SCENE IX. The former, LOMELLINO, entering. LOMELLINO (to JULIA, respectfully). Pardon my boldness, gracious lady. (To GIANETTINO.) Certain affairs which cannot be delayed----(GIANETTINO takes him aside; JULIA sits down angrily at the pianoforte and plays an allegro.) GIANETTINO (to LOMELLINO). Is everything prepared for to-morrow? LOMELLINO. Everything, prince--but the courier, who was despatched this morning to Levanto, is not yet returned, nor is Spinola arrived. Should he be intercepted! I'm much alarmed---- GIANETTINO. Fear nothing. You have that list at hand? LOMELLINO (embarrassed). My lord--the list? I do not know--I must have left it at home in my other pocket. GIANETTINO. It does not signify--would that Spinola were but here. Fiesco will be found dead in his bed. I have taken measures for it. LOMELLINO. But it will cause great consternation. GIANETTINO. In that lies our security. Common crimes but move the blood and stir it to revenge: atrocious deeds freeze it with terror, and annihilate the faculties of man. You know the fabled power of Medusa's head--they who but looked on it were turned to stone. What may not be done, my boy, before stories are warmed to animation? LOMELLINO. Have you given the countess any intimation of it? GIANETTINO. That would never do! We must deal more cautiously with her attachment to FIESCO. When she shares the sweets, the cost will soon be forgotten. Come, I expect troops this evening from Milan, and must give orders at the gates for their reception. (To JULIA.) Well, sister, have you almost thrummed away your anger? JULIA. Go! You're a rude unmannered creature. (GIANETTINO, going, meets FIESCO.) SCENE X. The former; FIESCO. GIANETTINO (stepping back). Ha! FIESCO (with politeness). Prince, you spare me a visit which I was just now about to pay. GIANETTINO. And I, too, count, am pleased to meet you here. FIESCO (approaching JULIA courteously). Your charms, signora, always surpass expectation. JULIA. Fie! that in another would sound ambiguous--but I'm shocked at my dishabille--excuse me, count--(going). FIESCO. Stay, my beauteous lady. Woman's beauty is ne'er so charming as when in the toilet's simplest garb (laughingly). An undress is her surest robe of conquest. Permit me to loosen these tresses---- JULIA. Oh, how ready are you men to cause confusion! FIESCO (with a smile to GIANETTINO). In dress, as in the state--is it not so? (To JULIA.) This ribbon, too, is awkwardly put on. Sit down, fair countess--your Laura's skill may strike the eye, but cannot reach the heart. Let me play the chambermaid for once. (She sits down, he arranges her dress.) GIANETTINO (aside to LOMELLINO). Poor frivolous fellow! FIESCO (engaged about her bosom). Now see--this I prudently conceal. The senses should always be blind messengers, and not know the secret compact between nature and fancy. JULIA. That is trifling.