If you had seen how good she was, how gently
She soothed my fears,—for I was sore afraid,—
I'm sure you 'd love her.
BERTUCCIO.
Did you learn her name?
FIORDELISA.
I asked it, first, to set it in my prayers,
And then, that you might pray for her.
BERTUCCIO.
Her name? [Aside.] I pray! [Contemptuously.
FIORDELISA.
The Countess Malatesta.
BERTUCCIO (aside).
Count Malatesta's wife protect my child!
You have not seen her since?
FIORDELISA.
No; though she urged me
So hard to come to her; and asked my name,
And who my parents were, and where I lived.
BERTUCCIO.
You did not tell her?
FIORDELISA.
Who my parents were?
How could I, when I must not know myself?
BERTUCCIO.
Patience, my darling; trust thy father's love,
That there is reason for this mystery!
