Eugenius. Corpo di Bacco! Better things, far better things, I would fain do for thee, not exactly of this description; it would excite many heart-burnings. Information has been laid before me, Filippo, that thou art attached to a certain young person, by name Lucrezia, daughter of Francesco Buti, a citizen of Prato.
Filippo. I acknowledge my attachment: it continues.
Eugenius. Furthermore, that thou hast offspring by her.
Filippo. Alas! ’tis undeniable.
Eugenius. I will not only legitimatize the said offspring by motu proprio and rescript to consistory and chancery....
Filippo. Holy Father! Holy Father! For the love of the Virgin, not a word to consistory or chancery of the two hundred zecchins. As I hope for salvation, I have but forty left, and thirty-nine would not serve them.
Eugenius. Fear nothing. Not only will I perform what I have promised, not only will I give the strictest order that no money be demanded by any officer of my courts, but, under the seal of Saint Peter, I will declare thee and Lucrezia Buti man and wife.
Filippo. Man and wife!
Eugenius. Moderate thy transport.
Filippo. O Holy Father! may I speak?