Mar. No, Lucio, my dear lord is wise, and knows
That tinsel glitter, or rich purfled[211] robes,
Curl’d hairs, hung full of sparkling carcanets,
Are not the true adornments of a wife. 50
So long as wives are faithful, modest, chaste,
Wise lords affect them. Virtue doth not waste
With each slight flame of crackling vanity.
A modest eye forceth affection,
Whilst outward gayness’ light looks but entice:
Fairer than nature’s fair is foulest vice.
She that loves art to get her cheek more lovers,
Much outward gauds, slight inward grace discovers.
I care not to seem fair but to my lord:
Those that strive most to please most strangers’ sight,
Folly may judge most fair, wisdom most light. 61
[Music sounds a short strain.
But hark, soft music gently moves the air!
I think the bridegroom’s up. Lucio, stand close.
O now, Maria, challenge grief to stay
Thy joy’s encounter. Look, Lucio, ’tis clear day.
[They retire to the back of the stage.
Enter Antonio, Galeatzo, Matzagente, Balurdo, Pandulpho, Feliche, Alberto, Forobosco, Castilio, and a Page.
Ant. Darkness is fled: look, infant morn hath drawn
Bright silver curtains ’bout the couch of night;
And now Aurora’s horse trots azure rings,[212]
Breathing fair light about the firmament.—
Stand, what’s that? 70
Mat. And if a hornèd devil should burst forth,
I would pass on him with a mortal stock.[213]
Alb. Oh, a horned devil would prove ominous
Unto a bridegroom’s eyes.