Oh, it must be so! Paulo, it must be so! You see?
Paulo
(Proudly.) Conditions that leave the spirit free, at least. The spirit of beauty owns no master——
Medici
The husband of such beauty should be more gracious. (Frankly.) Ah, Salviati, you speak to a Medici, indeed, but also to one who loves beauty as you yourself do. I might—had I persisted—have taken your golden bird in my own net. (Pauses.) It is my pleasure now to set you free from the hard conditions that enslave you. In this way can a Medici reward good for evil. Signor, I forgive all for the sake of your genius. I admire your picture—its true classic spirit. Yet it has not quite the warmth, the fire, the bounteous splendour we Italians ask. Give but your sky a deeper hue, add to that robe the undertone of scarlet it needs to make it felt, flood our prodigal Italian sunshine over it all—and I will buy your picture at your price.
Lucia
Yes, yes. Oh, Paulo, what an offer! Think!
Paulo
It is not for sale.