Chapter 26

A HALL IN THE HOUSE OF LYSANDER.

JUSTINA, and afterwards LELIUS.

JUSTINA. Livia.... But a step! who's there?

[LELIUS enters LELIUS. It is I.

JUSTINA. What novelty, What extreme temerity, Thus, my lord, compels you?...

LELIUS. Spare Your reproaches. Jealous-grown, I can bear that you reprove. Pardon me, for with my love My respect has also flown.

JUSTINA. Why, at such a perilous cost Have you dared...

LELIUS. Because I'm mad.

JUSTINA. To intrude....

LELIUS. Heart-broken, sad.

JUSTINA. Here....

LELIUS. Because, in truth, I'm lost.

JUSTINA. Nor perceive how scandal views Such an act as now you do 'Gainst....

LELIUS. Be not so moved, for you Little honour now can lose.

JUSTINA. Lelius, spare at least my fame.

LELIUS. Ah, Justina, it were best That this language you addressed Unto him who nightly came Down here from this balcony;-- 'Tis enough for me to show All your lightness that I know, That less coy and cold to me Your pretended honour prove. If I am disdained, displaced, 'Tis another suits your taste, Not that you your honour love.

JUSTINA. Silence, cease, your words withhold. Who with insult e'er before Dared to pass my threshold's door? Are you then so blind and bold, So audacious, so insane, As my pure light to eclipse, Through the libel of your lips, By chimeras false and vain?-- In my house a man?

LELIUS. 'Tis so.

JUSTINA. From my balcony?

LELIUS. With shame I repeat it.

JUSTINA. O, my fame, O'er us twain your Aegis throw.

* * * * *