ROVANI (who has placed himself directly in front of Sophera, and has been looking for some time significantly in her face).
Retreats right speedily. How fortunate,
To meet so opportunely at the gate
A prudent friend, to tell him what, perhaps,
May save his bones, although it damp his pleasure!
Nay, smile not: I commend thee in good earnest.
Thou art a prudent maid, endow'd with virtues
That suit thy station. This is ample praise.
SOPHERA.
What face is this thou wear'st of sly significance?
Go to! thou dup'st thyself with too much shrewdness;
And canst not see what plainly lies before thee,
Because thou aim'st at seeing more. I'll in,
And bear Tortona's greeting to my Lord
And to his Countess.
ROVANI.
The message and its postscript: words of audience,
And those of gentle whisper following after.
Let nothing be forgotten.
SOPHERA.
