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Since thus in happy careless youth thou wert
Dearest and nearest to my simple heart.

(Kisses it again, and presses it to her breast, while Garcio, who has entered behind by a concealed door at the bottom of the stage, comes silently upon her, and she utters a scream of surprise.)

GARCIO.

This is thy rest, then, and the quiet sleep

That should restore thy health: thou giv'st these hours
To the caressing of a minion's image
Which to a faithful husband are denied.
Oh, oh! they but on morning vapour tread,
Who ground their happiness on woman's faith.

Some reptile too! (Stamping on the ground) A paltry, worthless minion!

COUNTESS.

Ha! was it jealousy so much disturb'd thee?

If this be so, we shall be happy still.
The love I bear the dead, dear though it be,
Surely does thee no wrong.

GARCIO.

No, artful woman! give it to my hand.

(Snatching at the picture.)
That is the image of a living gallant.

COUNTESS.

O would it were! (Gives it to him, and he,