Porzia

Than once you did, too well I came to know —
I – with the blood in me of the Medici! —
And now it is open prate!.. But do you think
The women of my city want resentment,
Or less than these sun-lusting ones of Naples
Know how to cool their wrath?

Osio.
I think you mad —
In a mad maze —
And yield it no concern;
Nor shall – (meaningly) until a thing you know is done.
As to betrothals, give your memory breath:
Ours was agreed to end as either willed.

[Goes from her to gate and looks expectantly out.

Bianca (as he returns).
And you, weary of it, have utterly
Chosen to end it?

[Sits.

Osio.
Have I so affirmed?

Bianca (springing up).
I will not have evasions, Osio!
Shiftings and turnings
Radiant of hopes
That torture expectation till it breaks.

[Again sitting.

And yet – perchance it is as well they come
Now … while there yet is time for more withdrawals.
Osio (starting).
More?

Bianca.
For – I fear all trust in you is folly;
And that the heresy of Rizzio
Which I agreed with you to take unto
Monsignor Querio —

Osio (clenching).
Shall not be taken?

[She rises.

Not! but you leave the brunt to me alone?

Bianca.
You purpose more, I think, than to restrain him.

Osio.
And you more than abjuring! You would gaze
Upon his godless schisms, …
Upon the naked luring of his lies!

Bianca.
No! Tho the beauty of them —

Osio.
Beauty! beauty!

[Striking the Pan near him.

That wind of infidelity from Hell
He blows out of his lips do you call beauty!
No! – and he with his poets and philosophers,
His Platos
And star-mad Copernicas,
And that Dominican, Giordano Bruno,
For whom the stake to flames will yet be lit,
Shall learn you are too late in your relenting!

Bianca (stricken).
Too … late!

Osio.
His heresies shall reap their due.

Bianca (death-pale).
Which means – that you
already have revealed them!
Have sent unto Monsignor Querio
To-day —
Rizzio's wedding-day! —
For that
It was you sought out Matteo, who, pledged
Unto Marina,
As were you to me,
Has broke his troth?..
And now, now you await him? – O was not
Your promise to me that a week should pend
Ere any step?

Osio.
I will not lose my soul,