Duke approaches Lucretia.
Asca. 'Tis the duke himself, who comes to court you.
Luc. Peace, I'll fit him; for I have been informed, to the least tittle, of his actions since he came to town.
Duke. [To Luc.] Madam, the duke of Mantua, whom you must needs imagine to be in this company, has sent me to you, to know what kind of face there is belonging to that excellent shape, and to those charming motions, which he observed so lately in your dancing.
Luc. Tell his highness, if you please, that there is a face within the mask, so very deformed, that, if it were discovered, it would prove the worst visor of the two; and that, of all men, he ought not to desire it should be exposed, because then something would be found amiss in an entertainment, which he has made so splendid and magnificent.
Duke. The duke, I am sure, would be very proud of your compliment, but it would leave him more unsatisfied than before; for, he will find in it so much of gallantry, as, being added to your other graces, will move him to a strange temptation of knowing you.
Luc. I should still have the same reason to refuse him; for 'twere a madness, when I had charmed him by my motion and converse, to hazard the loss of that conquest by my eyes.
Duke. I am on fire 'till I discover her. [Aside.]—At least, madam, tell me of what family you are.
Luc. Will you be satisfied, if I tell you I am of the Colonne? You have seen Julia of that house?
Duke. Then you are she.