+Cam.+ 'Tis impossible. Ah, that dismal word Clearly states the difference of our fortunes! You in your first adventure have been cross'd, But I, before I can set out, am lost.
+Por.+ Pray, make me comprehend this mystery.
+Cam.+ It is t' open my wounds afresh, dear Porcia; But you must be obey'd---- [_After a little pause._ His excellence the Conde d'Oniate, Being sent ambassador to th' emperor, We, having the honour to be near allied To's lady, went with him. My brother Was desir'd by her to make that journey: Whose tenderness for me not suffering him To let me stay behind, I was engag'd, And treated by th' ambassadress my cousin With more respect than I could ever merit.
+Por.+ She is a lady fam'd for great civility.
+Cam.+ We had not pass'd much time i' th' emperor's court, When my dear brother unexpectedly By urgent business was call'd back to Seville. In our return (passing too near a garrison Of th' enemy's) our convoy was surpris'd And routed by a party of their horse----
+Por.+ Camilla, you begin to raise my fears.
+Cam.+ We, being pris'ners, were hurried straight away To th' enemy's quarters, where my ill fate Made me appear too pleasing to the eyes Of their commander, who at first approach Pretends to parley in a lover's style, Protesting that my face had chang'd our fortunes, And him my captive made: but finding soon, How little he advanc'd in his design By flattery and his feign'd submission, He shifts his person, calls me his prisoner, And swears my virgin treasure was his prize: But yet protests he had much rather owe it To my indulgence than his own good-fortune. And so, through storms and calms, the villain still Pursues his course to his accursed end; But finding me inflexible to his threats As well as fawnings, he resolves to use The last and uncontrolled argument Of impious men in power--force.
+Por.+ Ah, poor Camilla! where was your dear[45] brother At a time of such distress?
+Cam.+ My brother? he, alas! was long before Borne away from me in the first encounter; Where having certainly behav'd himself As well became his nation and his name, Remain'd sore wounded in another house.
+Por.+ Prythee, make haste to free me from this fright.
+Cam.+ The brute approaches, and by violence Endeavours to accomplish his intent: I invocate my guardian angel, and resist, But with unequal force, though rage supplied Those spirits which my fear had put to flight. At length, grown faint with crying out and striving, I spied a dagger by the villain's side, Which snatching boldly out, as my last refuge, With his own arms I wound the savage beast: He at the stroke unseiz'd me, and gave back. So guilt produces cowardice. Then I, The dagger pointing to my breast, cried out, Villain, keep off, for, if thou dost persist, I'll be myself both sacrifice and priest: I boldly now defy thy lust and hate; She, that dares choose to die, may brave her fate!