Paulo
A poor painter dares the novelty.
Lucia
(Cries.) You forget everything, Paulo—me you forget even—when you say such words!
Medici
(Impatient, half-threatening.) Beauty has turned your head, maybe. Excess, I have heard it said, (significantly) can affect the reason. You have (glancing towards Lucia) too much beauty. But there are remedies——
Paulo
(Startled.) I do not understand you.
Medici
As a great patron, I have my duties too. (Slowly.) If the possession of too much beauty threaten your great gift, I owe it to the world to (sinister tone and look) help—to save you.