University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Maria enters.
Andrea.
Maria! where are you for? France or Naples?
She heard, she smiled . . Here's whispering . . This won't do . . [Going; but stops, pacified.

She may have secrets . . they all have . . I'll leave 'em.

Giovanna.
Unsisterly! unfriendly!

[Goes.
Maria.
Peace! Giovanna!

Giovanna.
That word has sign'd it. I have sworn to love him.

Maria.
Ah, what a vow!

Giovanna.
The harder to perform
The greater were the glory: I will earn it.

Maria.
How can we love . .

Giovanna
(interrupting).
Mainly, by hearing none
Decry the object; then, by cherishing
The good we see in it, and overlooking
What is less pleasant in the paths of life.
All have some virtue if we leave it them
In peace and quiet; all may lose some part
By sifting too minutely bad and good.
The tenderer and the timider of creatures
Often desert the brood that has been handled
And turn'd about, or indiscreetly lookt at.
The slightest touches, touching constantly,
Irritate and inflame.

Maria.
Giovanna mine!
These rhetoric-roses are supremely sweet,
But hold! the jar is full. I promise you
I will not steal up with a mind to snatch,
Or pry too closely where you bid me not . .
But for the nest you talk about . .

Giovanna.
For shame!
What nest?

Maria.
That nest your blushes gleam upon.
O! I will watch each twig, each feather there,
And, if my turning, tossing, hugging, does it,
Woe to Giovanna's little bird, say I.

Giovanna.
Seriously, my sweet sister!

Maria
(interrupting).
Seriously
Indeed! What briars ere we come to that!

Giovanna.
I am accustomed to Andrea's ways,
And see much good in him.

Maria.
I see it too.

Giovanna.
Fix upon that your eyes; they will grow brighter,
Maria, for each beauty they discover.