Chapter 23

ESTRELLA and ASTOLFO.

ESTRELLA. Give me now the other portrait; For -- although perhaps I never May again address or see you -- I desire not, no, to let it In your hands remain, if only For my folly in requesting You to give it.

ASTOLFO [aside]. How escape From this singular dilemma?-- Though I wish, most beauteous Princess, To obey thee and to serve thee, Still I cannot give the portrait Thou dost ask for, since . . . .

ESTRELLA. A wretched And false-hearted lover art thou. Now I wish it not presented, So to give thee no pretext For reminding me that ever I had asked it at thy hands. [Exit.

ASTOLFO. Hear me! listen! wait! I remember! -- God, what has thou done, Rosaura? Why, or wherefore, on what errand, To destroy thyself and me Hast thou Poland rashly entered? [Exit.

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