GUIDO. Yes, yes. One is the other's counterpart, in fact; And even now it may not be--O! shame! I lie by habit. [_Aside._
FRANCESCA. Then there is a hope? He may be Lanciotto, after all? O! joy--
FRANCESCA. Misery! That name was not Lanciotto!
GUIDO. Farewell, child. I'll leave you with the Count: he'll make it plain. It seems 'twas Count Paolo. [_Going._
FRANCESCA. You knew it from the first! [_Exit_ GUIDO.] Let me begone: I could not look him in the face again With the old faith. Besides, 'twould anger him To have a living witness of his fraud Ever before him; and I could not trust-- Strive as I might--my happiness to him, As once I did. I could not lay my hand Upon his shoulder, and look up to him, Saying, Dear father, pilot me along Past this dread rock, through yonder narrow strait. Saints, no! The gold that gave my life away Might, even then, be rattling in his purse, Warm from the buyer's hand. Look on me, Heaven! Him thou didst sanctify before my eyes, Him thou didst charge, as thy great deputy, With guardianship of a weak orphan girl, Has fallen from grace, has paltered with his trust; I have no mother to receive thy charge,-- O! take it on thyself; and when I err, Through mortal blindness, Heaven, be thou my guide! Worse cannot fall me. Though my husband lack A parent's tenderness, he yet may have Faith, truth, and honour--the immortal bonds That knit together honest hearts as one. Let me away to Rimini. Alas! It wrings my heart to have outlived the day That I can leave my home with no regret! [_Weeps._
FRANCESCA. You are quite welcome, Count A foolish tear, a weakness, nothing more: But present weeping clears our future sight. They tell me you are love's commissioner, A kind of broker in the trade of hearts: Is it your usual business? or may I Flatter myself, by claiming this essay As your first effort?
PAOLO. Lady, I believed My post, at starting, one of weight and trust; When I beheld you, I concluded it A charge of honour and high dignity. I did not think to hear you underrate Your own importance, by dishonouring me.
PAOLO. No, not severe; Say candid, rather. I am somewhat hurt By my reception. If I feel the wound, 'Tis not because I suffer from the jest, But that your lips should deal it.