_Intendant._ And how my absurd riches encumbered 170 me! I dared not lay claim to above half my possessions. Let me but once unbosom myself, glorify Heaven, and die! Sir, you are no brutal, dastardly idiot like your brother I frightened to death: let us understand one another. Sir, I will make away with her for you--the girl--here close 175 at hand; not the stupid obvious kind of killing; do not speak--know nothing of her nor of me! I see her every day--saw her this morning. Of course there is to be no killing; but at Rome the courtesans perish off every three years, and I can entice her thither--have indeed begun 180 operations already. There's a certain lusty, blue-eyed, florid-complexioned English knave I and the Police employ occasionally. You assent, I perceive--no, that's not it--assent I do not say--but you will let me convert my present havings and holdings into cash, and give me time 185 to cross the Alps? Tis but a little black-eyed, pretty singing Felippa, gay, silk-winding girl. I have kept her out of harm's way up to this present; for I always intended to make your life a plague to you with her. 'Tis as well settled once and forever. Some women I have 190 procured will pass Bluphocks, my handsome scoundrel, off for somebody; and once Pippa entangled!--you conceive? Through her singing? Is it a bargain? [_From without is heard the voice of_ PIPPA, _singing._ _Overhead the tree-tops meet,_ _Flowers and grass spring 'neath one's feet;_ 195 _There was naught above me, naught below,_ _My childhood had not learned to know:_ _For, what are the voices of birds_ _--Aye, and of beasts--but words, our words,_ _Only so much more sweet?_ 200 _The knowledge of that with my life begun._ _But I had so near made out the sun,_ _And counted your stars, the seven and one;_ _Like the fingers of my hand:_ _Nay, I could all but understand_ 205 _Wherefore through heaven the white moon ranges;_ _And just when out of her soft fifty changes_ _No unfamiliar face might overlook me--_ _Suddenly God took me._ [PIPPA _passes._ _Monsignor_ [_springing up_]. My people--one and 210 all--all-within there! Gag this villain--tie him hand and foot! He dares--I know not half he dares--but remove him--quick! _Miserere mei, Domine!_ Quick, I say! SCENE.--PIPPA'S _chamber again. She enters it._