Rather than live unloved by thee;
For if thine eyes dare deign to slay,
I'll e'en gladly brave cold death to-day;
But first, oh, let me tell how much I love,
In that I feel, alas! I can but mortal be,
And ere I die would whisper 'tis for thee.
Julia aside. What tender words this masker speaks.
To Otavio. I fear thy reasons are all feign'd.
Otavio. Who speaks of reason? mine
Was long since hushed to sleep by love.
Roselo. As a masker and a guest I'm here,
Otavio, and if too bold to take this seat,
The heat within doth drive me hence,
If thou carest here to sit, I'll rise.
Otavio. As it may please you, sir.
Julia. Sit one on each hand, as now;
And if it be the heat ye fear, why then,
As thou, Otavio, this side chills,
So can I coldly chill again, until
Our masking friend be ice.
Otavio. Cousin, what unseemly words are these!
Julia. Be kind and gentle to a stranger, coz;
To thee, such matters matter not, I know.
Otavio. Thus ever wilt thou cross my love;
| Aside. | I dare not lose my treasure, or |
I'd have thee speak as Lady Julia should.
Roselo. An the fault be mine, sweet Lady, I
Will hence at once.
Julia. And, prithee, whither?
Roselo. Within to join the dance.
Julia. Here, then, the pastime's poor?
