Cecco: There then (gives key), but——
Giulia (as he goes): Oh?
And shrews do not scratch serpents? You may spy,
But others are not witless, I can tell you!
(Cecco goes.
Now, Naldo (gives him key and writing), do not lose the writing. But
Should you, he must not come till two. For 'tis
At twelve the Greek will meet Antonio.
(Naldo goes, through the postern: Giulia to the castle.
Enter Helena and Paula from another part of the gardens.
Helena: At twelve, said he, at twelve, beside the arbor?
Paula: Yes, mistress.
Helena: I were patient if the moon
Would slip less sadly up. She is so pale—
With longing for Endymion her lover.
Paula: Has she a lover? Oh, how strange. Is it
So sweet to love, my lady? I have heard
Men die and women for it weep themselves
Into the grave—yet gladly.
Helena: Sweet? Ah, yes,
To terror! for the edge of fate cares not
How quick it severs.
Paula: On my simple hills
They told of one who slew herself on her
Dead lover's breast. Would you do so?
Would you, my lady?