Chapter 31

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...

LELIUS [aside]. Here he speaks of me.

FLORUS. Not seeing Any graver defect of manner, Than what in his birth and breeding Rank may cover with its mantle, But not so....

[LELIUS enters. LELIUS. Be silent, Florus, Nor attack me in my absence; For of a rival to speak ill, Is the act but of a dastard. 'Tis to stop this I come forward, Angry after so many passes Which my sword has had with thine, That I have not yet dispatched thee.

JUSTINA. Who, not guilty, ever saw her In such dangerous straits entangled?

FLORUS. What behind your back was spoken, I before you will establish, Truth is truth where'er 'tis uttered. [They grasp their swords.

JUSTINA. Florus! Lelius! what would you have then.

LELIUS. I would have full satisfaction Where I heard th'insulting language.

FLORUS. I'll maintain what I have said Where I said it.

JUSTINA. From so many Strokes of fortune, free me, Heaven!--

FLORUS. And I'll learn to chastise your rashness.

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