I am the wife of Paulo Salviati.

Medici

And have, as I see, married poverty as well as genius! I was too slow for once, as now, it seems, I am too hasty. I should have asked—and taken—all before this fellow——

Lucia

(Scorn.) Poverty with Salviati is beauty for eternity. The wealth of a Florentine princess belongs to time.

Medici

And, therefore, you come humbly to ask me a favour.

Lucia

One it should be an honour for you to grant (with earnest persuasion)—that you may share in giving eternal beauty to the world. Had I asked the Collona or the Calviere to see the work of a great painter whom poverty——