I that I had that easy flame,
Till by her Eyes I found that she was mortal,
And could love too, and that my Friend is you.

_Alcip_. Thou hast amaz'd me, prithee speak more clearly.

_Pis_. My Lord, the Princess has a passion for you,
Have I not reason now to be your Enemy?

_Alcip_. Not till I make returns:
But now I'm past redemption miserable.
'Twas she _Erminia_ told me dy'd for me;
And I believ'd it but a slight of hers,
To put me from my Courtship.

_Pis_. No, 'twas a fatal Truth:
_Alcippus_, hadst thou seen her, whilst the Priest
Was giving thee to fair _Erminia_,
What languishment appear'd upon her Eyes,
Which never were remov'd from thy lov'd Face,
Through which her melting Soul in drops distill'd,
As if she meant to wash away thy Sin,
In giving up that Right belong'd to her,
Thou hadst without my aid found out this truth:
A sweet composure dwelt upon her looks,
Like Infants who are smiling whilst they die;
Nor knew she that she wept, so unconcern'd
And freely did her Soul a passage find;
Whilst I transported had almost forgot
The Reverence due t'her sacred self and Place,
And every moment ready was to kneel,
And with my lips gather the precious drops,
And rob the Holy Temple of a Relick,
Fit only there t'inhabit.

_Alcip_. I never thought thou'dst had this Softness in thee.
How cam'st thou, Friend, to hide all this from me?

_Pis_. My Lord, I knew not that I was a Lover;
I felt no flame, but a religious Ardour,
That did inspire my Soul with adoration;
And so remote I was from ought but such,
I knew not Hope, nor what it was to wish
For other blessings than to gaze upon her:
Like Heaven I thought she was to be possess'd,
Where carnal Thoughts can no admittance find;
And had I not perceiv'd her Love to you,
I had not known the nature of my flame:
But then I found it out by Jealousy,
And what I took for a Seraphick motion,
I now decline as criminal and earthly.

_Alcip_. When she can love to a discovery,
It shows her Passion eminent and high;
--But I am married--to a Maid that hates me:
What help for that, _Pisaro_?
And thou hast something too to say of her,
What was't? for now thou hast undone me quite.

_Pis_. I have nought to say to her dishonour, Sir,
But something may be done may give you cause
To stand upon your Guard;
And if your Rage do not the mastery get,
I cannot doubt but what you'll be happy yet.

_Alcip_. Without _Erminia_ that can hardly be,
And yet I fin