Aur. No more of that—Cease thy ungrateful Suit, Alonzo is a Man I cannot love; I own he's witty, generous, and brave; Has all the Charms that Nature can bestow To fire a Woman's Heart——Yet I'm insensible, His very Sight chills all my trembling Spirits; Therefore, name him no more—I charge thee do not.

——

Flor. Madam, I've done—Yet shall I be permitted To ask a Question? Are you then resolved Ne'er to admit a Passion in your Breast?

Aur. Oh! Dear Florella, press not a Confession, Which but too well my Eyes themselves disclose. Alas! I love—I love to such Excess, That tho' I know I'm lov'd again, my Mind Is still perplex'd with Doubts and jealous Fears.

Flor. You love and are belov'd! Then sure you reach The Height of human Bliss, and bounteous Heaven Can scarce give more——But who's the happy Man; Is it not Count Bassino?

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Aur. Oh! charming Name; there's Musick in that Sound! Yes, Count Bassino is the Man I love. Canst thou now blame my Coldness to Alonzo?

Flor. Forgive me, Madam, if I dare presume To speak my Sentiments: I must confess Bassino is a Man of excellent Virtue; His Education at the Court of Savoy Has still refin'd what he receiv'd from Nature; His Person too is charming—— And, what most Women court, he has a Title—— But then consider, you are unacquainted With his Estate, and tho' his Equipage Denotes an ample Fortune, yet we see Many a Stranger here during the Carnival, Who makes a Figure here by industrious Gaming. As for Alonzo, he was born at Venice, Of noble Parents; his Estate, a large one—— Even from his Youth you had his amorous Wishes, And as he grew in Years his Love increas'd: You lov'd him too——Nay, which is more, your Father Approv'd your mutual Loves, and at his Death Bequeath'd you to Alonzo.

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Aur. Oh! my Florella, thou hast rouz'd a Thought, Which will for ever break Aurelia's Rest. I know my Father's Tenderness to me Made him confirm Alonzo's Suit, for then I lov'd Alonzo—— But were my gentle Father still alive, I'm sure he would not cross my Inclinations, But, Oh! name not my Father; I cannot bear The sad Remembrance of so great a Loss.  [Weeps.

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