LEONORA. 'Tis but a piece of villany common enough among your sex!
CALCAGNO (grasping her hand with vehemence). Lady, I have a heart for weeping virtue.
LEONORA. You are a man—your heart is not for me.
CALCAGNO. For you alone—yours only. Would that you knew how much, how truly yours——
LEONORA. Man, thou art untrue. Thy words would be refuted by thy actions——
CALCAGNO. I swear to you——
LEONORA. A false oath. Cease! The perjuries of men are so innumerable 'twould tire the pen of the recording angel to write them down. If their violated oaths were turned into as many devils they might storm heaven itself, and lead away the angels of light as captives.
CALCAGNO. Nay, madam, your anger makes you unjust. Is the whole sex to answer for the crime of one?
LEONORA. I tell thee in that one was centred all my affection for the sex. In him I will detest them all.
CALCAGNO. Countess,—you once bestowed your hand amiss. Would you again make trial, I know one who would deserve it better.