Giu. Tell me, Luisa, have you really set your heart on going to this tiresome dance?
Luisa. Oh, indeed! if you’re not enough to provoke a saint!
Giu. Calm yourself, my dear; I’m coming. (Enters in his dressing-gown. He sits down near the front of the stage.) See here; while I was in there on the bed, my dear girl, I was reflecting seriously——
Luisa. Do tell the truth, and say you were sleeping deliciously!
Giu. That may be, but even in sleep the mind continues its intellectual processes, and, as I said, I thought over your judicious observations....
Luisa (vexed). Really, this is too much! First you nearly drive me out of my senses, till I made up my mind to come with you to the dance; then, when I have turned out all my boxes, and taken the trouble to dress, and am all but ready, you want ... Will you be kind enough not to carry the joke too far?
Giu. Enough! let us perform this heroic action! Francesco!
Fran. (within). Sir?
Giu. Come here directly. (Enter Francesco.) Take my things and come and help me to dress. (Exit into his bedroom, followed by Francesco.)
Luisa. Oh! these men! these men! all tyrants and bullies—even the best of them! Come! where are my bracelets?