GRACIOSA (Archly.) But to me you do not seem quite friendless.
GUIDO
Graciosa—!
GRACIOSA And I doubt if you could ever find your way through the forest alone. (But as she stands there with one hand raised to each of his shoulders her vindication is self-revealed, and she indicates her bracelet rather indignantly.) Besides, what else is a poor maid to do, when she is burdened with a talisman that compels her to marry the man whom she—so very much—prefers?
GUIDO (Drawing her to him.) Ah, you shall not regret that foolish preference.
GRACIOSA But come! There is a path—(They are gathering up the pack and its contents, as GUIDO pauses by the DUKE.) Is he—?
GUIDO He will not enter Hell to-day. (The DUKE stirs.) Already he revives, you see. So let us begone before his attendants come.
GUIDO lifts her to the top of the wall. He lifts up the pack.
GRACIOSA
My lute!
GUIDO (Giving it to her.) So we may pass for minstrels on the road to Venice.
GRACIOSA
Yes, singing the Duke's songs to pay our way. (GUIDO climbs over the
wall, and stands on the far side, examining the landscape beneath.)
Horsemen!