Never? cruel Aglae, are you not free? you will not then?

No, sir, I cannot.

What an affront, what an indignity is this! but 'tis to Socrates I am obliged for it: he dictated your answer, I know he did; he prefers Sophronimus to me, that unworthy rival, that impious—

Sophronimus is not impious, not unworthy; Socrates has loved him from his infancy; he has been a father to us both. Sophronimus is all beauty and all virtue; I love, and am beloved by him; it is in my power to marry him if I think proper; but I shall no more be his than yours.

You astonish me: what! own you love Sophronimus?

Yes, sir, I own it, because it is true.

And yet when it is in your power to make yourself happy with him, refuse him you hand?

That, sir, is no less true.

Then I suppose your fear of displeasing me prevents your engaging with him?