to return with Speed to Turin, T'obey my Prince's Orders. Honour and Justice tell me I'm Placentia's, And that Aurelia is Alonzo's Bride. To him she gave her Virgin Vows: Nay, more, To him her dying Father did bequeath her; He loves her too, and shall not be depriv'd: My Passion is subdu'd, and I'm resolv'd Myself to give Aurelia to Alonzo. Arm. If this be true, then you are my Friend again: But how came you to learn Aurelia's Engagement to Alonzo? Bass. I have it from himself, who an Hour since, With eager Fury sought to 'venge on me His injur'd Love, and challeng'd me to fight: I chose with Justice to defend my Life, And quit Aurelia, rather than to vanquish In such a Cause—Alonzo strait embrac'd me, Call'd me his Friend, and vow'd I should not go, Till I had seen him join'd in solemn Marriage With bright Aurelia——This I readily granted. Canst thou believe me true? —— Arm. My Lord, I do believe you—— And am o'erjoy'd to hear your Resolution: By Heaven! there's more Glory in subduing Our wild Desires, than an embattl'd Foe. Now do I wish his Wife had never come. [Aside. —— [Aside. Bass. Armando, thou'rt my Friend, and on that Score I must desire you to repair to Turin, With all the Speed you can, to bear these Letters To our great Prince, and beg he will excuse My stay for three Days more——And here this Letter Bear to Placentia——speak to her the kindest The softest Things thy Fancy can suggest. I shall make good thy Promise—— My dear Placentia! Oh! that she were here, Panting and warm within these longing Arms! 'Tis a long Age since I did see her last! But come, my Friend, you must this Hour set forward. —— —— —— Arm. With all my Heart: But 'twill not be amiss, Before I go, to fix the Victory, Which conquering Virtue in your Breast has gain'd; And if what you pretend be real Truth, I have a welcome Present for Bassino. Madam, come forth—— —— Enter Placentia. Bass. What do I see! my Wife! This was a lucky Plot: [Aside. Hypocrisy did ne'er befriend me more. This was not like a Friend—why should Armando Disturb her soft Tranquility of Mind, And give her ocular Proofs of my Disloyalty? Oh! my Placentia! my beloved Wife! [Embraces her. Oh! that I
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