SCENE II.--VALERE, ASCANIO, FROSINE.


VAL. If you are conversing, and if my presence is any interruption, I
shall withdraw.

ASC. No; you may well interrupt it, since we were talking about you.

VAL. About me?

ASC. About yourself.

VAL. How so?

ASC. I was saying, that if I had been a woman, Valere would have been
able to please me but too well, and that if I had been beloved by him, I
should not have delayed long to make him happy.

VAL. This declaration does not cost you much, as there is such an
_if_ in the way; but you would be finely caught if some miraculous
event should put to the proof the truth of so obliging a declaration.

ASC. Not in the least; I tell you that if I reigned in your heart, I
would very willingly crown your passion.

VAL. And what, if you might contribute to my happiness, by assisting me
to further my love?

ASC. I should then, certainly, disappoint you.