CONSTANCE. But a heart which trusts in God’s goodness is armed against sorrow.
CONSTANTINE. You speak well, my Constance.
CONSTANCE. My lord, if you will deign to listen to my advice, I can show you how to escape this double danger.
CONSTANTINE. Oh, that you could!
CONSTANCE. You must pretend that you are willing to grant Gallicanus what he asks when the war has been won. Make him believe that I agree. Persuade him to leave with me during his absence at the war his two daughters, Attica and Anemia, as pledges of the bond of love which is to unite us. Tell him that in return I will send with him on his expedition my two Almoners, John and Paul.
CONSTANTINE. And if he should return victorious? What then?
CONSTANCE. We must pray the Father of us all that he will change his mind.
CONSTANTINE. My daughter, my daughter! Your sweet words have softened the harshness of your father’s grief! Henceforth I will not give way to anxiety.
CONSTANCE. There is no need.
CONSTANTINE. I will return to Gallicanus and satisfy him with this promise.