How can I have forgotten that of which I never thought? What mean you by the chief one?
MARINELLI.
The art of pleasing and persuading--which in a prince who loves can never fail.
PRINCE.
Can never fail! True, except when it is most needed. I have already made a poor attempt in this art to-day. All my flattery, all my entreaties could not extract one word from her. Mute, trembling, and abashed, she stood before me like a criminal who fears the judge's fatal sentence. Her terror was infectious. I trembled also and concluded by imploring her forgiveness. Scarcely dare I speak to her again--and, at all events, I dare not be present when she arrives. You, Marinelli, must receive her. I will listen to your conversation, and join you when I am more collected.
Scene IV.
Marinelli, presently his servant Battista, and Emilia.
MARINELLI.
If she did not see him fall--and of course she could not, as she fled instantly But she comes, and I too do not wish to be the first to meet her eye (withdraws to a corner of the apartment).
Enter Battista and Emilia.