The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Iii Part 95

_Page_. My Lord, is't you are fallen?

Help, Murder! Murder!

_Pis_. Hold, bawling Dog.

_Enter_ Alcippus _in a Night-gown, with a Sword in his hand, a_ Page _with Lights_.

_Alcip_. 'Twas hereabouts--who's this, _Pisaro_ wounded?

[_He looks up_.

How cam'st thou thus? Come up into my Arms.

_Pis_. 'Twas Jealousy, _Alcippus_, that wild Monster, Who never leaves us till he has thus betray'd us.

--Pox on't, I am asham'd to look upon thee.

I have disturb'd you to no purpose, Sir.

I am not wounded, go to bed again.

_Alcan_. I'll see thee to thy Lodgings first, _Pisaro_.

_Pis_. 'Twill be unkind both to your self and me.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE VII. The Court Gallery.

_Enter_ Philander _and_ Alcander _with a Light_.

_Alcan_. He's gone, whoe'er he be.

_Phi_. It could not be _Alcippus_.

_Alcan_. I rather fear _Pisaro_, --But we soon enough shall know: Who's this?

_Enter_ Erminia _in her Night-gown, and_ lsillia _with Lights_.

_Er_. Methought I heard _Alcippus_ and the Prince Before the cry of Murder.

I die if those two Rivals have encounter'd.

_Phi_. Ah, Madam, cease that fear, they both are safe From all but from the Wounds which you have given them.

_Er_. Oh G.o.ds, what make you here! and where's _Alcippus_?

_Phi_. Where I had been had Heaven been bountiful.

_Er_. Alas, Sir, what do you mean? what have you done?

And where have you bestow'd him?

_Phi_. Why all this high concern, _Erminia_?

Has he so reconcil'd you to him since I saw you last?

This is not kind to me.

_Er_. Oh, tell me not of kindness, where's _Alcippus_?

_Alcan_. Madam, of whom do you demand _Alcippus_?

Neither of us have seen him.

_Phi_. Go, you are a Woman, a vain peevish Creature.

_Er_. Sir, 'tis but just you should excuse my Fear, _Alcippus_ is my Husband, and his Safety Ought to become my care.

_Phi_. How, _Erminia_!

Can you so soon yield up my right to him, And not blush whilst you own your Perjury?

_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 Pa.s.sion; 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 G.o.ds, 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.