Paulo
Hush, hush, Little Child! You have given all you had—and that is everything. My art, if it is inspired as we dream, is stronger than circumstances, and will conquer. And I have liberty—love, beauty, liberty! What more can I ask of Heaven? Come, see the picture with me a moment. (Draws her to it.) Let us look at it together. (They stand before it.)
Lucia
(Low.) The Gods painted it.
Paulo
(Moved.) Your soul and mine, say rather. The hand is nothing. It is the inspiration. (They look a moment.) It was conceived, at least, in liberty—(Starts and looks at her.) You whispered something? I did not catch it. Tell me, Little Child. You feel—? Why, I declare, you tremble.
Lucia
(Very low.) One thing, I fear, one thing alone! The golden bloom, the warmth, the joyous laughter and the richness all Venetians love. It will be judged with the work of—of others whom plenty and comfort and—and all that help which money can provide——
Paulo
Men who feed from their patron’s hands like obedient lap-dogs——