And I'll endeavour too to merit it.

_Alb._ What you have said, I do confess is true,
_Antonio_ beg'd I would make love to you;
But, Madam, whilst my heart was unconfin'd,
A thousand ways the Treachery I declin'd--
But now, _Clarina_, by my Life I swear,
It is my own concern that brings me here:
Had he been just to you, I had suppress'd
The Flames your Eyes have kindled in my Breast;
But his Suspicion rais'd my Passion more,
And his Injustice taught me to adore:
But 'tis a Passion which you may allow,
Since its effects shall never injure you.

_Ism._ You have oblig'd me, Sir, by your Confession,
And I shall own it too at such a rate,
As both becomes my Duty to _Antonio_,
And my Respect to you; but I must beg
You'll never name your Passion to me more,
That guilty Language, Sir, I must not hear:
--And yet your silence kills me. [Aside.

_Isab._ Very well dissembled. [Aside.

_Alb._ I can obey you, Madam, though I cannot live,
Whilst you command me silence;
For 'tis a Flame that dares not look abroad
To seek for pity from another's Eyes.

_Ism._ How he moves me! if this were real now,
Or that he knew to whom he made this Courtship-- [Aside.

_Alb._ Oh, do not turn away as if displeas'd.

_Ism._ No more, you've discompos'd my thoughts;
Be gone, and never let me see thy Face again.

_Alb._ Madam, I go, and will no more offend you,
--But I will look my last--farewel. [Offers to go.

_Isab._ Pray, Madam, call him back, he may be desperate.
--My Lord, return--

_Ism._ _Alberto_, tell me what you'd have me do.

_Alb._ Ah, Madam, do not put me to my choice,
For Lovers are unreasonable;
If I might name it, I would have you love me.

_Ism._ Love you, and what would be the end of that?

_Alb._ I cannot tell, but wish you were inclin'd
To make a tryal, Madam;
I have no thought or wish beyond that Blessing,
And that once gain'd, sure I should ask no more.

_Ism._ Were I inclin'd to this, have you consider'd
The fatal Consequences which attend
The breach of Vows and Friendship?

_Alb._ Madam, _Antonio_ first was false to you,
And not to punish that were such a Virtue
As he would never thank you for;
By all that's good, till he prov'd so to you,
He had my Soul in keeping;
But this act makes me resolve
To recompense his Folly.

_Ism._ You've found the easiest Passage to my Heart,
You'v