Part 13 (1/2)

LYSANDER. Well, sir, speak.

FLORUS [aside, at the door]. Florus in Justina's house Leaves and enters like a master!-- These are not unfounded jealousies, These are real and substantial.

LYSANDER. You grow pale, you change your colour.

FLORUS. Do not wonder, be not startled, For I came to give a warning, To your life of utmost value, Of an enemy that you have, Who your swift destruction planneth.

What I've said is quite sufficient.

LYSANDER [aside]. Florus, doubtless, must have gathered Somehow that I am a Christian, And thus comes in kindliest manner Of my danger to apprise me.-- [Aloud.

Speak, hide nothing in this matter.

SCENE XIV.

LIVIA enters.--

JUSTINA, LYSANDER, and FLORUS; LELIUS at the door of the room.

LIVIA. Sir, the Governor, who is waiting At the door of the house, commanded Me to call you to his presence.

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.