Fred. What have I done?  I shall betray myself, and confess my love to be laughed at, by this hard-hearted woman. [Aside.] ’Tis true, madam, I had forgot; he is, indeed, my father, and therefore you may use him as kindly as you please.

Luc. He’s insensible:  Now he enrages me. [Aside.] What if he proposes to marry me?  I am not yet professed, and ’twould be much to my advantage.

Fred. Marry you!  I had rather die a thousand deaths, than suffer it.

Luc. This begins to please me. [Aside. But why should you be so much my enemy?

Fred. Your enemy, madam!  Why, do you desire it?

Luc. Perhaps I do.

Fred. Do it, madam, since it pleases you so well.

Luc. But you had rather die, than suffer it.

Fred. No, I have changed my mind:  I’ll live, and not be concerned at it.

Luc. Do you contradict yourself so soon?  Then know, sir, I did intend to do it; and I am glad you have given me advice so agreeable to my inclinations.

Fred. Heaven! that you should not find it out!  I delivered your letter on purpose to my father, and ’twas my business, now, to come and mediate for him.

Luc. Pray, then, carry him the news of his good success.  Adieu, sweet prince!

Fred. Adieu, dear madam.

Asca. Hey day! what will this come to?  They have cozened one another into a quarrel; just like friends in fencing, a chance thrust comes, and then they fall to it in earnest.

Hip. You and I, brother, shall never meet upon even terms, if this be not pieced.—­Face about, madam; turn quickly to your man, or, by all that’s virtuous, I’ll call the abbess.

Asca. I must not be so bold with you, sir; but, if you please, you may turn towards the lady:  and, I suppose, you would be glad I durst speak to you with more authority, to save the credit of your willingness.

Fred. Well, I’ll shew her I dare stay, if it be but to confront her malice.

Luc. I am sure I have done nothing to be ashamed of, that I should need to run away.

Asca. Pray give me leave, sir, to ask you but one question; Why were you so unwilling that she should be married to your father?

Fred. Because then her friendship must wholly cease.

Asca. But you may have her friendship, when she is married to him.

Fred. What! when another has enjoyed her?

Asca. Victoria, Victoria! he loves you, madam; let him deny it, if he can.

Luc. Fye, fye, loves me, Ascanio!  I hope he would not forswear himself, when he has railed so much against it.

Fred. I hope I may love your mind, madam; I may love spiritually.

Hip. That’s enough, that’s enough:  Let him love the mind without the body, if he can.