And must the feeling of every person wait for the decision of a painter? To a cloister with him who would learn from us what is beautiful! But this much I must own to you, as a painter, Prince. It is one of the greatest delights of my life that Emilia Galotti has sat to me. This head, this countenance, this forehead, these eyes, this nose, this mouth, this chin, this neck, this bosom, this shape, this whole form, are from the present time forward my only model of female beauty. The original picture for which she sat, is in the possession of her absent father. But this copy---- PRINCE (_turning to him quickly_). Well, Conti--is not surely bespoke already? CONTI. Is for you, Prince, if it affords you any pleasure. PRINCE. Pleasure! (_smiling_.) How can I do better than make your model of female beauty my own? There, take back that other portrait, and order a frame for it. CONTI. Good. PRINCE. As rich and splendid as the carver can possibly make it. It shall be placed in the gallery. But this must remain here. A study need not be treated with so much ceremony; one does not hang it up for display. It should always be at hand. I thank you, Conti, cordially. And as I said before, the arts shall never starve in my dominions, as long as I have bread. Send to my treasurer, Conti, and let him pay your own price for both pictures; as much as you please, Conti. CONTI. I must begin to fear, Prince, that you mean to reward me for something else besides my art? PRINCE. Oh the jealousy of an artist! No, no! But remember, Conti, as much as you please. (_Exit_ Conti.) Scene V. _The_ Prince. PRINCE. Yes, as much as he pleases. (_Turning to the picture_.) Thou art mine, too cheap at any price. Oh, thou enchanting work of art! Do I then possess thee? But who shall possess thyself, thou still more beautiful masterpiece of nature? Claim what you will, honest old mother; ask what you will, morose old father. Demand any price. Yet, dear enchantress, I should be far more happy to buy thee from thyself! This eye! how full of love and modesty! This mouth! when it speaks, when it smiles! This mouth!--Some one comes.--I am still too jealous of thee. (_Turning the picture to the wall_.) It is Marinelli. I wish I had not sent for him! What a morning might I have had! Scene VI. Marinelli, _The_ Prince. MARINELLI. Your Highness will pardon me; I was not prepared for so early a summons. PRINCE.