Scene I.

Enter Phædria and Parmeno .

Phæd. And what then shall I do? not go? not now? When she herself invites me? or were't best Fashion my mind no longer to endure These harlots' impudence? - Shut out! recall'd! Shall I return? No, not if she implore me.

Par. Oh brave! oh excellent! if you maintain it! But if you try, and can't go through with spirit, And finding you can't bear it, uninvited, Your peace unmade, all of your own accord, You come and swear you love, and can't endure it, Good-night! all's over! ruin'd and undone She'll jilt you, when she sees you in her pow'r.

Phæd. You then, in time consider and advise!

Par. Master! the thing which hath not in itself Or measure or advice, advice can't rule. In love are all these ills: suspicions, quarrels, Wrongs, reconcilements, war, and peace again: Things thus uncertain, if by reason's rules You'd certain make, it were as wise a task To try with reason to run mad. And now What you in anger meditate - I her? That him? - that me? that would not - pardon me! I would die rather: No! she shall perceive How much I am a man. - Big words like these, She in good faith with one false tiny drop, Which, after grievous rubbing, from her eyes Can scarce perforce be squeez'd, shall overcome. Nay, she shall swear, 'twas you in fault, not she; You too shall own th' offense, and pray for pardon.

Phæd. Oh monstrous! monstrous! now indeed I see How false she is, and what a wretch I am! Spite of myself I love; and knowing, feeling, With open eyes run on to my destruction; And what to do I know not.

Par. What to do? What should you do, Sir, but redeem yourself As cheaply as you can? - at easy rates If possible - if not - at any rate - And never vex yourself.

Phæd. Is that your counsel?

Par. Aye, if you're wise; and do not add to love More troubles than it has, and those it has Bear bravely! But she comes, our ruin comes; For she, like storms of hail on fields of corn, Beats down our hopes, and carries all before her.