For the work’s sake, my Paulo.
Medici
The Medici have short memories for their failures. (Laughs.) Her courage—in coming to visit me—was even more rare than her (glances at the picture)—her judgment.
Paulo
(With effort.) She went to see you—yes. It was a mistaken courage that earned you a favour of that kind.
Medici
(Suave.) Even in Venice a Medici does not receive strangers—without a name—or, shall I say, whose name is yet to win. Your wife, Signor, had the courage to get her way to me past half a hundred lacqueys. But more! She had the eloquence and wit to persuade my return visit—here. She assured me your picture was worthy of my personal, my immediate inspection.
[Goes to it. Paulo starts forward to prevent him.
Lucia