I would, if my wild multitude of Passions
Could be appeas’d with it; but they’re for Liberty,
And nothing but a Common-wealth within
Will satisfy their appetites of Freedom. 
—­Pride, Honour, Glory, and Ambition strive
How to expel this Tyrant from my Soul,
But all too weak, though Reason should assist them.
                 [He knocks.  Alcander looks out at the door.

Alcan.  Who’s there?

Alcip.  A Friend.

Isil. [Within.] Oh Heavens! it is my Lord Alcippus’ voice.

Alcan.  Peace, Isillia.

Alcip.  I hear a Man within—­open the door. 
Now, Love, defend thy Interest, or my Jealousy
Will grow the mightier Devil of the two else. [Alcan. comes out. 
—­Who’s this? one muffled in a Cloke? 
What art thou, who at this dead time of Night
Hast took possession here? 
—­Speak, or I’ll kill thee.

Alcan.  This were an opportunity indeed To do my Prince a service, but I dare not.

Alcip.  What darest not do?

Alcan.  Not kill thee.

Alcip.  Is that thy business then? have at thee, Slave?  I’ll spoil your keeping doors. [Runs at him.

[They fight, and grapling, Alcander gets the Sword of Alcippus.

He’as got my Sword, however, I’ll lose no time: 
It may be ’tis his office to detain me. [He goes in.

Alcan.  I’m wounded, yet I will not leave him so; There may be Mischief in him, though unarm’d.

[Goes in.

SCENE VI.  A Bed-chamber.

Discovers Erminia, Philander sitting on the Bed, to them
Isillia, a Sword and Hat on the Table.

Isil.  Ah, Madam, Alcippus.

Er.  Alcippus, where?

Isil.  I left him in a quarrel with Alcander, And hear him coming up.

Er.  For Heaven’s sake, Sir, submit to be conceal’d.

Phi.  Not for the world, Erminia, My Innocence shall be my guard and thine.

Er.  Upon my knees I’ll beg you’ll be conceal’d, [A noise.  He comes; Philander, for my safety go.

Phi.  I never did obey with more regret.

    [He hides himself behind the Bed, and in haste leaves
    his Sword and Hat on the Table; Alcippus comes in.

Alcip.  How now, Erminia?  How comes it you are up so late?

Er.  I found my self not much inclin’d to sleep; I hope ’tis no offence.  Why do you look so wildly round about you?

Alcip.  Methinks, Erminia, you are much confus’d.

Er.  Alas, you cannot blame me; Isillia tells me you were much inrag’d Against a Lover she was entertaining.

Alcip.  A Lover—­was that a time for Courtship?  Such Actions, Madam, will reflect on you.