Porzia

[Turns away.

And dallying is the feebleness of fools.

Bianca.
And will lies save it – tho they be for Heaven! —
To one who nigh has lost her soul for you?

[When he does not answer, more penetratively.

We have been friends, Osio, long been friends,
And, woman that I am, I would 'twere more,
But in this I suspect —

Osio.
Enough! we prate!

[Rankling, uneasily.

I say enough.

Bianca.
And I say all too little,

[Bitterly.

Until I tell you now plain to your face,
And to your heart
Plunging toward this passion,
That not alone a hate of heresy
Is haunting you to it, but that the lips
And eyes and brows and soul of —

Osio.
Will you cease!

Bianca.
I tell you that you love her – Porzia!
And veer but to the vision of her face!

Osio (who after strangling silence finds words).
If you say that, Bianca, ever again
Or if, by all the demons that Avernus
Pours out upon the black Phlegraean fields,
You hint it or suggest it to her, till —

Bianca.
Till you achieve her! and have wrapped the rites
Of the Church round your achieving?
Till you have severed her from Rizzio —
Have swept her from perdition —
Into your swathing arms! I say you shall not!
Me you have set aside, but there an end!

[Starts toward door.

Osio.
Stop! whither do you go?

Bianca.
To call them! call!
And to betray your treachery – and mine!

[Calling.

Rizzio! Porzia! Rizzio!

Osio.
Maledictions!

[Seizing her wrists.

Will you become a dagger, and not know,
Stiletto that you are, what thing you stab!

Bianca.
The infatuation festering within you!
Till, deaf with the desire of it and dream,
You cannot tell their voice from Deity's.

[Calls again.

Rizzio! Porzia! Tasso!

[The music ceases.

Rizzio (within; startled).
It was Bianca!

[Hastening to door with the rest crowding closely after.

How? what? you called? what moves you? – Osio?

[Looks around.

Was some one here? what is it? speak!.. Bianca?
What burns you?

Bianca.