RIBERA.
When thy mistress wakes,
Array her richly, that she be prepared
To come before the Prince.
FTAMETTA.
Sir, she hath risen,
And only waits me with your lordship’s leave,
To cross the street unto St. Francis church.
RIBERA (musingly).
With such slight escort ? Nay, this troubles me.
Only the Strada s width ? The saints forbid
That I should thwart her holy exercise !
Myself will go. I cannot. Bid her muffle,
Like our Valencian ladies, her silk mantle
About her face and head.
[At a sign from RIBERA, exit FIAMETTA.
Yes, God will bless her.
What should I fear? I will make sure her beauty
Is duly masked. [-He does toward the casement.
Ay, there she goes the mantle,
Draped round the stately head, discloses naught
Save the live jewel of the eye. Unless one guessed
From the majestic grace and proud proportions,
She might so pass through the high thorough fares.
Ah, one thick curl escapes from its black prison.
