Think the day
Is yet to come, the joy is all before.
[taking her face between his hands]
O Boniface, this is no temptress’ face!
God has been with her, and she starts as I
Free in the great endeavour.
BONIFACE.
Do you choose,
Lady, a mere retreat among the nuns,
Or, like your husband, do you break all ties
That bind you to the earth?
GENEVIVA.
They all are broken:
Except ... oh, I forgot! I have a son.
CARLOMAN.
[nervously]
Pepin will guard him.
GENEVIVA.
Are you dreaming still?
Fool, fool! I tell you Pepin shall decide
What robes I wear, and haply suffer me
Sometimes at entertainments to look on,
And see young Charlemagne praised. But for my child
He shall remain with me.
[Re-enter Pepin] All is confirmed.
I shall not quit the world. How easily
A man is duped with God upon the brain!
I shall continue in my womanhood,
Giving, receiving pleasure.
I have heard
So much and suddenly; for Marcomir
Is to become a monk.
[to Carloman] Give him no welcome.
He takes the cowl a penitent; he is not,
Like you, a white-souled wayfarer.
[to Pepin] How strange
That we must pair together, you and I;
I know so little of your tastes and now
I must be often in your company.