The husband of such beauty should be more gracious. (_Frankly._) Ah, Salviati, you speak to a Medici, indeed, but also to one who loves beauty as you yourself do. I might--had I persisted--have taken your golden bird in my own net. (_Pauses._) It is my pleasure now to set you free from the hard conditions that enslave you. In this way can a Medici reward good for evil. Signor, I forgive all for the sake of your genius. I admire your picture--its true classic spirit. Yet it has not quite the warmth, the fire, the bounteous splendour we Italians ask. Give but your sky a deeper hue, add to that robe the undertone of scarlet it needs to make it felt, flood our prodigal Italian sunshine over it all--and I will buy your picture at your price. _Lucia_ Yes, yes. Oh, Paulo, what an offer! Think! _Paulo_ It is not for sale. _Medici_ While you may still enter it for the Competition. The judges--er--may hear that Damiano di Medici has bought it for his new Palazzo--and--judge--accordingly. _Paulo_ (_Low._) The gold, the blue, the scarlet you desire--I mean, suggest--are not in my scheme. _Medici_ Yet they would add the perfect touch now lacking--in my judgment, Signor. Come, now, I will go further. I have sworn that my Palazzo shall surpass even that of Cosimo, my ambitious brother, in Florence. I will have a Gorgione for his Lippo Lippi, and--if you will--a Salviati for his da Vinci. I offer you, further, the painting of my ceilings, Signor--seven years’ inspired and happy labour. _Paulo_ Seven years of bondage to another’s taste and purse. _Lucia_ (_To PAULO._) You could do your own work too. [_Looking at MEDICI._ _Medici_ Why not? _Paulo_ To add this gold and blue and scarlet is--for me--a lie. _Lucia_ Oh, my beloved, think, think a little, and weigh your words! _Medici_ My offer stands--but not against unreasonable resistance. I repeat it: this picture at your figure, and seven years to paint the ceilings, with a certain freedom in design and subject, and permission to do your own work in your leisure. It is a matter to conclude now quickly. (_Ominously._) It is not amusing, though it may be novel, for a Medici to be thwarted of his will--his deep design. (_Bows._) _Paulo_ A poor painter dares the novelty. _Lucia_ (_Cries._) You forget everything, Paulo--me you forget even--when you say such words! _Medici_ (_Impatient, half-threatening._) Beauty has turned your head, maybe. Excess, I have heard it said, (_significantly_) can affect the reason. You have (_glancing towards LUCIA_) _too_ much beauty. But there are remedies---- _Paulo_ (_Startled._) I do not understand you. _Medici_ As a great patron, I have my duties too. (_Slowly._) If the possession of too much beauty threaten your great gift, I owe it to the world to (_sinister tone and look_) help--to save you. _Paulo_ (_Facing him._) I prefer plain spoken language from a man--even though he be patron. _Lucia_