er_ Alcippus.

_Alcip_. The Night is calm and silent as my Thoughts,
Where nothing now but Love's 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 persuades 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 satisfy their appetites of Freedom.
--Pride, Honour, Glory, and Ambition strive
How to expel 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.

_Isil_. [_Within_.] 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 Jealousy
Will grow the mightier Devil of the two else. [Alcan. _comes out_.
--Who's this? one muffled in a Cloke?
What art thou, who at this dead time of Night
Hast took possession here?
--Speak, or I'll 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.

_Alcip_. Is that thy business then? have at thee, Slave?
I'll spoil your keeping doors. [_Runs at him_.

[_They fight, and grapling_, Alcander _gets the Sword of_ Alcippus.

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

_Alcan_. I'm wounded, yet I will not leave him so;
There may be Mischief in him, though unarm'd.

[_Goes in_.

SCENE VI. A Bed-chamber.

_Discovers_ Erminia, Philander _sitting on the Bed, to them_
Isillia, _a Sword and Hat on the Table_.

_Isil_. Ah, Madam, _Alcippus_.

_Er. Alcippus_, where?

_Isil_. I left him in a quarrel with _Alcander_,
And hear him coming up.

_Er_. For Heaven's 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'll beg you'll be conceal'd, [_A noise_.
He comes; _Philander_, for my safety go.

_Phi_. I never did obey with more regret.

[_He hides h