The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Iii Part 89

_Er_. No, Sir, it is no crime, or if it be, Let Prince _Philander_ make the Peace for me; He 'twas that taught the Sin (if Love be such.)

_Org. Erminia_, peace, he taught you then too much.

_Er_. Nay, Sir, you promis'd me you wou'd not blame My early Love, if 'twere a n.o.ble Flame.

_Org_. Than this a more unhappy could not be; Destroy it, or expect to hear of me.

[_Offers to go out_.

_Er_. Alas, I know 'twould anger you, when known.

[_She stays him_.

_Org. Erminia_, you are wondrous daring grown.

Where got you courage to admit his Love, Before the King or I did it approve?

_Er_. I borrow'd Courage from my Innocence, And my own Virtue, Sir, was my defence.

_Philander_ never spoke but from a Soul, That all dishonest Pa.s.sions can controul; With Flames as chaste as Vestals that did burn, From whence I borrow'd mine, to make return.

_Org_. Your Love from Folly, not from Virtue grew; You never could believe he'd marry you.

_Er_. Upon my life no other thing he spoke, But those from dictates of his Honour took.

_Org_. Though by his fondness led he were content To marry thee, the King would ne'er consent.

Cease then this fruitless Pa.s.sion, and incline Your Will and Reason to agree with mine, _Alcippus_ I dispos'd you to before, And now I am inclin'd to it much more.

Some days I had design'd t'have given thee To have prepar'd for this solemnity; But now my second thoughts believe it fit, You should this night to my desires submit.

_Er_. This night! Ah, Sir, what is't you mean to do?

_Org_. Preserve my Credit, and thy Honour too.

_Er_. By such resolves you me to ruin bring.

_Org_. That's better than to disoblige my King.

_Er_. But if the King his liking do afford, Would you not with _Alcippus_ break your word?

Or would you not to serve your Prince's life, Permit your Daughter to become his Wife?

_Org_. His Wife, _Erminia_! if I did believe Thou could'st to such a thought a credit give, I would the interest of a Father quit, And you, _Erminia_, have no need of it: Without his aid you can a Husband chuse; Gaining the Prince you may a Father lose.

_Er_. Ah, Sir, these words are Poniards to my Heart; And half my Love to Duty does convert; Alas, Sir, I can be content to die, But cannot suffer this Severity: [_Kneels_.

That care you had, dear Sir, continue still, I cannot live and disobey your will. [_Rises_.

_Org_. This duty has regain'd me, and you'll find A just return; I shall be always kind.

--Go, rea.s.sume your Beauty, dry your Eyes; Remember 'tis a Father does advise. [_Goes out_.

_Er_. Ungrateful Duty, whose uncivil Pride By Reason is not to be satisfy'd; Who even Love's Almighty Power o'erthrows, Or does on it too rigorous Laws impose; Who bindest up our Virtue too too strait, And on our Honour lays too great a weight.

Coward, whom nothing but thy power makes strong; Whom Age and Malice bred t'affright the young; Here thou dost tyrannize to that degree, That nothing but my Death will set me free.

[_Ex_. Erm. _and_ Isil.

SCENE IV. Philander's _Apartments_.

_Enter_ Philander _and_ Alcander.

_Phil_. Urge it no more, your Reasons do displease me; I offer'd her a Crown with her _Philander_, And she was once pleas'd to accept of it.

She lov'd me too, yes, and repaid my flame, As kindly as I sacrific'd to her: The first salute we gave were harmless Love, Our Souls then met, and so grew up together, Like sympathizing Twins.

And must she now be ravish'd from my Arms?

Will you, _Erminia_, suffer such a Rape?

What though the King have said it shall be so, 'Tis not his pleasure can become thy Law, No, nor it shall not.

And though he were my G.o.d as well as King, I would instruct thee how to disobey him; Thou shalt, _Erminia_, bravely say, I will not; He cannot force thee to't against thy will.

--Oh G.o.ds, shall duty to a King and Father Make thee commit a Murder on thy self, Thy sacred self, and me that do adore thee?

No, my _Erminia_, quit this vain devoir, And follow Love that may preserve us all: --Presumptuous Villain, bold Ingrat.i.tude-- Hadst thou no other way to pay my favours?

By Heaven, 'twas bravely bold, was it not, _Alcander_?

_Alcan_. It was somewhat strange, Sir; But yet perhaps he knew not that you lov'd her.

_Phil_. Not know it! yes, as well as thou and I.

The world was full on't, and could he be ignorant?

Why was her Father call'd from banishment, And plac'd about the King, but for her sake?

What made him General, but my Pa.s.sion for her?

What gave him twenty thousand Crowns a year, But that which made me captive to _Erminia_, Almighty Love, of which thou say'st he is ignorant?

How has he order'd his audacious flame, That I cou'd ne'er perceive it all this while.

_Alcan_. Then 'twas a flame conceal'd from you alone, To the whole Court, besides, 'twas visible.

He knew you would not suffer it to burn out; And therefore waited till his services Might give encouragement to's close design.

If that could do't he n.o.bly has endeavour'd it, But yet I think you need not yield her, Sir.

_Phi_. _Alcippus_, I confess, is brave enough, And by such ways I'll make him quit his claim; He shall to morrow to the Camp again, And then I'll own my Pa.s.sion to the King; He loves me well, and I may hope his pity.

_Till then be calm, my Heart, for if that fail_, [_Points to his Sword_.

_This is the argument that will prevail_.

[_Exeunt_.

ACT II.

THE REPRESENTATION OF THE WEDDING.

_The Curtain must be let down, and soft Musick must play: The Curtain being drawn up, discovers a scene of a Temple: The_ King _sitting on a Throne, bowing down to join the hands_ Alcippus _and_ Erminia, _who kneel on the steps of the Throne; the Officers of the Court and Clergy standing in order by, with_ Orgulius. _This within the Scene.

Without on the Stage_, Philander _with his Sword half drawn, held by_ Galatea, _who looks ever on_ Alcippus: Erminia _still fixing her Eyes on_ Philander; Pisaro _pa.s.sionately gazing on_ Galatea: Aminta _on_ Fallatio, _and he on her_: Alcander, Isillia, Cleontius, _in other several postures, with the rest, all remaining without motion, whilst the Musick softly plays; this continues a while till the Curtain falls; and then the Musick plays aloud till the Act begins_.