And have, as I see, married poverty as well as genius! I was too slow for once, as now, it seems, I am too hasty. I should have asked--and taken--all before this fellow---- _Lucia_ (_Scorn._) Poverty with Salviati is beauty for _eternity_. The wealth of a Florentine princess belongs to _time_. _Medici_ And, therefore, you come humbly to ask _me_ a favour. _Lucia_ One it should be an honour for you to grant (_with earnest persuasion_)--that you may share in giving eternal beauty to the world. Had I asked the Collona or the Calviere to see the work of a great painter whom poverty---- _Medici_ You came, instead, to me. _Lucia_ You have bought the palace on the Grand Canal and need a great--the greatest--painter for your ceiling----- _Medici_ Enthusiasm becomes you. You look divine with that passion in your eyes. _Lucia_ (_Cunningly._) I am his model too, you see. _Medici_ And that delicious gesture. (_Steps nearer._) A little more fire, a touch more of abandon, and I swear that--on certain conditions--oh, very small ones!--I would grant everything you ask. _Lucia_ (_Icily._) An hour ago, when we talked together, you passed me your word. I appealed to you as lover of the beautiful--the best, the noblest in you. I was, it seems, mistaken, and our interview now had better end. (_Moves to window._) I will call my husband. _Medici_ This change from fire to ice is exquisite! (_Admiringly._) But why so proud, fair Lady Lucia? (_She stands listening._) You hear him coming? (_She hears the water lapping. Hides her face a moment._) It is only the waves. The tide is rising still. That’s all. _Lucia_ (_Distraught._) Yes, rising, rising. Please leave me, Prince. No, no--please stay--a moment longer. (_Frightened._) Forgive me. Something--a vision-flashed upon me out of darkness. I am confused. I fear. (_To herself._) Oh, I have done this very thing before---- _Medici_ But not with me, alas! _Lucia_ (_Goes to his side._) Forgive me. I thought only of myself. For a moment I forgot the work, the beauty that is his divine, his holy mission. Now I’m myself again. The water, the rising water--somehow--in some strange way--reminds me. Oh, I will be wise and loving in the noblest way. (_Looks into his eyes. Imploringly._) It is his need, his poverty, that drive me to ask a favour of you who once aspired to be my lover. Have you no pity? We fled from Florence to escape you--it is true. I would rather ask favours of any in the world but you---- (_Confused._) _Medici_ And yet--(_To himself._) And you are his model. You could live for ever on my ceiling! (_To her._) You are, indeed, a Goddess belonging to eternity! (_Admiringly._) _Lucia_