SOS. I will not importune you, Madam, and urge a princess who knows
well what she has to do.

ERI. Yet it is what the princess my mother expects from you.

SOS. I told her that I was sure to acquit myself but badly of my
message.

ERI. Well, tell me, Sostratus; you have far-seeing eyes, and I believe
that there are few things that escape you. Have you not been able to
discover what everybody is anxious to know? Have you no idea of the
inclination of my heart? You see all the attentions that are bestowed
on me, all the homage that is paid to me. Which of these two princes
do you think I look upon with a most favourable eye?

SOS. The conjectures we make upon such matters generally arise from
the greater or less interest we take.

ERI. Which would you prefer of the two, Sostratus? Tell me which one
you would have me marry?

SOS. Ah! Madam! your inclination, not my wishes, must decide the
matter.

ERI. But if I wished to consult you in this choice?

SOS. If you were to consult me, I should feel very much perplexed.

ERI. You could not tell me which of the two you think most worthy of
preference?