VINCENTIO.

How precarious a Condition is human Life! How vainly do we promise ourselves the Enjoyment of Pleasures, which if we would give ourselves Time to consider rightly, we should find it impossible e'er to attain!

FLORINDA.

O' my Conscience I think he's turn'd Philosopher too: Look sharp, Julio, or you'll have your Lover quite spoil'd, I protest.

VINCENTIO.

I'm no sooner freed from the Tyranny of a cruel Brother, but I am condemn'd to languish out a tedious Life beneath the Torments of a hopeless Love. Oh Camilla! why was not I Prince of Liege, and thou Ernesto's Daughter; I then, perhaps, might have been happy; but as it

is—I'll think no more, lest my Brain turn, and I grow mad with Love.

HILLARIO.

Ah, poor Vincentio, was it afraid they did not love him?

FLORINDA.

You had best speak to him Julio, and comfort him a little, or perhaps the poor Gentleman may take it in his Head, to lie down and die.

JULIO.

For once I'll take your Advice.—Holla, Friend.

VINCENTIO.

What wou'd you, Sir?

JULIO.

Pr'ythee what's o'Clock?

VINCENTIO.

It had been properer, in my Opinion, to have ask'd what Time of the Day; for I think you have no Clock in the Forest.

JULIO.

And is there no Lover in the Forest?

VINCENTIO.

What if there be?

JULIO.

Oh, your true Lover is an excellent Clock; he beats Minutes with his Sighs as natural as any Larum in Europe, and serves as well to detect the lazy Foot of Time.

FLORINDA.

Come, Hillario, I see my Brother's engaged for one Hour at least; if you will, we'll take a Turn down this Walk, lest we interrupt him.

HILLARIO.

With all my Heart, Madam, I'll follow you.

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