Where is Olivia?
Olivia [feigning with an effort]
Florio, God pity you and me—
I had rather died!...
Florio
Oh, speak not so!
Olivia
My "beauty clean and golden as the sun,"
As once you sang it, has become so gross
And fearful, that I veil it, broken with shame,
From eyes of men.... [A pause.]
'Tis well you cloak your eyes,
For should I drop my veil through which I glance—[Another pause.]
Shall I go?
Florio [breathing heavily]
No ... for I love you ... bide with me....
[With great effort] ... Though you be foul, Olivia!
[As he still stands muffled, Olivia grows more and more frightened at what she is doing, and now, in complete surrender to terror, gives over the deceit and speaks the truth.]