(Catches his arm.) Paulo, beloved—by our love, by little Eros (frantic), by everything!
[Medici moves the picture into better light.
Medici
(Watching them out of corner of his eye.) With your permission. (Bows.) You will, perhaps, forgive the liberty. The light fails suddenly a little. So—(examines critically, with signs of pleasure).
Paulo
(Back turned.) For your sake, Little Child, I endure this cruelty.
Lucia
I yearned to help——
Paulo
So it was he who bought the Eros too? (To himself.) This is an evil omen. (To her.) I thought us safe in Venice.