SCENE VII.

LELIO, EUGENIO, CRICCA.

LEL. Eugenio, these words are wonders past belief. Is your old father of so poor a judgment, To think it in the power of man to turn One person to another?

EUG. Lelio, his desire T' enjoy your sister Flavia begets hope, Which, like a waking dream, makes false appearance Lively as truth itself.

LEL. But who's the man That works these miracles?

EUG. An astrologer.

LEL. How deals astrology with transmutation?

CRI. Under the veil and colour of astrology, He clouds his hellish skill in necromancy. Believe it, by some art or false imposture, He'll much disturb your love, and yours, Eugenio.

LEL. Eugenio, 'tis high time for us t' awake; And, as you love our Flavia, and I Your sister, fair Sulpitia, let's do something Worthy their beauties. Who falls into a sea Swoll'n big with tempest, but he boldly beats The waves with arms and legs to save his life? So let us strive 'gainst troublous storms of love With our best power, lest after we ascribe The loss to our dull negligence, not fortune.

EUG. Lelio, had I no interest in your sister, The holy league of friendship should command me, Besides the seconding Sulpitia's love, Who to your nobleness commends her life.

LEL. She cannot outlove me,[303] nor you outfriend me; For th' sacred name whereof I have rejected Your father's offers, importunities, Letters, conditions, servants, friends, and, lastly, His tender of Sulpitia in exchange For Flavia. But though I love your sister Like mine own soul, yet did the laws of friendship Master that strong affection, and deni'd him.

EUG. Thanks ever, and as long shall my best service Wait on your will. Cricca, our hope's in thee; Thou must instruct us.

CRI. You must trust in fortune, That makes or mars the wisest purposes.

LEL. What say'st? what think'st?

CRI. Here's no great need of thinking Nor speech; the oil of scorpions cures their poison. The thing itself that's bent to hurt and hinder you, Offers a remedy: 'tis no sooner known, But th' worst on't is prevented.

EUG. How, good Cricca?

CRI. Soon as you see this false Antonio Come near your doors, with speeches made of purpose, Full of humility and compassion; With long narrations, how he 'scap'd from shipwreck, And other feign'd inventions of his dangers, Bid him begone; and if he press to enter, Fear not the reverence of your father's looks; Cudgel him thence.

LEL. But were't not better, Cricca, Keep him fast lock'd, till his own shape return; And so by open course of law correct him.

CRI. No. For my master would conceive that counsel Sprung from my brains, and so should I repent it. Advise no more, but home, and charge your people That, if Antonio come, they drive him thence With threat'ning words--and blows, if need be.

LEL. 'Tis done. I kiss your hands, Eugenio.

EUG. Your servant, sir. [_Exit_ LELIO.