o win her
At one time, for I would blush
Such a craven proposition
Came from me, because the lover
Who could keep his jealousy hidden,
Would condone even shame thereafter,
Were the opportunity given;
But I say that you should learn
Which of you it is your mistress
Gives the preference to, then....

LELIUS. Stay!--
For it were an act too timid,
Too faint-hearted thus to ask
Of a lady such admission
As the choosing him or me.
For if me she chose, more fixed
Is my call for satisfaction;
For his fault has this addition,
He loves one who loves but me.
If to him the choice is given,
This intensifies my anger
All the more, that she, my mistress,
Whom I love, should love another.
Her selection could do little
In the matter, which at last
To our swords should be committed,--
The accepted for his honour,
The refused for his dismissal.

FLORUS. I confess that I adopt
Altogether that opinion,
Still the privilege of selection
May to ladies be permitted;
So to-day I mean to ask her
Of her father. 'Tis sufficient
To have come here to the field,
And my naked sword uplifted,
(Specially as one is by
Who the further fight resisteth,)
For my honour;--so to sheathe,
Lelius, my sword I'm willing.
[Sheathes his sword.

LELIUS. By your argument and action,
Florus, you have half convinced me;
I forego the remaining half--
True or false, I thus act with you.
[Sheathes his sword.
I to-day will seek her father.

CYPRIAN. On, of course, the supposition,
That this lady you pay court to
Suffers naught by the admission,
Since you both have spoken proudly
Of her virtue and her strictness,
Tell me who she is; for I,
Who am held throughout the city
In esteem, would for you both
Speak to her at first a little
That she thus may be prepared
When her father tells your wishes.

LELIUS. You are right.

CYPRIAN. Her name?

FLORUS. Justina,
Daughter of Lysander.

CYPRIAN. Little,
Now that I have heard her name,
Seem the praises you have given her;
She is virtuous as she's noble.
Instantly I'll pay my visit.

FLORUS [aside]. May heaven grant that in my favour