GRACIOSA
Has the upstart such taste?
GUIDO If it be taste to appreciate pearls, then the Duke's chief officer has excellent taste. He seeks them far and wide. He will be very generous in paying for this string.
GRACIOSA drops the pearls, in which she no longer delights. She returns to the bench, and sits down and speaks with a sort of disappointment.
GRACIOSA
I am sorry to learn that this Eglamore is among your patrons.
GUIDO (Still half engrossed by the contents of his pack. The man loves jewels equally for their value and their beauty.) Oh, the nobles complain of him, but we merchants have no quarrel with Eglamore. He buys too lavishly.
GRACIOSA
Do you think only of buying and selling, Guido?
GUIDO
It is a pursuit not limited to us who frankly live by sale and purchase.
Count Eglamore, for example, knows that men may be bought as readily as
merchandise. It is one reason why he is so hated—by the unbought.
GRACIOSA (Irritated by the title.) Count Eglamore, indeed! I ask in my prayers every night that some honest gentleman may contrive to cut the throat of this abominable creature.
GUIDO (His hand going to his throat.) You pray too much, madonna. Even very pious people ought to be reasonable.
GRACIOSA (Rising from the bench.) Have I not reason to hate the man who killed my kinsman?