GUIDO
But first the Duke must die, because his death saves you.
GRACIOSA
No, Guido! I would have Eglamore go hence with hands as clean as possible.
GUIDO
Not even Eglamore would leave you at the mercy of this poet.
GRACIOSA How does that matter! It is no secret that my father intends to market me as best suits his interests. And the great Duke of Florence, no less, would have been my purchaser! You heard him, "I will buy this jewel," he said. He would have paid thrice what any of my sisters' purchasers have paid. You know very well that my father would have been delighted.
GUIDO (Since the truth of what she has just said is known to him by more startling proofs than she dreams of, he speaks rather bitterly, as he sheathes the dagger.) And I must need upset the bargain between these jewel merchants!
GRACIOSA (Lightly.) "No, I will not have it!" Count Eglamore must cry. (Her hand upon his arm.) My dear unthrifty pedler! it cost you a great deal to speak those words.
GUIDO I had no choice. I love you. (A pause. As GRACIOSA does not speak, GUIDO continues, very quiet at first.) It is a theme on which I shall not embroider. So long as I thought to use you as an instrument I could woo fluently enough. Today I saw that you were frightened and helpless—oh, quite helpless. And something in me changed. I knew for the first time that I loved you. And I knew I was not clean as you are clean. I knew that I had more in common with this beast here than I had with you.
GRACIOSA (Who with feminine practicality, while the man talks, has reached her decision.) We daughters of the Valori are so much merchandise…. Heigho, since I cannot help it, since bought and sold I must be, one day or another, at least I will go at a noble price. Yet I do not think I am quite worth the wealth and power which you have given up because of me. So it will be necessary to make up the difference, dear, by loving you very much.
GUIDO takes her hands, only half-believing that he understands her meaning. He puts an arm about her shoulder, holding her at a distance, the better to see her face.
GUIDO You, who had only scorn to give me when I was a kingdom's master! Would you go with me now that I am homeless and friendless?