HYACINTHA, OCTAVE, SCAPIN, SILVESTRE.

HYA
Ah! Octave, is what Silvestre has just told Nérine really true? Is your father back, and is he bent upon marrying you?

OCT
Yes, it is so, dear Hyacintha; and these tidings have given me a cruel shock. But what do I see? You are weeping? Why those tears? Do you suspect me of unfaithfulness, and have you no assurance of the love I feel for you?

HYA
Yes, Octave, I am sure that you love me now; but can I be sure that you will love me always?

OCT
Ah! could anyone love you once without loving you for ever?

HYA
I have heard say, Octave, that your sex does not love so long as ours, and that the ardour men show is a fire which dies out as easily as it is kindled.

OCT
Then, my dear Hyacintha, my heart is not like that of other men, and I feel certain that I shall love you till I die.

HYA
I want to believe what you say, and I have no doubt that you are sincere; but I fear a power which will oppose in your heart the tender feelings you have for me. You depend on a father who would marry you to another, and I am sure it would kill me if such a thing happened.

OCT
No, lovely Hyacintha, there is no father who can force me to break my faith to you, and I could resolve to leave my country, and even to die, rather than be separated from you. Without having seen her, I have already conceived a horrible aversion to her whom they want me to marry; and although I am not cruel, I wish the sea would swallow her up, or drive her hence forever. Do not weep, then, dear Hyacintha, for your tears kill me, and I cannot see them without feeling pierced to the heart.
HYA
Since you wish it, I will dry my tears, and I will wait without fear for what Heaven shall decide.

OCT
Heaven will be favourable to us.

HYA
It cannot be against us if you are faithful.

OCT
I certainly shall be so.

HYA
Then I shall be happy.

SCA
(aside). She is not so bad, after all, and I think her pretty enough.

OCT
(showing SCAPIN). Here is a man who, if he would, could be of the greatest help to us in all our trouble.

SCA
I have sworn with many oaths never more to meddle with anything. But if you both entreat me very much, I might....

OCT
Ah! if entreaties will obtain your help, I beseech you with all my heart to steer our bark.
SCA
(to HYACINTHA). And you, have you anything to say?

HYA
Like him, I beseech you, by all that is most dear to you upon earth, to assist us in our love.

SCA
I must have a little humanity, and give way. There, don't be afraid; I will do all I can for you.

OCT
Be sure that....

SCA
(to OCTAVE). Hush! (To HYACINTHA) Go, and make yourself easy.