The Laws of Candy Part 21

None good, I fear.

Erota:

I fear so too; and then--

Antinous:

It is her hand.

Erota:

Are you not well?

Antinous:

Too well: if I were ought But Rock, this Letter would conclude my miseries, Peruse it (Lady) and resolve me then, In what a case I stand.

Decius:

Sir, the worst is, Your Fathers lowness and distaste.

Antinous:

No, _Decius_, My Sister writes _Fernando_ has made suit For love to her; and to express sincerely His constant truth, hath like a n.o.ble Gentleman, Discovered plots of treachery; contriv'd By false _Gonzalo_, not intending more The utter ruine of our house, than generally _Candies_ Confusion.

Decius:

'Tis a generous part Of young _Fernando_.

Antinous:

'Tis, and I could wish All thrift to his affections, _Decius_.

You find the sum on't, Madam.

Erota:

Yes, I do.

Antinous:

And can you now yet think a heart opprest With such a throng of cares, can entertain 279] An amorous thought? Love frees all toils but one, Calamity and it can ill agree.

Erota:

Wil't please you speak my doom?

Antinous:

Alas, great Lady, Why will you flatter thus a desperate Man That is quite cast away? O had you not Procur'd the Senates Warrant to enforce My stay, I had not heard of these sad News.

What would ye have me do?

Erota:

Love me, or kill me, One word shall sentence either; for as Truth Is just, if you refuse me, I am resolute Not to out-live my thraldome.

Antinous:

Gentle Lady.

Erota:

Say, must I live, or dye?

Decius:

My Lord, how can you Be so inexorable? here's Occasion Of succouring your Father in his wants Securely profer'd, pray Sir, entertain it.

Erota:

What is my sentence?

Antinous:

What you please to have it.

Erota:

As thou art gentle speak those words again.

Antinous:

Madam, you have prevail'd; yet give me leave Without offence, ere I resign the interest Your heart hath in my heart, to prove your secresie.

Erota:

_Antinous_, 'tis the greatest argument Of thy affections to me.

Antinous:

Madam, thus then, My Father stands for certain sums engag'd To treacherous _Gonzalo_; and has morgag'd The greatest part of his estate to him; If you receive this Morgage, and procure Acquittance from _Gonzalo_ to my Father, I am what you would have me be.

Erota:

You'll love me then?

Antinous:

Provided (Madam) that my Father know not I am an Agent for him.