DAM. Heavens. Can I believe my ears! Is this the hand of Eraste?
ER. Yes, yes, Sir, it is I. Too happy that my hand has rescued you: too
unhappy in having deserved your hatred.
DAM. What! Eraste, whom I was resolved to have assassinated has just
used his sword to defend me! Oh, this is too much; my heart is compelled
to yield; whatever your love may have meditated to-night, this
remarkable display of generosity ought to stifle all animosity. I blush
for my crime, and blame my prejudice. My hatred has too long done you
injustice! To show you openly I no longer entertain it, I unite you this
very night to your love.
SCENE VI.--ORPHISE, DAMIS, ERASTE.
ORPH. (_Entering with a silver candlestick in her hand_). Sir, what
has happened that such a terrible disturbance....
DAM. Niece, nothing but what is very agreeable, since, after having
blamed, for a long time, your love for Eraste, I now give him to you for
a husband. His arm has warded off the deadly thrust aimed at me; I
desire that your hand reward him.
ORPH. I owe everything to you; if, therefore, it is to pay him your
debt.
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