Pertinax.
I ask nothing, Asteria Tertia, but pardon for the offence of having lifted my own eyes toward you!... With the freedom your Jove-like father has this day bestowed on me I withdraw from his service, never to cross the threshold of your life again!... Kindly fare-you-well! [He turns to go.]
Tertulla.
[With a little cry.] Oh! But my garden!... Valentinus, what, think you, would Faunus have me do with my affairs in such case? [In a whisper to Valentinus.]
Valentinus.
What does your own heart counsel you, Tertulla? [He places in her hand a blossoming spray.] Close your eyes again and dwell for a space in the chambers of your spirit! [Tertulla does as he bids.] What see you now?
Tertulla.
Of course the image of the god Faunus is lodged in the sacred penetralia, never to be displaced by other object of veneration. [Pertinax sighs heavily. She continues hesitatingly.] And yet....
Valentinus.