ARI. Let us drop this subject; we will find means for overcoming my
daughter's irresolution.

ANA. Are there better means of arriving at a conclusion that would
satisfy everybody than to consult the light which heaven can give us on
that marriage? I have already begun, as I told you, to cast the
mysterious figures which our art teaches us; and I hope soon to be
able to show you what the future has in reserve regarding this longed
for union. After that, who can still hesitate? Will not the glory or
the prosperity which will be promised to one or the other be choice
sufficient to decide it, and can he who is rejected be offended when
heaven itself decides who is to be preferred?

IPH. For my part, I submit to it altogether, and I declare that this
way seems the most reasonable.

TIM. I am entirely of the same opinion, and whatever heaven may
decide, I yield to it without reluctance.

ERI. But, my Lord Anaxarchus, do you really read so clearly destiny
that you can never be deceived? And pray, who will give us security
for this prosperity, this glory which you say heaven promises us?

ARI. My daughter, you have a little incredulity which never leaves
you.

ANA. The proofs, Madam, which everybody has seen, of the infallibility
of my predictions are sufficient security for the promises I make.
But, in short, when I have shown you what heaven has in reserve for