PRINCESS
(sighing a little, but with great simplicity)
I know it. I am young, and perhaps crude; although I study hard to learn the rules of wisdom. You, Diego, seem to know them without study.
DIEGO
I know somewhat of the world and of men, gracious Princess, but that can scarce be called knowing wisdom. Say rather knowing blindness, envy, cruelty, endless nameless folly in others and oneself. But why should you seek to be wise? you who are fair, young, a princess, and betrothed from your cradle to a great prince? Be beautiful, be young, be what you are, a woman.
DIEGO has said this last word with emphasis, but the PRINCESS has not noticed the sarcasm in his voice.
PRINCESS (shaking her head)
That is not my lot. I was destined, as you said, to be the wife of a great prince; and my dear father trained me to fill that office.
DIEGO
Well, and to be beautiful, young, radiant; to be a woman; is not that the office of a wife?