[Footnote: The words "Yes my Lord" until "second love" are also, with
some alterations, found in _The Blue Stockings_, Act iv. Scene 2, (see
Vol. III).]

I have that regard for you which is caused by an appreciation of your
lofty courage, your magnanimous heart; but do not require of me more
than I owe you, and maintain the honour of your first choice. In spite
of your new love, consider what tender feelings the amiable Inez still
retains for you; that she has constantly refused to be made happy for
the sake of an ungrateful man; for such you are, my Lord! In her great
love for you, how generously has she scorned the splendour of a diadem!
Consider what attempts she has withstood for your sake, and restore to
her heart what you owe it.

ALPH. Ah, Madam, do not present her merit to my eyes! Though I am an
ungrateful man and abandon her, she is never out of my mind; if my heart
could tell you what it feels for her, I fear it would be guilty towards
you. Yes, that heart dares to pity Inez, and does not, without some
hesitation follow the violent love which leads it on. I never flattered
myself that you would reward my love without at the same time breathing
some sighs for her; in the midst of these pleasant thoughts my memory
still casts some sad looks towards my first love, reproaches itself with
the effect of your divine charms, and mingles some remorse with what I
wish most fervently. And since I must tell you all, I have done more
than this. I have endeavoured to free myself from your sway, to break
your chains, and to place my heart again under the innocent yoke of its
first conqueror. But, after all my endeavours, my fidelity gives way,
and I see only one remedy for the disease that kills me. Were I even to
be forever wretched, I cannot forswear my love, or bear the terrible