University of Virginia Library

Scene X.

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 Ægis throw.