[Tries to kiss her.]
Duchess
No, no, your lips are pure, and mine are soiled,
For Guilt has been my paramour, and Sin
Lain in my bed: O Guido, if you love me
Get hence, for every moment is a worm
Which gnaws your life away: nay, sweet, get hence,
And if in after time you think of me,
Think of me as of one who loved you more
Than anything on earth; think of me, Guido,
As of a woman merely, one who tried
To make her life a sacrifice to love,
And slew love in the trial: Oh, what is that?
The bell has stopped from ringing, and I hear
The feet of armed men upon the stair.
Guido [aside]
That is the signal for the guard to come.
Duchess
Why has the bell stopped ringing?
Guido
If you must know,
That stops my life on this side of the grave,
But on the other we shall meet again.
Duchess