MELISSA

Gracious Sir, My temper can admit of no desires (Kneels. Suit not with my condition. If it be Decreed by providence, I can obey, But never wish. You have done A justice unto me and your own honour: I shall be happy when my Virgin freedom May make and equal choice. Delude her importunity with some slight, To Amanda privately. Shee'le be a trouble else. Ply it home, We'll raise some mirth from melancholy. I do believe That Oath will never be broken. That! what Cardente? Of Virgo I dare swear. How's that Cardente? But I will. What a creature Warms her self in her bosom, a Court Bawd; A cloth of tissue centinel. Yes, and worry thee; Thou mother of the maids! th'art fitter far To be the Madam regent of the stews, Nay we'll dissect thee. She's gone, and we are free, and now Amanda Let lose thy thoughts; for all are here imprisoned Thou shalt command releasement. O Amanda I love thy brother, and my virgin flame Grows every hour more violent. I speak a truth Although with blushes: If your anguish grow From that sweet passion, how our even states Hang in the balance? Have not I Like doubts? The Duke rivals Fidelio; and my father Urges unwilling honours, which my fears Dare not attempt to reach at. I had rather Sleep in the sweet embraces of thy brother, Then be advanced to greatness that will make me The object of men's envy. 2 Scene. Enter Infelice, Corvino, Car lent. Dearest brother, My knowledge owns no secret which I would not As freely make you master of as wish My self a happiness: I must confess My mother oft hath told me that you were not The issue of her Womb. Some I am, But urge not their discovery. Take th'assurance Of my resolves and promise. By that interest To Fidelio. My love does challenge, let us know the motives To this strange anger. Believe it, For it's a truth clear as the innocence Of babes: after the holy ceremony Hath purged the original stain. Even when It pleases the high providence. Honoured Sir, The duty which I owe you, and which ought not Be mentioned without reverence, humbles me Kneels, Thus to express it. If I could new mould My frame and temper fit for such great honours. I should embrace them with the entertainment Of my most ready will. My constitution Is of too course a matter to receive Such nice impressions. Those whom Heaven hath Ordained for Princes, are of purer earth Then common mortals sure; and by instinct Both know, and order their high difference, To make it fit for greatness. If I were The Duchess sir, my thoughts would still betray Me to my self; and such imperfect actions Receive their ordering from my weak abilities, They'd render me a scorn to those, that otherwise Would pay me reverence. Content abounds In riches, when the owners of crammed Treasuries Unsatisfied are beggars. Sir, the Duke Having refused me, how can I affect him? And where love is enforced. Sir, my duty shall not Give way to any act without your liking; Although I have desires I can restrain them From satisfaction. Exit. You would have it construed In that best sense. Very likely; You needs not wish it.