Chapter 36

Enter _Ismena_ with a Veil.

_Ism._ _Alberto_ is not come yet, sure he loves me; But ‘tis not Tears, and Knees, that can confirm me; No, I must be convinc’d by better Argument. --Deceit, if ever thou a Guide wert made To amorous Hearts, assist a Love-sick Maid.

Enter _Alberto_.

_Alb._ Your pleasure, Madam? --Oh that she would be brief, And send me quickly from her, For her Eyes will overthrow my purpose. [Aside.

_Ism._ _Alberto_, do you love me?

_Alb._ No.

_Ism._ No! have you deceiv’d me then?

_Alb._ Neither, _Clarina_; when I told you so, By Heaven, ‘twas perfect Truth.

_Ism._ And what have I done since should Merit your Dis-esteem?

_Alb._ Nothing but what has rais’d it.

_Ism._ To raise your Esteem, then it seems, is To lessen your Love; or, as most Gallants are, You’re but pleas’d with what you have not; And love a Mistress with great Passion, till you find Your self belov’d again, and then you hate her.

_Alb._ You wrong my Soul extremely, ‘Tis not of that ungrateful nature; To love me is to me a greater Charm Than that of Wit or Beauty.

_Ism._ I’m glad on’t, Sir; then I have pleasant News for you, I know a Lady, and a Virgin too, That loves you with such Passion, As has oblig’d me to become her Advocate.

_Alb._ I am very much oblig’d to her, If there be any such.

_Ism._ Upon my Life, there is; I am in earnest, The Lady is my Sister too.

_Alb._ How, _Clarina_, this from you?

_Ism._ Nay, I have promis’d her, that you shall love her too, Since both her Birth and Beauty merits you.

_Alb._ Away, false Woman: I love your Sister! No, I will hate ye both.

_Ism._ Why so Angry? Alas, it is against my Will I do it.

_Alb._ Did you betray my Faith, when ‘twas so easy To give a credit to your tale of Love? --Oh Woman, faithless Woman!

_Ism._ _Alberto_, with a world of shame I own That I then lov’d you, and must do so still: But since that Love must be accounted criminal, And that a world of danger does attend it; I am resolv’d, though I can never quit it, To change it into kind Esteem for you; And would ally you, Sir, as near to me, As our unkind Stars will permit me.

_Alb._ I thank you, Madam: Oh, what a shame it is, To be out-done in Virtue, as in Love!

_Ism._ Another favour I must beg of you, That you will tell _Antonio_ what is past.

_Alb._ How mean you, Madam?

_Ism._ Why, that I love you, Sir, And how I have deceiv’d him into confidence.

_Alb._ This is strange; you cannot mean it sure.

_Ism._ When I intend to be extremely good, I would not have a secret Sin within, Though old, and yet repented too: no, Sir, Confession always goes with Penitence.

_Alb._ Do you repent you that you lov’d me then?

_Ism._ Not so; but that I did abuse _Antonio_.

_Alb._ And can you think that this will cure his Jealousy?

_Ism._ Doubtless it will, when he knows how needless ‘tis; For when they’re most secure, they’re most betray’d: Besides, I did but act the part he made; And Ills he forces, sure he’ll not upbraid. Go seek out _Antonio_.

_Alb._ You have o’ercome me, Madam, every way, And this your last Command I can obey; Your Sister too I’ll see, and will esteem, But you’ve my Heart, which I can ne’er redeem.

[Exeunt severally.