To say, "I love you," nor to tell you how
For months your face has been my beacon star.
My passion never would have found a tongue;
It is too reverent; but your safety, lady,
I can be bold for that.
FIORDELISA.
My safety!
DELL' AQUILA.
Threatened
With desperate danger. Think you one so fair
Could even pray in safety in Faenza?
You have been seen: your beauty hath been buzzed
In the Court's amorous ear. There is a project
To scale your balcony to-night.
FIORDELISA.
Oh, father!
DELL' AQUILA.
He cannot save you. What were his sole strength
Against the bravos that the duke commands,
For any deed of ill? My arm and sword
Are stronger than your father's, and are yours
As absolutely. And yet what were these?
I could die for you, but I could not save you.
FIORDELISA.
What shall I do?
DELL' AQUILA.
Have you no friends, protectors,
To whom you might betake yourself?
FIORDELISA.
Alas!
I am a stranger here.
