That I allow. But were you right, good Claudia, because the result has been fortunate? It is well that this court education has ended so happily. Let us not affect to be wise, when we have only been fortunate. It is well that it has ended so happily. They who were destined for each other have found each other. Now let them go where peace and innocence invite them. Why should the Count remain here? To cringe--to fawn--to flatter--to supplant the Marinellis--to make a fortune which he does not want--to obtain a dignity, which he does not value?--Pirro! PIRRO. Sir! ODOARDO. Lead my horse to the Count's door. I'll follow you anon, and mount it there. (_Exit_ Pirro).--Why should the Count serve here, when he may command elsewhere? Besides, you do not consider, Claudia, that, by his union with my daughter, he is utterly ruined with the Prince? The Prince hates me---- CLAUDIA. Less, perhaps, than you fear. ODOARDO. Fear! Should I fear anything so contemptible? CLAUDIA. Why, have I not already told you that the Prince has seen our daughter? ODOARDO. The Prince! Where? CLAUDIA. At the last assembly of the Chancellor Grimaldi, which he honoured with his presence. He conducted himself so graciously towards her---- ODOARDO. Graciously? CLAUDIA. Yes. He conversed with her for some time. ODOARDO. Conversed with her? CLAUDIA. Appeared to be so delighted with her cheerfulness and good sense---- ODOARDO. Delighted? CLAUDIA. Spoke of her elegance and beauty, in terms of such admiration---- ODOARDO. Admiration? And all this you relate to me in a tone of rapture. Oh, Claudia! vain, foolish mother! CLAUDIA. Why so? ODOARDO. Well, well. This, too, has ended happily.--Ha! when I think----That were exactly the point where a wound would be to me most deadly.--A libertine, who admires, and seduces----Claudia! Claudia! The very thought rouses my fury. You ought to have mentioned this to me immediately.--But to-day I would not willingly say anything to vex you. And I should (_as she takes him by the hand_), were I to stay longer. Therefore, let me begone. God be with you, Claudia; follow me in safety. (_Exit_.) Scene V. Claudia, Galotti. CLAUDIA.