_Alph._ What debts, but those of love, have you to clear? Are you not free, are you not sovereign here? And were you not a slave, before I broke Your fatal chains, and loosed you from the yoke?
_Vict._ 'Tis true, I was; but that captivity, Though hard to bear, was more becoming me. A slave I am; but nature made me so, Slave to my father, not my father's foe: Since, then, you have declared me free, this hour I put myself within a parent's power.
_Alph._ Cruel Victoria! would you go from hence, And leave a desolate, despairing prince? Is this the freedom you demand from me? Are these the vows, and this the constancy? Put off the mask; for I too well perceive Whom you resolve to love, and whom to leave. Go, teach me at my own expence, to find What change a day can make in womankind.
_Vict._ Think not a day, nor all my life, can make Victoria's heart her steadfast love forsake. I plighted you my faith; and I renew My vows once more, to love but only you.
_Alph._ You vowed no time our fortune should divide; And well 'twas kept, like all your vows beside, When e'en this hour you went to be a bride.
_Vict._ I went; but was securely first prepared; For this was my redemption, or my guard. [_Pulls out a Dagger._ Let this your causeless jealousy remove; And learn no more to doubt Victoria's love.
_Alph._ That fatal proof I never did desire.
_Vict._ And yet a proof more fatal you require, Which would with infamy my name pursue; To fly my father, and to follow you.
_Alph._ Your love you forfeit, if you go away.
_Vict._ I forfeit my obedience, if I stay.
_Alph._ You may transfer your duty, and be mine.
_Vict._ Yes, when my father shall his claim resign; For, when the nuptial knot our love assures, All, that was his before, is, after, yours.
_Alph._ Then, when you vowed your love, you falsely swore.
_Vict._ I love you much, but love my honour more.
_Alph._ You hate my rival, yet you take the way To make you his inevitable prey.
_Vict._ Beasts fear not more to be the hunters' spoil.
_Alph._ Then, sure, you would not run into the toil. How ill your actions with your words agree!
_Vict._ This friend is still at hand to set me free. [_Holding up the Dagger._
_Alph._ Let me not live to see that fatal hour! Rather return into your father's power; Rather return into his arms again, For whom your lost Alphonso you disdain. If one must die, to set your honour free, You have already cast the lot on me. Death is the only way to clear my fame, Which must be branded with a coward's name, If basely I resign Victoria's charms, And tamely give you to my rival's arms.