_Or._ (_throws away his sword._) An angel speaks, and angels claim obedience.
_Riv._ (_to_ ORLANDO.) This is the heart thou hast wrong'd.
_Em._ (_comes up to_ ORLANDO.) I pity thee; Calamity has taught me how to pity; Before I knew distress, my heart was hard; But now it melts at ev'ry touch of woe; And wholesome sufferings bring it back to virtue. Rivers, he once was good and just like thee: Who shall be proud and think he stands secure, If thy Orlando's false?
_Em._ Oh, think of his temptation! think 'twas Julia; _Thy_ heart could not resist her; how should _his_? It is the very error of his friendship. Your souls were fram'd so very much alike, He could not choose but love whom Rivers lov'd.
_Or._ Think'st thou there is in death a pang like this? Strike, my brave friend! be sudden and be silent! Death, which is terrible to happy men, To me will be a blessing: I have lost All that could make life dear; I've lost my friend; I've stabb'd the peace of mind of that fair creature; I have surviv'd my honour: this is dying! The mournful fondness of officious love Will plant no thorns upon my dying pillow; No precious tears embalm my memory, But curses follow it.
_Or._ I'll spare thy noble heart The pain of punishing: Orlando's self Revenges both. [_Goes to stab himself with the dagger._
_Riv._ (_snatching the dagger._) Thou shalt not die! I swear I love thee still: That secret sympathy which long has bound us Pleads for thy life with sweet but strong entreaty. Thou shalt repair the wrongs of that dear saint, And be again my friend.
_Em._ No. I cannot stoop to live on charity, And what but charity is love compell'd? I've been a weak, a fond, believing woman, And credulous beyond my sex's softness: But with the weakness, I've the pride of woman. I lov'd with virtue, but I fondly lov'd; That passion fix'd my fate, determin'd all, And mark'd at once the colour of my life. Hearts that love well, love long; they love but once. My peace thou hast destroy'd, my honour's mine: She who aspir'd to gain Orlando's heart Shall never owe Orlando's hand to pity. [_Exit_ EMMELINA.
_Or._ (_after a pause._) And I still live!
_Riv._ Farewell! should I stay longer I might forget my vow.
_Or._ Yet hear me, Rivers. [_Exit_ RIVERS, ORLANDO _following_.