Chapter 65

_Enter_ 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_.