ACT III

SCENE I.-The shop of PULCI, late evening. The

As

walls and ceiling are hung with skins, sharks'
teeth, crucibles, wax figures, crystals, charms,
&c. A counter, at which TESSA stands.
the scene opens figures are seen leaving the
shop. Three PEASANT GIRLS and a LADY'S MAID
remain.

TESSA. I must ask you to choose quickly. It is past the hour for closing the shop.

1st GIRL. And will this syrup keep Antonio faithful ?

TESSA. Two drops of this in anything he drinks, given every seven days, and he will have no eyes but for

you.

Ist GIRL. But will it keep his thoughts true while I

TESSA. Wherever he may be his thoughts will be

for you.

Ist GIRL. Ah, but you don't know Antonio. He is so easily led off-any face if it is fresh-any fool with bright eyes.

ful.

TESSA. These drops will keep even Antonio faith

Ist GIRL. I'll take it, then it must be a wonderful

syrup.

TESSA. [TO MAID.] And you?

[Exit 1st GIRL.

MAID. I wondered how long I was to be made to wait for these common chattering wenches. I want another packet of that face-bloom for my mistress, and a darker shade. The other makes her appear hectic.

TESSA. This, then, has a darker tinge.

MAID. And you are to tell your father that the dye he sent withers her hair. He must add more oil.

TESSA. I will tell him. Good-night.