He took his oath
Before that altar, to the most high God!
You shall not break his vow....

Violante

Let me go to him—here are my jewels!

Florio [calling from within]

Who is it speaks without? Whose voice is this
Wrangling and breaking in upon my peace?

Lizzia

The Lady Violante Ugolini!

Florio

To-day, of all days, must I be alone....

[Florio pushes out arras from small doorway and stands before it, so that he remains unseen to Violante and Lizzia.]