ALICIA.
Ah! you love her SO! [She laughs]
CRASSUS.
Your laugh is shocking - why do you mock me, dear?
ALICIA.
Because you will not guess my secret here.
But - put your arms about my neck, and swar
You love me, and will always keep them there.
Then I might dare.
CRASSUS.
I swear it. O my sweet!
ALICIA.
Then take my kiss.
CRASSUS.
Your mouth is like a rose of fire. But what is this?
I cannot bear it.
ALICIA.
Ai! Uhu! Uhu!
It is my heart; this arrow strikes me through.
Stir not one muscle for a moment. Death!
You beast, you kill me with your urgent breath.
CRASSUS.
O how I love you! [He moves violently.]
ALICIA.
Fool! Now all my pain
Must be gone through again.
It is sure your chastity's unstained by crime;
You do the wrong thing just at the right time!
CRASSUS.
Why do you taunt me? All the wood is spring's,
And love is hovering o'er us with his wings.