'tis in vain.

_Ant._ Oh villanous Dissembler! [Aside.

_Alb._ She's cruel, strangely cruel,
And I'm resolv'd to give the Courtship o'er.

_Ant._ Sure, Friend, thou hast not us'd thy wonted power.

_Alb._ Yes, all that I know I'm master of, I us'd.

_Ant._ But didst thou urge it home? did she not see
Thy Words and Actions did not well agree?
Canst thou dissemble well? didst cry and melt,
As if the pain you but express'd, you felt?
Didst kneel, and swear, and urge thy Quality,
Heightning it too with some Disgrace on me?
And didst thou too assail her feeble side?
For the best bait to Woman is her Pride;
Which some mis-call her Guard:
Didst thou present her with the set of Jewels?
For Women naturally are more inclin'd
To Avarice, than Men: pray tell me, Friend.
--Vile Woman! did she take them--

_Alb._ I never ask'd her that.

_Clar._ Poor _Antonio_, how I pity him. [Aside.

_Ant._ No!

_Alb_. No, I've done enough to satisfy thy Jealousy.
Here, take your set of Jewels back again; [Gives a Box.
Upon my Life _Clarina_ is all Chastity.

_Ant._ I were the happiest Man on Earth, were this but true;
But what are single Courtships?--give her these,
Which will assist thy Tongue to win her Heart;
And that once got, the other soon will follow;
There's far more Women won by Gold than Industry:
Try that, my dear _Alberto_,
And save thy Eyes the trouble of dissembling.

_Alb._ Content thee here, and do not tempt thy Fate,
I have regard unto thy Honour, Friend;
And should she yield, as Women are no Gods,
Where were thy future Joys?
What is't could make thee happy, or restore
That true Contentment which thou hadst before?
Alas! thou tempt'st me too, for I am frail,
And Love above my Friendship may prevail.

_Ant._ This will not do;
No, as thou art my Friend, and lov'st my Honour,
Pursue _Clarina_ further;
Rally afresh, and charge her with this Present,
Disturb her every night with Serenades;
Make Love-Songs to her, and then sing them too;
Thou hast a Voice enough alone to conquer.

_Alb._ Fool, _Antonio_! [Aside.

_Ant._ Come, wilt thou undertake it once again?

_Alb._ I would not.

_Ant._ I am resolv'd to get this tryal made,
And if thou dost refuse thy Amity,
I'll try a Friend more willing, though less faithful;
With thee my Wife and Honour too are safe,
For should she yield, and I by