Act 2 — SCENE VII. The Court Gallery.
Reading edition
Enter Philander and Alcander with a Light.
Alcan. He’s gone, whoe’er he be.
Phi. It could not be Alcippus.
Alcan. I rather fear Pisaro, —But we soon enough shall know: Who’s this?
Enter Erminia in her Night-gown, and lsillia with Lights.
Er. Methought I heard Alcippus and the Prince Before the cry of Murder. I die if those two Rivals have encounter’d.
Phi. Ah, Madam, cease that fear, they both are safe From all but from the Wounds which you have given them.
Er. Oh Gods, what make you here! and where’s Alcippus?
Phi. Where I had been had Heaven been bountiful.
Er. Alas, Sir, what do you mean? what have you done? And where have you bestow’d him?
Phi. Why all this high concern, Erminia? Has he so reconcil’d you to him since I saw you last? This is not kind to me.
Er. Oh, tell me not of kindness, where’s Alcippus?
Alcan. Madam, of whom do you demand Alcippus? Neither of us have seen him.
Phi. Go, you are a Woman, a vain peevish Creature.
Er. Sir, ‘tis but just you should excuse my Fear, Alcippus is my Husband, and his Safety Ought to become my care.
Phi. How, Erminia! Can you so soon yield up my right to him, And not blush whilst you own your Perjury?
Er. Now, Sir, you are much to blame; I could have borne the rest, but this concerns me: I fear I have but too well kept my Vows with you, Since you are grown but to suspect I have not.
Phi. Pardon me, Dear, the errors of my Passion; It was a Sin so natural, That even thy unkindly taking it Approach’d too near it, not to gain my Pardon; But tell me why you askt me for Alcippus?
Er. Sir, e’er I could dispose my Eyes to sleep, I heard the Musick at my Chamber-door, And such a Song as could be none but yours; But that was finish’d in a noise less pleasant, In that of Swords and Quarrel; And amongst which, I thought I heard yours and _Alcippus’. Voice: (For I have kept my word, and lay not with him) This brought me hither; but if I mistook, Once more I beg your pardon.
Phi. Thou hast restor’d me to a world of Joys, By what thou now hast said.
Enter Alcippus, his Sword in his Hand, a Page with Light, he stands a while.
Alcip. Erminia! and the Prince! embracing too! I dream, and know she could not be thus base, Thus false and loose— But here I am inform’d it is no Vision; —This was design’d before, I find it now. [Lays his hand on his heart.
Er. Alcippus, oh my fears! [Goes to them, takes her by the hand.
Alcip. Yes, Madam, Too soon arriv’d for his and your repose.
Phi. Alcippus, touch her not.
Alcip. Not touch her! by Heaven, I will, And who shall hinder me? Who is’t dares say I shall not touch my Wife?
Phi. Villain, thou ly’st.
Alcip. That y’are my Prince shall not defend you here. Draw, Sir, for I have laid respect aside.
[Strikes, they fight a little, Alcippus is wounded, Alcander supports him.
Er. Oh Gods, what mean you? hold, Philander, hold.
Phi. Life of my Soul, retire, I cannot hear that Voice and disobey; And you must needs esteem him at low rates, Who sells thee and his Honour for a Tear.
Er. Upon my knees I beg to be obey’d, [She kneels. —But if I must not, here discharge your Anger.
Phi. You are too great a Tyrant where you may.
[Exeunt Erminia and Alcippus.
Phi. Stay, shall I let her go? shall her Commands, Though they have power to take my Life away, Have force to suffer me to injure her? Shall she be made a prey, and I permit it, Who only have the interest to forbid it? —No, let me be accurst then. [Offers to follow.
Alcan. What mean you, Sir?
Phi. Force the bold Ravisher to resign my Right. Alcander, is not she my Wife, and I his Prince?
Alcan. ‘Tis true, Sir: And y’ave both power and justice on your side; And there are times to exercise ‘em both.
Phi. Fitter than this, Alcander?
Alcan. This night Erminia’s Promise may repose you; To morrow is your own— Till then I beg you’d think your interest safe.
Phi. Alcander, thou hast peace about thee, and canst judge Better than I, ‘twixt what is just and fit. [Puts up his Sword. I hitherto believ’d my Flame was guided By perfect Reason: so we often find Vessels conducted by a peaceful Wind, And meet no opposition in their way, Cut a safe passage through the flattering Sea: But when a Storm the bounding Vessel throws, It does each way with equal rage oppose; For when the Seas are mad, could that be calm Like me, it wou’d be ruin’d in the Storm.
[Exeunt.