Chapter 13

FLORUS and LELIUS.

LELIUS. Sir, whoever You may be, it doth import me To know who you are directly; So at every risk I come here, On this resolute quest determined. Say who are you.

FLORUS. If the accident Of my having been the observer Of your secret love, compels you To this valorous aggression, More than it can you concern Me to know, it doth concern me To know you; for to be curious Is far less than to be jealous. Yes, by Heaven! for who is master Of the house have I to learn here, Who it is at such an hour, By this balcony ascending, Gaineth that which I lose weeping At these gratings.

LELIUS. This excelleth, Good, in faith, is it thus to dim The clear light of my resentment, By attributing to me That which solely your offence is!-- Who you are I have to know, Death to give to him who has left me Dead with jealousy here, by coming From this balcony.

FLORUS. How excessive How superfluous is this caution, Proving what it would dissemble!

LELIUS. Vainly would the tongue untangle That which the keen sword can better Thus cut through.

FLORUS. With it I answer. [They fight.

LELIUS. In this way I'll know for certain Who is the admitted lover Of Justina.

FLORUS. My intention Is the same. I'll die or know you.

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