t such an hour,
By this balcony ascending,
Gaineth that which I lose weeping
At these gratings.

LELIUS. This excelleth,
Good, in faith, is it thus to dim
The clear light of my resentment,
By attributing to me
That which solely your offence is!--
Who you are I have to know,
Death to give to him who has left me
Dead with jealousy here, by coming
From this balcony.

FLORUS. How excessive
How superfluous is this caution,
Proving what it would dissemble!

LELIUS. Vainly would the tongue untangle
That which the keen sword can better
Thus cut through.

FLORUS. With it I answer.
[They fight.

LELIUS. In this way I'll know for certain
Who is the admitted lover
Of Justina.

FLORUS. My intention
Is the same. I'll die or know you.

* * * * *

SCENE XIV.

Enter CYPRIAN, MOSCON, and CLARIN.

CYPRIAN. Gentlemen, I pray you let me
Interpose in this your quarrel,
Since by accident I am present.

FLORUS. You cannot oblige me more
Than by letting the fight be ended.

CYPRIAN. Florus?

FLORUS. Yes, for sword in hand,
I my name deny not ever
To who asks.

CYPRIAN. I'm at your side,
Death to him who would offend you.

LELIUS. You produce in me less fear,
Both of you thus joined together,
Than did he alone.

CYPRIAN. What! Lelius?

LELIUS. Yes.

CYPRIAN. I am prevented
[To Florus.
Now from standing at your side,
Since between you I present me.
How is this? In one day twice
Have I your disputes to settle!--

LELIUS. Then this time will be the last,
For we've settled them already;
Since in knowing who is he
Who Justina's heart possesses,
Now no more my hope remaineth,
Even the thought of it hath left me.
If you have not to Justina
Spoken yet, do not address her;
This I ask you in the name
Of my wrongs and my resentments,
Having seen her secret favours
Florus' happier fate deserveth.
From this balcony I saw him,
From my lost delight descending;
And my heart is not so base
As to meanly love, in presence
Of such jealousies so well proved,
Of disillusions, ah! so certain.
[Exit.

FL