OR. And now you must, by your sentence, declare whose love appears to
you preferable.
(_Orphise appears at the back of the stage, and sees Eraste between
Orante and Climene_).
ER. Since I cannot avoid giving judgment, I mean to satisfy you both at
once; and, in order, not to blame that which is pleasing in your eyes,
the jealous man loves more, but the other loves wisely.
CL. The judgment is very judicious; but...
ER. It is enough. I have finished. After what I have said permit me to
leave you.
SCENE V.--ORPHISE, ERASTE.
ER. (_Seeing Orphise, and going to meet her_). How long you have
been, Madam, and how I suffer ...
ORPH. Nay, nay, do not leave such a pleasant conversation. You are wrong
to blame me for having arrived too late. (_Pointing to Orante and
Climene, who have just left_). You had wherewithal to get on without
me.
ER. Will you be angry with me without reason, and reproach me with what
I am made to suffer? Oh, I beseech you, stay ...
ORPH. Leave me, I beg, and hasten to rejoin your company.
SCENE VI.--ERASTE, _alone_.
Heaven! must bores of both sexes conspire this day to frustrate my
dearest wishes? But let me follow her in spite of her resistance, and
make my innocence clear in her eyes.
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