Lau. What have I confessed before I was aware! She'll find out my inclination to that stranger, whom I have only seen, and to whom I have never spoken—[Aside.] No, good Violetta, I never was in love; all my experience is from plays and romances. But, who is this man, to whom you have promised an assignation?
Vio. You'll tell my uncle.
Lau. I hate my uncle more than you do.
Vio. You know the man, 'tis signior Camillo: His birth and fortunes are equal to what I can expect; and he tells me his intentions are honourable.
Lau. Have I not seen him lately in his balcony, which looks into our garden, with another handsome gentleman in his company, who seems a stranger?
Vio. They are the same. Do you think it a reasonable thing, dear Laura, that my uncle should keep us so strictly, that we must be beholden to hearsay, to know a young gallant is in the next house to us?
Lau. 'Tis hard, indeed, to be mewed like hawks, and never manned: To be locked in like nuns here.
Vio. They, that look for nun's flesh in me, shall be mistaken.
Lau. Well, what answer have you returned to this letter?
Vio. That I would meet him at eight this evening, in the close walk in the garden, attended only by Beatrix, my woman.