PAOLO. Noble sir, We looked for welcome from your courtesy, Not from your love; but this unhoped for sight Of smiling faces, and the gentle tone In which you greet us, leave us naught to win Within your hearts. I need not ask, my lord, Where bides the precious object of my search; For I was sent to find the fairest maid Ravenna boasts, among her many fair. I might extend my travel many a league, And yet return, to take her from your side. I blush to bear so rich a treasure home, As pledge and hostage of a sluggish peace; For beauty such as hers was meant by Heaven To spur our race to gallant enterprise, And draw contending deities around The dubious battles of a second Troy.
GUIDO. Sir Count, you please to lavish on my child The high-strained courtesy of chivalry; Yet she has homely virtues that, I hope, May take a deeper hold in Rimini, After the fleeting beauty of her face Is spoiled by time, or faded to the eye By its familiar usage.
PAOLO. As a man Who ever sees Heaven's purpose in its works, I must suppose so rare a tabernacle Was framed for rarest virtues. Pardon me My public admiration. If my praise Clash with propriety, and bare my words To cooler judgment, 'tis not that I wish To win a flatterer's grudged recompense, And gain by falsehood what I'd win through love. When I have brushed my travel from my garb, I'll pay my court in more befitting style.
GUIDO. [_Advancing._] Now, by the saints, Lanciotto's deputy Stands in this business with a proper grace, Stretching his lord's instructions till they crack. A zealous envoy! Not a word said he Of Lanciotto--not a single word: But stood there, staring in Francesca's face With his devouring eyes.--By Jupiter, I but half like it!
GUIDO. Well enough. But hang this fellow--hang your deputies! I'll never woo by proxy.
GUIDO. Come to me anon. I'll strip this cuckoo of his gallantry! [_Exit with_ GUARDS, _etc._
FRANCESCA. Ritta, my father has strange ways of late.
RITTA. No, lady: He is so used to playing double games, That even you must come in for your share. Plague on his boiling! I will out with it. [_Aside._] Lady, the gentleman who passed the gates--
FRANCESCA. Count Lanciotto? As I hope for grace, A gallant gentleman! How well he spoke! With what sincere and earnest courtesy The rounded phrases glided from his lips! He spoke in compliments that seemed like truth. Methinks I'd listen through a summer's day, To hear him woo.--And he must woo to me-- I'll have our privilege--he must woo a space, Ere I'll be won, I promise.