The Laws of Candy Part 22

Erota:

If I fail In this, I am unworthy to be lov'd.

Antinous:

Then (with your favour) thus I seal my truth, 280] To day, and _Decius_ witness how unchangingly I shall still love _Erota_.

Erota:

Thou hast quickned A dying heart, _Antinous_.

Decius:

This is well; Much happiness to both.

[Enter _Hyparcha_]

Hyparcha:

The Lord _Gonzalo_ Attends you, Madam.

Erota:

Comes as we could wish, Withdraw _Antinous_, here's a Closet, where You may partake his errand; let him enter.

[_Enter_ Gonzalo]

Antinous:

Madam you must be wary.

[Exit

Erota:

Fear it not, I will be ready for him; to entertain him With smiling Welcome. n.o.ble Sir, you take Advantage of the time; it had been fit Some notice of your presence might have fas.h.i.+on'd A more prepared state.

Gonzalo:

Do you mock me, Madam?

Erota:

Trust me, you wrong your judgment, to repute My Grat.i.tude a fault; I have examin'd Your portly carriage, and will now confess It hath not slightly won me.

Gonzalo:

The Wind's turn'd; I thought 'twould come to this; it pleas'd us, Madam, At our last interview, to mention Love; Have you consider'd on't?

Erota:

With more than common Content: but Sir, if what you spoke you meant, (As I have cause to doubt) then--

Gonzalo:

What, (sweet Lady?)

Erota:

Methinks we should lay by this form of stateliness; Loves Courts.h.i.+p is familiar, and for instance, See what a change it hath begot in me, I could talk humbly now, as Lovers use.

Gonzalo:

And I, and I, we meet in one self-centre 281] Of blest Consent.

Erota:

I hope my weakness, Sir, Shall not deserve neglect; but if it prove so I am not the first Lady has been ruin'd By being too credulous; you will smart for't one day.

Gonzalo:

Angel-like Lady, let me be held a Villain, If I love not sincerely.

Erota:

Would I knew it.

Gonzalo:

Make proof by any fit Command.

Erota:

What, do you mean to marry me?

Gonzalo:

How! mean? nay more, I mean To make you Empress of my Earthly Fortunes, Regent of my desires, for did you covet To be a real Queen, I could advance you.

Erota:

Now I perceive you slight me, and would make me More simple than my s.e.xes frailty warrants.

Gonzalo:

But say your mind, and you shall be a Queen.

Erota: