LADY GIOVANNA. I have anger'd your good nurse; these old-world servants Are all but flesh and blood with those they serve. My lord, I have a present to return you, And afterwards a boon to crave of you. COUNT. No, my most honour'd and long-worshipt lady, Poor Federigo degli Alberighi Takes nothing in return from you except Return of his affection--can deny Nothing to you that you require of him. LADY GIOVANNA. Then I require you to take back your diamonds-- [_Offering necklace_. I doubt not they are yours. No other heart Of such magnificence in courtesy Beats--out of heaven. They seem'd too rich a prize To trust with any messenger. I came In person to return them. [_Count draws back_. If the phrase 'Return' displease you, we will say--exchange them For your--for your---- COUNT (_takes a step toward her and then back_). For mine--and what of mine? LADY GIOVANNA. Well, shall we say this wreath and your sweet rhymes? COUNT. But have you ever worn my diamonds? LADY GIOVANNA. No! For that would seem accepting of your love. I cannot brave my brother--but be sure That I shall never marry again, my lord! COUNT. Sure? LADY GIOVANNA. Yes! COUNT. Is this your brother's order? LADY GIOVANNA. No! For he would marry me to the richest man In Florence; but I think you know the saying-- 'Better a man without riches, than riches without a man.' COUNT. A noble saying--and acted on would yield A nobler breed of men and women. Lady, I find you a shrewd bargainer. The wreath That once you wore outvalues twentyfold The diamonds that you never deign'd to wear. But lay them there for a moment! [_Points to table_. LADY GIOVANNA _places necklace on table_. And be you Gracious enough to let me know the boon By granting which, if aught be mine to grant, I should be made more happy than I hoped Ever to be again. LADY GIOVANNA. Then keep your wreath, But you will find me a shrewd bargainer still. I cannot keep your diamonds, for the gift I ask for, to my mind and at this present Outvalues all the jewels upon earth. COUNT. It should be love that thus outvalues all. You speak like love, and yet you love me not. I have nothing in this world but love for you. LADY GIOVANNA. Love? it _is_ love, love for my dying boy, Moves me to ask it of you. COUNT. What? my time? Is it my time? Well, I can give my time To him that is a part of you, your son. Shall I return to the castle with you? Shall I Sit by him, read to him, tell him my tales, Sing him my songs? You know that I can touch The ghittern to some purpose. LADY GIOVANNA. No, not that! I thank you heartily for that--and you, I doubt not from your nobleness of nature, Will pardon me for asking what I ask.