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?