MEDON.
I see;—but are you prepared for consequences? Can you task your sensitive mind to stand reproach and ridicule? Remember your own story of Runckten the traveller, who, when about to commence his expedition into the desarts of Africa, prepared himself, by learning beforehand to digest poisons; to swallow without disgust reptiles, spiders, vermin——
ALDA.
"Thou hast the most unsavoury similes!"
MEDON.
Take a proverb then—"Bisogna coprirsi bene il viso innanzi di struzzicare il vespaio."
ALDA.
I will not hide my face; nor can I answer you in this jesting vein, for to me it is a serious thought. There is in the kindly feeling, the spontaneous sympathy of the public towards me, something which fills me with gratitude and respect, and tells me to respect myself; which I would not exchange for the greater éclat which hangs round greater names;—which I will not forfeit by writing one line from an unworthy motive; nor flatter, nor invite, by withholding one thought, opinion, or sentiment, which I believe to be true, and to which I can put the seal of my heart's conviction.
MEDON.
Good! I love a little enthusiasm now and then; so like Britomart in the enchanter's palace, the motto is,