There are some who know, who understand better. (Confused and rapidly.) They say the Medicis——
Paulo
(Stops painting.) Such painters and their patrons live for time, not for eternity, my Little Child. And among them the worst—the very worst—is that Florentine whose best claim to merit is that he dared to aspire to your love.
Lucia
I hate and despise him. Yet I dread his help—for others. He is as great in influence almost as his elder brother, Cosimo.
Paulo
Bah!
Lucia
Forgive me, Paulo—I reproach myself often that we fled from him—from Florence—where he might—(lower) oh, he could have done so much for you—his patronage.