ARABELLA. It is the soldier who stands there as sentinel. (The SENTINEL without calls, "Who goes there?") LEONORA. Some one approaches. Quick! behind the curtain. (They conceal themselves.) SCENE XII. JULIA and FIESCO, in conversation. JULIA (much agitated). Forbear, count! Your passion meets no longer an indifferent ear, but fires the raging blood--where am I? Naught but seducing night is here! Whither has your artful tongue lured my unguarded heart? FIESCO. To this spot where timid love grows bold, and where emotions mingle unrestrained. JULIA. Hold, Fiesco! For Heaven's sake no more! 'Tis the thick veil of night alone which covers the burning blushes on my cheeks, else wouldst thou pity me. FIESCO. Rather, Julia, thy blushes would inflame my passions, and urge them to their utmost height. (Kisses her hand eagerly.) JULIA. Thy countenance is glowing as thy words! Ah! and my own, too, burns with guilty fire. Hence, I entreat thee, hence--let us seek the light! The tempting darkness might lead astray the excited senses, and in the absence of the modest day might stir them to rebellion. Haste, I conjure thee, leave this solitude! FIESCO (more pressing). Why so alarmed, my love? Shall the mistress fear her slave? JULIA. O man, eternal paradox! then are you truly conquerors, when you bow as captives before our self-conceit. Shall I confess, Fiesco? It was my vice alone that could protect my virtue--my pride alone defied your artifices--thus far, my principles prevailed, and all your arts were foiled--but in despair of every other suit you made appeal to Julia's passion--and here my principles deserted me---- FIESCO (with levity). And what loss was that? JULIA (with emotion). If I betray the safeguards of my honor, that thou mayest cover me with shame at will, what have I less to lose than all? Wouldst thou know more, scoffer? Shall I confess that the whole secret wisdom of our sex is but a sorry precaution for the defence of this weak fortress, which in the end is the sole object of assault by all your vows and protestations, and which (I blush to own it) is so willingly surrendered--so often betrayed to the enemy upon the first wavering of virtue? That woman's whole art is enlisted in fortifying a defenceless position, just as in chess the pieces move and form a breastwork round the defenceless king?--surprise the latter--check-mate! and the whole board is thrown into confusion. (After a pause--with earnestness), behold the picture of our boasting weakness. Be generous, Fiesco! FIESCO. And yet, my Julia--where could'st thou bestow this treasure better than on my endless passion?