I draw my life from thee—my heart—my heart!

Flor. (aside.) Alas, poor maiden—I must tell thee all,

May Heaven help me break the truth to thee!

(Aloud.) Dear little lady, yield not up thine heart

Too readily. The world is set with traps

And hidden pitfalls. Keep thy gentle heart

For one who, by his pure and godly life,

Hath given thee proof of his right worthiness.

Vav. (surprised). Why speakest thou in parable? Behold,

Have I not loved thee for a long, long year?