3d GIRL. It is terrible not to be able to sleep at nights. TESSA. Here is one that will bring you back sleep, and cure you entirely in a few weeks— one that you could afford. 3rd GIRL. I don't think I want to be cured entirely and yet one never knows what one may come to when it grows late and there is music and dancing. It is hard to resist under the moon. TESSA. Come, now-will you take it? 3rd GIRL. [Taking phial.] I think I'll have it, and take it very slowly. TESSA. There, then! 3rd GIRL. There's money saved for six weeks. Ah, well! [Exit 3rd GIRL. TESSA, after barring up door, goes to glass. TESSA. Now I can play for awhile. [She puts some bloom on her face.] O, but this bloom is beautiful! And how it makes one's eyes sparkle! Now this red salve for the lips-that is just what I lacked. My lips are too pale-but now! Where is that pencil? Here. Shall I lengthen my eyebrows, curving them so? No: There, then! [She I will only deepen them. am never seen, may not stir into the streets. and seen, and hear music PUL. [Entering down the stairs with a lighted brazier.] Tessa ! TESSA. Yes, father. PUL. Have I not forbidden you to these powders? TESSA. Ah, but look at me, father. always to stay shut up here, where touch Am I no one comes but maids of fine ladies and girls from the shops? PUL. My child, we must be patient a little longer. Listen! Soon we shall be rich, and then we will fly Rimini, and far from here we will have a palace- [A knock.] Tessa, go to your room instantly. TESSA. [Lingering.] May I not stay and see who it is? PUL. It is only some lady's-maid. TESSA. No, father, I think it is a gentleman. [Exit TESSA. PULCI puts out light and door. cloaked. Enter GIOVANNI, masked and PULCI closes door after him. PUL. Has no one seen you enter, sir? GIO. PUL. [Producing phial.] This poured In her night drink will woo her to your arms. One amorous night at least it will procure. GIO. One night!-what use of that? Each day, each night Must she be mine. PUL. But one more drug I have— [Searches for another phial. Gro. [Aside.] I must beguile, it seems, my wedded wife, And lure into my arms what is my own. PUL. [Offering another phial.] This, then, will purchase some infatuate days. See! I will slowly now unbar the door, And whoso enters past him slip away Into the night. GIO. [Stops PULCI.] I must not meet a stranger. Hither! look on my face. [Takes off mask. PUL. [Falling on his knees.] Mercy, great Lord! Take not my life-this commerce after hours Is for my child. GIO. Hide me, and instantly. PUL. [Hiding him behind the arras.] Here, then. [Another knock.] And, sir, secrets of Rimini And unsuspected movings of your subjects You can o'erhear. I'll draw him on to speak Only stir not. [Unbars door; enter PAOLO.] |