FLORUS. Best I wait for his departure:--
[Aside.
(Meantime my excuse I'll think of.)
So 'tis well that you despatch him.
LYSANDER. I appreciate your politeness.
Here I will return instanter.
[Exeunt LYSANDER and LIVIA.
* * * * *
SCENE XV.
JUSTINA and FLORUS; LELIUS at the door.
FLORUS. Are you then that virtuous maiden,
Who, the very breeze that flatters
With its soft and sweet caresses,
You would call rude, bold, unmannered?
How then is it you surrendered
Even the very keys of the casket
Of your honour?
JUSTINA. Hold, hold, Florus,
Do not dare to throw a shadow
On that honour which the sun
After the most strict examen
Has proved bright and pure.
FLORUS. Too late
Comes this idle boast. It happens
That I know to whom you have given
Free access . . .
JUSTINA. You dare this scandal?--
FLORUS. By a balcony . . .
JUSTINA. Do not say it.
FLORUS. To your honour.
JUSTINA. Thus will you blast me?
FLORUS. Yes, for hypocritical virtue
Merits something even harsher.
LELIUS [at the door, aside]. Florus was not then the hero
Of the balcony; some more happy
Lover than us twain she welcomes.
JUSTINA. Oh! defame not noble damsels,
Since you noble blood inherit.
FLORUS. Noble damsel, dar'st thou call thee,
When thy very arms received him,
And from thy balcony he departed?
Power subdued thee; from the fact
That the Governor is his father,
Vanity led thee on to show
That in Antioch he commanded .
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73